Chopta Chandrashila Trek 2026 – The Ultimate Himalayan Adventure to Tungnath & Summit
Welcome to Chopta the “Mini Switzerland of India” a pristine Himalayan hamlet tucked away in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary of Uttarakhand. The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is not just a trek; it’s a journey that weaves together spiritual devotion, breathtaking natural beauty, and adrenaline-pumping adventure into one unforgettable experience.
At Dream Go Himalayas, we don’t just take you trekking we craft life-changing Himalayan stories. This trek takes you to the Tungnath Temple the world’s highest Shiva temple at 12,073 feet and further to the Chandrashila Summit at 13,123 feet, where a 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan giants Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and Bandarpunch awaits you.
Whether you’re a first-time trekker looking for a gentle introduction to the Himalayas, a family seeking a safe yet thrilling vacation, a spiritual pilgrim walking the Panch Kedar trail, or a winter adventure enthusiast craving snow-covered trails the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is your perfect calling.
Why the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is India’s Most Loved Short Trek
World’s Highest Shiva Temple – Tungnath (12,073 ft)
Tungnath is one of the five sacred Panch Kedar temples, believed to have been built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. According to legend, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull to avoid the Pandavas, and his arms emerged at Tungnath making it a site of immense spiritual power. The temple was later rediscovered by Adi Shankaracharya and has stood as a beacon of devotion for over a thousand years. Standing at 3,680 meters, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world and a must-visit for every spiritual traveler.
The Legendary 360° View from Chandrashila Summit (13,123 ft)
The final push from Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak is just 1.5 km, but the reward is extraordinary. From the summit, you witness an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of over 25 Himalayan peaks. The sunrise from Chandrashila is nothing short of magical as the first golden rays illuminate Nanda Devi (India’s 2nd highest peak), Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Dome, the sky transforms into a living painting of orange, pink, and gold. According to mythology, Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana, and the name “Chandrashila” literally means “Moon Rock” — where Chandra Dev (Moon God) performed penance.
Perfect for Beginners, Families & Solo Travelers
Graded Easy to Moderate, this trek is one of the most beginner-friendly Himalayan treks in India. The trail is well-paved with stone steps, clearly marked, and doesn’t require technical climbing skills. At Dream Go Himalayas, we’ve guided families with children as young as 8, senior citizens, and first-time solo travelers — all of whom have returned with smiles and stories. The gradual altitude gain minimizes the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), making it a safe choice for all age groups.
A Year-Round Himalayan Destination
- Spring (March–April): The entire trail bursts into color with red and pink rhododendron blooms — a photographer’s dream
- Summer (May–June): Pleasant weather, lush green meadows, and crystal-clear mountain views
- Autumn (September–November):Post-monsoon clarity offers the best visibility for peak photography
- Winter (December–February): The landscape transforms into a snow-covered wonderland — perfect for snow trekking enthusiasts
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Chopta has been declared an Important Bird Area by national and international conservation organizations. Keep your eyes peeled for the Himalayan Monal (Uttarakhand’s state bird), Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Finch, and over 240 species of native and migratory birds. The nearby Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary (7 km from Chopta) adds to the biodiversity experience.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek – Complete Information Table
| Detail | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Trek Duration | 3 Days / 2 Nights (Standard) or 5 Days / 4 Nights (with Deoriatal) | |
| Trek Distance | ~10 km round trip (Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila → Chopta) | |
| Maximum Altitude | 13,123 ft (Chandrashila Summit) / 4,000 meters | |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate | |
| Starting Point | Chopta (8,790 ft) / Sari Village (for Deoriatal extension) | |
| Pickup Points | Rishikesh / Haridwar / Delhi | |
| Best Time | March–June & September–November (All year for experienced trekkers) | |
| Day Temperature | Summer: 8°C to 20°C | Winter: -5°C to 10°C |
| Night Temperature | Summer: 2°C to 8°C | Winter: -10°C to 0°C |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km from Chopta) | |
| Nearest Railway | Rishikesh (210 km) / Haridwar (230 km) | |
| Region | Rudraprayag District, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand | |
| Mobile Network | Patchy (Airtel/Jio work intermittently at Chopta) |
Extended Itinerary – 5 Days / 4 Nights (Chopta + Deoriatal Lake)
For trekkers seeking a deeper Himalayan immersion, we recommend our Deoriatal-Chopta-Chandrashila Combo one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand.
