Heera Singh Negi – the owner of Tourist Nature Camp Stay, upon the query, said yes, there is Bhim Patthar. The next day, early morning, we walked toward Bhim Patthar. Not too far from Negi’s house. And the History of Bhim Patthar is narrated by Heera Singh Negi as follows:

During exile in the forest, the Pandava brothers were passing via Sari Village at night time to reach Bamsu near Guptkashi, where currently Banasura temple is. Bhim was carrying a huge rock to be used as a stage, but as they reached this very location, it was daytime, thus he left the rock there only. Because Bhim was carrying this huge rock that is why it is known as Bhim Patthar.

There are only two ways to climb the huge rock and i.e., via naturally made steps. More than a hundred people for sure may stand or sit on top of Bhim Patthar.

Really interesting. Thank you – said I to Negi Ji for the tour.

Heera Singh Negi is a 58-year-old gentleman born and brought up in Sari Village near Deoria Tal. He is the owner of Tourist Nature Camp Stay. He welcomed us at his two-room homestay. Though we were not sure about staying still, we had a look at the rooms. In one room, three beds were there with quilts, blankets, and an attached bathroom squat as well as a seat for the toilet. Water is an issue, thus drums were filled up with water in advance. The room is clean with basic facilities, including electricity.

Heera Singh Negi also runs a grocery shop. The best about him is his everlasting smile and his friendly nature. At lunch, he served us Chausa ki Dal, Chaulai ka Saag, and Mota Chawal – a Traditional Dish of Uttarakhand. It was very, very tasty Garhwali food prepared by his wife.

After lunch, he accompanied us to the starting steps of the Deoria Tal trek. He left us with our decision to decide whether we want to stay at home or we want to stay in tents near Deorial Tal. Both decisions he welcomed. He said Bhawan Singh is up near Deoria Tal and will help with staying and food.

Thank you – said I.

Upon arrival at Deoria Tal, Bhawan Singh welcomed us. Electricity isn’t available at night, but do not worry, solar lamps are there. Tents, as well as makeshift rooms with attached toilets, are available. Food will be prepared as per request. He showed us a few rooms. As the weather was cloudy and rain was very near, we decided to visit Deoria Tal and finally stay at Heera Singh Negi’s home.

During evening hours, after heavy rains, more villagers, friends of Heera Singh, arrive. Chats and laughs till dinner was served.

Early morning tea was served upon request. And breakfast – Aaloo Paratha with achar and tea. And it was time to leave.

In short, overall, a very good experience. Homestay, especially within a village, I always like the most.

How much do homestay and food cost? – I question.

Rs. 1150/- only – said, Heera Singh Negi.

Paid. Thank you once again, Negi Ji.

I started the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 motorbike from Rudraprayag at 9:15 am. Rs. 200 petrol (Rs. 75.59 per liter) was filled into the tank at Rudraprayag to continue the journey. After 40 km of driving, we were at Kund. It was 10:50 am.

The road condition from Rudraprayag to Kund is very good. Recently pitch road was re-laid, and work is in progress.

At Kund, there are two roads. The left one goes to Kedarnath crossing via the iron bridge and straight towards Ukhimath.

We followed Ukhimath Road, which is good except few patches due to landslides.

After driving straight for 17.5 km at 11:30 am, we were at a turning point. Turn left for Sari Village – the starting point of Deoria Tal.

Another 2.5 km drive. At 12 noon we were at Sari village, welcomed by Heera Singh Negi, 58 years old, born and brought up at Sari village, and now the owner of Tourist Nature Camp Stay, and also running a grocery shop and a homestay.

Rudrapyag Town to Sari Village (starting point of Deoria Tal Trek) is approx. 60 km.

Rudraprayag Town to Sari Village (starting point of Deoria Tal Trek) is 3 hours total travel time by motorbike.

Few talks about the pleasant journey, last year’s Kedarnath tragedy, and the History of Deoria Tal:

During exile in the forests, the Pandava brothers reached a location at night where there was no water. Animals were thirsty and searching for water. Thus, the brothers requested Yudhishtir to do something. Yudhishtir prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared and dropped water from his Kamandal. Lake was formed known as Deorial Tal.

