How difficult is the Tungnath trek?

The Tungnath trek from Chopta is easy to moderate — 3.5km each way with 1,000m elevation gain on a well-maintained path. Most people complete the round trip in 4–5 hours. The additional 1km to Chandrashila summit (4,130m) is steeper. Start by 6:30am to reach the summit before afternoon clouds close in.

When does the Chopta road open after winter?

The Chopta road typically opens in the 3rd week of April, after heavy winter snowfall clears. The exact date varies yearly — check with local operators before visiting. Snow is present on the Chandrashila trail until late May and can be trekked with microspikes.

Is altitude sickness a concern at Chopta and Tungnath?

Chopta at 2,700m and Chandrashila at 4,130m can cause altitude sickness if you ascend too fast from Delhi (200m). The standard advice is to spend at least one night at Chopta before the Tungnath trek. Walk slowly, stay hydrated, and descend immediately if you develop severe headache or nausea.

What is the best time to visit Chopta?

April to June and September to November are the best times. April–May has rhododendron bloom and possible snow trek with microspikes. June is green meadows. October is the clearest sky of the year with superb Himalayan views. Avoid November–March when the road is closed due to snowfall.

How do I reach Chopta from Rishikesh?

Chopta is 200km from Rishikesh — approximately 6–7 hours by car via Ukhimath. The route goes Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta. There is no direct bus — hire a private taxi or take a bus to Ukhimath and arrange local transport from there.

Tungnath temple in winter snow with Himalayan peaks visible from Chandrashila Chopta Uttarakhand

Home/Blog/Chopta & Tungnath 3 Days

North IndiaApril 7, 2026·9 min read·Surya Pratap

Chopta & Tungnath in 3 Days: The World's Highest Shiva Temple (Complete Guide)

Trek to a 1,000-year-old stone temple at 3,680m above rhododendron forests. Summit Chandrashila at 4,130m for a 360° view of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath. Budget from ₹1,500/day.

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🇮🇳 Uttarakhand·🗓 3 Days·💰 From ₹1,500/day

Chopta is a tiny cluster of dhabas at 2,700m in Uttarakhand — five or six buildings on a meadow, cold at night even in June, no ATM for 20km. From this meadow, a 3.5km path climbs through rhododendron forest to the highest Shiva temple in the world. Above the temple, 1km further, is Chandrashila — 4,130m, and one of the most complete Himalayan panoramas I have seen from a trail this accessible.

⚡ Which Traveller Are You?

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🏔️ Why Chopta & Tungnath?

Chopta is called 'the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand' by tourist boards — which tells you nothing useful. What it actually is: a high meadow base for the most rewarding 3.5km trek in Uttarakhand, a pristine reflection lake 3km away, and a window into the Kedarnath-range wildlife corridor that most visitors never reach.

🥾The Trek Side

Trek distance3.5km each way from Chopta

Elevation gain1,000m (Chopta to Chandrashila)

Tungnath altitude3,680m — world's highest Shiva temple

Chandrashila4,130m — 360° Himalayan panorama

⚠️ Start by 6:30am. Afternoon clouds typically close in by 1–2pm and the Chandrashila view disappears completely. This is the single most important timing rule.

🌿The Nature Side

Deoria Tal2,438m mirror lake, 3km from Sari village

RhododendronsBlood red and pink bloom in April

WildlifeHimalayan monal, musk deer (dawn sightings)

SeasonApr–Jun green; Oct clearest sky

⚠️ Deoria Tal at dusk reflects the full Chaukhamba massif on still evenings. It is slightly off the Chopta road but do not skip it.

Key Attractions at a Glance

Tungnath Temple (3,680m)

Spiritual

The highest Shiva temple in the world — ancient stone structure believed to be 1,000+ years old. Open April to November. Pujari lives here for 6 months a year. Darshan ₹50 donation. The silence at 3,680m is extraordinary.

Chandrashila Summit (4,130m)

Trekking

1km above Tungnath, 4,130m summit with 360° view — Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), Kedarnath range, Gangotri range. One of the finest viewpoints in Uttarakhand accessible on a day hike.

Deoria Tal (2,438m)

Nature

Reflection lake in Sari village — the Chaukhamba massif (7,138m) mirrors perfectly on still evenings. 3km trek from Sari village. Forest camping ₹200–₹300/tent per night. Sunset and dawn are the prime times.

