Chopta Tungnath Trek - A Complete Guide for Trekking Lovers

 

Where is Chopta Tungnath Trek Located?

This trek is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Chopta is a small hill station in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It lies at an altitude of around 2,680 metres, and Tungnath temple is at 3,680 metres. The Chandrashila peak goes up to 4,000 metres approx.

How to Reach Chopta?

You can reach Chopta from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun by road. No direct buses are available to Chopta, so you have to break the journey. Here’s a route breakdown:

By Road
Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (approx. 200 km)
Roads are mostly well-maintained but narrow and curvy.

By Train:
Nearest railway station is Haridwar or Rishikesh.

By Air:
Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

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.

Things to Carry

• Trekking shoes with good grip
• Warm clothes (even in summer, nights are cold)
• Raincoat or poncho
• Water bottle (at least 1.5 litre)
• Dry fruits/snacks
• Power bank
• Torchlight/headlamp
• Basic medicines (fever, cold, motion sickness)
• Trekking pole (optional)
• Identity card (for registration if needed)

Accommodation Options

Here are some good and safe accommodation options in Chopta that are trusted by travelers and mostly run by locals. These options include homestays, guesthouses, and camps – all offering basic but comfortable stays with warm hospitality.

1. Magpie Eco Retreat, Chopta

Location: Near Chopta market

Type: Luxury eco-lodges & Swiss tents

Features: Private washrooms, 24×7 electricity, hot water, parking, amazing views

Ideal for: Families, couples, groups

Contact: +91 94101 49906

Website: magpieecotourism.com

Safety: Highly rated for safety and cleanliness

2. Snow View Lodge, Chopta

Location: Just before Chopta

Type: Wooden cottages and rooms

Features: Clean rooms, homely food, attached toilets

Ideal for: Budget and mid-range travelers

Phone: Available on Google

Safety: Family-friendly and well-lit area

3. Baniya Kund Camps and Homestays

Location: Baniya Kund (3 km before Chopta)

Type: Budget camps and homestays

Features: Bonfire, simple food, cozy tents

Good Options:

Himalayan Resort

Chopta Green Valley Camp

Saagar Camp Chopta

Ideal for: Budget travelers, solo backpackers

Note: Toilets may be common or attached, ask while booking

Safety: Peaceful locality, safe for all

4. Mayadeep Holiday Home, Duggalbitta

Location: Duggalbitta (6 km before Chopta)

Type: Rooms & cottages

Facilities: Parking, hot water, power backup, attached bathroom

Website: mayadeep.in

Good for: Those looking for peace and natural surroundings

Safety: Popular among families

5. Akashdeep Resort, Chopta

Type: Camps and Rooms

Features: Hot water, clean bedding, local food, view of Kedarnath range

Contact: Search on Google for latest contact

Safety: Safe and locally managed

Booking Tips

Book in advance during May-June and Sept-Nov (peak seasons).

In winter (Dec-Feb), check if road and electricity are functional.

Confirm if rooms have attached toilets and hot water, especially in camps.

Avoid staying too far from the main road during snowfall.

Food Availability

Local dhabas at Chopta serve maggi, paratha, tea, etc.

On trek route, one or two shops till Tungnath. None after that.

Carry light snacks for Chandrashila trek.

Mobile Connectivity

Patchy signal. Only BSNL and Jio work, and that too not everywhere.

Better to inform your family before starting the trek.

Trek Permissions

No special permit is required for this trek. But in peak season or during snowfall, forest check post may take entry details. Always carry ID proof.

Tips for Trekking

• Start early to avoid afternoon clouds and return before dark.
• Acclimatise yourself properly.
• Avoid alcohol/smoking during trek.
• Respect nature. Don’t litter.
• Stay with your group.
• Keep a buffer day during winter season.

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.

Conclusion

The Chopta Tungnath trek is a perfect Himalayan escape. Whether you want peace, divine blessings, or a bit of adventure – this trail has it all. With proper planning, it becomes a smooth and unforgettable journey. So, pack your bags, put on your trekking shoes, and get ready to touch the sky at Chandrashila!

 

 

 By – Mohit Bangari

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