To Sisterhood and Dreams: An Adventurous Trek to Chandrashila with Thrillophilia
"Whatever you do, you do for your family."
I’ve heard this a lot, especially from the elder siblings. And I never knew it would be so true until I started earning for the first time.
I always dreamed of travelling the world with my 15-year-old sister. We share the same goal to travel the whole world together. I guess we got it from our parents.
The moment I started earning, I realised that it was now time to fulfil this dream of ours.
And so, our adventure began with a trek to Chandrashila, a destination that promised us both challenge and beauty.
The Beginning of a Dream
Without a moment’s hesitation, I dove into planning our trip. After researching various options, I came across Thrillophilia, which was highly recommended by a friend who had recently enjoyed their Hampta Pass trek.
With a sense of anticipation, I booked our trip, only to face a hiccup with the dates. Fortunately, Mr Shyamal, their sales representative, handled the issue with patience and efficiency, ensuring correct booking dates.
This upcoming trek was not supposed to be just a journey but a pre-birthday gift for my sister, who would turn sixteen in the coming month. It was also a chance to give her a refreshing break from her board preparation, and I hoped it would be an experience she would treasure forever.
The First Leg of the Trek: The Sacred Sangam
Our journey commenced in Delhi, where we met our trekking group. The excitement in the air was almost electric. The detailed preview of the itinerary and their confidence in the arrangements comforted us.
The early morning stop in Devprayag brought with it a chilly breeze and the mesmerising sight of the merging of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers.
We braved the cold to witness this sacred site, feeling the spiritual energy of the confluence as we dipped our hands into the icy waters.
The raw beauty of the place had already set the tone for the adventures to come.
An Unplanned Adventure to the Hidden Gems of Mastura
Our next stop was Mastura, where we were to rest for the night in a homestay with an incredible view of Chandrashila. Seeing the peak from afar made our journey feel all the more exciting and real.
The locals near the homestay suggested a visit to the Akash Kamini River, and though it was not part of our itinerary, we decided to go for it.
Along the way, we saw a variety of autumn foliage and I saw my sister’s eyes lit up every time.
We were talking and just happy getting down, but suddenly, we were stopped by the untrailed road. Confused, we did not know where to go. I heard the noise of someone running.
Soon, we could see a group of children returning from school, all ecstatic and energetic, running towards us.
We were then a bit relieved, made friends with them and continued our journey. From our perspective, their life seemed pretty charming.
They were so close to nature, it was wonderful and to be honest I was a bit jealous.
Finally, we reached the peaceful river and spent some time there. The return journey was a mix of fear and determination, but we made it back safely and rewarded ourselves with delicious pahadi maggie and momos.
The Ascent to Chandrashila: A Test of Willpower
The next day was D-day; our trek to Chandrashila.
We got ready, packed our bags, ate breakfast and left for our camp stay in Chopta. We reached the starting point of the trek amidst snow-covered landscapes.
The initial stages were tough, with black ice making the trail dangerous. My younger sister’s bravery shone through as she navigated the challenging terrain with such ease, earning praise even from our guide.
I, on the other hand, struggled with the exertion and an unfortunate injury from a misstep on the ice.
Despite the physical pain, the sight of my sister, my little warrior, trekking with such determination filled me with immense pride. The climb was gruelling, but the reward was worth every effort.
On the way to the summit, we took a brief stop and sought blessings at the Tungnath Temple. Although we couldn't enter the temple as it was temporarily closed, we still felt the spiritual aura around us.
We finally reached Chandrashila - at 13,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking snow-clad Himalayan peaks including Kedar Peak, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.
My sister and I sat at the summit, taking in the 360-degree view that looked like a painting come to life. My dream was complete when I saw her—
Darshila in Chandrashila.
Darshila’s name means "keen observer," symbolising someone with sharp insight, wisdom, and a deep sense of observation - traits that resonate with the grandeur of Chandrashila itself.
As she faced the stress of her board exams, I wanted to offer her a chance to let go of the pressure and regain her calm self. And what’s a better place than Chandrashila, where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana.
Anyways, the crisp, cold air at the summit was refreshing, and our packed lunch of Pulao never tasted so delicious. No matter how much I write, the experience, the joy and our sense of achievement are always going to fall short of words - it was surreal.
The Descent
Descending from Chandrashila presented its own set of challenges. The pain from my injury became more noticeable and it slowed our pace. And as night fell, we had to navigate through dense jungle trails due to the dangerous black ice.
This unplanned night trek added an element of thrill and adventure to our journey, and despite the discomfort, the experience was unforgettable.
As we returned to the campsite, the awkwardness between all the groups just vanished. Everyone was sitting together, having good conversations, sharing experiences and food. It was fun, the guide- Aman sir was praising Darshila for being the youngest in the group and being a born trekker.
My pain was getting worse and Sayuri ma’am gave me a hot water bag and ointment for the pain and took care of me.
The Final Trek to Deoriatal Lake and Farewell
On our final day, we set out for Deoria Tal Lake in Sari village. Although my pain persisted, the sight of the tranquil lake made every step worth it.
The lake, surrounded by lush autumn foliage, was a serene end to our trekking adventures. Darshila found a perfect spot under a tree, and we shared a moment of quiet reflection amidst nature’s beauty.
All in all, it was a good trip, and I would like to thank Thrillophilia for making it memorable, from instant refunds to thoughtful arrangements and constant check-ins.
Thank you for making my dream of taking my younger sister on this trek come true.
Read More: Thrillophilia Uttarakhand Trek Reviews