Ukhimath

Heritage

20km before Chopta — winter seat of Kedarnath deity. Beautiful old temple complex where the Kedarnath idol is kept October–April when the main shrine is snowbound. Worth a 30-minute stop.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

Wildlife

3km from Chopta — musk deer breeding centre. Dawn walks in the surrounding forest give near-guaranteed Himalayan monal pheasant sightings. Musk deer are elusive but present.

Dugalbitta Meadow (3,291m)

Scenic

5km from Chopta — panoramic meadow quieter than Tungnath. Good alternative viewpoint. No crowds. Excellent for photography without the Chopta tourist traffic.

🗓️

Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov

Best Time

⛩️

3,680m

Tungnath Alt.

🥾

3.5km each way

Trek Distance

🚌

200km · 6hrs

From Rishikesh

📅 The 3-Day Itinerary

Chopta village (2,700m) is your base. All distances are from Chopta unless noted.

●Drive from Haridwar or Rishikesh — 200km, 6–7 hours including stops. The route goes via Devprayag, Srinagar (Garhwal), Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath. Book a private taxi (₹2,500–₹3,500) or take a shared jeep to Ukhimath and change.
●Key stop: Ukhimath (20km before Chopta) — the winter residence of the Kedarnath deity. When the main Kedarnath temple closes in November, the idol is brought here for the winter. The temple complex is old, active, and genuinely spiritual. 30-minute stop.
●Detour to Deoria Tal: 2km before Chopta, turn off for Sari village. 3km trek uphill to Deoria Tal lake at 2,438m. The lake reflects the Chaukhamba massif (four peaks, highest at 7,138m) on calm evenings. Evening light on the peaks turns the water pink and orange. This detour takes 2.5–3 hours total.
●Forest camping at Deoria Tal: tents available from local operators at ₹200–₹300/tent per night. Camp here tonight instead of Chopta if you want the sunrise reflection — worth it for photographers.
●Or: continue to Chopta (5–6 basic dhabas with attached guesthouses, ₹400–₹900/night for a room). The altitude hits at night — 2,700m is noticeably colder than Rishikesh.
●Dinner at a Chopta dhaba: dal, rice, roti, seasonal vegetables. Meals ₹80–₹150. No menu surprises. Sleep early — 6:30am start tomorrow.

💰Est. cost: ₹800–₹1,500 excluding accommodation

●6:30am: Start trek from Chopta. The trailhead is marked from the main road. First 1km passes through rhododendron forest — blood red and pink flowers from March–May. Snow patches appear above the tree line from late October.
●The Tungnath path: 3.5km, 1,000m elevation gain, well-maintained stone path with chai stalls at two points on the way up. Guide optional but useful — ₹400–₹600 from Chopta, ask at the guesthouses.
●Tungnath Temple (3,680m): approximately 2.5–3 hours from Chopta at a comfortable pace. Ancient stone structure — the temple building is compact, dark inside, and extraordinary at this altitude. The pujari lives here 6 months of the year. Darshan ₹50 donation. Spend 20–30 minutes here.
●Chandrashila summit (4,130m): 1km further above Tungnath, steeper rocky trail, 30–45 minutes from the temple. The summit cross-structure is visible from below. The view from the top: Nanda Devi (7,816m) to the east, Trishul (7,120m), the full Kedarnath range to the north, Gangotri range to the northeast. One of the most complete Himalayan panoramas from a trail this accessible.
●Return: aim to leave Chandrashila by 11:30am at the latest. Afternoon clouds roll in from the south and the valley fills — the summit views are gone by 2pm most days.
●Back at Chopta by 1–2pm: rest, hot food, recovery. The total climb-and-descent takes 5–7 hours at a comfortable pace.
●If energy allows: sunset walk to Dugalbitta meadow (5km from Chopta, 3,291m) — panoramic meadow with far fewer people than the Tungnath trail. Good evening photography spot.

💰Est. cost: ₹500–₹900 including guide + donations

●5:30am (optional): dawn walk around Chopta meadow and towards Kanchula Korak Sanctuary (3km). The Himalayan monal pheasant — Uttarakhand's state bird, brilliantly iridescent — is almost guaranteed in the forest near Chopta at dawn. Musk deer possible. Bring binoculars.
●Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary (3km from Chopta): small sanctuary with a musk deer breeding programme. Free entry. The surrounding forest walk at dawn is the best wildlife experience in the Chopta area.
●9am: Dugalbitta viewpoint (5km from Chopta): a broad open meadow at 3,291m with clear Himalayan views. Quieter than the Tungnath trail. Good for a slow morning walk before the drive.
●Drive return: 200km to Rishikesh/Haridwar. Optional stop at Rudraprayag confluence — where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. A significant confluence in Garhwal pilgrimage geography. 10-minute stop.
●Optional detour to Kartik Swami Temple (25km before Rudraprayag from Chopta): hilltop Kartik (Murugan) temple with excellent views of Kedarnath range from the approach trail — 1km steep climb, worth it.
●Reach Rishikesh by early evening.

