3 Day Chopta Tungnath Trek

Chopta Tungnath Trek for First-Time Travelers

If you’re trekking for the first time, this trail is ideal due to its short length and accessibility. The stone-paved trail from Chopta to Tungnath (4-5 km) takes about 3–4 hours, depending on your pace. Chandrashila adds another 1.5 km (45–60 minutes). You won’t need special equipment—just warm layers, sturdy shoes, and a daypack. The trek is safe, has food stalls en route, and doesn’t require permits.

• Trek duration: 2–3 hours (Chopta to Tungnath)
• Add 1–1.5 hours extra for Chandrashila
• Trail is mostly stone-paved and safe
• Ideal for people with basic fitness levels
• No permits required, guide optional

Family-Friendly Trekking: Why Chopta is Great for All Ages

Families with kids or elders can safely enjoy the Chopta Tungnath Trek. Children aged 7+ can complete the trail with breaks, and elderly members can ride mules up to the temple (₹1,000–₹1,500 one way). Camps and homestays offer warm food, clean rooms, and family-friendly hospitality.

• No high-altitude complications for most people
• Family homestays with basic facilities
• Options for horse rides up to Tungnath (at extra cost)
• Opportunity to introduce kids to Indian mythology and nature

Chopta Chandrashila Trek

This trek is full of natural beauty. In spring (April–May), you’ll see red rhododendron flowers all along the path. During winter (October to February), the mountain tops are covered in snow, making the views even more amazing. Along the way, you might spot colorful birds like the Himalayan Monal or animals like foxes and barking deer. From the top of Chandrashila Peak, you get to see famous snow-covered mountains like Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Trishul (7,120 m), and Chaukhamba (7,138 m) from almost all directions.

• Wildlife: Himalayan Monal, Musk Deer, Barking Deer
• Peak Views: Nanda Devi (7,816 m), Chaukhamba (7,138 m), Trishul (7,120 m)
• Best Viewpoints: Chandrashila summit (~4,000 m)
• Best Photography Time: Sunrise (4:30–6:30 AM)

Chopta Distance from Delhi and Options to Reach

Chopta is 450 km from Delhi by road. The most convenient route is via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag. There’s no direct flight/train to Chopta, but you can reach Haridwar or Dehradun by train/air and drive from there. A private cab from Rishikesh to Chopta takes 7–8 hrs (200 km).

• Distance from Delhi: 450 km (14–16 hrs by road)
• Nearest Railway: Haridwar (225 km)
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (225 km)
• Delhi to Rishikesh by train: 5.5 hrs
• Rishikesh to Chopta by car: 8 hrs (200 km)

Chopta Distance from Haridwar and Dehradun

Chopta is around 225 km from both Haridwar and Dehradun. The route from either city goes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath. From Haridwar or Dehradun, you can hire a private cab or take a shared jeep to reach Chopta in 7–8 hours. Though Chopta doesn’t have railway or airport access, reaching it from Haridwar or Dehradun is fairly easy and scenic, passing through some of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful river valleys and forested routes.

• Distance from Haridwar: 225 km (7–8 hrs by road)
• Distance from Dehradun: 225 km (7–8 hrs by road)
• Route: Haridwar/Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta
• Public Transport: Shared jeeps/buses available from Rishikesh
• Nearest Major Stops: Ukhimath (29 km), Gopeshwar (40 km)

Best Time for Chopta Tungnath Trek

Plan your visit based on weather preference. April–June offers flowers and clear trails. Monsoon (July–August) brings landslides and slippery paths—avoid. Autumn (September–November) is the clearest. Winter (December–February) transforms Chopta into a snow wonderland; snow trekking to Tungnath is magical.

• April–June: 10°C to 25°C, best for flowers
• July–August: 10°C to 20°C, heavy rainfall
• Sept–Nov: 5°C to 20°C, clear skies
• Dec–Feb: -5°C to 10°C, snow trek possible
• Temple Open: Late April to early November

Chopta to Tungnath Temple: What to Expect

The 3.5 km walk to Tungnath takes 1.5–2.5 hrs. The trail begins at 2,700 m (Chopta) and ends at 3,680 m. The final 800 m has the steepest gradient. Small tea stalls appear every 1–1.2 km offering tea, Maggi, and water bottles.

• Distance: 3.5 km one way
• Altitude Gain: ~1,000 m
• Time Required: 1.5–2.5 hrs (uphill)
• Food Stops: 3–4 on the trail
• Temple History: Over 1,000 years old

Chandrashila Tungnath Trek: Adding the Final Stretch

From Tungnath, it’s another 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit. This takes 45–60 mins uphill. The trail is rougher here—no stalls or railings. Start around 4–4:30 AM for sunrise. Carry a flashlight, gloves, water, and a windproof jacket.

• Distance: 1.5 km (from Tungnath)
• Total climb time: 45 mins to 1 hour
• No food stalls beyond Tungnath
• Start trek around 4 am for sunrise view
• Carry flashlight, water, and extra layer for cold winds

Local Culture and Life in Chopta

Chopta is home to a few small villages where people live simple lives centered on agriculture and temple traditions. Staying in a homestay helps you experience Garhwali hospitality, local food like madua (finger millet) roti, and temple stories passed down generations.

• Language: Hindi and Garhwali
• Cuisine: Madua roti, pahadi dal, local ghee
• Temples: Visit Ukhimath, Duggalbitta
• Souvenirs: Woolens, organic honey, herbs

Practical Tips for a Smooth Chopta Tungnath Weekend Trip

Keep your trek light and simple. Dress in layers, carry essentials like torch, power bank, and always have cash (no ATMs after Ukhimath). Mobile signal is weak or non-existent after Chopta. Start your trek early and return before sunset.

• Packing List: Jacket, shoes, flashlight, 1L water bottle
• Leave Delhi: Friday night (for a 3-day weekend)
• Start Trek: By 7:00 AM to avoid clouds
• Signal Availability: Jio and Airtel only
• Cash Needed: Minimum ₹4,000–₹5,000 per person