Chopta is a small meadow village in Rudraprayag district and the base for the walk to Tungnath — one of the Panch Kedar temples and among the highest Shiva temples in the world — and on to the Chandrashila summit. It is one of the best short Himalayan treks for beginners.
01The trek at a glance
| Section | Approx. distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chopta to Tungnath | about 3.5 km | 2–3 hours up |
| Tungnath to Chandrashila | about 1–1.5 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Return to Chopta | 2–2.5 hours |
The path to Tungnath is paved and steady; the last stretch to Chandrashila is steeper and rocky. Start before sunrise to reach Chandrashila while the sky is clear — on a good day you see Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Kedarnath peaks.
02Best season
- April–June: rhododendron forests in bloom, pleasant days
- September–November: clearest mountain views
- December–March: snow trek; the Tungnath temple is closed in winter (the deity moves to Mukkumath), but the walk is beautiful
- July–August: monsoon; slippery and cloudy
03How to plan it
From Haridwar or Rishikesh, Chopta is about 7–8 hours by road via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. A 2N/3D trip works well: drive day, trek day and return. Our Chopta and Tungnath trip is planned this way, and it can be added to a Kedarnath yatra.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Tungnath trek?
About 3.5 km one way from Chopta; Chandrashila is another 1–1.5 km.
Is the Chopta trek good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of the easiest high-altitude treks, though the last stretch to Chandrashila is steep.
Is Tungnath temple open in winter?
No, it closes for winter; the trek is still possible in snow.
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