RS
Rohit Sharma
October 2025
“I expected a simple weekend trek, but standing at Chandrashila during sunrise felt unreal. The mountain views kept changing every minute.”
Tungnath Trek
Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand
“A short Himalayan climb to the world's highest Shiva temple, ending with a sunrise from Chandrashila.”
Altitude
13123 ft
Duration
3 Days
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Best time
Apr – Jun Sep – Nov
Standout Experiences
- Visit the world's highest Shiva temple after a scenic climb through forests and alpine meadows.
- Watch sunrise from Chandrashila with a sweeping view of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath and other Himalayan giants.
- One of the easiest high-altitude Himalayan treks that beginners can comfortably complete over a weekend.
- Walk the same ancient pilgrimage trail used by devotees visiting the sacred Panch Kedar temple.
Overview
Updated 10 Aug 2026
- The Tungnath Trek is one of the rare Himalayan trails where a single day gives you forests, alpine meadows, an ancient temple, and a high-altitude summit. Starting from Chopta, the stone-paved trail climbs steadily to Tungnath Temple at 3,680 m, the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines. If you continue another 1.5 km uphill, Chandrashila rewards you with a 360-degree view of peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath and Trishul on a clear day.
- What makes this trek unforgettable is how much it offers without demanding weeks in the mountains. In spring, rhododendron forests bloom in bright shades of red and pink, while autumn brings crisp air and some of the clearest mountain views in Uttarakhand. During winter, the trail transforms into a snow trek, creating a completely different experience even though the temple itself remains closed after the annual pilgrimage season.
- The trail is well-marked and suitable for beginners with good fitness, but the altitude and continuous climb still make it feel like a proper Himalayan adventure. Whether you come for the spiritual significance of Tungnath, the famous sunrise from Chandrashila, or simply to experience one of the best weekend treks in Uttarakhand, this route delivers far more than its short distance suggests.
Trek essentials
Max altitude
13,123 ft
Duration
3 Days
Total distance
10 km
Elevation gain
3,379 ft
Trek type
OUT_AND_BACK
Starting point
Chopta
Trail type
Stone-paved mountain trail through alpine forest and meadows
Average cost (indicative)
₹6,000–₹10,000 per person (guided package from Rishikesh); ₹2,500–₹5,000 for self-planned trip excluding transport
Temp. range (°C)
-8°C to 20°C depending on season
Snow months
December to March
Rain risk
High during July to early September due to the monsoon
Temple Altitude
3,680 m
Summit
Chandrashila Peak
Summit Push
About 1.5 km from Tungnath Temple
Mobile Network
Patchy near Chopta, very limited on the trail
Accommodation
Guesthouses, camps and homestays around Chopta/Baniyakund
Trek Route
Detailed Itinerary
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- Leave Rishikesh around 6:00 AM for a scenic 7-9 hour drive through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Kund and Ukhimath, following the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers almost the entire way.
- Pause at Devprayag to watch the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda merge into the Ganga, then continue through winding mountain roads lined with terraced villages and pine forests.
- Reach Chopta or nearby Baniyakund by late afternoon between 4:00 and 5:00 PM, check into your camp or homestay and spend the evening acclimatizing with views of Chaukhamba glowing at sunset.
- Have an early dinner, prepare your daypack and sleep by 9:00 PM because the summit day begins before sunrise.
Packing List
Must Have
Trekking Boots
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3-Layer Clothes
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Hydration
timeline
Trekking Pole
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Down Jacket
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Gloves
Woolen Socks
thermostat
Thermal Layers
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First Aid Kit
Good to Have
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Power Bank
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Action Cam
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Headlamp
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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 Tungnath trail is one of the best-maintained Himalayan trekking routes, paved almost entirely with broad stone steps from Chopta to the temple. The climb is continuous but gradual enough for beginners with average fitness. Beyond Tungnath, the final stretch to Chandrashila becomes steeper with rocky sections and can hold hard-packed snow during winter. There are no technical climbing sections, but snow and ice can make the summit ridge slippery.
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Weather Through the Year
Spring brings blooming rhododendron forests and pleasant daytime temperatures, while autumn offers crystal-clear mountain views after the monsoon. Winter transforms the trail into a snow trek, often requiring microspikes when ice builds up near the summit. During the monsoon, frequent rain, mist and slippery stone paths make trekking slower and visibility unpredictable.
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Forests, Meadows & Wildlife
The lower trail passes through dense oak, deodar and rhododendron forests before opening into alpine bugyals near Tungnath. In spring, the hillsides burst into shades of red and pink with rhododendron flowers. Birdwatchers often spot the Himalayan Monal, while musk deer, Himalayan langurs and foxes inhabit the surrounding forests though sightings remain occasional.
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Altitude & Physical Effort
Although the trek is short, the altitude rises from around 2,970 m at Chopta to nearly 4,000 m at Chandrashila. Most trekkers complete the ascent comfortably in 3 to 4 hours, but the thinner air is noticeable above Tungnath. Walking at a steady pace, staying hydrated and avoiding rushing the final climb significantly reduce fatigue.
When to Visit
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Rhododendron Bloom
April – June
The forests around Chopta come alive with blooming rhododendrons, comfortable temperatures and clear skies. This is the most popular season for first-time trekkers and families.
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Green Himalayan Slopes
July – August
The mountains turn lush green, but frequent rain, slippery trails and cloud cover reduce visibility. Trekking is possible only if weather conditions remain safe.
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Crystal Clear Views
September – November
Fresh post-monsoon air brings some of the sharpest Himalayan views of the year. Pleasant weather and stable trail conditions make this one of the best trekking seasons.
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Snow Trail Adventure
December – March
The route becomes a beautiful snow trek with frozen landscapes and quiet trails. Tungnath Temple stays closed during winter, and proper snow gear is essential.
Other Information
Logistics & inclusions
- check_circleReach Rishikesh or Haridwar by train, bus or flight via Dehradun Airport.
- check_circleShared jeeps and taxis connect Rishikesh to Ukhimath and Chopta, while private cabs are the fastest option.
- check_circleMost trekkers stay in Chopta or nearby Baniyakund before starting the trek early the next morning.
- check_circleFood stalls and tea shops operate seasonally along the lower trail until Tungnath during the pilgrimage season.
- check_circleLeave extra luggage at your hotel or homestay in Chopta before beginning the trek.
- check_circleThe trail usually opens from late April until heavy winter snowfall; winter access depends on snow conditions.
Permits
Required: No
No trekking permit is normally required for the standard Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila route. Visitors may pay nominal parking or local entry charges depending on the season, while temple timings and winter closures should be checked before travel.
Safety
Risks
- Rapid weather changes with dense fog and cold winds near the summit.
- Snow and ice can make the stone trail slippery between December and March.
- Mild altitude-related discomfort is possible above 3,500 m.
- Lightning exposure on the open ridge during storms.
- Slippery stone steps during the monsoon.
Precautions
- Start before sunrise to avoid afternoon clouds and return well before dark.
- Carry enough water despite the short distance because refill points are limited.
- Wear high-traction trekking shoes and use trekking poles in snow or rain.
- Dress in layers since temperatures can change quickly.
- Do not attempt the Chandrashila summit during heavy snowfall or thunderstorms.
Emergency
The nearest medical facilities are at Ukhimath, with larger hospitals available in Rudraprayag. Mobile connectivity is unreliable beyond Chopta, so inform your accommodation about your trekking plan before departure.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
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