Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Overview of the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a captivating journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary located in Uttarakhand State, India. The trek route offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, spiritual peace, and thrilling adventure, making it a must-visit for naturalists and adventure enthusiasts seekers.

Starting from the quaint village of Chopta, the trek takes you through dense forests, lush green meadows, and steep climbs, eventually rewarding you with 360-degree panoramic views of some of the most majestic Himalayan peaks like Mt Trishul and Nanda Devi.

To the Top at an elevation of 12,083 feet, the Chandrashila trek offers spellbinding vistas of Kedar, Chaukhamba, and the mighty Himalayas. It’s a perfect choice for beginners seeking both adventure and awe.

History and Spiritual Significance

The Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila trek is full of history and spirituality. Tungnath, the highest of the Panch Kedar temples, was established by the Pandavas. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and tried to escape from them and disappeared into Tungnath, leaving his weapons at the temple site.

The Chandrashila peak means "moon rock", is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana, which adds to its spiritual importance.

Why this trek is a must to do

Scenic Beauty: The trek offers unmatched views of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. Lush green meadows, rhododendron forests, and alpine vegetation add to the scenic charm.

Spiritual Experience: Visiting the sacred Tungnath temple and Chandrashila Peak offers an intense spiritual experience, attracting devotees and spiritual seekers from across the world.

Thrill and Adventure: This trek, though not very challenging, offers enough thrill and adventure with its steep climbs and high-altitude paths, making it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Rich Biodiversity: The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare bird species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Places to Explore on This Trek Chopta:

Often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is the starting point of the trek, offering serene landscapes and a calm atmosphere.

1. Chopta

Altitude: 2,680 m (8,790 ft)

Often called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ Chopta is the starting point of the trek. This place is famous for its meadows, forests, and peaceful atmosphere. A perfect destination for nature lovers and trekkers. Chopta is also part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Tungnath Temple

Altitude: 3,680 m (12,073 ft)

Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. This ancient temple is over 1000 years old and one of the Panch Kedar temples. Tungnath is a major pilgrimage and highlight of the trek.

3. Chandrashila Peak

Altitude: 4,000 m (13,123 ft)

Chandrashila is the final destination of the trek and offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba. The peak is also famous for its sunrise view and is a photographer’s and nature lovers’ paradise. Chandrashila means “Moon Rock” and according to legend, it is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana.

4. Deoria Tal

Altitude: 2,438 m (7,999 ft)

Deoria Tal is a lake and offers stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks especially in the early morning. This is an optional extension of the trek and is perfect for camping, bird watching, and photography. The lake is steeped in mythology, it is said to be the place where Pandavas from Mahabharata were asked questions by Yaksha.

Best Time to Do Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Winter (Dec to Feb)

Winter makes Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek a snow wonderland. The trail is covered with thick snow, it’s magical and peaceful. Snow-capped peaks against a blue sky are just mesmerizing. If you love winter trek and are ready for the cold then this is the best time for you. Winter Trek is a bit challenging due to snow but it’s unique and unforgettable.

Spring (Mar to Apr)

Spring is the best time to do the Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. The trail is full of blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, it’s colorful. The weather is pleasant, the sky is clear and the temperature is moderate, it’s a perfect time for trekking. This season is for nature lovers and photographers who want to capture the beauty of the Himalayas on their cameras.

Monsoon

Monsoon brings greenery and freshness to the Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. Forests and meadows are at their best, waterfalls and rivers are full of fresh water. However, trekking in monsoon can be challenging due to slippery paths, leeches, and landslides. This season is for experienced trekkers who are prepared for unpredictable weather and want to experience the greenery of the Himalayas.

Autumn (Oct to Nov)

Autumn is the best time to do the Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila Trek. The weather is stable, the sky is clear and the air is cool and crisp. Views of surrounding peaks are extremely clear, it’s a photographer’s paradise. Forests start to turn golden, it’s a beautiful sight. This season has a perfect balance of good weather and landscapes, it’s suitable for trekkers of all levels.

Best Time to Do This Trek

Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is open throughout the year but best time to do this trek is in spring (Mar to Apr) and autumn (Oct to Nov) seasons. These seasons have the best weather, best views, and best natural beauty, it’s a perfect trek. Winter treks are for those who want to have snowy adventures and monsoon treks are for experienced trekkers who want to enjoy the greenery and are prepared for the monsoon.

Difficulty Level of Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila Trek has well marked, moderate, and maintained trail suitable for trekkers of all levels. The route passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests, lush green meadows, and rocky terrain. In winter the trail is covered with snow, which adds to the difficulty of trekking in this season and it’s a snow trek in Chopta.

Altitude

Starting from 2,680 meters in Chopta, the trek goes up to 3,680 meters in Chandrashila Peak. The gradual gain of altitude gives trekkers a chance to acclimatize properly and reduces the risk of altitude sickness. This high-altitude trek in Uttarakhand is beautiful and fulfilling.

Weather

Weather on Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila Trek varies greatly with seasons. In winter (Dec to Feb) temperature goes below 0 and the trail is covered with snow, it’s a perfect snow trek in Chopta. In spring (Mar to Apr) weather is mild and flowers bloom, in monsoon (July to Sep) it’s green and occasional rain showers. In autumn (Oct to Nov) it’s clear sky and cold breeze, are some of the best times for the Chopta Tungnath trek.

Physical Fitness

Though the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek is moderate, it requires some physical fitness. Trekkers should be prepared for steep climbs especially from Tungnath to Chandrashila summit. Regular cardio, strength training, and previous trekking experience will help in a comfortable trek. This trek is suitable for beginners in good health and experienced trekkers looking for an easy but fulfilling Himalayan trek.

Visit the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek to experience the trek to Tungnath temple and stunning views from Chandrashila peak. Trekking in the Garhwal Himalayas is natural beauty, spiritual significance, and adventure. Find out why the Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila trek is a must-do for those who are trekking in Chopta and looking for high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand.

How to Reach Pickup Point Haridwar for Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 37 km from Haridwar and 21 km from Rishikesh.
• Regular flights operate from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
• Taxis and buses are available from the airport to Haridwar and Rishikesh.

By Train:

• Haridwar and Rishikesh are well-connected by rail to major cities across India.
• Key trains include the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, and Mussoorie Express.
• From the railway stations, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach your destination.

By Road:

• Extensive road networks connect Haridwar and Rishikesh to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Chandigarh.
• Regular bus services, including state-run and private operators, drive from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh.
• Self-driving is also an option, with well-maintained highways providing a scenic drive to the gateway cities.

Once you reach Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can proceed to the trekking base at Sari by road through our Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila trek Package services.