Chopta Tungnath With Chandrashila Trek, Uttarakhand

“Spectacular Summit Views: A Guide to the Most Scenic Trek”

Are you looking for a day by day detailed daily itinerary for a trip to Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashilla? Look no further and follow the most popular plan for these beautiful places in Uttarakhand. The Tungnath-Chopta-Chandrashilla circuit is becoming increasingly popular among travellers.

The Chopta Tungnath with Chandrashila Trek is a popular trekking route in Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and it is a easy to moderate trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Himalayas.

The trek starts from Chopta, a small village in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. From here, you will trek up to the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. From here, you will continue to the summit of Chandrashila, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

From the summit of Chandrashila, one can witness a breathtaking view of the Indian Himalayas. It is an experience that many trekkers will never forget. To the left, one can see the Gangotri range of peaks, Mt Thalaysagar, Kedarnath and the Kedar dome, Mandani Parbat and Janhukut, and the imposing Chaukhamba.

To the right, one can spot Gauri Parbat, Hathi Parbat and Dunagiri. In the center stands India’s tallest mountain, Mt Nanda Devi, with Mt Nanda Ghunti and Mt Trishul to its right.

Along the way, you will pass through lush forests, meadows, and villages. The trek is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and experience the culture of the local people. The trek is suitable for all levels of trekkers and is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas.

Quick Points

Start/End: Chopta

Duration: 3D/2N

Total Distance: 12 km

Maximum Height: 12,100 ft (3690 m)

Chopta – Chandrashila Trek Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Temperature: Day (32°C to 15°C) and Night (-3°C to 0°C)

Best Time for Chopta – Chandrashila Trek: April – December

Highlights of Chandrashila Trek

Exploring the ancient Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world.

Enjoying the mesmerizing views of the Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba Peaks from the top Chandrashila.

Trekking through the lush green meadows of Deoria Tal & taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Deoria Tal.

Enjoying the serenity of the Chopta Valley while Passing through the forests of Maple and Rhododendron.

Confluences of river Bhagirathi and Alaknanda and the enchanting small village of Sari.

What Makes the Chandrashila Trek with Chopta and Tungnath Special?

The best part about the Chandrashila Trek is that it is a great year-round trek, offering a unique experience in each season. Autumn and winter are the most popular times to go, but no matter when you choose to go, you’ll be sure to be tested by the mighty Himalayas. The Chandrashila Trek is sure to be an unforgettable journey.

The Chandrashila Trek with Chopta and Tungnath is special because it offers a unique combination of stunning views, challenging terrain, and spiritual significance. The trek takes you through the beautiful meadows of Chopta, the dense forests of Deoria Tal, and the majestic peaks of Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Along the way, you will get to experience the spiritual significance of the area, as it is home to some of the oldest Hindu temples in the region. With a peak height of 3,690 m (12,100 ft) above sea level, the trek also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, including the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. The trek is a great way to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and experience the spiritual significance of the region.

How to Reach Chopta

Chandrashila Trek route: Haridwar/Rishikesh (Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila Peak – Chopta) – Haridwar/Rishikesh

By air: You can plan your trip to Rishikesh by taking a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. The airport is located 14 km away from Rishikesh, and you can take a bus or cab to reach the destination. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to reach Rishikesh a day before your departure.

By rail: You can take a train to Rishikesh/Haridwar or Kathgodam and from there take a bus or cab early in the morning to reach your destination.

By road: Private buses, government buses, and taxis all the way from Haridwar to Chopta. 200 km in a little less than 8 hours.

You can take either of two routes to reach Chopta: Rishikesh-Srinagar-Agastmuni-Ukhimath-Chopta, which is approximately 256 km and takes 8-9 hours of drive, or Kathgodam-Ranikhet-Gairsain-Karnaprayag-Rudraprayag-Ukhimath-Chopta, which is 261 km.

