Perched at 2,680 meters in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, Chopta serves as the gateway to two of the Himalayas’ most accessible yet rewarding treks—Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, and Chandrashila, the “Moon Rock” summit offering 360-degree views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. Whether you’re seeking a quick 2 day Himalayan escape or a comprehensive 3 day mountain immersion, this Chopta Tungnath Trek itinerary provides every detail you need for a successful journey.
Ready to book? Explore our Chopta Tungnath Trek Package or the convenient Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi options.
Why Choose the Chopta Tungnath Trek?
This trek uniquely combines spirituality, accessibility, and raw Himalayan beauty:
- Sacred Significance: Tungnath Temple—one of the Panch Kedar shrines at 3,680 m
- Summit Reward: Chandrashila peak (4,000 m) with panoramic views of 30+ Himalayan peaks
- Flexible Duration: Perfect for weekends (2 days) or extended exploration (3 days)
- Beginner Friendly: Well-marked trails suitable for first-time trekkers
- Year-Round Access: Unlike high-altitude treks, accessible in most seasons
Chopta Tungnath Trek Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Camp | Chopta (2,680 m / 8,790 ft) |
| Tungnath Temple | 3,680 m / 12,073 ft |
| Chandrashila Peak | 4,000 m / 13,123 ft |
| Trek Distance | 8-10 km (round trip) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Best Seasons | March-June, September-December |
| Nearest Town | Ukhimath (30 km) |
| Rail Head | Rishikesh (210 km) |
Day Wise Chopta Tungnath Trek Itinerary
Option 1: 2-Day Chopta Tungnath Trek Itinerary
Perfect for weekend warriors and those with limited time.
Day 1: Arrival at Chopta & Acclimatisation
- Travel: Drive from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun
- Distance: 200-230 km (7-8 hours)
- Altitude: 2,680 m
- Accommodation: Campsite or guesthouse
Arrive in Chopta by afternoon—the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” with its rolling meadows and dense deodar forests. After checking in, take an acclimatization walk to nearby Dugalbitta or Baniyakund village. Witness sunset painting the Chaukhamba massif in golden hues. Evening briefing with trek leaders about tomorrow’s summit push.
Pro Tip: Carry motion sickness medication for the winding mountain roads.
Day 2: Tungnath Temple & Chandrashila Summit
- Trek Start: 4:00 AM (pre-dawn)
- Tungnath Distance: 3.5 km (2-3 hours)
- Chandrashila Distance: 1.5 km from Tungnath (1 hour)
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,320 m
- Return: Back to Chopta by 2:00 PM
Begin your ascent under starlit skies to catch sunrise from Chandrashila. The well-paved trail climbs steadily through rhododendron forests (blooming March-April). Reach Tungnath Temple by 6:30 AM for morning darshan—witness the ancient shrine silhouetted against awakening peaks.
Continue to Chandrashila summit for a breathtaking 360° panorama: Nanda Devi (India’s second-highest peak), Trishul, Kedarnath dome, and Gangotri ranges visible on clear days. Descend to Chopta by afternoon, then drive back or stay another night.
Highlight: Sunrise from Chandrashila—an ethereal experience as clouds part to reveal endless snow ranges.
Option 2: 3-Day Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek Itinerary
Ideal for relaxed pacing, photography, and combining nearby attractions.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Chopta via Devprayag
- Distance: 210 km
- Duration: 7-8 hours drive
- En Route: Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi)
- Overnight: Chopta meadows camp
Depart Rishikesh early, stopping at Devprayag to witness the sacred river confluence. Continue through Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, watching terraced fields and traditional Garhwali villages. Arrive Chopta by evening for campfire dinner under starlit skies.
Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila
- Trek: 5 km ascent
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Overnight: Return to Chopta or camp near Tungnath
After breakfast, begin the gradual climb to Tungnath Temple (3,680 m). Explore the 1,000-year-old shrine, then push to Chandrashila peak for lunch with a view. Descend leisurely, stopping at Bharadwaj Lake or Deoria Tal viewpoint if time permits.