It is also said that during the ending years of exile in the forest Pandava brothers reached here to quench their thirst. But they were warned by a Yakshya present in the form of a Crane to first answer all his questions before quenching their thirst. The warning was ignored by the four brothers and they drink water. Immediately, they died. Only Yudhishtir answered all the questions and was allowed by Yakshya to drink water, and was also asked which two brothers he wanted to be alive. Yudhishtir requested for Nakul and Sahdev as they were not from the same mother, and what will he reply to their mother after reaching home. This request pleased Yakshya. He gave back life to all his brothers.

Deoria Tal’s story is also related to Nag (snake) Devta, whose cave, known as Nag Gufa, is at Sari Village.

As all these stories revolved around Devta thus the lake is named as Deoria Tal – Lake of Gods.

Thank you, Negi Ji – said I. Lunch was served – Garhwali dish. Very tasty.

Another question if not traveling by own vehicle:

How to reach Sari Village from Rudraprayag Town by Public Transport?

Buses are available at Pipal Tree, Rudraprayag for Ukhimath. At Ukhimath bus or jeep service is there for Sari Village.

Or, one may reach Kund by bus or jeep going to Kedarnath. At Kund, the bus or jeep is available for Ukhimath or Sari Village.

Thanks again. Very useful information for travelers and devotees.

At 2:25 pm, we started trekking for Deoria Tal. 3:30 pm, we reached. Few makeshift shops and staying options at the entrance.

2 km approx. easy trekking. 40 minutes to one hour trekking time, depending upon one’s fitness as well as how many times you stop to watch nature, mountains, the valley around, and photography as well. A must-visit location for sure at least once.

Deoria Tal is a location to be felt by visiting instead of conveying via words – all I can say. Maybe will visit again.

Please note: Negi warned – Deoria Tal is very deep. It is said if someone falls into the lake and drowns only after one month body is recovered. Enough to prove how deep it is. Do not swim or enter.

All the tourists entering the protected area Deoria Tal / Chopta will have to pay the Entry, Camping, and Filming fees as follows:
Description
Indian/foreigner
1. Entry Fee Per Person 150/600
2. For Each Additional Day 50/250
3. Professional Digital/Video 500/1500
4. Filming Feature Films Daily 10,000/20,000
5. Camping Small Tent Per Day 50/100
Tourists Own Medium Tent Per Day 100/200
Tourists Own Big Tent Per Day 500/1,000
Tourists Own Kitchen Tent Per Day 100/200
Tourists Own Meeting Tent Per Day 50/100
6. No Charge for Non-Commercial Cameras
7. Put the Garbage in the Dustbin only/Take it Back
8. Bathing in the Pond is Strictly Prohibited
9. Rooms Available

With Permission
Park Conservator
Kedarnath Wildlife Division, Gopeshwar

Click to learn more about Deoria Tal.

We were received by Heera Singh Negi (owner of Tourist Nature Camp Stay) at Sari Village – the starting point for the Deoria Tal Trek. During lunchtime, I requested Garhwali food – a Traditional Dish of Uttarakhand.

Thali was served. Dal (pulses) was too good. Upon the query, knowledge was enhanced.

It is Chausa dal i.e., Black Urad. First, it is roasted, and then with the use of a traditional grinding stone, it is crushed into powder. The use of the strainer is required to separate the thin powder from the thick one. Later thick powder is crushed again. And finally, the powder is boiled once in water and Chaunk (temper) with Ghee, cumin seeds (jeera), and onions for a delicious flavor.

It is delicious, I agree, and requested more. Amla ka Achaar, fried Red Chili was enhancing taste.

And a question: why fried Red Chili?

Negi said – if not fried, it is difficult to eat as it is too spicy and too hot.

Thank you – said I. I Thoroughly enjoyed Garhwali food. Rs. 50/- per thali. Paid.