Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek Guide: Difficulty, Best Time, Cost & How to Prepare
Everything you need to know before the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek in Uttarakhand: how hard it is, when to go, how to train, what to pack and what it costs — from the team that runs it.
Why do the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
- Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple of the Panch Kedar
- Sunrise on Chandrashila with the Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi
- Optional evening walk to Deoria Tal
- Tungnath temple shuts for winter after Diwali; the trek stays open in snow
How difficult is the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
The Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek is graded easy–moderate, covering about 12 km on foot and reaching about 4,000 m. Daily walks are a few hours long on clear trails, so it suits fit beginners who train beforehand.
Best time for the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Best season: April–June and September–March. From December to February expect snow on the trail and nights well below freezing — microspikes and proper winter layers matter. See what each month is like on our treks in March page.
How to prepare for the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Start training 4–6 weeks before the trek. By departure you should be able to jog 5 km in about 35 minutes comfortably.
- Jog 5 km, four days a week, building up your pace
- Stair climbs with a 5 kg backpack, twice a week
- Squats, lunges and planks — 3 sets of 15, three days a week
- A 4-hour hike or long walk with your backpack on a weekend
- Break in your trekking shoes on at least three long walks before the trip
Altitude: above 3,000 m the air has noticeably less oxygen. Walk slowly, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol, and tell your trek leader early about a headache, nausea or breathlessness. Read our altitude sickness guide.
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek itinerary, day by day
- Day 1Rishikesh to Chopta — About 200 km and 7–8 hours along the Alaknanda via Devprayag and Rudraprayag, then up through Ukhimath to Chopta (about 2,680 m).
- Day 2Tungnath and Chandrashila, on to Sari — About 3.5 km on a stone path to Tungnath (about 3,680 m), the highest of the Panch Kedar Shiva temples.
- Day 3Sari to Rishikesh — Reach Rishikesh by about 5–6 pm.
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek packing list
- ✓Trekking shoes with ankle support and a deep grip, broken in before the trip
- ✓40–60 L backpack with a rain cover, plus a small daypack if you offload
- ✓Three warm layers (fleece + padded/down jacket) — nights drop near or below 0 °C
- ✓Waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry trek pants (no jeans)
- ✓Thermal inner wear for the nights
- ✓Woollen cap, fleece gloves and 3 pairs of socks (1 woollen)
- ✓UV sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen and lip balm
- ✓Two 1 L water bottles (no single-use plastic on the trail)
- ✓Headlamp with spare batteries
- ✓Trekking pole (recommended; can be hired)
- ✓Personal medicines, plus Diamox only if your doctor advises it
- ✓Government photo ID — original and one photocopy (needed for forest permits)
The full checklist: Himalayan trek packing list.
How to reach the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Our trip starts and ends at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun station has direct trains from Delhi (about 4.5 to 5 hrs on the fast services); Jolly Grant Airport is roughly 35 km away with flights from Delhi and other metros; Delhi is about 5 to 6 hrs by road.
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek cost
Our 3-day Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek costs ₹5,499 per person.
Included
- Shared tempo traveller from Rishikesh and back
- 1 night in tents or a lodge at Chopta, 1 night in a Sari village homestay
- Dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 3
- Trek leader and local guide
- Forest-department fees
Not included
- Travel to the pickup point and back home
- Backpack offloading (available as an add-on)
- Personal trekking gear — shoes, jackets, poles (can be hired as an add-on)
- Meals on the drive days before and after the trek, unless listed
- Travel insurance
- Anything personal: tips, snacks, bottled drinks, phone charging at tea shops
- Costs from weather, landslides or road closures that force a change of plan
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek: questions trekkers ask
How difficult is the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
It's graded easy–moderate, with about 12 km on foot over 3 days and a highest point of about 4,000 m. Fit beginners can do it with a few weeks of preparation.
What is the best time for the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
April–June and September–March. Expect snow and sub-zero nights in the winter months.
How much does the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek cost?
Our 3-day trip starts at ₹5,499 per person, including shared tempo traveller from rishikesh and back; 1 night in tents or a lodge at chopta, 1 night in a sari village homestay; dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 3.
What is the maximum altitude of the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
About 4,000 m above sea level. Acclimatise slowly, drink plenty of water and tell your trek leader about any headache or nausea.
Can beginners do the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
Yes. It's one of the treks we recommend for first-timers — train for 4–6 weeks so you can jog 5 km in about 35 minutes.
Where does the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek start?
Our trip starts and ends at Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport. Dehradun station has direct trains from Delhi (about 4.5 to 5 hrs on the fast services); Jolly Grant Airport is roughly 35 km away with flights from Delhi and other metros; Delhi is about 5 to 6 hrs by road.
Ready for the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek?
Trek leader, permits, camps and meals handled — one enquiry, no payment until you confirm.