Chopta Tungnath Trek - A Complete Guide for Trekking Lovers

Historical and Mythological Significance

Tungnath is one of the five temples in the famous Panch Kedar Yatra of Uttarakhand. According to belief, when Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas, different parts of his body appeared in five different places:

Kedarnath – Hump
Tungnath – Arms
Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
Rudranath – Face
Kalpeshwar – Hair

That’s how Tungnath became one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. It is also considered to be over 1000 years old, built by the Pandavas during their journey to heaven.

 If you want to read an full article about Tungnath( Historical and Mythological Significance etc). Click here-Tungnath – World’s Highest Shiva Temple

🔱 About Tungnath – World’s Highest Shiva Temple

Tungnath Mahadev temple is not just a spiritual destination but a part of the sacred Panch Kedar – five temples built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva. Out of all Panch Kedars, Tungnath is the third and highest one at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft) above sea level.

📜 Mythological Importance

According to the legends, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas wanted to atone for their sins. But Lord Shiva, angry with them, hid in the Garhwal Himalayas in the form of a bull. When found, he disappeared into the earth, and his body parts reappeared at five places – now known as Panch Kedar. The arms (bahu) appeared at Tungnath.

This temple is said to be more than 1000 years old. Priests of this temple come from Makku village near Ukhimath, and they belong to a local Brahmin lineage, unlike Kedarnath where South Indian priests serve.

🕰️ Temple Opening & Closing

• Opening: Usually during late April or early May after Akshaya Tritiya.

• Closing: On Bhai Dooj, 2 days after Diwali.

• In winters, Lord Shiva’s idol is shifted to Mukunath, a nearby winter seat.

🏔️ Trek Route: Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila

• Starting Point: Chopta

• Tungnath Temple Altitude: 3,680 m

• Chandrashila Peak Altitude: 4,000 m approx

• Trek Distance: 3.5 km to Tungnath + 1.5 km more to Chandrashila

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Duration: 1–2 days depending on your pace

📍 Route Map

🏞️ Scenic Highlights Along the Trek

• Dense Forests of deodar, rhododendron, and oak.

• Snow-capped Views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and more.

• In spring, the trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons (buransh flowers).

• During winter, the entire region becomes a snow wonderland.

Why You Should Do This Trek?

• Easy and short trek with big mountain feel.
• Mix of spirituality, nature, and adventure.
• Great for families, solo travellers, and even kids.
• One of the best Himalayan weekend treks from Delhi or Dehradun.

How to Reach Chopta?

Chopta is well-connected by road but there’s no direct railway or flight route.

🚗 By Road:

• Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta

• Total Distance: Around 200–230 km from Rishikesh

You can take a bus till Ukhimath and hire a shared jeep or cab from there.

🚉 By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh / Haridwar

• You’ll need to take a bus/taxi further till Chopta.

✈️ By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

• From the airport, take a cab to Chopta (approx. 220–240 km)

From Ukhimath or Gopeshwar, you can hire a local taxi or shared jeep to reach Chopta.

Best Time to Visit Chopta Tungnath Trek

Summer (April to June): Pleasant weather, clear skies, great for beginners.

Monsoon (July to September): Landslides possible. Trek not advised.

Autumn (October to November): Crisp views, ideal time.

Winter (December to March): Snow trek. Temple usually closed but trekking till Tungnath is possible. Heavy snow at Chandrashila.

Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Chopta (2680m)

Reach Chopta by evening. Enjoy sunset views, explore meadows, and stay overnight in a homestay or camp.

Day 2: Trek to Tungnath (3.5 km) and Chandrashila (1.5 km)

Start early around 5–6 am.

First 3.5 km trek is steep but paved path up to Tungnath.

After darshan, trek 1.5 km further to Chandrashila summit.

Return back to Chopta by afternoon.

Overnight stay or departure to Ukhimath.

Trek Highlights

• Tungnath Temple – One of Panch Kedar, 1000+ years old.
• Chandrashila Peak – View of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and more.
• Bird Watching – Famous for Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand.
• Deodar & Rhododendron Forests – Beautiful green paths, especially in spring.
• Snow Trekking – In winters, full snow experience for thrill lovers.

Trek Difficulty & Duration

• Trek Distance: Around 5 km one way (Chopta to Chandrashila).
• Duration: 4–6 hours (up and down).
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Suitable for all age groups with basic fitness.

🏕️ Where to Stay in Chopta

• Budget lodges and homestays are available at Chopta, Dugalbitta, and Baniyakund.

• Camps are also set up near Chopta during summer and autumn.

• In peak seasons, pre-booking is advisable.

🥘 Food Options

• Simple local food like dal, chawal, sabzi, roti, and maggi is available at dhabas.

• No fancy cafes or restaurants, so better carry dry snacks and your own water bottles.

🧳 What to Pack for Chopta Tungnath Trek

• Trekking shoes with good grip

• Woollen clothes, gloves, cap (even in summer, nights are cold)

• Raincoat (especially in monsoon)

• Torchlight, power bank, sunscreen

• ID card (mandatory in some areas)

• Medical kit, personal medicines

• Water bottle, energy bars

❄️ Best Time to Visit Chopta Tungnath

Even though temple is closed in winter, Chandrashila winter trek is very popular among snow lovers.

🧘 Tips for Trekking Lovers

• Start early in the morning to avoid harsh sunlight during Chandrashila climb.

• Acclimatize if coming from low altitude.

• Avoid carrying too much luggage.

• Be mindful of altitude sickness after Tungnath.

• Don’t litter. Keep the trek route clean.

• Carry some cash, as there are no ATMs or UPI signals at the top.

🔐 Permissions and Entry Fee

• No special permit is needed for Chopta Tungnath trek.

• In case you’re doing a guided trek in winter, local forest permissions may be included in package.

• If you want a well professional trek organiser for Tungnath trek, contact Mr. kuldeep Bangari. He is from Auli. He organise several treks in this region. And he is also NIM certified professional.

  Call him at- +91 843326 3060

💰 Trek Cost Breakdown (Approx.)

🧗 Should You Take a Guide?

You don’t need a guide in summer or autumn. The trail is very clear. But during winter or heavy snowfall, hiring a local guide is highly recommended, as the path becomes invisible.

📸 Photography Tips

• Best sunrise shots from Chandrashila. Start trek early morning.

• Drone not allowed in many forest zones.

• Don’t miss night sky shots if staying overnight – it’s amazing!

🔚 Conclusion

The Chopta Tungnath trek is not just a trek. It’s a blend of spirituality, nature, and Himalayan adventure. Whether you’re a solo traveller, couple, or family group – this trail welcomes all. It’s short, sweet, scenic, and soul-touching.

I have personally been on this trek, and every time, it feels new.

📌 Related Blogs You Might Like:

• Madmaheshwar Trek – Complete Guide with Tips

• Kedarnath Yatra in Detail

• Is Nanda Devi Open Now? Why the Ban Was Imposed

 By – Mohit Bangari

If you want explore cultural aspect of Uttarakhand, you can read my article on famous festival of Uttarakhand.