Complete Guide
Chopta Chandrashila Trek — Complete Guide
Introduction
Chopta Chandrashila is the ultimate 'High-Altitude Introduction' for those who want to touch the sky without the month-long training of an Everest trainee. Known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India', Chopta is a stunningly lush base for the trek to Tungnath—the highest Shiva temple in the world—and onwards to the Chandrashila summit. At 13,123ft, the summit offers a legendary 360-degree panorama that includes Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. It is a journey of contrasts: starting from the dense, bird-rich rhododendron forests of Chopta and ending on a rocky, wind-swept peak that makes you feel part of the high Himalayan lineage.
Iconic Spots
Tungnath Gateway
Chandrashila 360
Quick Facts
Duration
2 Days
Max Altitude
13,100 ft
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Best Time
Chopta Chandrashila is a legendary trek accessible...
Trek Distance
10 km
Trail Atmosphere
Stargazing
Class 3 Dark Sky
Scent Profile
Silence Level
~40 dB
Vertigo Factor
2 / 10
Getting There
Route to Base
7-hour drive from Rishikesh
Early morning (6 AM) shared jeeps available from Rishikesh Natraj Chowk
Base Village
Sari
6,550 ft
Nearest Railhead
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jollygrant Airport
Last ATM
Ukhimath (14km before Sari). Highly reliable but often crowded.
Nearest Medical Facility
Ukhimath CHC or Sari PHC.
Mobile Signal
Strong 4G at Chopta base. Reliable Jio/BSNL all the way up to Tungnath temple (12,000 ft). Spotty coverage at the Chandrashila summit.
Water Sources
Icy spring wells located near the Tungnath temple terminal. Reliable water at Chopta base hotels and mid-way stalls (paid/seasonal).
Charging
Available at Chopta hotels (limited solar/generator hub). Zero charging availability on the 4km uphill summit stretch.
For Drivers
Road Condition
Road from Ukhimath is excellent and scenic; well-maintained by PWD Chamoli.
Ukhimath
Trail Culinary & Diet
Don't miss the Garhwali Jhangora ki Kheer
Buy specialized diet items at Ukhimath / Dehradun
The Content & Remote Hub
Top Vlog Spots
Video Calls
base-only
Est. 25 Mbps
UPI Reliability
5/10
Base WiFi Available
The Shiva Connection
Key point
Tungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the world (12,073ft).
Key point
The 360-degree view from Chandrashila includes Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and even peaks of Tibet on clear days.
Explore In Detail
Best Time to Visit
Chopta Chandrashila is a legendary trek accessible almost year-round. It is famous for two primary versions: the Spring Bloom (April-May) and the Winter Wonderland (Dec-March). Autumn (Oct-Nov) offers the best visibility of the high peaks.
→ See month-by-month season guideDay by Day Itinerary
2-day route reaching 13,100ft. Covers 10km of varied terrain.
→ See full itinerary with altitude profileDifficulty & Fitness
Rated Easy-Moderate. The trail to Deoriatal and Tungnath is well-maintained and mostly paved with stone steps. The long walk through Rohini Bugyal involves narrow forest trails with some roots. The final climb to Chandrashila Top is steep on rocky terrain.
→ See difficulty breakdown and fitness guideCost & Pricing
Packages range from ₹6,500 – ₹11,500. Inclusions and hidden costs vary by operator tier.
→ See full cost breakdownPermits and Regulations
The trek falls within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Entry fees vary for Indians and foreigners and are collected at the forest checkpost on the Chopta-Tungnath trail. Valid government ID (Aadhar/Passport) is mandatory. Foreign nationals must provide passport and visa copies for registration at the forest range office.
Learn more about how we vet operators and ensure transparency on our why MountRoutes page.
Packing List
Winter Clothing
- Heavy down jacket (Dec-Feb)
- Light fleece jacket (April-Oct)
- 2 full-sleeve t-shirts
- 1 thermal base layer
- Trekking pants
- Woolen cap and sunglasses
Footwear Snow Gear
- Trekking shoes with good ankle support
- Micro-spikes (mandatory for Jan-March)
- Slippers for homestays
Gear Safety
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Water bottle (2L)
- Personal medical kit
Flora & Fauna
Flora
Fauna
The 'Moon Rock'. Ancient legend says Lord Rama meditated here to release the guilt of killing Ravana. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world (3,680m), believed to be over 1000 years old.
— Local folklore
Spiritual & Cultural Significance
Highest Shiva temple in the world; deep spiritual energy center.
🕐 Shrine Timings: 06:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Temple Protocols
- •Clean dress codes
- •Silence near the temple sanctum
Festivals & Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the highest Shiva temple in the world?
Tungnath Temple is the highest, located at 12,073 ft. It is a key highlight of this trek.
Is Chandrashila a summit or a pass?
It is a peak (summit) situated just above the Tungnath temple, offering a 360-degree view of the Himalayas.
Can we see Nanda Devi from Chandrashila?
Yes, along with Trishul, Kedar peak, and Chaukhamba. It is arguably the best view-to-effort ratio trek in India.
Why is it called the "Mini Switzerland of India"?
Chopta is called so because of its rolling green meadows and breathtaking mountain backdrop, resembling Swiss landscapes.
Is the trek open in Monsoon?
Yes, but be prepared for leeches and slippery trails in the forest section. The meadows are exceptionally green in July.
Do I need special shoes for snow?
In winter (Jan-Mar), microspikes and gaiters are highly recommended as the trail to the summit can be icy and slippery.
Are there any hotels in Chopta?
There are basic lodges and campsites in Chopta. For more premium stays, you can look at properties near Ukhimath or Sari.
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