Chasing Sunrises: Chandrashila Summit Trek from Delhi’s Bustle

Published on June 24, 2025

Chopta Chandrashila trek from Delhi, Leave behind the noise of city life and venture into the silence of the mountains. The Chopta Chandrashila trek from Delhi offers more than just scenic trails—it’s a spiritual escape, a journey that begins with ancient temples and ends with a soul-stirring sunrise at Chandrashila Summit, perched high above the clouds.

Journey to the Top: Detailed Itinerary for Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Day 0: Delhi to Rishikesh to Sari Village

• Departure: Start your journey from Botanical Garden Metro Station at 10:00 PM.
• Overnight Journey: Travel overnight towards Sari Village via Rishikesh.
• Stop at Devprayag: Witness the mesmerizing confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers along the way.

Day 1: Sari Village to Deoriatal

• Arrival at Sari Village: Check into your homestay and take some time to freshen up.
• Trek to Deoriatal: Begin your trek to Deoriatal (2.5 km, approximately 1.5–2 hours).
• Enjoy Deoriatal: Soak in the serene beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
• Return to Sari Village: Head back to Sari Village and enjoy a peaceful evening.

Day 2: Sari Village to Tungnath & Chandrashila

• Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your homestay.
• Drive to Chopta: A scenic drive of about 1 hour from Sari Village.
• Trek to Tungnath Temple: Embark on a 3.5 km trek to the sacred Tungnath Temple.
• Summit Chandrashila: Extend your trek by 1.5 km to reach the breathtaking Chandrashila summit.
• Return to Chopta/Sari: After the trek, return to Chopta or Sari for an overnight stay at the campsite.

Day 3: Chopta to Delhi

• Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your campsite in Chopta.
• Departure: Begin your journey back to Delhi in the early morning.
• Visit Dhari Devi Temple: Stop by the revered Dhari Devi Temple en route.
• Arrival in Delhi: A long drive of approximately 10–12 hours marks the end of your adventure.

Why Choose the Chopta Chandrashila Trek?

The Chandrashila summit trek is perfect for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. Starting from Chopta, often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ (without the cliché), the trail passes through Tungnath Temple—the highest Shiva temple in the world—before ascending to the panoramic Chandrashila peak.

Whether you’re seeking solitude, spirituality, or stunning landscapes, this trek delivers it all.

Starting from the City: Chopta Tour Package from Delhi

The adventure kicks off with a scenic Chopta tour package from Delhi, available by car or tempo traveler. Drive through Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Ukhimath, soaking in Ganga-side views and forested bends.

You can also opt for:

• Chopta tour package from Haridwar

• Tungnath tour package from Delhi

• Tungnath trek package from Rishikesh

• Tungnath trek package from Haridwar

• Tungnath package from Dehradun

Trek Highlights You Can’t Miss

Tungnath Temple Trek

At 3,680 m, it is one of the five Panch Kedar temples. The Tungnath temple trek offers spiritual calm and stunning Himalayan vistas, including peaks like Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

• Tungnath trek distance: Approx. 3.5 km from Chopta

• Tungnath trip cost: Affordable with basic inclusions and guided support

Chandrashila Summit Trek

Rise early to catch the magical sunrise from Chandrashila. The 360-degree views of snow-covered peaks and the golden morning light make the short 1.5 km climb from Tungnath absolutely worth it.

• Chopta Chandrashila trek distance: 5 km (Chopta to Chandrashila)

• Chopta Chandrashila trek price: Depends on group size, season, and services

• Best time: March–June and October–December

Chopta Tour Packages That Fit Every Need

With increasing popularity, Chopta tour packages now cater to every kind of traveler:

• ✅ Chopta tour package for couple – Cosy stays, private treks, romantic bonfire nights

• ✅ Budget Chopta chandrashila trek package – Group departures with tents and meals

• ✅ Customizable Chopta tungnath trek package – Tailored for solo, family, or adventure groups

Nature & Peace in Equal Measure

Chopta is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, meaning your path is lined with oak, rhododendron, and deodar forests. Keep an eye out for the Himalayan Monal, musk deer, and snow-capped peaks that form the perfect photo frame at every turn.

What’s Included in a Standard Chopta Tour Package?

✅ Accommodation (Guesthouse/Camps)
✅ Meals (Breakfast & Dinner)
✅ Trek Guide & Permits
✅ Bonfire (seasonal)
✅ Transport (optional add-on)

Tips for Your Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi

• Carry warm clothes year-round

• Good trekking shoes are essential

• Network is limited—enjoy a digital detox

• Don’t forget your ID and a power bank

• Travel light but be prepared for cold and wind

When Should You Go?

• Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, clear skies, green trails

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow-covered treks, magical white landscapes

• Post-Monsoon (Sep–Nov): Crisp air, great visibility, fewer crowds

Sleeping Beneath the Stars: Best Accommodations for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Nestled amidst alpine forests and rolling meadows, Chopta is not just a starting point for the Tungnath temple trek and Chandrashila summit trek, but also a place where staying overnight becomes part of the experience. From eco-huts with pine views to tents under star-studded skies, accommodations in Chopta and along the Chandrashila trail let you connect with nature in comfort and simplicity.

1. Campsites in Chopta – For the True Adventurer

Nothing matches the thrill of camping in the Himalayan wild. Campsites in Chopta offer Swiss tents, alpine tents, and budget setups with sleeping bags, mats, and meals. Some even include bonfires and folk music under the stars.

• Ideal for: Backpackers, groups, and nature lovers

• Locations: Baniyakund, Duggalbitta, and meadows near Chopta

• Bonus: Wake up to snow-capped peaks and Monal calls

2. Eco-Cottages & Wooden Huts – Cozy Mountain Comfort

If you want a peaceful retreat with basic facilities and a view to die for, stay in locally run eco-huts or wooden cottages. These accommodations blend rustic charm with essential amenities, offering a warm place to rest after the trek.

• Ideal for: Couples and families

• Inclusions: Warm bedding, attached washrooms, hot meals, heaters (in some)

• Popular near: Sari Village, Baniyakund, and Chopta market area

3. Guesthouses & Homestays – Local Living at Its Best

Run by the welcoming locals of Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, these homestays and guesthouses offer clean rooms, authentic Garhwali food, and great hospitality—all at budget prices.

• Perfect for: Solo travelers, weekend explorers, budget-conscious trekkers

• Benefits: Cultural interaction, home-cooked meals, warm vibes

4. Mid-Range Lodges & Basic Hotels

Though Chopta doesn’t have luxury resorts, there are basic hotels and mid-range lodges in nearby villages like Ukhimath, Sari, and Guptkashi, with good road connectivity and decent facilities.

• Ideal for: Travelers seeking a slightly more comfortable base

• Add-ons: Jeep pickups to the Chopta trek point available on request

Smart Tips for Staying in Chopta

• Book early in peak seasons (April–June & Oct–Jan)

• Power and network may be limited—carry backup

• Choose stays closest to your trail plan (e.g., Sari for Deoriatal, Chopta for Tungnath)

Whispers of the Wind: Weather Guide to Chopta & Chandrashila

If you’re planning the breathtaking Chopta Chandrashila trek, knowing the weather is key to making your journey safe, scenic, and truly unforgettable. Whether you're chasing snow in winter or wildflowers in spring, Chopta and Chandrashila offer a changing sky with every season.

Spring (March to April): Blossom & Beginnings

As the snow melts, Chopta awakens with lush greenery and blooming rhododendrons. The weather is pleasantly cold, making it one of the best times to trek.

• Temperature: 5°C to 15°C

• Highlights: Clear skies, fresh trails, vibrant flora

• Best for: Photography, moderate trekking, birdwatching

Summer (May to June): Clear Views & Cool Breezes

Summer brings warmth to the meadows while keeping the mountain air crisp and cool. It’s the most popular season for the Chopta Tungnath trek and Chandrashila summit.

• Temperature: 10°C to 20°C

• Highlights: Stunning Himalayan views, comfortable trekking conditions

• Best for: Families, couples, beginners

Monsoon (July to early September): Mist & Magic

Though trekking is not recommended due to slippery trails and landslides, monsoon wraps Chopta in a blanket of mist and mystery.

• Temperature: 7°C to 17°C

• Conditions: Rainy, foggy, leech-prone trails

• Best for: Offbeat travelers (with caution) and solitude seekers

Autumn (Mid-September to November): Crisp Air & Golden Light

This is a golden window for trekking—post-monsoon freshness, fewer crowds, and crystal-clear skies. The trail to Tungnath temple and Chandrashila summit is absolutely surreal.

• Temperature: 5°C to 15°C

• Highlights: Orange-hued landscapes, wide visibility

• Best for: Trekkers, solo travelers, photographers

Winter (December to February): Snowfall & Silence

Snow transforms Chopta into a dreamscape. The trail becomes adventurous with snow-laden trees, frozen streams, and a real Himalayan winter feel.

