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Chopta Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek in Uttarakhand

Chopta Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek

Moderate ⏱ 3-4 Days 📍 Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

About

The Chopta Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek is one of the finest short Himalayan adventures in Uttarakhand, where pristine alpine meadows meet ancient spirituality. Starting from the meadows of Chopta, the stone-paved trail climbs through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple, before a final ascent to the 13,100 ft Chandrashila Summit—rewarding trekkers with one of the most spectacular 360° panoramas in the Garhwal Himalayas.

What makes it special:

  • A rare trek that combines a high-altitude Himalayan summit with a visit to the world's highest Shiva temple, making it equally popular among trekkers and pilgrims.
  • A beautifully laid stone trail winding through rhododendron, oak and deodar forests, transforming into a snow-covered wonderland in winter and a riot of red blooms in spring.
  • Uninterrupted summit views of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Neelkanth and Bandarpunch on clear days.
  • It's one of the few Himalayan treks that offers spirituality, alpine landscapes and a rewarding summit in a single day—making it an ideal first Himalayan adventure as well as a favourite weekend escape.

Getting There

Chopta, the starting point of the Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek, is well connected by road but has no direct rail or air connectivity. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (around 220–225 km away), while the closest major railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From either location, you can hire a private taxi or take a shared cab via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to reach Chopta. Regular buses operate from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Ukhimath, from where local taxis are readily available for the final stretch. Most trekking operators arrange a shared pickup from Haridwar and Rishikesh, other than that If you're driving, the scenic route via Haridwar–Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Ukhimath offers stunning Himalayan views.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Chopta–Tungnath? +
The best months are March to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant and the trails are clear. Monsoon brings slippery paths, while heavy winter snowfall can temporarily block access.
How difficult is the trek? +
The trek is easy to moderate, covering about 3.5 km one way to Tungnath in roughly 1.5–2 hours. The well-laid stone path makes it suitable for beginners, families, and first-time trekkers.
Are there public buses to Chopta? +
There are no direct buses to Chopta. Regular buses are available to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, from where you can hire a shared jeep or local taxi to reach the trailhead.
Do I need any permits? +
No special trekking permit is required for the Chopta–Tungnath trek. However, visitors may have to pay a nominal forest entry fee at the checkpoint, depending on current regulations.
Is the trek open throughout the year? +
The trek is accessible for most of the year, but heavy snowfall during winter can temporarily block roads or the final stretch to Chandrashila. Weather conditions should always be checked before travelling.