Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Highlights of Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta Chandrashila Trek passes through alpine meadows, vibrant flower valleys, rhododendrons and oak forests and amazing wildlife. Here are highlights/campsites of the trek:

Sari Village: Sari Village is a chosen basecamp for some itineraries, especially when Deoria Tal is included in the trekking journey. It is a peaceful village and you can view Kedarnath peaks from here.
Deoria Tal: Deoria Tal is a high-altitude lake located in Rudraprayag district. It is surrounded by forests and Himalayan peaks. Many trekkers camp here at night for viewing the dazzling starry sky and its reflection in the lake.
Chopta: Chopta is the primary campsite and highlighted spot for the Chandrashila Trek. Trekkers stay here for acclimatization. Chopta is surrounded by the alpine meadows and offers stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Tungnath Vicinity: Due to being a sacred site, overnight camping is prohibited here but it offers a temporary halt to trekkers. The spiritual vibes here give mental peace and positivity.
Chandrashila Summit: It is the highest point of the trek (4,000 m) and offers a 360° view of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath and Chaukhamba.

Difficulty Level of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta chandrashila trek is considered an easy to moderate level trek. It's also one of the shorter treks which takes 3 days to complete. Though it's a high-altitude trek (4,000 m) and passes through dense forests, snow-covered mountains and rocky patches but with proper acclimatization and fitness training, it can be easily done even by beginners.

The terrain includes slippery slopes and stone-paved paths. In snow and rain, it can create some challenges. From Tungnath to Chandrashila, you will face steepy climb. Trekkers must be fit with strong legs and cardiovascular health. Altitude gain is significant so take care of AMS. Trekkers can do it solo but joining a group is recommended.

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek

The best time to do Chopta Chandrashila Trek is from early summer to post monsoon time.

April to June: This time trails look beautiful as the arrival of spring makes flowers alive and vibrant. Blooming rhododendrons and clear view of Himalayan peaks make it an ideal time to do Chopta Chandrashila Trek. Temperature range is adaptable (10-20°C in daytime and around 5°C or below at night time). Beginners can trek this time as the chances of rain are low and trails are safe and accessible.
September to November: After monsoon, the meadows are full of lush greenery. The temperature range is between 5°C–15°C in day time and goes 5°C to –5°C at night time. Occasional rain and snow can make trekking challenging but the view you get to see here during this time is unmatched. Perfect for photography lovers.
December to February: Some trekkers also do winter trek to view the snowfall. However, the trails in winter are more challenging. Temperature range can also be below 0°C even in daytime.

How to reach the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

The Chopta chandrashila trek starts from the base camp Chopta, which is accessible by road from major cities of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), Rishikesh, Nainital, etc. After reaching Chopta from Rishikesh or Dehradun, the trek route first leads to the Tungnath temple, located about 2 km from Chopta and is famous as the highest Shiva temple in the world. From Tungnath, the trail continues for about 1.5 km to reach the Chandrashila peak. This climb is steeper but rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. The total trek distance is 7 km, which takes about 6-7 hours (the timing totally depends on the trekker's physical fitness).

Chopta Chandrashila Trek Route Map

For Chopta chandrashila trek, some trekkers choose Sari Village as basecamp especially when Deoria Tal is included, while some choose Chopta as basecamp.

Chopta Chandrashila Trek Map — Trek Route Map of Chopta Chandrashila Trek (Cr. by Birendra Bisht)

Reach Sari Village (basecamp, optional)

Altitude: Approx 2,000 m

Distance: Reachable by road (NH1) from Dehradun (226.4 km, 7 hrs) or Rishikesh (188.1 km, 6 hrs)

Start trek from Sari Village to Deoria Tal (if included in itinerary)

Altitude: Approx 2,438 m

Distance: 2.5 km, 1-2 Hrs

Deoria Tal to Chopta (Common Basecamp)

Altitude: Approx 2,680 m

Distance: 68.3 km, 2-3 Hrs

Chopta to Tungnath

Altitude: Approx 3,680

Distance: 3.5 km, 3-4 hrs

Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak

Altitude: Approx 3,690 m

Distance: 1.5 km, 1 hr

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek starts from the base camp Chopta, which is accessible by road from major cities of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), Rishikesh, Nainital, etc. After reaching Chopta from Rishikesh or Dehradun, the trek route first leads to the Tungnath temple, located about 2 km from Chopta, and is famous as the highest Shiva temple in the world. From Tungnath, the trail continues for about 1.5 km to reach the Chandrashila peak. This climb is steeper but rewards trekkers with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. The total trek distance is 7 km, which takes about 6-7 hours (the timing totally depends on the trekker's physical fitness).

