The Deoria Tal trek is an easy 2.5–3 km uphill walk from Sari village, near Ukhimath, to a forest lake at about 2,400 m. The climb takes 1–1.5 hours. On a clear, still morning, the Chaukhamba peaks reflect perfectly in the water. It's the easiest add-on to any Chopta trip: just one extra morning.
Deoria Tal is one of those places that looks too good to be real. You walk up through quiet oak and rhododendron forest, step out into a clearing, and there's a round green lake with a wall of snow peaks mirrored in it. It's short enough for families, and it makes a perfect warm-up before the bigger Tungnath trek.
Here's everything you need to plan it.
Deoria Tal quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Base village | Sari (about 2,000 m), about 12 km from Ukhimath |
| Trek distance | About 2.5–3 km one way |
| Time | 1–1.5 hours up, about 45 minutes down |
| Lake altitude | About 2,400 m (around 8,000 ft) |
| Difficulty | Easy, with a few steep stretches |
| Sari to Chopta | About 28–32 km by road |
| Entry | Forest entry pass checked at the trail start |
| Best views | Early morning, October–November and March–May |
Where is Deoria Tal?
Deoria Tal lies in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, inside the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary. It sits just above the road between Ukhimath and Chopta, which makes it very easy to combine with a Chopta trip.
The lake faces the Chaukhamba massif, a group of four snow peaks, and on clear days you can also see other big Garhwal peaks across the valley.
The legend of Deoria Tal
The name means "lake of the gods". Local tradition says the gods came here to bathe, and the lake is linked to the Indra Sarovar mentioned in the Puranas. Another story connects it to the Mahabharata, saying this is where the Yaksha questioned the Pandavas. Whatever you believe, it's easy to see why people have always treated it as a special place.
How to reach Sari village
Sari is the last village you can drive to. The road is now paved all the way to the village parking.
- From Haridwar: about 220 km via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, around 7 hours.
- From Ukhimath: about 12 km, 30 minutes.
- From Chopta: about 28–32 km, around 1 hour.
Shared jeeps run from Ukhimath toward Sari, but timings are irregular. On a planned trip, your own cab is far easier.
The trail from Sari to Deoria Tal
The trail starts at the top of the village. A forest guard checks entry passes at the start, so carry photo ID and some cash.
From there, a stone-paved path climbs steadily through oak and rhododendron forest. There are a few steep sections, but nothing technical, and there are good spots to stop and catch your breath. In March and April, the rhododendrons are in flower. Listen for birds: this forest is home to many Himalayan species.
After 1–1.5 hours, the trees open up and you reach the lake. A couple of small stalls near the lake sell tea and snacks; they close at sundown.
There's also a longer route of about 7 km from Ukhimath, but most visitors start from Sari.
Tip: walk around the lake to the far side for the classic photo, with Chaukhamba reflected in the water.
Best time for the Deoria Tal trek
- October–November: the clearest skies and the best chance of a perfect reflection.
- March–May: pleasant weather and rhododendrons in flower on the way up.
- December–February: the trail and lake can be under snow. It's beautiful but slippery, so wear good shoes or micro-spikes.
- July–August: we don't recommend it. The path gets muddy and the peaks are usually hidden in cloud.
Whatever the season, go early. The water is calmest and the sky clearest before about 9 AM. By midday, wind ripples the surface and clouds often cover Chaukhamba. Read the best time to visit Auli Chopta for the full seasonal picture.
Can you camp at Deoria Tal?
Not on the lakeshore. Camping right beside the lake was stopped to protect it. Some operators pitch tents at designated spots set back from the lake, with forest department permission.
If you'd rather keep things simple, stay in Sari and walk up at dawn. You'll still reach the lake in time for the best light, and you'll sleep in a warm room with electricity.
Where to stay for Deoria Tal
Sari village is the most convenient base. It has homestays and small guest houses, and unlike Chopta it has grid electricity. Budget homestays with dinner and breakfast usually cost around ₹800–₹1,500 per room per night. Staying in a village home is also a lovely way to experience Garhwali hospitality and food.
Ukhimath, about 12 km away, has hotels and a GMVN guest house, plus ATMs and shops.
See where to stay in Chopta and Auli for all the options along the route.
Treks you can combine with Deoria Tal
- Tungnath and Chandrashila: the classic pairing. Do Deoria Tal one morning and Tungnath the next. See our Tungnath Chandrashila trek guide.
- Deoria Tal to Chopta on foot: experienced trekkers sometimes walk from the lake through forest and meadows towards Chopta over 1–2 days. This needs a guide and camping gear.
How to add Deoria Tal to an Auli Chopta trip
The easiest way is our 6-day plan:
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Haridwar to Sari village; overnight in Sari |
| 2 | Sunrise walk to Deoria Tal, then a short drive to Chopta |
| 3 | Tungnath–Chandrashila trek |
| 4 | Chopta to Auli |
| 5 | Auli sightseeing |
| 6 | Drive back to Haridwar |
See the full 6-day Auli Chopta itinerary.
On a 5-day trip, you can only fit it in if you reach Sari by early afternoon on Day 1, which means leaving Haridwar very early.
Tips for a better Deoria Tal visit
- Start walking before 7 AM for the best reflection.
- Carry water, a light snack and a warm layer; it's cold at the lake in the morning.
- Wear shoes with a good grip; the stone path can be slippery.
- Carry your waste back down. Keep the lake clean.
- Don't swim or wash in the lake; it's considered sacred.
Book Deoria Tal with your Chopta trip
Ask for our 6-day Auli Chopta package with Deoria Tal, or see the standard Auli Chopta tour package. Call or WhatsApp +91-90459-6770, +91-78307-18687. For the bigger picture, read our Auli Chopta travel guide.
