Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

For adventure seekers, the best time to take on the Chopta-Chandrashila trek is from November to March, as the Tungnath temple is closed during these months and the hikers can enjoy the thrill-filled snowy experience. The devotees seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings must attempt this trek during May and October, as this is the opening time of the sacred Tungnath temple.

The Chandrashila trek lies at an easy level of trekking, perfect for people who want to attempt trekking for the first time, and also for experienced trekkers.

Yes, the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek is quite safe for solo travellers, families, and beginners, as the trekking routes are well-marked and the guidance of an experienced guide makes this trek safer. 

Yes, camping is allowed during the Chopta-Chandrashila trek. Trekkers who descend to Chopta from Chandrashila can also enjoy camping in Chopta as part of their trekking package, which doubles their level of thrill and excitement in the breathtaking natural setting.

Vaguely, the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek’s total distance is around 18 kilometres with a mix of steeper, rockier and well-marked trails. 

The Chandrashila peak is 1.5 kilometres away from the Tungnath temple, the world’s highest abode of Lord Shiva. The Tungnath temple is around 4 kilometres away from Chopta, the starting point of the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek.

Witness the trek transforming into a winter wonderland during the months of December to February. These are the months when you get to see the snowfall.

There are no networks available on the Chopta-Chandrashila trek; the Sari Village will be the last point to have decent mobile network coverage. Therefore, make the most of it by calling your loved ones before starting the trek to Chandrashila. 

The Chandrshila trek is famous for the spectacular view it offers to the hikers, the enchanting sight of the Chaukhamba and the Nanda Devi peak. The Chandrashila is also famous for the spiritual significance it holds for Lord Rama, meditating here after defeating the demon Ravana. It is also near the world’s highest Shiva temple, the Tungnath temple.

The Tungnath temple opens from May to October, and the temple closes down from November to April for 6 months due to excessive snowfall and extreme cold weather. 

The Chandrashila trek route is from Delhi to Rishikesh (240 km)/ Haridwar, Rishikesh to Devprayag ( 70 km), and Devprayag to Chopta (100 km). Chopta, in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is the starting point of the Chopta-Chandrashila trek. 

The weather on the Chandrashila trek is quite unpredictable. It is usually recommended not to undertake this trek during the monsoon season as the weather becomes unfavourable for trekking. From November to February, the trek is entirely covered with snow, with extreme cold weather. From mid-April to late June, the days have warm weather. 

There are attached washrooms available on the campsite. However, the hikers should carry their toiletry kit for a convenient trekking experience. 

For winter lovers, trekking during the winter months will make their experience an unforgettable one as the Chandrashila trek’s allure gets doubled and leaves the trekkers stunned with its snowy charm. 

The Chandrashila peak is situated at a height of 3690 meters (12,106 feet). The trekkers get mesmerized by the 360° view of Mother Nature from the summit.

Tungnath is famous for the Chopta Tungnath trek to the world’s highest Shiva temple, the Tungnath temple, situated at a height of 12,073 feet (3680 meters). Hikers get mesmerised by the spectacular beauty it offers and the adventurous, unforgettable trekking experience.

Yes, the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek is very suitable for beginners or first timers, as the trek is an easy trek with not so much difficulty level, and the trails are well marked and moderately challenging, which makes it an appropriate trek for beginners.

The trekkers will be staying in Sari Village’s homestay and tents while camping in Chopta.

Delhi -> Rishikesh (240 km) -> Sari Village (200 km) -> (5 km Trek) Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila

Steps to reach Rishikesh from Delhi:

• Rishikesh would be your first stop to reach the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek from Delhi.
• You can reach Rishikesh from Delhi by car, taxi, or bus. 
• Bus tickets usually vary from 200 to 500 rupees per person.

• Reach the Sari Village to begin your trek. The distance between Sari Village and Rishikesh is around 200 km. 
• Buses take around 8–9 hours to reach Sari Village from Rishikesh, so it’s better to plan your journey early in the morning.
• The starting point of the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek would be Sari village.

If you’re planning to go on an adventurous trek, be it moderate or difficult, you’re expected to carry some of the essential items. For the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek, you’re expected to carry the items listed below:

• Identity cards: Any of the mentioned government identity cards (such as an Aadhar card, driver’s license, passport, or voter ID for identification purposes).
• Hiking essentials: A waterproof bag, rain cover, and a backpack are a must on a trekking journey.
• Clothing: a fleece T-shirt and a lower; a waterproof and warm jacket; a warmer; a raincoat; a pair of warm gloves; a pair of warm socks; shades; and a hat and a quick dry towel.
• Shoes: Good-branded trekking shoes will do wonders and will provide a great grip on uneven surfaces, which regular shoes lack. Trekking shoes will help you get away with strains or bruises. For trekking, Quechua is one of the good brands one can go for.
• Toiletries: One must carry a small pack of toothpaste, toothbrush, napkins, paper soap, hand sanitisers, sunscreen with good SPF, moisturisers, and lip balms (to avoid any cracks or dryness).
• Instant Energy: For instant energy while on this trek, kindly carry chocolate bars, dry fruits, and snacks to get instantly energised.
• Medication: Carry medicines for a specific ailment, if any. Also, carry any pain relief sprays to get immediate relief from spasms, sprains, joint pain, etc. Bandages, anti-allergic tablets, and pain relief tablets—antiseptic solutions to heal a wound—need to be carried.
• Miscellaneous: a map, a torchlight, a mobile phone, a power bank, and a camera to capture nature’s captivating beauty. Also, you may keep checking the weather forecast to prepare yourself with all the required stuff accordingly.

Age: The minimum age limit suggested for the Chopta Tungnath is Chandrashila 8 (must be accompanied by their guardians or parents), and the maximum age limit is 55. Above 55, the participant must consult a doctor.

Fitness Endurance: 

• If a person can run 4 kilometres in around 30 minutes, they’re considered a decent fit for this trek.
• To improve your fitness level, start with stretching (to avoid any muscle pain or strain) and move on to exercising vigorously daily for about an hour.
• Climbing stairs, jogging, lunges, squats, cycling, and push-ups are some of the suggested fitness regimes that you should follow to boost your stamina and experience the lifetime experience without struggling physically or mentally.