Customise Your Chopta Chandrashila trek with Himalaya Shelter (HS)

In Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your Chopta Chandrashila trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveller, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones.

How Does Each Day Look
- Complete day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Chopta

Drive: 205 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 2,100 ft (640 m) – 8,556 ft (2,608 m)

Accommodation: Hotel/luxury Tents

Meals: Dinner

We start our drive from the Rishikesh/ Dehradun and through the towns of Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to reach Chopta. This is a reserved forest and the nip in the air is easily felt due to the omnipresent oak trees. We pitch tents in Chopta and spent the night in the forest with hot dinner.

Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath temple to Chandrashila and back to Chopta

Trek: 8 km, 6 hrs

Altitude: 8,556 ft (2,608 m) – 12,073 ft (3,680 m) – 12,960 ft (3,950 m) – 8,556 ft (2,608 m)

Accommodation: Hotel/luxury Tents

Meals: Breakfast + Packed Lunch + Dinner

We start early today. From the picturesque environs of Chopta, we take the path through the arch leading up to the temple. Along the way, one may be able to spot a monal bird in the forest towards left. Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttrakhand. Tungnath is a short 2 km trek from Chopta. The temple is only visible in the last few hundred metres. It opens only in early summer and remains closed in winters. There are a few shops before the temple. We head up past the temple to the peak. According to a legend, Chandrashila is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the demon-king Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance. Stories apart, one gets to see a wide expanse of the most famous peaks of Garhwal from here. Soaking in the beautiful 360-degree views of the Himalayas we begin heading down to Chopta and reach by late afternoon.

Day 3: Chopta to Dehradun

Drive: 205 km, 7-8 hrs

Altitude: 8,556 ft (2,608 m) – 2,100 ft (640 m)

Meals: Breakfast

On this day, we can visit Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath. It is the winter abode of the idols of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples. The idols are brought here in palanquin when the Kedarnath temple closes in autumn. We drive back to Dehradun and reach by early evening.

Chopta Chnadrashila Trek

Frequently Asked Questions
- Get your questions answered here

The trek is easy and does not require trekking for long hours. Children above age of 12 can trek depending on their fitness level.

Chopta is situated within the Kedarnath Reserve National Park. There have been sightings of foxes and jackals in the past. But they do not usually come in when there is a lot of tourist activity.

The trek can be done all year round but the best time is spring and autumn.

The trekking route through Chopta gets closed during winter post December due to heavy snowfall. Thus, the best time to trek is during spring and autumn upto december.

Chandrashila offers splendid views of the Himalayas including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, Gangotri ranges, Chaukhamba peaks and more.

The trek is famous for the visit to the 1000-year old Tungnath temple which is the highest shrine of lord Shiva in the world. It is believed to have been built by Arjuna himself According to legends, the arms of the bull form of Shiva appeared in Tungnath Chandrashila is famous for its breathtaking 360 degree view of the Himalayan ranges. It is one of the few peaks that can also be climbed in the winter months

Ukhimath is where you’ll find the last ATM.

At Chopta, signals remain sketchy most of the time. Sometimes Airtel and BSNL work.

Electricity is luckily available at base camp sari.

Ukhimath is the nearest hospital which is almost an hour’s drive from Baniyakund.

The minimum requirement to join our team, Trek Leaders should have done the Basic Mountaineer Course Trek leaders in Himalaya Shelter have extensive experience in trekking and mountaineering. They are familiar with the specific terrain, weather conditions, and challenges of the region where the trek is taking place.