| Day | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Delhi/Rishikesh → Sari Village | Drive + short trek to Deoriatal Lake (2,438 m) — witness the mirror-like reflection of Chaukhamba peaks |
| Day 2 | Deoriatal → Rohini Bugyal → Baniyakund | 8 km trek through ancient rhododendron forests |
| Day 3 | Baniyakund → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila | Summit day — the grand finale |
| Day 4 | Chopta → Sari → Rishikesh | Scenic drive back |
| Day 5 | Buffer Day / Rishikesh Exploration | Optional rafting, Ganga Aarti, or rest |
🏔️ Why Deoriatal? The lake is famous for its perfect reflection of the Chaukhamba massif on clear mornings — a sight that has left even seasoned trekkers speechless.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek Packages & Pricing 2026
At Dream Go Himalayas, we believe in 100% transparent pricing no hidden costs, no last-minute surprises.
Package 1: Chopta Chandrashila 3D/2N (Rishikesh to Rishikesh)
| Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|
| Transport (Rishikesh–Chopta–Rishikesh in shared vehicle) | ₹4,999/- per person |
| Accommodation (Swiss tents / Guest house on sharing basis) | + 5% GST |
| All meals — Breakfast, Dinner, Packed Lunch (Pure Veg) | |
| Certified Trek Leader & Local Guide | |
| Forest Permits & Entry Fees | |
| Safety Equipment (First Aid, Oximeter, Oxygen Cylinder) | |
| Trek Completion Certificate | |
| Group Discount: 4+ people — ₹500 off per person | |
| Early Bird: Book 30 days in advance — ₹300 off |
Package 2: Chopta Chandrashila 3D/2N (Delhi to Delhi)
| Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|
| Volvo/Tempo Traveler from Delhi | ₹6,999 per person |
| All inclusions from Package 1 | + 5% GST |
| Free: Rain poncho + Trekking pole rental |
Chopta Chandrashila + Deoriatal 5D/4N
| Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|
| Complete 5-day immersive itinerary | ₹9,999 per person |
| All transport, stay, meals, permits, guides | + 5% GST |
| Free: Backpack offloading (up to 10 kg) | |
| Bonus: Deoriatal lakeside camping experience |
Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek – Season-by-Season Guide
| Season | Months | Day Temp | Night Temp | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March–April | 10°C–18°C | 2°C–8°C | 🌺 Rhododendron blooms — entire trail turns red & pink |
| Summer | May–June | 15°C–25°C | 5°C–12°C | 🌿 Pleasant weather, lush meadows, clear views |
| Monsoon | July–August | 10°C–20°C | 8°C–15°C | 🌧️ Lush green but landslide risk — not recommended |
| Autumn | Sept–Nov | 10°C–18°C | 0°C–8°C | 📸 Best visibility, crisp air, photographer’s paradise |
| Winter | Dec–February | -5°C–10°C | -10°C–0°C | ❄️ Snow trekking, magical white landscapes |
🎯 Our Recommendation: For first-timers, March–June or September–November is ideal. For snow lovers, January–February offers the most magical winter experience.
Why Choose Dream Go Himalayas for Chopta Chandrashila Trek?
🏔️ Local Himalayan Experts: We’re not a generic travel agency — we’re mountain people who live and breathe the Himalayas
🏔️ Transparent Pricing: No hidden costs, no surprises — what you see is what you pay
🏔️ Small Batch Sizes: Max 12–15 trekkers for personalized attention
🏔️ Certified Guides: Our trek leaders are trained by NIM, IMF, and Hanifle Center
🏔️ Quality Gear: High-grade tents, sleeping bags (-10°C rated), and safety equipment
🏔️ Flexible Packages: Customize your itinerary — add Deoriatal, extend days, or request private batches
🏔️ 24/7 Support: From booking to summit to return, we’re with you at every step
🏔️ Sustainable Trekking: We follow Leave No Trace principles and support local communities