For sheer reward-per-day, nothing in our catalogue beats the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek. In four days you visit Tungnath — the highest Shiva temple in the world — stand on the 13,123 ft Chandrashila summit for a sunrise that sweeps from Nanda Devi to Chaukhamba, and camp beside the emerald Deoria Tal where the mountains admire their own reflection. Short, sweet, stunning, and rated Easy-Moderate.
What is the Chopta Chandrashila itinerary?
Day 1 drives 185 km from Rishikesh through Devprayag and Ukhimath to the meadows of Chopta (8,790 ft), the 'mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand', with an evening acclimatisation walk. Day 2 is the big day: a pre-dawn start up the paved pilgrim trail to Tungnath temple, then the steep final ridge to Chandrashila — 'moon rock' — at 13,123 ft, 10 km round trip.
Day 3 drives towards Sari and takes the short climb to Deoria Tal (7,999 ft) for a lakeside camp beneath Chaukhamba. Day 4 catches sunrise at the lake and drives back to Rishikesh.
When can you do this trek?
October through April — a seven-month season. Autumn gives crisp skies, deep winter (December-February) turns the trail into a proper snow trek, and March-April adds rhododendron blooms. The Tungnath temple's inner shrine closes in deep winter, but the trail and summit remain open and spectacular.
How difficult is the Chandrashila climb?
Easy-Moderate. The summit day is 8 hours, but the pilgrim trail is well-made and the other days are gentle. This is an ideal first Himalayan trek — three weeks of regular walking is preparation enough for most.
What is the Chopta trek cost?
₹6,999 + 5% GST per person — one of the best-value treks we run. Included: all meals, camping at Chopta and Deoria Tal on twin sharing, trek leader and local guide, forest permits and camping charges, and a bonfire when the weather permits. The Rishikesh-Chopta shareable cab is extra.
How to reach Chopta?
Train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then the 8-hour shared cab. Weekend batches often leave Rishikesh before dawn, so stay there the previous night.
Do you need permits?
Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary day permits for Tungnath and Deoria Tal are arranged by us and included. Just carry a government photo ID.
Catch that sunrise
Batches run most weekends through the season — grab your dates on our Chopta Tungnath page and come watch the Himalayas turn gold.
