RS
Rohit Sharma
October 2025
“The final climb before sunrise was worth every step. Standing above the clouds with Chaukhamba glowing orange is something I'll never forget.”
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Garhwal Himalayas, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand
“A short Himalayan climb through forests to Tungnath Temple and a sunrise summit with unforgettable 360° mountain views.”
Altitude
12083 ft
Duration
3 Days
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Best time
Mar – Jun Sep – Nov Dec – Feb
Standout Experiences
- Watch the sunrise from Chandrashila as the first light slowly reaches Chaukhamba and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Visit Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, before continuing to the summit.
- Finish a genuine Himalayan summit trek over a long weekend without needing high-altitude expedition experience.
- Experience the same trail in completely different moods—from red rhododendron blooms in spring to deep snow in winter.
- Trek to Deoriatal, an alpine lake famous for its crystal-clear reflections of Chaukhamba, as a bonus excursion on the return day.
Overview
Updated 14 Jul 2026
- The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of the few Himalayan treks where you can stand on a 3,683 m summit over a single long weekend. The route begins from Sari village near Chopta, climbs through forests of oak and rhododendron, reaches Tungnath—the highest Shiva temple in the world—and finishes with a steep but rewarding push to Chandrashila Peak, with a bonus trek to the alpine lake of Deoriatal on the way out. From the summit, you'll see a huge sweep of Himalayan giants including Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome and Bandarpoonch on a clear morning.
- Every season changes the personality of this trek. March and April cover the trail in bright rhododendron flowers. Summer brings cool weather and clear mountain views. October and November are famous for crisp skies and the sharpest panoramas after the monsoon. Winter turns the entire route into a snow trek, making the climb to Chandrashila feel like a completely different adventure. That variety is why many trekkers return more than once.
Trek essentials
Max altitude
12,083 ft
Duration
3 Days
Total distance
14 km
Elevation gain
5,482 ft
Trek type
Out and Back
Starting point
Sari Village (via Rishikesh pickup)
Trail type
Stone-paved forest and alpine trail, plus a forest trail to Deoriatal
Average cost (indicative)
₹4,500–8,500 per person (from Rishikesh, shared package)
Temp. range (°C)
-8°C to 22°C
Snow months
December to March
Rain risk
High during July to early September due to monsoon
Nearest Railway Station
Rishikesh
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Mobile Network
BSNL and Jio work intermittently around Chopta; little to no signal on the upper trail
Best Season
March–June and September–December
Trek Route
Detailed Itinerary
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- Pickup is at 7:30 AM from Rishikesh Tapovan for the roughly 212 km drive into the Garhwal Himalayas, following the Ganga and Alaknanda valleys through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath — a scenic 8–9 hour journey with stops for breakfast and lunch along the way.
- The road climbs steadily through dense forests and mountain villages, with plenty of viewpoints over the river valleys as you head toward Chopta, often called the 'Mini Switzerland' of India.
- Arrive at Sari village (2,012 m) by evening and check into your hotel or camp. Have a warm dinner and take in the starry Himalayan sky before an early night.
- Rest well and pack a daypack — tomorrow's trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila starts early and climbs to nearly 3,700 metres.
Packing List
Must Have
Trekking Boots
layers
3-Layer Clothes
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Hydration
timeline
Trekking Pole
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Down Jacket
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Gloves
Woolen Socks
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Headlamp
thermostat
Thermal Layers
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First Aid Kit
Good to Have
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Power Bank
photo_camera
Action Cam
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Quick-dry Towel
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Winter Gloves
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Trek Gaiters
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Hydration Bladder
Technical Overview
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Trail & Terrain
The trek starts on a broad stone-paved pilgrimage path that climbs steadily through dense oak, rhododendron and deodar forests before opening into alpine meadows near Tungnath. The final stretch to Chandrashila is steeper with rocky steps and exposed ridgelines. During winter the same trail is usually covered in snow and often requires careful footing, especially on the last ascent.
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Altitude & Fitness
Although the distance is short, the rapid climb from Chopta to nearly 3,700 metres makes the trek feel more demanding than the numbers suggest. Most healthy beginners can complete it with steady pacing, regular hydration and short breaks. If travelling directly from the plains, spending a night at Chopta before the summit attempt helps with acclimatization.
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Weather Through the Year
Spring brings blooming rhododendrons and pleasant trekking temperatures, while autumn offers crystal-clear Himalayan views. Winter transforms the trail into a snow trek with sub-zero mornings and deep snow near Tungnath and Chandrashila. The monsoon season receives frequent rain, slippery paths and occasional road disruptions.
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Nature & Wildlife
The lower forest is rich with oak, maple, deodar and rhododendron trees that burst into bright red blooms during spring. Himalayan monals, langurs and several mountain bird species are commonly spotted by patient trekkers. Once above the tree line, vast bugyals and panoramic Himalayan ridges dominate the landscape.
When to Visit
local_florist
Rhododendron Bloom
March – April
The forests around Chopta come alive with bright red and pink rhododendron flowers. Days are pleasant, nights stay cool, and the mountain views improve as winter ends.
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Clear Mountain Trails
May – June
Comfortable temperatures and mostly clear skies make this the easiest season for beginners. Meadows turn green and long Himalayan views are common on clear mornings.
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Sharp Himalayan Views
September – November
After the monsoon, the air becomes clean and visibility is excellent. This is one of the best seasons for photography and sunrise from Chandrashila.
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Snow Trek Experience
December – February
Fresh snowfall transforms the entire trail into a white landscape. Expect colder temperatures, icy sections and occasional road disruptions after heavy snow.
Other Information
Logistics & inclusions
- check_circleReach Chopta by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar via Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath (7–9 hours).
- check_circleMost trekkers stay in camps, cottages or homestays around Chopta or Baniyakund before starting early next morning.
- check_circleCarry only a daypack for the summit trek and leave extra luggage at your accommodation.
- check_circleShared jeeps and taxis are available between Ukhimath and Chopta during the tourist season.
- check_circleFood stalls operate near Tungnath during the temple season but are usually closed during heavy snowfall.
Permits
Required: No
No trekking permit is normally required for the standard Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila route. Entry or parking charges may apply at local forest check posts, and winter restrictions can be imposed during heavy snowfall.
Safety
Risks
- Altitude-related discomfort due to rapid ascent.
- Slippery stone steps during rain or snow.
- Heavy snowfall can hide the trail and block roads to Chopta.
- Cold winds and sudden weather changes near the summit.
Precautions
- Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon clouds and crowds.
- Wear layered clothing and waterproof trekking shoes with good grip.
- Carry at least two litres of water and energy snacks.
- Avoid attempting the summit during thunderstorms or whiteout conditions.
- Hire a local guide if trekking in winter after fresh snowfall.
Emergency
The nearest medical facilities are at Ukhimath, while larger hospitals are available at Rudraprayag. Mobile connectivity is unreliable above Chopta, so inform your accommodation before leaving for the summit.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chopta Chandrashila Trek suitable for beginners?expand_more
What is the best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila Trek?expand_more
Can I see snow on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek?expand_more
How do I reach Chopta from Delhi or Haridwar?expand_more
Do I need a permit for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek?expand_more
How difficult is the climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila?expand_more
Which is better: Chopta Chandrashila or Kedarkantha Trek?expand_more