Chopta Tungnath Trek

Chopta Tungnath trek is considered as the most beautiful and easy trek in Garhwal Himalayas. This is ideal trek for beginners, Families and students. We can see all major peaks of Uttarakhand from Chandrasilla summit. Tungnath is worshiped as third kedar (One of the five Holy Shiva shrines in Uttarakhand). This trek is doable any time of year.The region is a protected sanctuary for musk deer, and is rich in flora and fauna. Our first camp at Deoria tal is near a pristine lake ringed with forest. The view of Chaukhamba peaks is one of the most prominent in the entire journey.

Tungnath Temple- It is believed that Tungnath temple is 1000 years old, and it was founded by Arjun from Mahabharat. One of the highest of the Panch Kedar, standing at an elevation of 3860 meters above the sea level, the way to Tungnath temple is well marked and quite pretty.

Trek to Tungnath in winters is totally doable. Offcourse its gonna be a bit tough, but that's why we trek to get out there, out of our comfort zone. It'll be a snow trek, expect knee deep snow walking will a tiresome experience for the one who leads the rest can follow his steps in snow. Its the fun part, really hard to lead so gotta keep rotating turns.

Chopta Tungnath Trek

Dreaming of a short, scenic trek in the mountains? The Chopta Tungnath Trek in Uttarakhand is perfect for beginners and adventure lovers. This easy hike takes you to the world’s highest Shiva temple, lush meadows, and stunning Himalayan views. Here’s a simple, friendly guide to make your Chopta Tungnath Trek unforgettable!

Why Trek to Chopta Tungnath?

Chopta, often called “Mini Switzerland,” is a charming hill station in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. The trek to Tungnath Temple, at 3,680 meters, is one of the easiest in the Garhwal Himalayas, making it great for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting a quick nature escape. You’ll walk through forests, see rare birds, and enjoy breathtaking views of peaks like Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

What to Expect on the Chopta Tungnath Trek

  • Duration: 2–3 days (perfect for a weekend).
  • Distance: About 8–10 km (round trip).
  • Difficulty: Easy, ideal for beginners with basic fitness.
  • Starting Point: Chopta (250 km from Dehradun, 7–8 hours by road).
  • Highlights: Tungnath Temple, green meadows, Himalayan vistas, and optional hike to Chandrashila Peak.

Day 1: Drive from Dehradun to Chopta. Trek 3–4 km to Tungnath Temple (2–3 hours) through pine forests and meadows. Camp near the temple or stay in a guesthouse. Enjoy a bonfire and starry skies.
Day 2: Optional 1 km trek to Chandrashila Peak (1 hour) for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Trek back to Chopta (3–4 km, 2–3 hours) and drive to Dehradun. (Some add a day for extra exploration.)

Fun Things to Do on the Trek

  • Visit Tungnath Temple: Pray or admire the world’s highest Shiva temple, built by the Pandavas.
  • Hike to Chandrashila: Reach the “Moon Rock” peak at 3,700 meters for epic views of Nanda Devi, Kedar, and Bandarpunch.
  • Camp in Nature: Sleep in tents with bonfires, surrounded by meadows and forests.
  • Birdwatching: Spot rare Himalayan birds like monals in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Photography: Capture meadows, snowy peaks, and colorful sunsets for lasting memories.

Best Time to Trek Chopta Tungnath

  • Summer (April–June): Warm days (15–25°C), green landscapes, and clear trails.
  • Autumn (September–November): Cool weather (10–20°C), colorful forests, and sharp mountain views.
  • Winter (December–March): Snowy trails (0–10°C), great for snow lovers, but pack warm clothes. (Tungnath Temple closes in winter.)
  • Avoid: July–August due to rain and slippery paths.

Things to Carry

  • Warm clothes: Fleece jacket, thermals, woolen cap, socks, scarf.
  • Comfy clothes: T-shirts, trek pants (avoid jeans).
  • Raincoat or poncho.
  • Trekking shoes with good grip.
  • Backpack (20–30 liters) with rain cover.
  • Water bottle (1 liter) and snacks (energy bars, dry fruits).
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.
  • Torch or flashlight.
  • First-aid kit and personal medicines.
  • Trekking pole (optional, helps on steep parts).

How to Get to Chopta

  • Starting Point: Chopta, the base for the trek.
  • By Road: Chopta is 250 km from Dehradun (7–8 hours by car or bus). Take a bus or taxi from Dehradun to Rishikesh, then to Chopta via Ukhimath (₹500–₹1,500).
  • By Train: The nearest station is Haridwar (225 km) or Rishikesh (200 km). From there, take a bus or taxi to Chopta.
  • By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (220 km) is the closest. Taxis to Chopta cost ₹3,000–₹4,000.
  • From Delhi: Take a bus or train to Dehradun or Haridwar (6–7 hours), then a bus/taxi to Chopta.

Tips for a Great Trek

  • Starting Price: Around ₹1,299 per person for a 2–3 day group trek (includes transport from Dehradun, meals, camping, and guides). Prices vary by operator, season, or extras like porters (₹250–₹300/day). Check with Thrillophilia, Indiahikes, or Trekveda for deals.
  • Stay Safe: Book with trusted trek operators and follow your guide’s advice.
  • Pack Light: Carry only essentials to make trekking easier.
  • Be Eco-Friendly: Don’t litter, avoid plastic, and respect the forests and sanctuary.
  • Book Early: Peak seasons (April–June, September–November) get busy. Reserve 2–3 weeks ahead.
  • Check Weather: Winter treks may have snow, so confirm trail conditions for December–March.

Why You’ll Love It

The Chopta Tungnath Trek is a short, magical adventure that’s easy but unforgettable. Walk to a sacred temple, camp in meadows, and gaze at snowy peaks—all in a weekend! Perfect for beginners, this trek offers peace, beauty, and a chance to feel on top of the world. Whether you’re praying at Tungnath or stargazing, it’ll leave you happy and refreshed.

Ready to plan your Chopta Tungnath Trek? Let me know if you need help with bookings, packing tips, or more details!