Deoriatal Trek - Part 2

Next day we started afresh for Deoriatal. We had a hot water bath and a good breakfast in our hotel which also operated a well running restaurant. The entrance was right in front of our hotel so we were on the uphill trek quickly.

First leg of Deoriatal Trek

Deoriatal trek is a moderate one. We mostly stopped at turns from where the view was also great. It took us about two hours to complete the trek. Deoriatal (tal means lake) is a medium sized lake nestled in the forests at an altitude of 8000ft. Our first glimpse of the lake was that of glittering water in the middle of green grassland.

First glimpse of Deoriatal

The lake area is well maintained. There is a circular path defined around the lake and even to other parts of this plateau. We were thankfully visiting on a sunny day. We started walking around the path and found various angles from where great photographs were possible. One such part was where a large tree had fallen into the lake.

Taking photographs around the lake

We made a complete round of the lake before settling at a machan which was built overlooking the lake. It had a beautiful viewpoint. The warm sun and chilly wind were an intoxicating combination. I tried to venture further to the path that leads to Tungnath but came back and rested.

Against fallen trees @ Deoriatal 

We were early to the lake. By noon more people were arriving and the place started becoming little crowded. We decided to start our trek downhill. There was a temple on our way where we rested this time. By the time we reached Sari, it was getting dark. We had to drive for another hour to reach Chopta which is the base for Tungnath trek.