Photo spot in Chopta
Deoria Tal
Chopta, Uttarakhand
A serene high lake near Chopta that mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks on still mornings — reached by a ~2.5 km trek from Sari village, a classic Garhwal camp spot.
Best time
Dawn, when the water is still and Chaukhamba is reflected clearly; early morning in October and November for the clearest skies.
Best angle
Walk round to the far shore and take a low, wide photo across the water, with Chaukhamba and its reflection in the centre.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
Daylight hours
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Deoria Tal
Dawn, when the water is still and Chaukhamba is reflected clearly; early morning in October and November for the clearest skies. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Deoria Tal
Walk round to the far shore and take a low, wide photo across the water, with Chaukhamba and its reflection in the centre. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
By the mirror lake
At the lakeside camp
Outfit guide
What to wear at Deoria Tal
For photos at Deoria Tal, red, white and forest green work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Chopta.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Deoria Tal.
Eat nearby
Food near Deoria Tal
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for jhangora ki kheer nearby, or settle in at one of the 2 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Stay in Sari and start walking before sunrise to reach the lake while the water is still.
Keep the ticket from the start of the path, as it may be checked on the way down.
Carry your rubbish down with you, since you may be asked to show it.
Do not plan to camp at the lake, as camping on the shore is banned.
Walk to the far side of the lake for the reflection of Chaukhamba.
Bring cash for the fee, tea and snacks, as there is no ATM in Sari.
Wear shoes with grip, because the stone path is slippery after rain and in snow.
A lake with a view of Chaukhamba
Deoria Tal is a small lake at about 2,400 m, set in a clearing in the forest above the village of Sari. On a still, clear morning its water reflects the Chaukhamba peaks, and that single view has made it one of the best-known lakes in Garhwal. The name is linked to the gods, who are said to have bathed here. Local tradition also places the Mahabharata story of the Yaksha's questions to Yudhishthira at this lake.
The walk from Sari
The path starts at Sari, a village on the road from Ukhimath to Chopta. It is about 3 km, mostly on a stone path through forest, with a steady climb. Most people take about an hour to an hour and a half up. A small fee is collected at the start of the path by the forest and village committee, and you may be asked to show your rubbish when you come down. Keep your ticket.
No camping at the lake
Camping on the lake shore is no longer allowed, to protect the site. Stay in Sari, where most families run homestays, camps or dhabas, and walk up early. A few stalls near the lake sell tea and snacks by day. Check with your host whether any camp beyond the lake area has permission to operate before booking one.
On to Chopta
Deoria Tal is the start of the popular trek to Chopta and Chandrashila, which follows a forest route over two or more days. In winter, when snow closes the road to Chopta, some groups reach the area this way instead. Go with a registered guide for anything beyond the lake.
Good to know
The reflection needs no wind and a clear sky, which is most likely at dawn from late September to November. Snow covers the path in winter. Carry cash; there is no ATM in Sari.
Questions
Deoria Tal — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Deoria Tal?
Dawn, when the water is still and Chaukhamba is reflected clearly; early morning in October and November for the clearest skies. Walk round to the far shore and take a low, wide photo across the water, with Chaukhamba and its reflection in the centre.
Is there an entry fee at Deoria Tal?
Entry to Deoria Tal is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Deoria Tal?
Deoria Tal keeps daylight hours.
What should I wear at Deoria Tal?
Red, white and forest green photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Deoria Tal get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: dawn, when the water is still and Chaukhamba is reflected clearly; early morning in October and November for the clearest skies.
What food should I try near Deoria Tal?
Try jhangora ki kheer, available at nearby restaurants.
Can I camp at Deoria Tal?
Not on the lake shore. Camping there was banned to protect the lake. Stay in Sari village and walk up, or ask your host about camps with permission further away.
How long is the walk from Sari to Deoria Tal?
About 3 km, which takes most people one to one and a half hours up. The path is stone and climbs steadily through forest.
Can I see Chaukhamba from Deoria Tal every day?
No. You need a clear sky and still water. Dawn after the monsoon gives the best chance; cloud often hides the peaks by late morning.
Is Deoria Tal open in winter?
The path stays open, but it is often under snow from December to February. Wear winter boots and check conditions in Sari first.