I have been doing treks with Himalaya Shelter for the last two years and they are awesome people with pure humbleness.“ We at Himalaya Shelter consider our trekkers part of our community, a family of sorts and really understand the efforts that you put into taking that much-needed break and setting off to the mountains. Some of you may wait for months and even a year to plan out that perfect excursion. That’s why we want it to be “a perfect excursion” for you. Our testimonials (read below) are a testament to our service-oriented mindset. We take safety into great consideration and ensure our team is trained to handle emergency situations. For a better experience, we provide accommodation on Twin Sharing throughout the trek. With most trekking operators you would get triple or even quad sharing accommodation. Our Accommodation will have attached washrooms Furthermore, we provide the essential safety gear for your trek – Without any additional charges. We pamper you with great food which keeps you going on the trek. (On our google maps out of 300 reviews over 80 Trekkers mention great food😋) We do not outsource services to ensure topmost quality throughout your journey. We use our own fleet of Vehicles to ferry you to the base camp and return.

The best time to undertake the Chopta Chandrashila trek is during the months of April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and the trails are clear. Avoid monsoon months (July and August) due to the risk of landslides.

The Chopta Chandrashila trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. It involves some steep ascents and descents, but it’s manageable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

The total trekking distance from Chopta to Chandrashila and back is approximately 10 to 12 kilometers, depending on the specific route taken. It usually takes around 3 to 4 days to complete the trek.

Chandrashila Peak stands at an altitude of about 13,000 feet (3,978 meters) above sea level.

While the altitude is not extremely high, it’s recommended to spend a day in Chopta for acclimatization before attempting to reach Chandrashila. This helps your body adjust to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Essentials include trekking shoes, warm clothing, rain gear, a good quality backpack, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and personal toiletries. It’s important to pack light but also be prepared for varying weather conditions.

Yes, camping is allowed and it’s a popular option for trekkers. There are designated camping sites along the trail. However, it’s advisable to carry your own camping equipment or check with a trekking company for arrangements.

Chopta is a hill station in Garhwal Himalayas Uttarakhand. It is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chandrashila is the summit above Tungnath Temple at 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in Garhwal Himalayas Uttarakhand.

It offers 360° views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba.

It is a moderate but steepy trek. Beginners can do it with optimum fitness.

March-June and September-November.

Yes, but the trails are slippery and leech-infested.

Chopta → Tungnath (3.5 km) → Chandrashila (1.5 km) → Return to Chopta.

10 km round trip, taking 5-6 hours.

Yes, most people start early and return by evening.

Yes, early morning sunrise is stunning.

Tungnath Temple is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, part of the Panch Kedar temples.

Yes, it is one of the shorter treks. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is approx 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) and from Tungnath to Chandrashila is about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) one way.

Yes, but camping near Tungnath is not allowed.

Inclusions & Exclusions
- Know What's Included & Excluded in Your Adventure!

Inclusion

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime, all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you, creating wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region,n whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Transport support from Dehradun to Dehradun ( Pick-up location: Prince Chowk, near Dehradun Railway Station )
Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am

Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals.( INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek )
On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
Permission - Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification.)There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route Guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusions

Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
Travel Expenses - Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader.
Anything apart from inclusions
Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. 🌱

	TREK DIFFICULTY Easy			TREK DURATION 3 days
	HIGHEST ALTITUDE 12,110 Feet			GROUP SIZE 12 People
	TOTAL TREK DISTANCE 7 Km			BASECAMP Uttarakhand
	BEST TIME April to June and September to November			PICKUP POINT Dehradun

Trek Fee

₹ 9900

$ 114

Chopta Chandrashila Trek Overview:

History of Chopta Tungnath

Trek Fee

$114

₹9900

Highlights of Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Highlights of Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Difficulty Level of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Difficulty Level of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek

How to reach the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

How to reach the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta Chandrashila Trek Route Map

Chopta Chandrashila Trek Route Map

Customise Your Chopta Chandrashila trek with Himalaya Shelter (HS)

Customise Your Chopta Chandrashila trek with Himalaya Shelter (HS)

How Does Each Day Look
- Complete day-wise Itinerary