Day 3: Chopta to Rishikesh
- Morning: Optional visit to Deoria Tal (3 km trek) or Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
- Drive: Return to Rishikesh (7-8 hours)
- Drop: Evening arrival
For those seeking an extended adventure, our Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath 3-Day Trek includes Deoria Tal camping.
Chandrashila Summit: The Crown Jewel
The final 1.5 km from Tungnath to Chandrashila tests your endurance with steep switchbacks, but rewards generously:
- Altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
- Views: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Gangotri I & II, Chaukhamba
- Mythology: Where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana
- Photography: Best light 6:00-8:00 AM
Winter Note: December-March requires microspikes/crampons for icy sections.
Best Time for Chopta Tungnath Trek
🌸 Spring
Months: March – April
Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
Experience: Rhododendron forests ablaze with color
☀️ Summer
Months: May – June
Temperature: 10°C to 20°C
Experience: Clear trails and comfortable camping
🍂 Autumn
Months: September – November
Temperature: 5°C to 15°C
Experience: Post-monsoon visibility and snow-dusted peaks
❄️ Winter
Months: December – February
Temperature: -5°C to 5°C
Experience: Snow adventure with challenging conditions
Difficulty Level & Preparation
The Chopta Tungnath trek is classified easy to moderate:
- Trail Quality: Well-maintained stone-paved path to Tungnath
- Chandrashila Challenge: Steeper, rocky final ascent
- Altitude Risk: Moderate—proper hydration essential
Fitness Prep: 30-minute daily walks with stairs for 2-3 weeks prior.
What to Pack
Essential Gear
- Layered clothing (temperatures vary widely)
- Waterproof jacket and trekking shoes
- Trekking poles (for Chandrashila descent)
- Headlamp/torch for pre-dawn start
- Water bottles (2L minimum)
Personal Items
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- Personal medications
- Camera with extra batteries
- Cash (no ATMs beyond Ukhimath)
How to Reach Chopta
| Mode | Route | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| From Delhi | Drive via Haridwar-Rishikesh-Devprayag | 12-14 hours |
| From Rishikesh | Shared taxi or private cab | 7-8 hours |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun (220 km) | 8-9 hours drive |
| Nearest Railway | Rishikesh (210 km) | 7-8 hours drive |
TrekTonic Advantage: We offer Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi with comfortable Tempo Traveller pickup.
Why Book with TrekTonic Adventures?
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose from 2-day quick escapes or comprehensive 3-day expeditions
- Certified Guides: Local experts with emergency training
- Quality Camping: Alpine tents, sleeping bags, hygienic meals
- Small Groups: Maximum 12 trekkers for personalized attention
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs, flexible rescheduling
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can beginners do the Chopta Tungnath trek?
Absolutely. The paved trail to Tungnath is beginner-friendly. Chandrashila requires basic fitness but is achievable with slow pacing.
Q: Is 2 days enough for Chopta Tungnath?
Yes, our 2 day itinerary covers Tungnath and Chandrashila comfortably. Add a third day for Deoria Tal or relaxed exploration.
Q: What is the Chandrashila trek distance?
From Chopta: 5 km one-way (3.5 km to Tungnath + 1.5 km to Chandrashila).
Q: Mobile network availability?
BSNL and Jio work intermittently in Chopta. No connectivity beyond Tungnath.
Q: Is Tungnath temple open throughout the year?
The temple closes November to March (winter). The trek remains accessible but temple darshan unavailable during closure.
Final Thoughts
The Chopta Tungnath Trek itinerary offers Himalayan grandeur without extreme altitude challenges. Whether you choose the day wise 2-day sprint or the immersive 3-day journey, the combination of sacred Tungnath and majestic Chandrashila creates memories lasting a lifetime.
At TrekTonic Adventures, we specialize in crafting safe, memorable Himalayan experiences. From weekend getaways to extended expeditions, your mountain story starts here.
Questions about this itinerary? Comment below or reach out via WhatsApp. See you on the trails! 🏔️
