Chopta Tungnath Trek

Overview of the Chopta Tungnath Trek

Chopta Tungnath Trek runs 3 days in Uttarakhand, graded Easy to Moderate, from Rs 4,499 per person.

What the Chopta Tungnath Trek is like

It starts at Chopta, a small meadow settlement in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal Himalayas, and climbs a stone-paved path to Tungnath, a temple at about 3,680 m (12,073 ft) that is widely described as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Chopta meadows: Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is a green bowl ringed by forest. The highest Shiva temple: Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar group of temples, and local tradition says it is more than a thousand years old. Chandrashila sunrise: A pre-dawn climb brings you to the summit for views that, on clear days, include Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trisul and Kedarnath peaks. Day 1, Delhi to Chopta: Meet at Akshardham Metro Station or ISBT Kashmere Gate. By road, on your own: Chopta is roughly 400 km or more from Delhi, a drive of around 12 to 14 hours via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag. Bags: A 30 to 40 L rucksack with a rain cover, since you only need kit for one night on the trail Clothing: Thermals, a fleece, a warm or padded jacket, a waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, a woollen cap and gloves Highest points: Tungnath about 3,680 m and Chandrashila around 4,000 m A short, paved path: The route to Tungnath is mostly a stone-paved track, which makes the walk easy to follow. Rhododendron forest: From around March to May the slopes can be filled with red and pink blossoms. By train: The nearest major railheads are Haridwar and Rishikesh, with onward taxis or buses. You travel overnight, drive through the Garhwal hills to Chopta, trek to Tungnath on the same day, climb to Chandrashila the next morning and drive back overnight.

How hard is the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

At 3,680 m the thin air is the real constraint on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, so the upper stretch is walked slowly and altitude symptoms are reported early.

Best time to do the Chopta Tungnath Trek

The published window for the Chopta Tungnath Trek is March to June and September to November, with snow in winter. Outside that window the Chopta Tungnath Trek becomes a different landscape rather than simply worse weather.

Getting to the start

The Chopta Tungnath Trek assembles at Delhi, and the day numbering runs from that point. Reporting times and the exact pickup point for the Chopta Tungnath Trek are confirmed on booking.

Who the Chopta Tungnath Trek suits

The Chopta Tungnath Trek is a realistic first outing, since its 3 days are short enough that fitness is not the barrier. Families with older children and anyone returning to walking after a break fit the Chopta Tungnath Trek comfortably. Solo travellers move inside a led group on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, so the pace is collective rather than personal.

What to carry on the Chopta Tungnath Trek

Layers do more work than any single jacket on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, because the temperature at 3,680 m bears little relation to the trailhead. Footwear decides the day on the Chopta Tungnath Trek: loose stone and wet ground cause most slips, and a worn sole is the usual reason people struggle on the descent. Carry two litres of water each on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, a small first-aid kit, a head torch for pre-dawn walking, and food already tested on a training walk.

Safety on the Chopta Tungnath Trek

At 3,680 m on the Chopta Tungnath Trek, altitude illness is the main risk rather than the ground, so walk slowly and report a persistent headache or nausea immediately. A certified leader carries first aid and safety kit on the Chopta Tungnath Trek and reviews the forecast each morning, so the plan stays provisional until conditions are known. Travel insurance that covers trekking at this altitude is worth the small extra cost and is not part of the Chopta Tungnath Trek price.

What the price includes

The Rs 4,499 price of the Chopta Tungnath Trek covers accommodation on the itinerary, the listed meals, a certified leader with support crew, applicable permits and entry fees, and the safety equipment carried. Excluded from the Chopta Tungnath Trek are travel to the assembly point unless the itinerary says otherwise, personal kit and clothing, insurance, and anything the inclusions list does not name.

More on the Chopta Tungnath Trek

Snow in winter: From about December to March, the trail and the meadows are usually covered in snow. By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun. The Chopta Tungnath trek is one of the best short treks in Uttarakhand. The Tungnath temple is traditionally closed in winter, roughly from around November until the spring, when the deity is moved to a lower village, so check the current opening dates if the temple visit matters to you. With this package: The vehicle starts from Delhi and brings you back, so you do not need to arrange your own transport. Day 2, Chopta to Tungnath: Reach Rishikesh around 4:00 AM and start the mountain drive at about 5:00 AM. March to June is popular for rhododendron flowers and mild days, although snow can remain on the upper trail in March and April. From there an extra climb takes you to Chandrashila, a summit at around 4,000 m (about 13,100 ft) with a wide view of the Himalayan range. The path climbs steadily on a stone-paved track through rhododendron and oak forest and then through open meadow. Stay with your group, keep to the paved path and start the Chandrashila climb on time. The trek is short, but the altitude and steep sections add effort The vehicle leaves for Chopta in the evening, with dinner at a restaurant near Modinagar, and continues through the night towards Rishikesh.

Where the Chopta Tungnath Trek fits on WDRLUST

Browsing by region or activity is often faster than reading individual pages, so start with Uttarakhand and Trekking. The closest alternatives to the Chopta Tungnath Trek are Valley of flower Trek, Kedarkantha Trek and Pangarchulla Peak Trek, which suit anyone comparing dates or a slightly different grade.

