Guide
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Want to see scenic trails, alpine meadows, and 360-degree panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, all in one trek? Then the Chopta Chandrashila Trek can be a beginner-friendly trek for you. Starting from the scenic village of Chopta, this trek can be undertaken throughout the year. The trail passes through Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, which remains closed during the winter months, before reaching the summit of Chandrashila. This guide covers all the essential details you need to know to undertake the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek Route
Chopta is the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek, a beautiful village nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Take a day to explore Chopta itself - the meadows, humble homestays, and simple, warm local food are bound to slow you down and encourage you to simply enjoy the moment, without rushing towards a destination.
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The route to reach Chopta looks like this:
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Agastyamuni → Kund → Ukhimath → Duggalbitta → Chopta
How to reach Chopta
The first step is to reach Haridwar. Try to catch an early morning bus after arrival in Haridwar , so that you can reach by late afternoon. The bus stand at Haridwar is just a short distance from the railway station, on the opposite side.
There are no direct buses to Chopta. You can take a bus till Kund, get down there, and take a shared taxi or bus to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, you can take another shared taxi towards Chopta. With an early start, you can reach Chopta by late afternoon and check in to your stay.
Stays
Stays in Chopta are limited to homestays, guesthouses, and camps. It is best to book in advance to avoid the hassle of searching for a place after arrival and simply settle in and rest. However, if you haven't booked beforehand, you can usually find a stay on arrival, although availability depends on the season.
Chopta has plenty of open meadows, so if you enjoy camping, you can also pitch your own tent. A plate of spicy Pahadi Maggi with gorgeous mountain views right outside your tent can be a refreshing change from a conventional, comfortable stay once in a while!
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When to start the trek?
If you manage to reach Chopta by late afternoon, you can start for Tungnath the same day and return by night. The trail is well marked, with a few dhabas along the way, and the climb can take around 2–3 hours. Make sure you return to your accommodation in Chopta on time, as going towards Chandrashila in the dark is not recommended.
There are a few stays near Tungnath too, although their availability depends on the season. If you manage to find accommodation there, you can stay near the temple for the night and start for Chandrashila early the next morning, around 4 AM. The climb from Tungnath to the summit takes around 1–1.5 hours, and catching the sunrise from Chandrashila is a sight worth waking up for. As the sun emerges, the snow-capped peaks slowly turn golden, making the early morning climb and the effort feel completely worthwhile.
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Once at the summit, take some time to spot the well-known Himalayan peaks visible from Chandrashila, including Kedardome , Nanda Devi , Trishul , Chaukhamba, and many more. The clear mountain views from the top are one of the highlights of the trek.
Best Time to Visit & What to Pack
This trek can be done year-round. Though Tungnath Temple closes during the winter months, you can still trek up, see the temple from outside, and continue towards Chandrashila. May and June, followed by September and October, are generally considered good months for the trek. It is best to avoid the rainy season, when the trail can become slippery. During winter, the trail is covered in snow, offering a completely different kind of adventure. You may even find snow on the trail in April.
Pack light for the trek. If you have extra luggage, leave it at your accommodation before setting out. A lighter backpack will make the climb easier and allow you to enjoy the scenery without the extra weight. Carry warm clothes, a raincoat, water and some snacks. Good trekking shoes are a must. If you plan to trek to Chandrashila early in the morning, carry a headlamp and make sure your power bank is charged, as electricity can be limited in the area.
Most importantly, please do not leave any waste behind. Carry your waste back with you and dispose of it properly. Every traveller has a responsibility to keep these beautiful places clean rather than leaving it entirely to the authorities.
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is more than just reaching a summit. From the peaceful meadows of Chopta and the trail to Tungnath to the sunrise and Himalayan views from Chandrashila, every part of the journey has something to offer. Pack light, trek responsibly, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the journey rather than simply rushing towards the destination.
