The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is one of Uttarakhand's most popular short Himalayan treks, combining breathtaking mountain scenery, spiritual significance and a rewarding summit climb. The trail takes you from the peaceful meadows of Chopta to Tungnath Temple, the world's highest Shiva temple, before continuing to Chandrashila Summit, known for its panoramic Himalayan views.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, hoping to experience winter snowfall or looking for your first Himalayan trek, this guide covers everything you need to know, including the best time to visit, itinerary, difficulty, costs and practical travel tips.
If you're planning to explore more of the region, our Uttarakhand Travel Guide can help you discover hill stations, pilgrimage sites and other Himalayan experiences across the state.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek at a Glance
Category | Details |
| Location | Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand |
| Trek Route | Chopta → Tungnath Temple → Chandrashila Summit |
| Maximum Altitude | Approximately 4,000 metres (13,123 ft) |
| Trek Distance | Around 10 km (round trip) |
| Duration | 1 Day Trek (Usually part of a 2–4 day trip) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June and September to November |
| Snowfall Season | December to February |
| Starting Point | Chopta |
| Nearest Railway Station | Haridwar |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun |
Still comparing trekking routes? Our Best Treks in Uttarakhand guide compares Chopta with other popular Himalayan treks, helping you choose the one that best matches your travel style and experience level.
Why Visit the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
Unlike longer Himalayan expeditions, this trek offers a complete mountain experience in a relatively short distance. It combines scenic forests, high-altitude temples and one of Uttarakhand's most rewarding viewpoints, making it suitable for weekend travellers as well as trekking enthusiasts.
The trek is popular because it offers:
- A visit to Tungnath Temple, the world's highest Shiva temple.
- A rewarding climb to Chandrashila Summit.
- Beautiful forests, alpine meadows and Himalayan landscapes.
- Excellent mountain views throughout the year.
- One of Uttarakhand's most accessible Himalayan trekking experiences.
What Makes This Trek Special?
Highlight | Why It's Worth Experiencing |
| Tungnath Temple | One of the sacred Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the world. |
| Chandrashila Summit | A spectacular viewpoint overlooking peaks such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul and Kedarnath on clear days. |
| Year-Round Experience | Visit during spring for rhododendron blooms, autumn for crystal-clear mountain views or winter for snow-covered trails. |
| Weekend-Friendly Adventure | A relatively short trek that can easily be completed as part of a 2–4 day Uttarakhand trip. |
Best Time to Visit the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek can be enjoyed throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience. Whether you're looking for pleasant trekking weather, colourful landscapes or snow-covered trails, there's a season to match your travel style.
For most travellers, March to June and September to November offer the best combination of comfortable weather, clear mountain views and ideal trekking conditions. If you're hoping to experience snowfall, December to February is the best time to visit.
Chopta Trek Season Guide
Season | Weather | Trail Conditions | Best For |
| March – June | Pleasant (8°C to 20°C) | Clear trails with blooming rhododendrons | Comfortable trekking and sightseeing |
| July – August | Cool with frequent rain | Wet and slippery trails | Monsoon landscapes and fewer crowds |
| September – November | Cool and dry (5°C to 18°C) | Stable weather with excellent visibility | Mountain views and photography |
| December – February | Cold (-5°C to 10°C) | Snow-covered trails with possible icy sections | Snowfall and winter trekking |
Good to Know: Heavy snowfall may occasionally restrict access to the final stretch leading to Chandrashila Summit. Always check the latest local weather and trail conditions before starting your trek.
How Difficult Is the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
The trek is graded as easy to moderate and is suitable for most beginners with a reasonable level of fitness. While the route is relatively short, the continuous uphill climb from Chopta to Tungnath Temple follows a stone-paved pathway that can be more tiring than many first-time trekkers expect.
If you continue to Chandrashila Summit, expect a steeper final ascent. During winter, snow and ice can make this section more challenging, so it's important to trek carefully and follow local advice.
Tip: Trekking poles can make the descent more comfortable by reducing pressure on your knees, especially on the stone-paved trail.
Should You Stop at Tungnath or Continue to Chandrashila?
Many travellers visit Tungnath Temple, but continuing another 1.5 km to Chandrashila Summit is what makes this trek truly memorable.
Destination | Why Visit? |
| Tungnath Temple | Ideal for pilgrims and travellers looking for a shorter trek with spiritual significance. |
| Chandrashila Summit | Perfect for panoramic Himalayan views and one of the best sunrise viewpoints in Uttarakhand. |
If weather conditions are favourable, continuing to Chandrashila Summit is highly recommended. On a clear day, you'll enjoy sweeping views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kedarnath and several other Himalayan peaks.
Many trekkers also begin before sunrise to witness the first rays of sunlight illuminating the surrounding mountains, making sunrise at Chandrashila one of the trek's biggest highlights.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Itinerary
Most travellers complete the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek as part of a 2 to 3-day trip, although you can easily extend your journey to explore nearby attractions.
