Highlight
Chopta – Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta is a scenic Himalayan hamlet surrounded by lush meadows, dense forests, and snow-covered mountain peaks. Serving as the base camp for the trek, it offers stunning panoramic views and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Tungnath Temple – Visit the sacred Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, located amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas. This ancient temple holds immense religious significance while offering breathtaking mountain views along the trail.
Chandrashila Peak – The summit of Chandrashila Peak, standing at approximately 4,000 meters, is the major highlight of the trek. From the top, witness spectacular 360-degree Himalayan views featuring peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and several others.
Deoria Tal Lake – Experience the serene beauty of Deoria Tal, a crystal-clear alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and towering Himalayan peaks. The reflection of the Chaukhamba massif in the calm waters creates an unforgettable sight.
Breathtaking Himalayan Scenery – Throughout the trek, enjoy ever-changing Himalayan landscapes featuring dense forests, alpine meadows, mountain ridges, streams, and snow-covered peaks. The route offers endless opportunities for photography and nature exploration.
Flora and Fauna – The trail passes through rich Himalayan ecosystems filled with oak and rhododendron forests. Trekkers may spot Himalayan wildlife including musk deer, Himalayan monal, and various mountain bird species along the route.
Campfire and Stargazing – Spend peaceful evenings at the campsite beneath a sky full of stars, surrounded by the silence of the Himalayas. Enjoy warm campfire moments, conversations with fellow trekkers, and the calming mountain atmosphere before resting for the night.
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Clear trek details, booking dates, inclusions, and rental options.
Explore the captivating wonders of the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila with Deoria Tal Trek, nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand’s Himalayas. This sanctuary of untamed wilderness beckons fervent trekkers seeking an exhilarating escapade amidst nature’s grandeur. With its sparse infrastructure and minimal human footprint, the trek offers an authentic wilderness experience that resonates with adventurous souls.
Embark on the Chopta Chandrashila With Deoria Tal Trek, renowned as one of Uttarakhand’s premier trekking
Routes.
As you traverse its rugged terrain, be enchanted by the abundant flora and fauna thriving within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Amidst the tranquil surroundings, immerse yourself in the captivatingtale of the Pandavas, who once paused here on their celestial journey, savoring the pristine waters of Deoriatal.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Uttarakhand, where every step unveilsa new facet of nature’s splendor. Discover the essence of adventure and serenity intertwined in the lap of the Himalayas, making the Chopta Chandrashila Deoria Tal Trek an experience of a lifetime.
Why Trekkers Love It
Day wise plan
Follow a scenic Himalayan journey through Chopta meadows, Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila summit, and Deoria Tal while experiencing forest trails, mountain landscapes, and breathtaking Himalayan views throughout the trek.
Pickup from Delhi will be late at night, followed by an overnight drive towards Rishikesh. Early in the morning, we will reach Rishikesh for a short halt before continuing the scenic mountain drive towards Chopta.
Experience the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas as the route gradually ascends through river valleys, dense forests, and mountain roads. While the long Himalayan drive can feel tiring at times, the constantly changing landscapes and breathtaking views make the journey memorable and refreshing.
Upon arrival in Chopta, settle into your camps and enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the majestic Himalayan scenery.
Note: Pickup from Delhi will be scheduled one night prior to the trek starting day.
On the second day of the trek, we begin our journey from Chopta towards the sacred Tungnath Temple and the breathtaking Chandrashila Summit. The trail follows a well-defined rocky path with gradual ascents and descents, offering magnificent Himalayan views throughout the climb.
As the trek progresses, the route winds along mountain ridges and dense forests filled with blooming rhododendrons during spring, adding vibrant colors to the landscape. One of the initial challenges of the trek is a steep uphill section along the ridge, rewarding trekkers with increasingly panoramic mountain views.
Upon reaching Tungnath Temple, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, trekkers can spend some peaceful moments soaking in the spiritual atmosphere and paying homage to Lord Shiva.
After exploring Tungnath, the trek continues towards the Chandrashila Summit, known for its spectacular 360-degree Himalayan panorama featuring peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Trishul. After spending time at the summit, we descend back to Chopta, concluding a memorable day filled with adventure, spirituality, and stunning mountain scenery.
Note: Tungnath Temple remains open only during the summer season and usually closes around Diwali.
On the third day, after breakfast, we begin our trek towards the beautiful Deoria Tal Lake. The trek is approximately 2.5 km long and follows an easy-to-moderate trail through forest sections and mountain paths.
After a short downhill section, the surroundings gradually open up to reveal the stunning Deoria Tal, with the magnificent Chaukhamba massif reflected in its calm waters on clear days. The peaceful atmosphere, alpine scenery, and panoramic mountain views make this one of the most scenic highlights of the journey.
