About the trek
Imagine waking up to the gentle whisper of the wind through alpine meadows, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the crisp morning air. Welcome to the Chopta Chandrashila Trek, a journey through Uttarakhand's untouched meadows. As you tread the well-marked paths, you'll be surrounded by a riot of colors - rhododendrons in full bloom, vibrant blue poppies, and the occasional flash of a butterfly's wings. The trek's highlight is the ascent to Chandrashila peak, where the meadow gives way to a panoramic view of the Himalayas. This isn't just a trek; it's an immersion into nature's canvas. Ideal for those seeking serenity and scenic beauty, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek promises an emotionally enriching experience with its lush bugyals and ease of access.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01The trek offers a unique opportunity to visit the ancient Tungnath temple, one of the Panch Kedar.
- 02The meadows here burst into a riot of colors during the spring and autumn months.
- 03Chandrashila peak provides a 360-degree view of the Himalayan range, including a sighting of Mt. Nanda Devi.
- 04The trek passes through the rhododendron-filled Chopta plateau, a photographer's paradise.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosWhen to Go
Monthly Climate Guide
Best months to trek: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov. Avoid Jul, Aug — heavy rainfall makes trails risky.
Apr
BESTPleasant
8–20°C
May
BESTBest Season
12–25°C
Jun
NOWMonsoon Onset
12–22°C
Sep
BESTPost-Monsoon
10–20°C
Oct
BESTBest Season
5–18°C
Nov
BESTCold
0–12°C
Getting There
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, 200 km
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh Railway Station, 180 km
Flight to Dehradun, then 4-hour drive, ₹3,000-₹5,000
Train to Rishikesh, then 4-hour drive, ₹1,000-₹2,000
Direct bus or car, 8-hour drive, ₹1,500-₹3,000
Flight to Dehradun, then 4-hour drive, ₹8,000-₹12,000
Train to Rishikesh, then 4-hour drive, ₹2,000-₹4,000
Road route via NH48, 24-hour drive
Flight to Dehradun, then 4-hour drive, ₹10,000-₹15,000
Train to Rishikesh, then 4-hour drive, ₹3,000-₹6,000
Road route via NH44, 36-hour drive
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep or local bus from Ukhimath to Chopta, 1-hour ride
Pro tip: Book your local transport in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
Costs
Budget Breakdown
Trek costs ₹8,000–₹25,000 depending on your style and whether you hire a guide
Mid-Range Trek
Guide + porter, comfortable guesthouses
per day
₹2,500 – ₹3,500 per day
Prices are estimates for 2025–26. Costs vary by season and group size.
Preparation
Pack & Stay Safe
What to Pack
clothing
- Fleece jacket
- Light windcheater
- Thermal inner
- Trekking pants
- Warm cap & light gloves
footwear
- Trekking shoes with grip
- Woolen socks × 3 pairs
- Camp sandals
equipment
- 40–50L backpack
- Sleeping bag −5°C
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Headlamp
- Water bottles 1.5–2 L
essentials
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Sunglasses
- Basic first-aid kit
- Energy bars
- Personal medicines
Safety Tips
- 1Can get crowded
Permit & Entry Info
National Park entry permit required (₹150 Indians / ₹600 foreigners per day). Register at Forest Department checkpost. Some treks require advance online booking.
Emergency Contacts
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is categorized as easy. The total distance is 10 km, spread over 3 days, with a maximum altitude of 4000m. The daily distance is manageable, making it suitable for beginners.
The best months to undertake the Chopta Chandrashila Trek are April, May, June, September, October, and November. These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies, enhancing the trekking experience.
The cost of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek can range from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 depending on your style, whether you hire a guide, and the type of accommodation you choose.
Yes, a permit is required for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. It can be obtained from the forest department in Uttarakhand. The cost is nominal, usually around ₹100-₹200.
Yes, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is suitable for beginners due to its easy difficulty level and well-marked paths. However, basic fitness is recommended.
The maximum altitude of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is 4000m. While altitude sickness is rare, it's advisable to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
For the Chopta Chandrashila Trek, pack sturdy trekking shoes, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, a comfortable backpack, snacks, water bottle, and a camera to capture the scenic beauty.
The nearest city to the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is Rudraprayag. From there, you can take a shared cab or bus to reach the base camp, which is approximately 50 km away.
The total distance of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is 10 km, spread over 3 days. The daily distance is manageable, making it suitable for all trekkers.
While it's possible to do the Chopta Chandrashila Trek without a guide, it's recommended to hire one for a safer and more enriching experience, especially if you're unfamiliar with the region.
During the best trekking months (April to June and September to November), the daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, while nighttime can drop to 5°C to 10°C.
Mobile network is available but patchy at the Chopta Chandrashila Trek base camp. There's no ATM nearby, so it's advisable to carry enough cash for your expenses.
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