Chopta Tungnath Trek

About Chopta–Tungnath Trek

Chopta sits pretty in Rudraprayag district, and it’s basically nature showing off. The trek starts from
these gorgeous meadows at around 8,500 feet, takes you up to Tungnath Temple (which, fun fact, is
the highest Shiva temple in the world at 12,073 feet), and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can push
on to Chandrashila Peak at about 13,123 feet.

Now, they call this trek “easy to moderate,” but don’t let that fool you. It’s not like walking in the
park. Those stone steps to Tungnath will definitely remind your calves they exist. But here’s why
beginners love it – the payoff comes quick. You’re not slogging for days before seeing anything cool.
Every turn gives you something beautiful to look at.

The thing is, it’s not just about the views (though those are ridiculous). There’s something about
walking the same paths that pilgrims have been using for centuries. You feel connected to

something bigger, you know?

When to go and what to expect

• Altitude-wise: You start at Chopta (8,500 ft), climb to Tungnath (12,073 ft), and can push to
• Chandrashila (13,123 ft) if you’re feeling it.
• Timing depends on what you’re after:

Best Season to Visit Chopta & Trek Tungnath

March to May is flower power time. Those rhododendrons turn the forest into something out of a
fairy tale. Weather’s nice too – maybe 50-70°F during the day.

December to February brings snow, which looks amazing but gets properly cold. We’re talking nights
that’ll make you appreciate every layer you brought.

Duration: Most people do it in 3-4 days, which includes getting there and back from Rishikesh.
What you’re actually going to see out there
The forest sections are incredible. Think thick oak and deodar trees that smell like Christmas, and

When the rhododendrons bloom?

It’s like someone took a paintbrush to the whole mountainside.
Pink and red everywhere.
Chopta meadows are where you realize why people become obsessed with mountains. These rolling
green hills that just stretch on forever, with snow-capped peaks hanging out in the background like
they’re no big deal.
The temple trail is something else entirely. These ancient stone steps that countless pilgrims have
worn smooth over the centuries. There’s something humbling about following in their footsteps.
And then there’s the summit. Okay, so the final push to Chandrashila gets a bit rocky and steep, but
when you get there… Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba – all these massive peaks just surrounding
you in a complete circle. Your phone camera won’t do it justice.
Chopta itself – the place that sets the whole mood
Chopta isn’t just where you start walking. It’s where the mountains first welcome you. These rolling
grasslands with wildflowers scattered around, cozy camps tucked between pine trees, and air so
clean it almost makes you dizzy at first.
The local Garhwali people here are something special. They’ll serve you chai with these genuine
smiles that make you feel like family. There’s this pace of life here that just makes you slow down
whether you want to or not. Which, honestly, most of us city folks need.

What you get with most trek packages

Accommodation: Decent alpine tents or eco-camps. We’re not talking luxury, but you’ll have proper
bedding and attached washrooms. No digging holes behind trees, thank god.

Food: All your vegetarian meals are covered – breakfast, packed lunch for the trail, dinner, plus
evening snacks. Sometimes you get local Garhwali dishes, which are always a pleasant surprise.

Guides: Certified mountain guides who know these trails better than their own backyards. Plus
support staff who make everything run smoothly.
What you’re paying extra for

Personal stuff – snacks, extra chai at those roadside stalls (and you will want extra chai), souvenirs
for people back home. If you want someone to carry your pack, that costs extra. Travel insurance is
on you, but seriously, get it. Mountains don’t care about your budget.