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Chopta Chandrashila Trek — Complete Guide (2026)
Vibe & Scenery
The Experience
Introduction
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek begins in the forests of Chopta and ascends to the ancient Tungnath Temple, revered as the world's highest Shiva temple and one of the Panch Kedar shrines. Beyond the temple, the trail continues to Chandrashila Peak at approximately 13,100 ft, where sweeping views extend across the Garhwal Himalayas.
From the summit, prominent peaks including Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, and the Gangotri massif dominate the skyline. The route offers remarkable seasonal variety, with rhododendron blooms in spring and snow-covered trails during winter.
Suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness as well as experienced trekkers, Chopta Chandrashila is an excellent introduction to Himalayan trekking, combining mountain scenery, spiritual heritage, and accessible high-altitude adventure.
Quick Facts
Duration
Max Altitude
Difficulty
Best Time
Trek Distance
Trail Atmosphere
Stargazing
Class 3 Dark Sky
Scent Profile
Silence Level
~40 dB
Vertigo Factor
2 / 10
Iconic Spots
Tungnath Gateway
Chandrashila 360
Environment
Nature & Culture
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
Technical Details
Challenge & Preparation
Primarily a joint & muscle impact and cardio demand challenge
A capable trekker's route that balances joint & muscle impact and cardio demand.
Personal Readiness
Am I ready?
Planning
Logistics & Trail Intel
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
Permits 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
Deep Dives
Explore Further
Editor's Notes
Tungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the world (12,073ft).
The 360-degree view from Chandrashila includes Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, and even peaks of Tibet on clear days.
Explore In Detail
Day by Day Itinerary
4-day route reaching 13,100ft. Covers 10km of varied terrain.
→ See full itinerary with altitude profileDifficulty & Fitness
Rated 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 ₹5,000 – ₹14,000. Inclusions and hidden costs vary by operator tier.
→ See full cost breakdownFrequently 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.
What is the best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila trek?
This trek is a year-round destination. March to May offers beautiful rhododendron blooms. Autumn (September to November) provides clear Himalayan views. Winter (December to February) turns it into a magical snow trek.
How difficult is the trek to Chandrashila peak from Tungnath?
The trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila is short (about 1.5 km) but very steep. It requires a slow, steady pace, especially since it is at an altitude of 13,000 ft. In winter, this section becomes challenging due to thick snow.
Can the Chopta Chandrashila trek be done in winter?
Yes, it is one of the most popular winter treks in India. However, the road to Chopta might be blocked by snow, requiring you to start trekking from earlier points like Makku Bend. Good winter clothing and shoes are essential.
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