• Temperature: -5°C to 10°C

• Highlights: Snow treks, Tungnath temple under snow, peaceful surroundings

• Best for: Snow lovers, adventure seekers, off-season explorers

Pro Tips Based on Weather

• Always check the forecast before trekking—especially in monsoon and winter.

• Dress in layers—temperatures drop quickly after sunset.

• Carry rain gear during transitional seasons.

• Snow boots and gaiters are essential for winter treks.

Legends in the Mist: The History of Chopta & Chandrashila

Tucked in the lap of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta and Chandrashila are not just scenic trekking destinations—they are sacred lands wrapped in ancient tales, divine energy, and timeless legends. This region is part of the mythological and spiritual journey that has drawn sages, seekers, and now, trekkers from all corners of India.

The Divine Path of the Pandavas

The story of Chandrashila (which literally means “Moon Rock”) is deeply intertwined with the legends of the Mahabharata. After the great war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for their sins. Shiva, unwilling to forgive easily, disguised himself and fled through the Himalayas. The Pandavas followed him, and in his divine hide-and-seek, Shiva split into five forms, each manifesting at a different location in the Garhwal—these are now the Panch Kedar temples.

One of these, the Tungnath Temple—dedicated to the arms of Lord Shiva—is the highest Shiva temple in the world, situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters. The trek to Tungnath starts from Chopta, a quiet alpine meadow that once served as pastureland for local shepherds.

Above Tungnath lies Chandrashila Summit, believed to be the very place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana. It’s also said that the moon god (Chandra) performed penance here, giving the summit its name—Chandrashila, the Moon Rock.

From Mythology to Modern Treks

Historically, Chopta remained a hidden gem, untouched by mass tourism until recent decades. It was primarily a route used by local pilgrims on their way to Tungnath and beyond. As road access improved and trekking culture grew in India, Chopta gained fame for its year-round natural beauty, its accessibility for beginners, and its proximity to Chandrashila, which offers 360° Himalayan views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba peaks.

Today, it is celebrated as a soulful Himalayan getaway, a land where ancient spirituality and modern exploration meet.

Preservation of Culture and Nature

Chopta is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which has helped preserve both the region’s ecological richness and its sacred character. The sanctuary protects rare species like the Himalayan Monal and the musk deer—while the temples and trails continue to echo the spiritual footsteps of generations.

Despite modernization, locals have maintained a respectful harmony between tourism and tradition, ensuring that the story of Chopta and Chandrashila lives on—not just in scripture, but in every step you take on these sacred trails.

In Every Stone, a Story

Whether you're climbing to Chandrashila for its legendary sunrise or bowing your head at Tungnath’s age-old shrine, you’re walking a path walked by gods, warriors, and sages. Chopta and Chandrashila are not just places—they are experiences steeped in sacred time.

Discover this living legacy with a personalized Chopta Chandrashila Trek Package from TourMyHoliday—where history, nature, and spirituality await your footsteps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the significance of Chandrashila?
Chandrashila means “Moon Rock” and is believed to be where Lord Rama meditated and where the Moon God did penance.

2. Where does the Chopta Chandrashila trek begin?
The trek begins from Chopta, a serene meadow in Uttarakhand located around 2,600 meters above sea level.

3. What is the distance of the Chopta Chandrashila trek?
The total trek distance is around 5 km one way, including the Tungnath temple.

4. What is special about Tungnath Temple?
It’s the highest Shiva temple in the world, part of the sacred Panch Kedar, and over 1,000 years old.

5. Can beginners do the Chopta Chandrashila trek?
Yes! It’s a beginner-friendly trek with moderate incline and well-marked trails.

6. What are the best months to visit Chandrashila?
Ideal months are March to June and September to December. Winter offers snow; spring offers flowers.

7. Is it possible to see snow at Chandrashila?
Yes, especially from December to February, the summit is often snow-covered.

8. How is the weather at Chopta and Chandrashila?
Cool in summer, snowy in winter, and misty during monsoon. Temperatures can drop below -5°C in winter.

9. What should I carry for the trek?
Carry warm clothes, trekking shoes, rain gear, flashlight, water bottle, and ID proof.

10. Are there accommodations near Chandrashila?
There are camps, cottages, and guesthouses in Chopta and nearby villages like Baniyakund and Sari.