Chopta
Deoriatal is a high-altitude lake at 2,438 metres that reflects the entire Chaukhamba massif in its glassy surface at dawn — creating one of the most famous mirror-reflection photographs in the Indian Himalayas. The 3-km hike from Sari village to the lake through rhododendron forest is accessible to almost all fitness levels and the sunrise reflection of the Garhwal peaks in the lake is a genuinely spine-tingling natural spectacle.
Camping overnight at Deoriatal and waking at 5 AM to catch the sunrise reflection is an experience that transforms this trek from a good day out to an unforgettable memory. Carry warm sleeping gear.