After spending time exploring the lake and enjoying the surroundings, we trek back to Sari Village. Following some rest and final moments in the mountains, we begin our return journey towards Delhi.
We are expected to reach Delhi early the next morning, approximately between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, followed by drop-off.
Inclusion & exclusion
This section includes complete details about accommodation, meals, transportation, permits, trek leadership, and support services included in the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek package, along with expenses and services that are not covered in the trek cost.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Best Time to Visit Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek with Deoria Tal
The best time to do the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek is from March to June and September to December, offering clear Himalayan views, pleasant weather, blooming forests, lush meadows, and beautiful snow-covered trails during winter months.
March to May: Rhododendron Bloom Season
This is one of the most beautiful times to experience the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek.
During spring, the forests around Chopta come alive with blooming rhododendrons, fresh greenery, and pleasant mountain weather. The trail remains comfortable for beginners, while clear skies offer beautiful views of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Trishul, and Nanda Devi from Chandrashila summit.
- Daytime temperature on trail: 10°C – 18°C
- Night temperature at Chopta: 2°C – 8°C
- Trail conditions: Mostly dry and comfortable
- Forest views: Rhododendron blooms and fresh greenery
- Crowds: Moderate
September to November: Clear Views & Autumn Season
This is the best time for sharp Himalayan views and stable trekking weather.
After the monsoon, the skies become clear, the forests look refreshed, and visibility from Chandrashila summit is excellent. The trail remains mostly dry, making it ideal for photography, summit views, and peaceful trekking through oak and rhododendron forests.
- Daytime temperature on trail: 8°C – 16°C
- Night temperature at Chopta: 0°C – 6°C
- Trail conditions: Dry and stable
- Mountain views: Extremely clear
- Crowds: Low to moderate
December to February: Snow Trek Season
This is the best time to experience snow on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.
In winter, Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila are covered in snow, turning the trail into a classic Himalayan snow trek. The summit climb becomes more challenging, but the views of snow-covered peaks and frozen forest trails make it one of the most rewarding winter treks in Uttarakhand.
- Daytime temperature on trail: 0°C – 8°C
- Night temperature at Chopta: -5°C – 2°C
- Snow coverage: Moderate to heavy
- Microspikes: Recommended after fresh snowfall
- Crowds: High during weekends and holidays
Things to Carry
Pack for two realities: 20°C sunshine at Chika and -2°C frost at Balu Ka Ghera. Both exist within the same 24 hours at 12,000 feet. Keep your pack under 10 kg. Anything heavier compounds fatigue on long trekking days.
Clothing
Footwear
Equipment
Health & Hygiene
Documents & Finance
How to Reach Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek with Deoria Tal Base Camp
Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila is easily accessible from Delhi, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, with Chopta serving as the trek starting point connected by road through Rudraprayag and Ukhimath amidst beautiful Himalayan landscapes.
Reach Rishikesh / Dehradun
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located approximately 25 km from Rishikesh and 30 km from Dehradun. Regular flights connect Delhi with Dehradun. From the airport, taxis and cabs are easily available.
- By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest major railway junction connected with Delhi and other major cities. Rishikesh is around 35 km from Haridwar and easily accessible by taxi or bus.
- By Road: Overnight Volvo and private buses regularly connect Delhi to Rishikesh (240 km, 6–7 hours) and Dehradun (250 km, 6–7 hours). Shared taxis and buses are also available from Haridwar.
Rishikesh to Chopta
- Chopta Distance: Chopta is approximately 200 km from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
- Route: Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Chopta
- Drive Time: 8–10 hours approx.
- Vehicle: Shared taxi / private cab / operator-arranged vehicle
- Last ATM: Ukhimath and Rudraprayag are the last reliable ATM points before Chopta. Withdraw enough cash before reaching the mountains.
- Last Reliable Network: Mobile connectivity remains available intermittently till Chopta, but network becomes weak or unavailable near Chandrashila summit and forest sections.
Policy
| Policy Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Confirmation | Your seat is considered confirmed only after the required advance payment is received. |
| Balance Payment | The remaining amount must be cleared before departure or as per the reporting instructions shared by the team. |
| Transport Selection | Pickup from Dehradun is applicable only if that option is selected at the time of booking. |
| ID Requirement | Every participant should carry a valid government photo ID for verification and trek administration. |
| Operational Changes | In case of weather, road, or safety concerns, the itinerary may be adjusted for the well-being of the group. |
| Cancellation Window | Charge / Refund |
|---|---|
| More than 30 days before departure | Minimal processing deduction may apply; remaining amount can be refunded or adjusted as per booking terms. |
| 15 to 30 days before departure | Partial cancellation charge applicable; remaining balance may be refunded or transferred to a future batch if approved. |
| 7 to 14 days before departure | Higher cancellation charge applies because transport, permits, and staffing arrangements are usually already blocked. |
| Less than 7 days before departure | Booking is generally non-refundable due to final operational commitments. |
| No show / Trek departure missed | No refund is usually applicable once reporting is missed without prior written coordination. |
Important: Trek departures and route decisions always remain subject to weather, road access, local administration, and safety conditions. Final operational decisions are taken in the interest of the group.