Note: There are two Chopta locations that will be on your route. Do not mix them up. One Chopta is a village located near Rudraprayag and the other, which is the base camp of Tungnath Chandrashila, is after Agastmuni-Ukhimath. Therefore, follow the Agastmuni-Ukhimath route to reach the base camp of Chopta Chandrashila.

Chandrashila Trek Complete Itinerary

Day 1st – Chopta to Tungnath Temple (4 km/ 2-3 hours)

The entire trek from Chopta to Tungnath, which is a total of 4 kilometers, is a cemented path. It takes about 2 hours for an average person to reach Tungnath and then another one hour to reach Chandrashila.

The walk is pleasant enough with magnificent views all around, but can feel steep to a lot of people. There is a total of 11 scissor bends that you will walk on while climbing up the ascent.

You have no need to rush through and can take plenty of breaks and walk at a pace that suits you the best. In my opinion, the trek is fairly easy and you do not really need a guide for this trek unless you were visiting in peak winter.

You will come across a meadow about an hour into the trek, where there are a few eating points / dhabas where you can take a break and eat.

The trail will continue to zigzag and gain altitude, with several points in between where you can sit and relax while enjoying the views around you.

You will reach Tungnath temple after climbing the 11 scissor bends.The temple remains closed in the winter season and you should find snow up here well into April.

If you wish to explore Ravanshila, there is a small detour around ten minutes before you reach Tungnath temple. You can get some amazing panoramic valley views from Ravanshila and also view the peaks of Chandrashila. It is best to ask the locals at the temple if you are unsure about the location.

Finally, after all this climb you reach tungnath temple. It is said that the temple is over 5,000 years old and third in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars; due to which it is also known as ‘Tritiya Kedar’.

Day 2nd – Tungnath Temple to Chandrashila (2 km/ 1-2 hours)

From the summit of Chandrashila peak, one can get a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar dome. To reach the peak, one needs to trek for another 1.5 kilometers from the temple. The path is clearly marked and hard to miss.

Along the way, one will gain an altitude of almost 1,000 ft and the trek is a bit steep. There are also dormitories near the temple which remain open during summer and many people stay at Tungnath for the night and then trek to Chandrashila in the morning to catch the sunrise view. At the top, there is another temple of Shiv ji. It is also believed that Lord Ram once did meditation over here.

Best time to Visit Chandrashila Trek

The ideal time to complete this trek is between April and November, with the best months being April, May, and June. However, if you cannot make it during these months, September and October are also good options. April offers the chance to experience snow, while May and June bring pleasant weather. September brings lush green vistas, and October brings the golden hues of Autumn.

Although Chopta Chandrashila is a challenging high-altitude trek, it can be undertaken for almost 8-9 months of the year. The trek is available for 10 months, excluding July and August (the wettest period in Uttarakhand).

How to get fit for Chandrashila Trek

The Chandrashila trek is classified as an easy-moderate trek. Frankly, out of all high-altitude treks, Tungnath-Chandrashila is the safest one. It gains altitude slowly so your body has enough time to acclimatize. Nevertheless, it is a high-altitude trek that climbs up to 12,083 ft.

So, it is recommended that you have a good level of cardiovascular fitness and strength in order to complete the trek. You should also be able to walk for long periods of time and carry a backpack with your supplies.

This trek requires a good amount of cardiovascular endurance.To prepare for this high-altitude trek, one should incorporate a combination of distance and speed targets into their jogging routine, gradually increasing the pace day by day.

During preparation for this trek, your aim should be to comfortably finish 5 km within 40 minutes. You should start your preparation from at least a month in advance, by running or by doing some cardio you can achieve your fitness for Chandrashila Trek.

Helpful Tips before you go for Chandrashila Trek

Srinagar/Rudraprayag/ Agastmuni/ Ukhimath is the where the ATMs are available. So, it’s better that you carry enough cash. There is no ATM in Chopta.