Chopta Tungnath Trek: A Weekend to the Highest Shiva Temple

The Chopta Tungnath trek is one of the best short treks in Uttarakhand. It starts at Chopta, a small meadow settlement in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal Himalayas, and climbs a stone-paved path to Tungnath, a temple at about 3,680 m (12,073 ft) that is widely described as the highest Shiva temple in the world. From there an extra climb takes you to Chandrashila, a summit at around 4,000 m (about 13,100 ft) with a wide view of the Himalayan range.

This WDRLUST plan runs for three days from Delhi to Delhi. You travel overnight, drive through the Garhwal hills to Chopta, trek to Tungnath on the same day, climb to Chandrashila the next morning and drive back overnight. It fits a weekend, and it suits first-time trekkers because the distances are short and the path is clear.

Chopta Tungnath Trek Snapshot

• Duration: 3 days from Delhi to Delhi, including two overnight journeys
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The trek is short, but the altitude and steep sections add effort
• Highest points: Tungnath about 3,680 m and Chandrashila around 4,000 m
• Distance: about 3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath, and about 1.5 km on to Chandrashila
• Best seasons: March to June and September to November, with snow in winter
• Starting point: Delhi, with a pick-up at Akshardham Metro Station or ISBT Kashmere Gate

Highlights of the Chopta Tungnath Trek

• The highest Shiva temple: Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar group of temples, and local tradition says it is more than a thousand years old.
• Chandrashila sunrise: A pre-dawn climb brings you to the summit for views that, on clear days, include Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trisul and Kedarnath peaks.
• Chopta meadows: Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is a green bowl ringed by forest.
• Rhododendron forest: From around March to May the slopes can be filled with red and pink blossoms.
• Snow in winter: From about December to March, the trail and the meadows are usually covered in snow.
• A short, paved path: The route to Tungnath is mostly a stone-paved track, which makes the walk easy to follow.

Day-by-Day Overview

Day 1, Delhi to Chopta: Meet at Akshardham Metro Station or ISBT Kashmere Gate. The vehicle leaves for Chopta in the evening, with dinner at a restaurant near Modinagar, and continues through the night towards Rishikesh.

Day 2, Chopta to Tungnath: Reach Rishikesh around 4:00 AM and start the mountain drive at about 5:00 AM. The road runs along the Kedarnath-Badrinath route through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Kund. It takes around eight hours to reach Chopta. After lunch, begin the 3.5 km trek to Tungnath, which takes around three hours. Visit the temple in the evening, have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 3, Chandrashila and return to Delhi: Wake early and start for Chandrashila at about 5:00 AM. The 1.5 km climb is steeper and takes around an hour. Enjoy the sunrise and the view, then start down at around 8:00 AM and reach Chopta around noon. After lunch, drive back to Delhi, arriving early the next morning. The detailed plan is in the itinerary section of this page.

The Trail in More Detail

Chopta to Tungnath

The path climbs steadily on a stone-paved track through rhododendron and oak forest and then through open meadow. It is not technical, but the height makes you breathe harder. In the season, tea stalls along the way sell snacks and hot drinks.

Tungnath to Chandrashila

The final climb is shorter but steeper. The path is rocky and, in winter, covered in snow and ice. The top is windy and cold, even on a clear day, so keep a warm layer ready.

The descent

The way back down is quicker but hard on the knees. Take your time on wet or icy stones.

Best Time to Do the Chopta Tungnath Trek

March to June is popular for rhododendron flowers and mild days, although snow can remain on the upper trail in March and April. September to November brings clear skies and crisp air. December to February is winter, with deep snow and very cold nights, and it needs proper winter gear.

The monsoon from July to August is risky because of heavy rain and landslides on the hill road. The Tungnath temple is traditionally closed in winter, roughly from around November until the spring, when the deity is moved to a lower village, so check the current opening dates if the temple visit matters to you. Conditions change, so ask the team before you travel.

How Difficult Is the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

Most people find it easy to moderate. The distances are short, and the path is clear, but the altitude means the climb feels harder than the numbers. On Day 2 you arrive after a long overnight journey and a day of driving, so tiredness is the main challenge.

Prepare for two to three weeks. Walk briskly or climb stairs for 30 minutes, four or five times a week, and add some uphill walking. Squats and lunges help your knees. If you have a heart or lung condition, or have had altitude trouble before, speak to a doctor first.

Altitude

Chopta is around 2,900 m and Tungnath is about 3,680 m. Drink water, walk slowly, and tell your leader about a headache, nausea or dizziness. Do not climb higher with symptoms.

How to Reach Chopta

• With this package: The vehicle starts from Delhi and brings you back, so you do not need to arrange your own transport.
• By road, on your own: Chopta is roughly 400 km or more from Delhi, a drive of around 12 to 14 hours via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
• By train: The nearest major railheads are Haridwar and Rishikesh, with onward taxis or buses.
• By air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun.