FAQ's
The best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. In spring, the weather is pleasant, the skies are mostly clear, and the trail is vibrant with blooming rhododendrons and lush greenery. This season also offers excellent views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Autumn is equally beautiful, with crisp air, clear mountain views, and dry weather, making trekking conditions ideal. The post-monsoon clarity gives some of the best panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul.
You can also do the trek in winter (December to February) if you want a snow trekking experience. During this time, the trail, especially around Tungnath and Chandrashila, is covered in snow, creating a magical, alpine atmosphere—but it becomes more challenging and requires proper winter gear.
Note: The monsoon season (June to August) is the least recommended time, as the trail becomes slippery, and there’s a higher risk of landslides and cloud cover blocking views.
No, prior trekking experience is not required for the Chopta Chandrashila trek, which makes it a great choice for beginners and first-time trekkers. The trek is considered easy to moderate in difficulty, with well-marked trails and manageable distances. While the final stretch from Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak is a bit steep, it is still doable for anyone with basic fitness and a willingness to walk for a few hours a day. People of various age groups, including families and solo travelers, often do this trek successfully. However, being in decent physical shape and doing some light cardio or walking practice before the trek can help make the experience more enjoyable.
The Chopta Chandrashila trek takes you through a range of altitudes, starting from lower villages and gradually climbing to a high Himalayan peak. The trek usually begins at Sari village, which is located at around 2,000 meters (6,560 feet). From there, if you visit Deoria Tal, you stay at a similar altitude. The next major stop is Chopta, the main base for the Chandrashila trek, situated at about 2,600 meters (8,530 feet). As you ascend the trail, you reach Tungnath Temple, which stands at an impressive height of approximately 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) and is known as the highest Shiva temple in the world. The final climb takes you to Chandrashila Peak, the highest point of the trek, at around 3,690 meters (12,106 feet). While the altitude is not extremely high compared to other Himalayan treks, it is still significant and offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
The Chopta Chandrashila trek usually takes 3 to 5 days to complete, depending on your itinerary. If you include a visit to Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake near Sari village, the trek becomes a bit longer. Many people start from Sari, trek to Deoria Tal on the first day, then travel to Chopta the next day.
From Chopta, the main trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak is about 4.5 kilometers one way, making it around 9 kilometers for the round trip.
If you skip Deoria Tal, the trek can be done in 2 to 3 days. Overall, the total trekking distance is about 15 to 20 kilometers, and it’s a relatively short and manageable trek, great for beginners or those looking for a quick getaway in the mountains.
Tungnath Temple is not open throughout the year. It usually opens in early May and remains accessible until late October or early November, depending on the weather and the timing of Diwali. During the winter months, from November to April, the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, which makes the region difficult to access. During this period, the idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Makkumath, a nearby village at a lower altitude, where worship continues until the temple reopens in the spring. Although the trekking trail to Tungnath and Chandrashila may still be open during winter, the temple itself remains closed to visitors.
Yes, there will be snow on the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek during the winter months, typically from late December to early March. This is when the region experiences regular snowfall, especially at higher elevations like Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Summit (around 3,690 meters or 12,100 feet).During this time, the entire trail—from Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila—is often covered in snow, creating a beautiful but more challenging trekking experience.
Snow makes the trail slippery and physically demanding, so proper winter gear like trekking poles, gaiters, and insulated boots is essential.If you’re trekking outside of winter (from April to November), you’re unlikely to encounter snow, except possibly some patches in early spring. The views remain stunning year-round, but the snow adds a magical, alpine feel to the winter trek.
The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek has very limited mobile network availability, especially as you go higher up the trail. At the starting point, such as Sari village, you may get a decent signal from Jio, BSNL, or sometimes Airtel, though internet speed is usually slow. In Chopta village, the signal becomes weaker, and only BSNL or Jio may work for basic calls, but even that is not reliable. Once you start trekking towards Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, the mobile signal mostly disappears, and it becomes difficult to make calls or use the internet. Occasionally, you might catch a weak Jio signal at higher points, but it is not dependable. Airtel and Vi generally do not work beyond Chopta. Since there are no charging points along the way, it’s a good idea to carry a fully charged power bank and keep your phone on airplane mode to save battery. It’s best to inform your family or friends before starting the trek that you will be out of network for a couple of days. Overall, the trek offers a chance to enjoy nature peacefully without phone distractions, so you can truly appreciate the stunning mountain views.
Rental gear for this trek