💰Est. cost: ₹400–₹800 excluding transport

Total 3-Day Cost (per person) · ₹4,000–₹7,000 budget · ₹9,000–₹14,000 mid-range

💰 Budget Breakdown

Category	🥾 Budget	🏔️ Mid-Range
🏨 Accommodation (3N)	₹1,200–₹2,700	₹6,000–₹12,000
🍽️ Dhaba Food (3 days)	₹720–₹1,350	₹1,800–₹3,500
🚕 Transport (Rishikesh return)	₹800–₹1,500	₹2,500–₹4,000
🥾 Trek guide (optional)	₹400–₹600	₹600–₹1,000
⛺ Deoria Tal camping	₹200–₹400	₹1,500–₹3,000
🏛️ Tungnath donation + permits	₹100–₹200	₹200–₹500
Total (per person, 3 days)	₹4,000–₹7,000	₹12,600–₹24,000

All prices INR 2026. No permit required for Tungnath trek. Transport is the largest variable — shared jeep from Rishikesh to Ukhimath costs ₹400–600 per person but requires onward local arrangement. Private taxi ₹2,500–₹3,500 is the easier option.

🏨

Where to Stay in Chopta & Tungnath

Verified prices · Instant booking

All hotels →

Best views★★★★

Tungnath Camps Chopta

Camping Resort · 2,700m

From ₹2,500/nightBook →

Budget★★★

Chopta Dhaba Guesthouse

Basic Guesthouse · Chopta

From ₹500/nightBook →

Unique★★★★

Deoria Tal Forest Camp

Forest Tent · 2,438m

From ₹800/nightBook →

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Things to Do in Chopta & Tungnath

Tours & experiences · Instant confirmation

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Tungnath–Chandrashila Guided Trek

Must do

⏱ Full dayFrom ₹600/person

Deoria Tal Overnight Camp

Photography

⏱ 1 nightFrom ₹1,500/person

Chopta to Rishikesh Transfer

⏱ 6–7 hoursFrom ₹2,500/vehicle

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Chopta & Tungnath — Must-See Places

Click each thumbnail to explore the trek, temple, summit, and reflection lake.

📸

Chandrashila Summit

📍

Chandrashila Summit

The 4,130m summit above Tungnath — a 360° panorama including Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), Kedarnath, and Gangotri ranges. One of the most complete Himalayan views from a day trek.

Chopta meadow at dawn with snow-covered Himalayan peaks visible above the treeline Uttarakhand

Chopta meadow at dawn — the base village sits at 2,700m and the Himalayan ridgeline is visible on clear mornings before the clouds build. The Tungnath trailhead is 5 minutes walk from the main road.

🥾 The Tungnath Trek — Complete Guide

Trail Facts

Distance: 3.5km each way from Chopta trailhead (7km round trip). Add 2km for Chandrashila summit.

Elevation gain: 1,000m (Chopta 2,700m to Chandrashila 4,130m). The Tungnath section (3,680m) accounts for 980m.

Trail condition: Well-maintained stone-paved path for the first 2km. Rocky trail above the tree line. No route-finding required.

Duration: 3 hours up to Tungnath at a comfortable pace. 45 minutes more to Chandrashila. 2–2.5 hours down. Total: 5–7 hours.

Permit: No trekking permit required. Entry to the Tungnath Temple is open — small donation ₹50 is customary.

Guide: Optional — path is clear and well-marked. A local guide (₹400–₹600/day from Chopta guesthouses) adds context to the forest, wildlife, and temple history.

What to carry: 2L water (refillable at chai stalls on the way up), packed food, warm jacket (3,680m is cold even in June), trekking shoes essential (not sandals).

Snow Trek Tips (April–May)

Snow presence: Snow patches from 3,200m upwards until late May. The Chandrashila summit can be fully snow-covered in April.

Microspikes: Strongly recommended for April snow treks. Available to rent in Ukhimath (₹150–200/day) or bring your own. Trekking poles also useful.

April rhododendrons in snow: The combination of red rhododendron bloom and snow patches above 3,000m is extraordinary — April is arguably the most beautiful month on this trail.

