Chopta & Tungnath Travel Guide
The highest Shiva temple in the world, a 3.5 km climb, with Chandrashila summit above it.
- Altitude
- 2,680 m (Chopta)
- Best season
- Mar – Nov
- From Dehradun
- 205 km
- Category
- Trek
Why visit Chopta & Tungnath
- Tungnath is the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680 m — a relatively accessible 3.5 km paved trail
- Chandrashila summit (4,000 m) offers a full 360° panorama: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Kedar Dome visible on clear days
- One of the best snow treks from Rishikesh between December and March — the trail stays snowbound but manageable
- Deoriatal, 14 km from Chopta, mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks in its lake surface at dawn
- One of the Panch Kedar — Tungnath carries the same pilgrimage significance as Kedarnath for devotees who complete the five shrines
Chopta is a meadow-and-deodar base camp for Tungnath — at about 3,680 metres, the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar. The climb is a steady 3.5 km paved trail.
An hour beyond Tungnath, the Chandrashila summit (about 4,000 m) opens a 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Kedar dome — one of the best effort-to-view ratios in the Himalaya.
Explore around
Places near Chopta & Tungnath
Summit at ~4,000 m; final push is rocky but straightforward; panorama is the payoff
Forest lake at 2,438 m; famous reflection of Chaukhamba massif in still morning water
Winter seat of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar deities; small but significant temple town
Small sanctuary en route; musk deer sometimes visible early morning
What to do
Activities at Chopta & Tungnath
Tungnath–Chandrashila trek
3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath temple (2–3 hrs uphill), then 1 km rocky scramble to the Chandrashila summit. Combined round-trip from Chopta takes 5–7 hours. Fit day-trekkers can do it in a single push.
Deoriatal trek
3 km from Sari village (near Ukhimath) to this reflective lake. Either approach Chopta via Deoriatal for a trek itinerary, or visit Deoriatal as a standalone day-hike from Ukhimath.
Snow trekking
December to February the Chopta–Tungnath trail is typically snowbound. The paved path is buried but the route is established; micro-spikes or yak chains recommended for January–February.
Birdwatching
The oak–rhododendron forest around Chopta holds Himalayan monal pheasant, koklass pheasant, red-billed chough and several laughingthrush species — best observed in early mornings through April–May.
Book with us
Tours covering Chopta & Tungnath
Before you go
Chopta & Tungnath travel tips
- The Tungnath temple is locked in winter (November to April roughly) — but the trek to Chandrashila continues regardless
- Chopta has very few guesthouses — accommodation fills fast on weekends; book ahead or plan to be at Deoriatal by evening
- The road from Ukhimath to Chopta is narrow and steep; jeeps are the practical vehicle, not sedans
- Start the trek by 6 am to reach Chandrashila before 10 am cloud typically rolls in from the valley
- Carry enough cash — no ATMs near Chopta; nearest is Ukhimath or Augustmuni
Getting there
How to reach Chopta & Tungnath
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km). Drive via Rishikesh–Devprayag–Rudraprayag–Ukhimath–Chopta (7 hrs).
Rishikesh (205 km). Shared jeeps from Rishikesh to Ukhimath; local jeep to Chopta (41 km from Ukhimath).
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Augustmuni → Ukhimath → Chopta (205 km, 6–7 hrs). No direct bus from Rishikesh; take the Kedarnath-bound bus to Augustmuni then local transport.
Where to stay in Chopta & Tungnath
- Chopta: 8–10 basic guesthouses and tent camps along the meadow; GMVN Rest House is the largest single option
- Deoriatal: a few tent camps operate beside the lake in season
- Ukhimath (41 km below) has more hotels if Chopta is full
Food & dining
- Chopta dhabas serve dal, rice, roti, Maggi and omelettes — basic but hot
- No food available on the Tungnath trail itself above Chopta; carry snacks and water
- Deoriatal village (Sari) has one or two tea stalls
Background
History of Chopta & Tungnath
Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar — the five Shiva shrines in Garhwal associated with the Pandavas' post-Kurukshetra atonement. At Tungnath, the arms (bahu) of the bull-form Shiva are said to have appeared. The shrine is administered by a mahant from Makkumath village, following a hereditary priesthood.
The Chandrashila summit above is associated with Lord Rama, who is said to have meditated here after the Lanka war. The small shrine at the summit commemorates this tradition. The name Chandrashila means "moon rock" — on full-moon winter nights, the snowbound summit glows distinctly from the valleys below.
Plan your trip
Suggested Chopta & Tungnath itinerary
- Day 1Rishikesh to Chopta (205 km, 7 hrs). Arrive by evening. Overnight at Chopta guesthouse.
- Day 2Start trek at 5:30 am. Reach Tungnath temple (3.5 km, 2.5 hrs). Continue to Chandrashila summit (1 km, 1 hr). Descend to Chopta by noon. Optional afternoon drive to Deoriatal (14 km, 30 min) for sunset reflection.
- Day 3Morning at Deoriatal. Drive back to Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Common questions
Chopta & Tungnath FAQ
- Can I do Tungnath as a day trip from Rishikesh?
- Technically yes (205 km each way) but strongly not recommended — the drive is 7 hours each way and you'd have no time at the top. A minimum overnight stay at Chopta is essential.
- Is the Chandrashila summit safe for beginners?
- Yes for the summer/autumn season (April–November). The trail is steep but clear. In winter (December–March), snow makes the final section require trekking poles and warm layers.
- Is the Tungnath temple open in winter?
- The temple is closed (idol moved to Ukhimath) from roughly November to April. The trek to Chandrashila continues year-round, including through snow.
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