Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek: Trip Guide from Delhi

A short Uttarakhand trek with big Himalayan views: how to reach Chopta from Delhi, the Tungnath and Chandrashila trail, the temple season and the best months.

About Chopta and Tungnath

Chopta is a meadow and forest area in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, often called a mini Switzerland for its rolling bugyals (high meadows). From here a short trek leads to Tungnath, believed to be the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar, and on to the Chandrashila summit with sweeping views of the Himalaya.

How to get there from Delhi

  • Distance: roughly 430-460 km by road, a long day's drive.
  • Route: Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Devprayag - Rudraprayag - Ukhimath - Chopta.
  • Most trips break the journey with a night on the way, because mountain roads after Rishikesh are slow.

The trek

  • Chopta to Tungnath: roughly 3.5-4 km on a paved but steep trail, about 2-3 hours up.
  • Tungnath to Chandrashila: about 1-1.5 km more, steeper, to a summit close to 4,000 m.
  • Many trekkers start before dawn to watch sunrise from Chandrashila.

Best time to visit

  • April to June and September to November: the best trekking months.
  • December to March: snow on the trail is common; it can be beautiful but needs care and good shoes.
  • The temple traditionally closes for winter (around Diwali to spring) and the deity is worshipped at Makkumath, so check dates if the darshan matters to you.
  • July and August: monsoon landslides can block roads.

A simple 4-night plan

Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh or beyond. Day 2: drive to Chopta through the river valleys. Day 3: early trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila, back to Chopta. Day 4: drive down towards Rishikesh. Day 5: return to Delhi.

Tips

  • Altitude is real at Chandrashila - walk slowly and drink water.
  • Carry warm layers, gloves and a cap in every season.
  • Stays at Chopta are basic camps and lodges; mobile signal is limited.

Book it as a package

Treeo Hotels and Travels runs a Chopta and Tungnath package (4 nights / 5 days) with pickup from Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh or Jaipur. See all our holiday packages or message us on WhatsApp at 90566 87913.

Photo: Navdeep Gusain, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.