Tungnath / Chandrashila does not have a strong connection. Usually, the network comes and goes. The phone signals were present but with inferior connectivity. BSNL/Jio/Airtel works the best in these areas. But You will get a 4G network even at Chandrashila Top!

Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat and get the best views of the valley.

Carry enough water and snacks to keep you hydrated and energized throughout the trek.

Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as the terrain can be slippery at times.

Carry a first aid kit and some basic medicines to treat minor injuries or ailments.

Carry sunglasses & sunscreen above SPF 30.

Do not litter and keep the environment clean. Respect the local culture and traditions of the area.

Take least possible clothes. Lesser the weight to carry, easier it will be later.

Mythology of Tungnath Temple

The Pandavas, as per the legend, were advised by Rishi Veda Vyas to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing their relatives in the battle of ‘Mahabharata’. Knowing of their sin, Shiva decided to hide himself underground in the form of a bull (Nandi).

Later, it is said that his body rematerialized at five different locations, which are now known as the ‘Panch Kedar’ Temples.

These temples were built by the Pandavas themselves in order to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness and blessings, each of them being identified with a different part of Shiva’s body – Tungnath with his ‘baahu’ (hands), Kedarnath with his hump, Rudranath with his head, Madhyamaheshwar with his navel and stomach, and Kalpeshwar with his jata (hair or locks).

FAQ

How long is Chandrashila Trek?

It takes close to about 2-3 days to complete the duration of the Chandrashila trek and back. While the best time to experience this trek happens to be all year round, it is one of the best treks for those who are looking forward to embarking on moderate treks.

Is there snowfall in Chopta?

Chandrashila Peak and the Tungnath Temple are drenched in snow from the months of December to March, making Chopta one of the favorite destinations amongst the travelers.

What is the elevation of Chandrashila Trek?

The elevation of Chandrashila Trek is 12,100 feet (3,690 meters) above sea level.

What will be the Temperature be like of Chandrashila Trek?

The temperature of Chandrashila Trek varies depending on the season. During the summer months (April to June), the temperature can range from 10°C to 25°C. During the winter months (November to February), the temperature can range from -5°C to 10°C.

What are the Stay Options near Chandrashila Trek? Is camping allowed?

The stay options near Chandrashila Trek are limited. However, you can find some homestays and guesthouses in the nearby villages. Camping is allowed in the area, but you need to take permission from the local authorities before setting up a camp.

You can find accommodation in Chopta, Dugalbitta, Baniyakund, Gopeshwar, and Tungnath without the need to book in advance; simply arrive and negotiate an on-the-spot deal.

Is there any food and water sources available on the Chandrashila trek?

You will find numerous dhabas, restaurants, and tea stalls along the trek to Chopta and Tungnath temple.

My advice would be to carry some snacks like biscuits or chocolates to munch on while in Chopta. It is important to note that the dhabas and restaurants in the area tend to charge a premium for even the simplest of meals. They will not provide a menu with prices, so it is important to ask for the cost of each item before ordering to avoid an unexpectedly high bill.

Can one go to Chandrashila Peak alone in March?

March is an ideal time to visit Chandrashila Peak, as it offers a great winter trek experience with occasional snowfall. Make sure to equip yourself adequately.

It is essential to have a guide with you during the winter season. Bharat Puspwan (09719875326, 09456108780) is local guides who can be of great assistance. Bharat is experienced, friendly, and have been working as guides for over 14 years. Maybe if you need him, he can be of much help with everything and you can directly get in touch without involving any travel agent.

How much distance is from Delhi to Chandrashila?

The approximate distance from Delhi to Chandrashila is about 300 km.

How difficult is Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?

Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a moderate-level trek. It is suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trek is of moderate difficulty and can be completed in 2-3 days.

The trek involves walking for around 6-7 hours a day, with some steep ascents and descents. The highest point of the trek is at an altitude of 3,690 m, so it is important to be prepared for the altitude.

Can we take kids to Tungnath Chandrashila Trek?

If your child is above 8 years then yes, we would highly recommend the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek for them.