Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Guide for Beginners

On Travel Team 27 Oct 20264 min read

If you want a short Himalayan trek with big rewards, the Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trail is hard to beat. In a single day you walk through meadows and rhododendron forests, visit the highest Shiva temple in the world and stand on a summit with a 360-degree panorama of snow peaks. It is ideal for beginners, families with fit teenagers and weekend travellers from Delhi.

Where Is Chopta?

Chopta is a small meadow settlement in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, at around 2,700 metres. It sits within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by forests of oak, deodar and rhododendron. Often called the "mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand", it is the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek.

How to Reach Chopta

By road from Delhi: about 450 km via Haridwar, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. Most group trips leave Delhi at night and arrive the next afternoon.
From Rishikesh or Haridwar: about 200 km, a 7–8 hour drive.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun.
Nearest railheads: Haridwar and Rishikesh.

The Trek at a Glance

Chopta to Tungnath: about 3.5 km, steady climb on a paved path.
Tungnath to Chandrashila summit: about 1–1.5 km, steeper and rocky.
Total: roughly 9–10 km round trip.
Highest point: Chandrashila at about 4,000 metres.
Time: 5–7 hours including breaks.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath, at about 3,680 metres, is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world. Legend links it to the Pandavas. The temple usually opens in spring and closes for winter around Diwali, when the deity is moved to Makkumath. Even when the temple is closed, the trek remains popular for snow.

Chandrashila Summit

Above Tungnath, a short and steeper climb leads to Chandrashila, meaning "moon rock". On a clear morning you can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch. Many trekkers start before dawn to reach the summit for sunrise.

Best Time to Visit

March–April: rhododendrons bloom, painting the forest red and pink.
May–June: pleasant weather and green meadows.
July–August: monsoon; lush but slippery and cloudy.
September–November: clear skies and the best mountain views.
December–February: snow treks; beautiful but cold, and roads may close after heavy snowfall. Microspikes are useful.

Add Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal is a small lake near Sari village, about 2.5 km uphill from the road. On calm mornings it reflects the Chaukhamba peaks. Many itineraries combine Deoria Tal with Tungnath for a perfect weekend.

Sample Weekend Itinerary from Delhi

Night 1: Depart Delhi by Tempo Traveller.
Day 1: Reach Chopta or Sari by afternoon; rest and acclimatise.
Day 2: Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila; return to Chopta.
Day 3: Hike to Deoria Tal; drive back to Delhi overnight.

Where to Stay

Chopta has simple camps, guesthouses and homestays, many with basic facilities. Sari village and Ukhimath also have homestays and small hotels. Due to forest regulations, accommodation options right at Chopta can change, so book through a reliable operator.

What to Pack

Warm layers: thermals, fleece and a down jacket
Waterproof jacket in monsoon
Trekking shoes with good grip; microspikes in winter
Woollen cap, gloves and sunglasses
Headtorch for a pre-dawn start
Water bottle, snacks and personal medicines

Safety Tips

Start early to avoid afternoon clouds and weather changes.
Stick to the main trail; fog can roll in quickly.
In snow, walk slowly and use trekking poles.
Respect wildlife – the area is part of a sanctuary.
Do not leave litter; carry everything back down.

Why It Is Perfect for Beginners

The trail is well defined, the distance is short, and there are tea stalls along the way. Yet it gives the full Himalayan experience – summit views, a sacred temple and a night under the stars. It is often the first trek that turns weekend travellers into lifelong mountain lovers.