Chandrashila Travel Guide
The 4,090 m summit above Tungnath temple — a 1.5 km trail beyond the temple gives a 360° panorama of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul.
- Altitude
- 4,090 m
- Best season
- Feb–Jun, Sep–Nov
- From Dehradun
- ~225 km to Chopta
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Chandrashila
- 360° panorama from the summit spans Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi and the Yamunotri range
- Winter snow makes it a spectacular snowfield trek from January to March — accessible without technical equipment
- Combined with Tungnath (world's highest Shiva temple), the route packs two iconic destinations into one trail
- Sunrise from the summit is among the finest in the Garhwal Himalaya — pre-dawn start from Chopta camp is standard
Chandrashila is the 4,090 m summit that rises above the Tungnath temple in the Rudraprayag district, making it the highest point easily accessible from the Chopta meadow. From Chopta (3,680 m), a well-defined 3 km trail leads through alpine meadows and past the stone shrines of Tungnath (3,680 m — the highest Shiva temple in the world) to the open summit. The final 1.5 km beyond Tungnath gains 410 metres on a steep, direct ridge trail. On a clear day the summit panorama spans Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi and, to the north, Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges.
Winter brings heavy snow to Chandrashila, and the trail is popular from January to March with trekkers equipped for cold camping — the snowfield just below the summit is a highlight. In summer the meadows around Chopta are green and flower-filled. The trek is considered moderate and can be done in a single day from Chopta (3–4 hours return). Many trekkers arrange a pre-dawn start to reach the summit by sunrise. Chopta has several small tent camps and guesthouses open from April through November; in winter only a handful of permanent dhabas remain open.
Explore around
Places near Chandrashila
World's highest Shiva temple (3,680 m); on the trail to Chandrashila
Lake with Chaukhamba reflection; easy day trek from Sari village
Campsite and viewpoint between Mandal and Chopta on the main road
What to do
Activities at Chandrashila
Summit trek
4.5 km trail from Chopta via Tungnath to Chandrashila summit — moderate climb, no technical gear required
Winter snowfield trek
January–March snowfield conditions; yaktrax or microspikes recommended for the icy final ridge section
Sunrise photography
Pre-dawn start from Chopta camp to reach the summit in time for golden-hour Himalayan panorama shots
Tungnath darshan
Pilgrimage to the 8th-century Tungnath temple — one of the Panch Kedar shrines — en route to the summit
Book with us
Tours covering Chandrashila
Before you go
Chandrashila travel tips
- Start by 4 am from Chopta camp for sunrise at the summit — the 4.5 km trail takes 3–3.5 hours in the dark with headlamps
- In snow conditions (Dec–Feb) the trail above Tungnath requires microspikes; Chopta camp operators can usually arrange them
- The summit ridge is exposed — carry a windproof jacket even in summer; temperatures drop sharply at the top
- Tungnath temple is closed from November to April (deities move to Ukhimath for winter); Chandrashila summit remains accessible year-round
Getting there
How to reach Chandrashila
Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (225 km, 7–8 hrs). Shared jeeps from Ukhimath to Chopta. Private taxis from Rishikesh or Haridwar direct to Chopta.
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (245 km). Taxi or bus to Rishikesh then onward by road to Chopta.
Nearest railhead: Haridwar or Rishikesh. Road journey 225–230 km from Haridwar via Rudraprayag.
Where to stay in Chandrashila
- Chopta has several small tent camps and wooden lodges open April–November; in winter a few permanent structures remain open for snow trekkers.
- Pre-booking is advisable in peak season (May, October) when Chopta fills up on weekends.
- Camping at the summit meadow (below the final rocky section) is occasionally permitted with guide arrangement from Chopta camps.
Food & dining
- Chopta has small dhabas and camp kitchens serving hot meals — maggi, dal-rice, parathas and tea are standard.
- Carry high-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy bars) for the summit push as no food is available above Tungnath.
Background
History of Chandrashila
Chandrashila — literally "moon rock" — takes its name from the belief that the moon god (Chandra) meditated here after being cursed by Daksha. The site is closely associated with Tungnath temple below it, which was built in the 8th century CE and is attributed to the Pandavas who constructed the five Panch Kedar temples to seek Shiva's forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war.
Chopta and the Chandrashila trail were known mainly to local herders and pilgrims until the late 20th century. The area gained recognition among trekkers in the 2000s when improved road access and coverage in trekking magazines brought it national attention. It is now one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand.
Plan your trip
Suggested Chandrashila itinerary
- Day 1Drive Rishikesh to Chopta (7–8 hrs). Arrive by afternoon. Set up camp. Short acclimatisation walk on the meadow. Early dinner and sleep by 8 pm.
- Day 2Wake at 3:30 am. Start trek 4 am. Reach Tungnath by 6 am. Summit Chandrashila by 7:30 am for sunrise. Spend 1 hr at top. Descend to Chopta by 11 am. Drive back or next destination.
Common questions
Chandrashila FAQ
- Is the Chandrashila trek suitable for beginners?
- Yes — the trail is well-defined and the elevation gain is manageable. Beginners should be physically fit and allow extra time. The winter version (with snow) requires more caution and microspikes.
- Can I do Tungnath and Chandrashila in a single day trip?
- Yes, from Chopta it is a single day outing — 4.5 km up, 4.5 km back, taking 6–7 hours total. Most trekkers combine both on a pre-dawn start.
- Is Tungnath temple open in winter when Chandrashila is snowed in?
- Tungnath temple closes for winter around November after Diwali and reopens in April–May. Chandrashila summit itself can be visited year-round provided trekkers have appropriate clothing and footwear.
- What peaks are visible from Chandrashila?
- On a clear day: Kedarnath, Chaukhamba (four peaks), Kedar Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Bandarpunch, Swargarohini and the Gangotri and Yamunotri ranges. It is one of the best multi-range panorama viewpoints accessible to trekkers in Garhwal.
Keep reading
Chandrashila guides
Adventure & Trekking6 Days Dehradun to Tungnath, Chopta, and Chandrashila Tour Package Cost 2026Book 6-day Dehradun to Tungnath, Chopta, and Chandrashila tour package at ₹25,000. Explore Uttarakhand's beauty, 220 km from Dehradun. Call now! Read More…
Adventure & Trekking4 Day Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Package from Rishikesh | ₹20,000 pp | Travel My Bharat 2026Book 4 day Tungnath Chandrashila trek package from Rishikesh at ₹20,000 pp. Trek to Uttarakhand's highest shrine with Travel My Bharat. Get itinerary & cost details. Read More…Adventure & Trekking4-Day Dehradun to Tungnath Chandrashila Chopta Tour Package Cost 2026Book 4-day Dehradun to Tungnath Chandrashila Chopta tour package at ₹15,000 per person. Get itinerary, route, and booking details for 2026. Read More…Adventure & Trekking4-Day Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Package from Mussoorie | ₹18,000 - Travel My BharatBook 4-day Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek package from Mussoorie at ₹18,000. Get the best deals on Chopta trek packages with Travel My Bharat. Book now! Read More…Adventure & Trekking5-Day Haridwar to Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Package 2026Book 5-Day Haridwar to Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek package at ₹18,000. Get trek itinerary, cost, and booking details for 2026 Read More…Adventure & Trekking5-Day Rishikesh to Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek and Tour Package 2026Book 5-day Rishikesh to Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek and tour package at ₹18,000. Get best deals on Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek cost 2026 Read More…Ready to visit Chandrashila?
Tell us your dates and we’ll put together a plan that fits.