Temple in snow: Tungnath temple is unmistakably beautiful when surrounded by snow. The stone structure, prayer flags, and white mountains behind it are the defining Chopta image.

🗓️ Snow, Seasons & Road Access

April–May

Road opens ~3rd week April

Rhododendrons in full bloom. Snow on trail above 3,200m. Microspikes recommended. Temperature at Chopta: 5–15°C day, 0–5°C night. Best combination of colour and snow landscape.

June

Road open, green meadows

The rhododendron bloom is over but the meadows turn intensely green. Temperature at Chopta: 12–20°C. Afternoon clouds are frequent. Start trek by 6:30am without exception.

July–August

Monsoon — road usually open

Heavy rainfall. Trails can be slippery. Leeches present in the lower forest section. Deoria Tal is full and beautiful but the trek is wet. Not recommended unless you're comfortable with rain.

September–October

Best sky clarity of the year

Post-monsoon, October has the clearest skies in Uttarakhand. Himalayan views from Chandrashila are exceptional. Temperature: 8–18°C day, 2–8°C night. This is peak season.

November–March

Road CLOSED — no access

Heavy snowfall blocks the Chopta road from November onwards. The road does not reopen until mid-to-late April. Check current status before planning — the opening date varies by up to 4 weeks year to year.

❌ Mistakes to Avoid

❄️

Not checking road status before visiting in winter

The Chopta road closes in November and can remain blocked until mid-April. There is no warning system — you simply arrive and find the road blocked by snow. Call a Chopta guesthouse (numbers available online) 24 hours before departing Rishikesh.

⏰

Starting the Tungnath trek after 9am

Afternoon clouds roll in from the south every day from around noon–1pm. A 9am start gets you to Chandrashila at 1pm — in cloud. A 6:30am start gets you to the summit by 10:30am in clear conditions. This is the single most important timing rule at Chopta.

🏔️

Not spending a night at Chopta before trekking

Coming from Delhi or Rishikesh (200m) directly to Chandrashila (4,130m) in one day is possible but invites altitude sickness. Spend one night at Chopta (2,700m) first. Even one night of acclimatization makes the summit noticeably easier.

📱

Expecting Chopta to have facilities

There is one ATM in Ukhimath 20km away. Phone signal in Chopta is weak. Carry enough cash for your full stay before reaching Chopta. Inform family of your itinerary. Do not rely on Google Maps for real-time navigation past Ukhimath.

🏞️

Skipping Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal is slightly off the direct Chopta route (3km trek from Sari village, 2km before Chopta) and most visitors skip it. This is a mistake. The evening reflection of Chaukhamba in the lake is one of the finest landscape photographs available in Uttarakhand.

💡 Pro Tips

🌄

Stay at Deoria Tal for Sunrise

Camp at Deoria Tal forest camp (₹200–₹400/tent) on Day 1 evening. Wake at 5am for the sunrise reflection of Chaukhamba. This is the single best photography moment of the Chopta circuit — more so than even the Chandrashila summit at dawn.

🦚

Dawn Walk for Himalayan Monal

Set your alarm for 5:30am on any morning at Chopta and walk quietly towards the Kanchula Korak forest section. The Himalayan monal pheasant — brilliantly iridescent blue-green-red — is almost always present in the trees at dawn. Bring binoculars.

🧊

Rent Microspikes in Ukhimath

If visiting April–May, microspikes transform the snow sections of the Chandrashila trail from dangerous to enjoyable. Rent in Ukhimath from local trekking shops for ₹150–₹200/day. Trekking poles are available at the same shops.

🛕

Catch the 3pm Kedarnath Puja in Ukhimath

In winter (November–April), the Kedarnath deity resides at Ukhimath temple. The evening aarti here is atmospheric and largely attended by local pilgrims — very different from the tourist-heavy main Kedarnath shrine experience.

🗺️

Combine with Kedarnath (5–6 Day Circuit)

Chopta and Kedarnath are 80km apart and the circuit Rishikesh → Chopta → Ukhimath → Kedarnath → Rudraprayag → Rishikesh is one of the finest 5–6 day Uttarakhand trips. Chopta's accessibility contrasts beautifully with Kedarnath's scale.

🍵

The Chai Stalls on the Trail

Two fixed chai stalls operate on the Tungnath trail in season. They serve hot chai, Maggi noodles, and biscuits. The stall at roughly 3,200m is a critical warmth and energy stop on the descent. Carry biscuits and chocolate as backup in case they're closed.

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