About the trek
As you step into Chopta, the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,' a wave of serenity washes over you. The air is crisp, tinged with the scent of pine and earth. Your eyes are immediately drawn to the sprawling meadows, a riot of wildflowers in full bloom. This is not just a trek; it's an immersion into nature's canvas. The Chopta Tungnath Trek is a gentle introduction to high-altitude trekking. You'll traverse lush bugyals, cross wooden bridges over babbling brooks, and finally stand in awe at Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple perched at 3680m. It's a trek that combines ease of access with unparalleled scenic beauty. Whether you're a first-time trekker or a seasoned adventurer looking for a relaxing escape, Chopta offers a unique blend of spiritual and natural wonders. Expect to be emotionally uplifted by the sheer beauty around you and physically challenged just enough to feel accomplished.
Key Facts
Why Trekkers Love It
- 01Trek to the world's highest Shiva temple, Tungnath, at 3680m.
- 02Experience the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand' with its lush meadows and wildflowers.
- 03Easy trek suitable for beginners, yet offers a sense of accomplishment.
- 04Opportunity to witness Garhwali culture and traditions in local villages.
More Photos
Photo Gallery
5 photosDay by Day
The Route
Route & Itinerary
Chopta
🚩 Starting Point
Tungnath Temple
Waypoint 1
Chandrashila Summit
🏁 End Point
Altitude
Elevation Profile
Chopta
2,680m
Tungnath Temple
3,680m
Chandrashila Summit
4,130m
Start
2,680m
Peak
4,130m
Total Gain
+1,450m
When 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, 210 km
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh Railway Station, 150 km
Flight to Dehradun (1 hour) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Train to Rishikesh (5-6 hours) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹1,500 – ₹3,000
Direct bus/car to Chopta (8-10 hours), ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
Flight to Dehradun (2 hours) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
Train to Rishikesh (24 hours) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Direct road route, 24-30 hours, bus or car options, ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Flight to Dehradun (3 hours) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹8,000 – ₹10,000
Train to Rishikesh (48 hours) + shared cab/bus to Chopta (6-7 hours), ₹3,000 – ₹6,000
Direct road route, 36-48 hours, bus or car options, ₹5,000 – ₹8,000
Last Mile to Base Camp
Shared jeep or trek-in from Ukhimath to Chopta
Pro tip: Book your transport and accommodations in advance, especially during peak season.
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
gear
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Trekking poles
- Backpack 20-30L
clothing
- Warm jacket
- Fleece
- Trekking pants
- Warm hat and gloves
essentials
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Energy bars
Safety Tips
- 1Easy trek but altitude affects some visitors — take it slow
- 2Temple is closed in winter (November-April)
Permit & Entry Info
No special permits required. Free access to Tungnath temple.
Emergency Contacts
Ukhimath PHC
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chopta Tungnath Trek is classified as easy. The trek involves a gradual ascent with a maximum altitude of 3680m. Daily distances are short, typically around 5-7 km, making it suitable for beginners.
The best months to undertake the Chopta Tungnath 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 Tungnath Trek ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000, depending on your style of travel, accommodation choices, and whether you hire a guide. This includes transport, food, permits, and guide fees.
Yes, a permit is required for the Chopta Tungnath Trek. The permit can be obtained online or at the forest department office in Rudraprayag. The cost is approximately ₹200 per person.
Yes, the Chopta Tungnath Trek is suitable for beginners. The terrain is relatively easy, and the distances are short, making it an ideal trek for those new to high-altitude trekking.
The maximum altitude of the Chopta Tungnath Trek is 3680m. While the trek is easy, some trekkers may experience mild altitude sickness. It's advisable to acclimatize properly and stay hydrated.
Essential items to pack include comfortable trekking shoes, layers of clothing, a waterproof jacket, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
The nearest city to the Chopta Tungnath Trek is Rishikesh. From Rishikesh, you can take a shared cab or bus to Chopta, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. The last mile to the base camp is usually covered by a shared jeep or trek-in.
The total distance of the Chopta Tungnath Trek is around 15 km, spread over two days. Daily distances are approximately 5-7 km.
While it's possible to do the Chopta Tungnath Trek without a guide, it's recommended to hire one for a safer and more enriching experience. Guides provide valuable insights and ensure your safety.
During the best trekking months (April to June and September to November), daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C, while night temperatures can drop to 5°C to 10°C.
Mobile network coverage is limited at the Chopta Tungnath Trek base camp. It's advisable to carry enough cash as ATM facilities are scarce in the region.
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