Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek 2025 – Complete Guide & Tips

🏔️ Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek – Detailed Guide & Tips (2025)

The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a breathtaking Himalayan experience combining spirituality and adventure. Nestled in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, this scenic route takes trekkers through dense forests, meadows, and finally to Chandrashila Peak (12,110 ft) — one of the best viewpoints in India.

This is one of the most rewarding winter treks in India, offering pristine snow trails, panoramic Himalayan views, and divine energy from the sacred Tungnath Temple.

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🌍 Overview of Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

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🛕 Why is the Tungnath Temple So Special?

The Tungnath Temple is not just a trekking destination — it’s a place of immense spiritual significance. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva’s arms are believed to have appeared here after the Mahabharata war, when the Pandavas sought forgiveness for their sins.

It is one of the Panch Kedar temples (the five holy shrines of Lord Shiva), and it stands at a breathtaking height of 12,073 ft, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world.

✨ When you reach the temple and hear the ringing of the bells mixed with the mountain breeze, it feels like heaven truly exists on earth.

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🚶‍♂️ Trek Route & Itinerary

Let’s dive into the complete Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek itinerary, perfect for 2–3 days.

Day 1: Rishikesh to Chopta (Drive)

• Distance: ~200 km

• Time: 7–8 hours

• Altitude: 8,790 ft

Start early from Rishikesh or Haridwar. The drive takes you through scenic routes alongside the Alaknanda River and the charming towns of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath.

🌄 Tip: Reach Chopta before sunset to enjoy mesmerizing golden hour views of the Himalayas. Overnight stay in Chopta camps or guesthouses.

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Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath Temple (Trek)

• Distance: 3.5 km (one way)

• Time: 2–3 hours

The trail starts from Chopta meadow. The initial ascent is moderate but rewarding — you’ll walk through rhododendron forests, and if you’re lucky, you may spot Himalayan Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand).

Once you reach Tungnath Temple, take a break to absorb the spiritual vibes and panoramic views of the snow-clad peaks — Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.

🕉️ Must-Do: Offer prayers at Tungnath and talk to the local priests who share fascinating legends of the temple.

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Day 3: Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak (Summit Hike)

• Distance: 1.5 km (from Tungnath)

• Time: 1 hour ascent, 30 min descent

This is the most thrilling part of the trek! The final stretch to Chandrashila Peak can be steep, especially during winter when snow makes the trail slippery. But once you reach the top, the view will leave you speechless.

At 12,110 ft, you can witness a 360° view of the Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas — including Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, and Trishul.

🌤️ Pro tip: Start early, around 4–5 AM, to catch the sunrise. Watching the first rays of sunlight kiss the Himalayan peaks from Chandrashila is a once-in-a-lifetime moment! 🌅

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❄️ Best Time to Visit Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

This trek is accessible almost throughout the year, but the experience varies with seasons:

🌸 March – June (Spring & Summer)

• Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons, green meadows.

• Ideal for beginners and photographers.

• Great visibility of peaks.

🍁 October – February (Autumn & Winter)

• Cold, clear skies and occasional snow from December onward.

• Perfect for snow trekking and serene landscapes.

• Carry proper winter gear (thermals, jackets, microspikes).

⚠️ Note: Avoid during July–September due to heavy monsoon rains and slippery trails.

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🏕️ Accommodation Options in Chopta

Chopta offers cozy homestays, wooden cottages, and camping sites. Some popular stays include:

• Magpie Camp Chopta ⛺

• Snow View Chopta Cottage 🏡

• Hotel Mountain View Chopta

• Local forest campsites for backpackers

💡 Budget Range: ₹800–₹2000 per night (depending on season and amenities).

For trekkers seeking a spiritual + adventurous blend, staying close to nature with a bonfire night under the stars adds magic to the experience. ✨

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🍲 Food on the Trek

You’ll find several small dhabas and tea stalls along the route from Chopta to Tungnath. They serve delicious Maggi, parathas, tea, and rajma-chawal.

🌿 Tip: Carry dry fruits, chocolate bars, and a reusable water bottle. Avoid plastic bottles and litter — let’s keep the Himalayas clean! 🌏♻️

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🧭 How to Reach Chopta

🚗 By Road:

• From Rishikesh (200 km) → via Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Chopta.