What to Pack for the Chopta Tungnath Trek

• Bags: A 30 to 40 L rucksack with a rain cover, since you only need kit for one night on the trail
• Clothing: Thermals, a fleece, a warm or padded jacket, a waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, a woollen cap and gloves
• Footwear: Trekking shoes with good grip and spare socks
• Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm
• Health: Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
• Other essentials: A water bottle, snacks, a headlamp, a power bank, a trash bag and a photo ID

Safety and Responsible Trekking

Stay with your group, keep to the paved path and start the Chandrashila climb on time. Watch your step on ice and wet stones, and follow your leader’s advice about weather. Tungnath is a working temple, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow local customs.

The area lies in a protected zone, so carry out all rubbish, avoid single-use plastic, do not pick plants and do not disturb animals.

Who Is This Trek For?

This trek suits first-time trekkers, friends planning a weekend, pilgrims and solo travellers who prefer a guided group. It is less suited to anyone who dislikes long overnight drives, since two of the three days involve a lot of road travel.

Similar Treks

Kedarkantha Trek

Pangarchulla Peak Trek

Valley of Flowers Trek

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

The Chopta Tungnath Trek runs for 3 days. The day-by-day itinerary above lists each stage, walking distance and overnight stay.

How difficult is the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

The Chopta Tungnath Trek is rated Moderate by WDRLUST. It suits trekkers with some prior walking experience and steady fitness. Training with 45 to 60 minutes of cardio three times a week for six weeks before departure is enough for most people.

What is the cost of the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

The Chopta Tungnath Trek starts at Rs 4,499 per person. The price covers the inclusions listed on this page. Transport to the starting point, personal gear and anything not listed under inclusions are extra.

How high does the Chopta Tungnath Trek go?

The route reaches approximately 3,680 m. Walk slowly, drink water and report any headache or nausea to your trek leader.

How do I reach the starting point of the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

The Chopta Tungnath Trek starts from the base location described in the itinerary above. WDRLUST shares exact meeting points, reporting times and transport options on booking confirmation. The nearest major access region is Uttarakhand.

Is the Chopta Tungnath Trek safe for solo travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers join a led group, so you are never walking alone. Trek leaders carry a first-aid kit and oxygen where the altitude requires it, and the team tracks weather daily.

Chopta Tungnath from Bengaluru: Cost, Safe Months and the World’s Highest Shiva Temple

Tungnath sits at about 3,680 m in the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, and it is the highest Shiva temple anywhere. The walk from Chopta is short and the reward is large, which makes it one of the most popular three-day Himalayan treks for people flying in from the south.

Total cost from Bengaluru

The trek fee is Rs 4,499 per person:

• Trek fee: Rs 4,499, covering guidance, camps, trail meals and the permits in the inclusions.
• Getting there: the departures typically start from Delhi, with an overnight drive to Chopta. Fly Bengaluru to Delhi (Rs 7,000 to Rs 13,000 return), then the road leg is included in most Delhi-based packages or about Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 each way if booked separately.
• Nights in Delhi or Rishikesh: one before the package, Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500.
• Gear: Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 for rental.

Expect Rs 16,000 to Rs 22,000 all-in from Bengaluru. Because the package is Delhi-based, the flight is the only part you control.

Which months are safe

• April to June: The main season. Rhododendrons are in bloom in April and May, the trail is clear, and the temple is accessible. Days are pleasant, nights cold.
• September to November: The post-monsoon window. Clear views of the Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi ranges, dry trail, and the best photography light of the year.
• July to August: Monsoon. The trail is wet, leeches appear, and cloud usually hides the peaks. The temple remains open but the experience is diminished.
• December to March: Heavy snow, the temple is closed, and the trek is not run as a standard commercial departure.

What Moderate means here

Rated Moderate. The climb from Chopta to Tungnath is about 3.5 km with 700 m of gain, on a paved stone path for much of the way, and then a further kilometre to Chandrashila at 4,000 m. The gradient is steady rather than brutal.

The altitude is the real variable. Chopta itself sits at 2,700 m, so you are already high when you start, and the temple at 3,680 m is enough to make some people breathless on the final stretch. Give yourself three weeks of cardio before flying and walk slowly on the stone steps.

What rain does here

In the monsoon the stone path becomes slick, and the section above Tungnath toward Chandrashila turns to wet grass and mud. Cloud is the bigger issue: the entire appeal of this trek is the 180-degree view of the Garhwal peaks from the ridge, and between July and August you may walk three days and see none of it.

The Rishikesh-Chopta road is also monsoon-vulnerable, with slides on the Devprayag and Rudraprayag stretches. If you are on a fixed return flight from Bengaluru, build in a buffer day.

The Bengaluru sequence

Fly to Delhi on Friday, join the overnight drive to Chopta, trek Saturday to Sunday, and be back in Delhi on Monday morning for a flight home. That is three or four nights away, which makes this one of the more efficient Himalayan treks from Bengaluru. If you fly into Dehradun instead of Delhi you cut the road time, but flights are fewer and connections usually route through Delhi anyway.

Plan Your Trip

Explore related pages: All treks in Uttarakhand · Trekking in India · Browse all destinations · All activities.

Related Treks

• Valley of flower Trek
• Kedarkantha Trek
• Pangarchulla Peak Trek