Day 1: Reach Chopta
Travel to Chopta, a scenic Himalayan village surrounded by forests and mountain views. Spend the evening exploring the area or simply relax before an early start the next morning.
Optional Extension: If you have an extra day, visit Deoria Tal via Sari Village (around 20 km from Chopta). The easy 2.5 km trek leads to a beautiful alpine lake that's famous for reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks on clear mornings.
Day 2: Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila → Chopta
Distance: Around 10 km (round trip)
Duration: 5–7 hours
Begin your trek from Chopta to Tungnath Temple, following a well-defined stone-paved trail through forests and alpine meadows. After visiting the temple, continue another 1.5 km to Chandrashila Summit, where you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas before returning to Chopta.
Winter Tip: During periods of heavy snowfall, the final climb to Chandrashila may become icy or temporarily inaccessible. Always check local weather and trail conditions before trekking beyond Tungnath.
Day 3: Return Journey
After breakfast, begin your return journey towards Rishikesh, Haridwar or your onward destination.
How to Reach Chopta
Chopta is well connected by road and is accessible from major cities in Uttarakhand.
Starting Point | Recommended Route |
| Delhi | Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta |
| Haridwar / Rishikesh | Haridwar/Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta |
| Dehradun Airport | Dehradun → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Chopta |
Most travellers prefer reaching Chopta a day before the trek to enjoy a relaxed start the following morning.
Facilities Available in Chopta
Although Chopta is a small mountain destination, it offers the basic facilities needed for a comfortable stay.
You'll generally find:
- Hotels, guesthouses and camps
- Local cafés and restaurants
- Small grocery shops
- Limited mobile connectivity
- Parking facilities
ATMs and fuel stations are limited, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash and refuel before reaching Chopta.
Good to Know: During winter, some seasonal cafés and tea stalls along the trekking route may remain closed, so carry sufficient drinking water and light snacks before starting your trek.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Cost
The overall cost depends on your travel style, accommodation and mode of transport.
Travel Style | Approximate Cost |
| Independent Trip | ₹5,000–₹8,000 |
| Guided Group Trek | ₹8,000–₹15,000 |
Trek packages usually include accommodation, meals and trek support. Some operators also include transportation from major pickup points, so it's always worth checking the package inclusions before booking.
Can You Do the Trek Without a Guide?
Yes. The trail from Chopta to Tungnath is well-marked and can be completed independently by most travellers.
If you're trekking during winter or after heavy snowfall, conditions can change quickly. In such situations, joining an organised group or hiring a local guide is recommended, especially if you plan to continue to Chandrashila Summit.
Tungnath Temple Opening & Winter Access
Tungnath Temple usually opens during the summer pilgrimage season and closes before winter because of heavy snowfall. During this period, the temple idol is ceremonially moved to Makku Math, where worship continues until the temple reopens.
Although the temple's inner sanctum remains closed during winter, the trekking trail often remains accessible depending on snowfall and local conditions. Many travellers continue visiting Chopta during this season to enjoy the snow-covered landscape, and when conditions are safe, trek to Chandrashila Summit.
Camping Rules
Camping isn't permitted on the alpine meadows around Tungnath and Chandrashila. If you're planning an overnight stay, choose hotels, guesthouses or designated camps in Chopta, Baniyakund or Duggalbitta.
Winter Travel Tips
If you're visiting between December and February, keep these points in mind:
- Heavy snowfall may occasionally affect road access to Chopta.
- Wear microspikes if the trail is covered with snow or ice.
- Carry sufficient drinking water and light snacks, as some seasonal cafés along the route may remain closed.
What to Pack for the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Packing the right essentials will make your trek more comfortable, especially if you're visiting during winter.
Category | Recommended Items |
| Clothing | Quick-dry clothing, fleece jacket, insulated jacket (winter), waterproof jacket or poncho, woollen cap and gloves (winter) |
| Footwear | Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, comfortable spare footwear |
| Trekking Gear | Small backpack (20–30L), reusable water bottle, trekking poles, headlamp or flashlight |
| Personal Essentials | Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, personal medicines, power bank and basic toiletries |
Winter Tip: If snow or ice is present, wear microspikes for better grip on the final climb towards Chandrashila.
Explore More of Uttarakhand
If you're planning to explore more of Uttarakhand, these guides can help you plan your journey:
- Best Time to Visit Uttarakhand – Find the ideal season for your trip.
- Places to Visit in Uttarakhand – Discover the state's most popular attractions.
Ready to Experience the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?
The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek offers the perfect blend of adventure, spirituality and breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Whether you're visiting the ancient Tungnath Temple, trekking to Chandrashila Summit or simply enjoying the peaceful landscapes of Chopta, it's an experience that appeals to both first-time trekkers and seasoned mountain travellers.
If you'd like to enjoy the trek without worrying about transport, accommodation and trip planning, explore our Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Package. With a well-planned itinerary and experienced trip leaders, you can focus on making the most of your Himalayan adventure.