• Regular buses and shared cabs are available.

🚆 By Train:

• Nearest railway station: Rishikesh.

• From there, take a taxi or local bus to Chopta.

✈️ By Air:

• Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun).

• Distance: ~220 km. Taxis are available directly to Ukhimath or Chopta.

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🥾 Essential Things to Carry

Here’s your Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek checklist ✅

Clothing:

• Thermal base layers (for winter)

• Trekking jacket + windproof outer layer

• Warm gloves, socks, woolen cap

• Quick-dry T-shirts and trekking pants

Gear:

• Trekking shoes with a good grip

• Backpack (40–50L)

• Trekking poles

• Sunglasses + sunscreen + lip balm

Essentials:

• Reusable water bottle

• Personal first aid kit

• Power bank & headlamp

• Identity proof and cash

🎒 Bonus Tip: Don’t overpack — keep your bag light but weather-ready.

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🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Connection: The Divine Energy of Tungnath

This trek is not just about adventure — it’s about awakening your inner peace. As you climb through the misty trails, every step feels like a spiritual journey.

At Tungnath Temple, devotees meditate, chant “Har Har Mahadev,” and feel the connection between nature and divinity. The vibrations here are so powerful that many trekkers describe it as a “soul cleansing” experience. 🙏

🌺 Whether you’re religious or not, you’ll sense an unmatched calm at 12,000 ft, surrounded by silence and snow.

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📸 Photography & Instagram Hotspots

Looking to capture those viral moments for your trekking page? Here are the best photo points:

1. 🌄 Chopta Meadows – Green carpets with mountain backdrops.

2. 🛕 Tungnath Temple – Frame with prayer flags and Shiva idol.

3. 🌅 Chandrashila Peak – Sunrise over the Nanda Devi range.

4. 🏕️ Campsite bonfire – Night sky full of stars (long exposure shots).

💡 Pro tip: Early morning light after sunrise or golden hour before sunset gives the best tones.

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💬 Local Culture & People

The people of the Ukhimath and Chopta region are warm, humble, and deeply spiritual. Most families depend on tourism and agriculture.
Visitors are often welcomed with smiles and stories of the Himalayas. Sharing a cup of chai and listening to local legends adds a personal touch to the journey. ☕

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🐾 Responsible Trekking Tips

At TrekkingYatra, we believe that “Leave no trace” is the golden rule of trekking. Here’s how you can help preserve the Himalayas 🌏:

• Carry all waste back to base.

• Avoid single-use plastic.

• Respect local customs and temples.

• Don’t pluck flowers or harm wildlife.

• Support local homestays and guides — they are the real heroes of the mountains.

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💰 Budget Breakdown (Approximate)

🤑 Budget Tip: Traveling in a group reduces costs for transport and stay. Solo trekkers can join online trek groups or local agencies.

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🔗 Related Treks You’ll Love

If you love the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila experience, you should also explore:

• 🏞️ Kedarkantha Trek – Snow Paradise of Uttarakhand

• 🌲 Dayara Bugyal Trek – Meadows of Dreams

• 🧘 Har Ki Dun Trek – The Valley of Gods

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🗣️ Final Thoughts – Why This Trek is a Must-Do in 2025

The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a journey of self-discovery. 🌄

From the whispering pine forests of Chopta to the divine aura of Tungnath and the heavenly views from Chandrashila, every moment on this trail feels like a poem written by nature itself.

If you’re looking for a trek that blends spirituality, simplicity, and Himalayan grandeur, this one deserves to be at the top of your 2025 bucket list. 🌟

So, pack your bags, tie your laces, and whisper to the mountains —

“Har Har Mahadev! I’m coming!” 🙌

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🧭 Quick Recap

✅ Best Time: March–June & Oct–Feb
✅ Altitude: 12,110 ft
✅ Duration: 2–3 days
✅ Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
✅ Highlights: Tungnath Temple, Sunrise at Chandrashila, Himalayan views

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🌐 Author’s Note

This guide is published by TrekkingYatra.com — your trusted travel companion for treks, trails, and adventures across India.
Explore, experience, and embrace the Himalayas with respect and love. ❤️