Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek: Complete Trek Guide
Published on February 07, 2026 | Updated on September 16, 2026
This guide covers one thing only: the trek itself. Route, distance, altitude gain, difficulty, how long each section takes, and what actually happens on the trail between Chopta and the Chandrashila summit.
Trip planning, weather data, transport and temple traditions are covered on their own dedicated pages and linked where relevant. If you are still deciding whether to visit at all, start with the Chopta Travel Guide instead.
Trek at a Glance
| Trailhead | Chopta, Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand |
| Chopta to Tungnath | Approximately 3.5–4 km one way |
| Tungnath to Chandrashila | Approximately 1.5 km one way |
| Total return distance | Approximately 10–11 km |
| Tungnath altitude | Approximately 3,680 m |
| Chandrashila altitude | Approximately 4,000 m |
| Altitude gain from Chopta | Roughly 1,000 m to Tungnath, 1,300 m to Chandrashila |
| Difficulty | Easy to moderate up to Tungnath, moderate beyond |
| Trail surface | Paved and stone-set for most of the Tungnath section |
| Typical time | 2.5–4 hours up, 2–3 hours down |
| Guide required | Not mandatory in clear conditions, recommended in snow |
Chopta to Tungnath
The trail begins directly from the Chopta roadside and climbs steadily. Uttarakhand Tourism describes the approach to Tungnath as an approximately 4 km moderate trek from Chopta, and places the temple at around 3,680 metres above sea level.
Our own operating experience puts the walking distance closer to 3.5 km, depending on exactly where you start from on the Chopta stretch.
What the trail is actually like
Most of this section is a paved, stone-set path rather than a rough mountain trail. That surprises many first-time trekkers who expect loose scree or a forest track.
What makes it demanding is not the surface but the continuous gradient. There are very few flat stretches. You climb almost from the first step.
The path opens out onto alpine meadows fairly early, so the views begin well before you reach the top. There are a few small tea stalls along the route in season, though you should not depend on them being open.
How long it takes
Most reasonably fit walkers reach Tungnath in 2 to 3 hours. Slower walkers, families with children, or anyone unused to altitude should plan for longer and not treat that as a problem.
The single most common mistake is starting too fast. The gradient is unrelenting, and people who push hard in the first kilometre usually pay for it in the third.
Where the effort actually is
The climb is steady rather than technical. There is no scrambling, no exposure and no route-finding on this section in clear weather.
The difficulty comes from three things:
- Sustained uphill with little recovery
- Thinning air as you approach 3,680 m
- Cold and wind, which increase with altitude regardless of season
For how Tungnath's elevation compares with Chopta and the surrounding peaks, see Chopta Altitude & Elevation.
Tungnath is an active Panch Kedar shrine. Its religious significance, opening traditions and visitor etiquette are covered separately.
If you want to read more about Tungnath and the temples of Chopta, you can read our detailed Chopta Temples Guide.
Tungnath to Chandrashila
This is where the trek changes character.
The final section is roughly 1.5 km and climbs to approximately 4,000 metres. The paved path largely ends. What follows is a steeper, narrower and more exposed trail over rock and, for much of the year, snow.
Why this section is harder
- The gradient increases noticeably
- The surface becomes uneven — rock, loose ground, or packed snow
- Wind exposure is much greater on the ridge
- You are now above 3,700 m, where altitude affects most people
- There is no shelter between Tungnath and the summit
Allow 45 minutes to 1.5 hours for this section alone, and the same again coming down. Descending the Chandrashila section is often slower than ascending it, particularly on snow.
What you get at the top
Chandrashila is a summit, not a viewpoint you drive to. On a clear morning, the ridge gives an open panorama across the Garhwal Himalaya, with Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba among the peaks visible.
Clarity is best in the early morning. Clouds typically build through the day, which is the main practical argument for an early start.
Chandrashila is optional, and should be treated that way
This matters more than any packing tip.
Chandrashila should be attempted only when weather, trail conditions and your own fitness allow on the day. There is no shame in turning back at Tungnath. In poor visibility, high wind or fresh snow, that is simply the correct decision.
Difficulty: An Honest Assessment
The Tungnath section is genuinely suitable for beginners with reasonable fitness. If you can climb several flights of stairs without stopping, you can almost certainly reach Tungnath given enough time.
The Chandrashila section is moderate. It is not technical, but it is steeper, colder, higher and more exposed. Conditions rather than skill are usually the limiting factor.
Preparation that actually helps
Two to three weeks of regular walking or stair climbing before the trip makes a real difference. Not a gym programme, just consistent walking.
If you have a heart condition, respiratory condition or any history of altitude sickness, speak to a doctor before committing to a high-altitude climb.
Trail Conditions Through the Year
Trail conditions change substantially by season, and this affects difficulty far more than fitness does.
Spring and early summer bring the clearest, easiest walking, with rhododendron in bloom on the lower stretch.
Monsoon makes the stone path slippery and visibility unreliable. The trek remains possible but requires more caution and a flexible schedule.
Autumn typically offers the most stable trail conditions and the sharpest mountain views.
Winter transforms the trek entirely. Snow can cover the path, the Chandrashila section becomes significantly harder, and traction equipment may be necessary.
For snow-specific preparation, traction gear and winter trail conditions, use the Chopta Winter Trek Guide.
For temperature, rainfall and snowfall patterns, see Chopta Weather & Climate.
To decide which season suits your trip, use Best Time to Visit Chopta.
Safety on the Trail
Start early. This single decision solves most problems: better visibility, more stable weather, and enough daylight for the descent.
Turn back when conditions say so. Weather above 3,500 m changes quickly. A summit is never worth pushing into deteriorating conditions.
Do not underestimate the descent. Most trail injuries happen on the way down, when people are tired and moving faster.
Carry water and something to eat. Do not rely on tea stalls being open.
Expect limited mobile connectivity. Tell someone at your accommodation your plan and expected return time.
Trek registration is maintained at the forest check post in the Chopta area for safety and record-keeping. Carry a valid government photo ID.
Before travelling, check current conditions with Uttarakhand Tourism, the Rudraprayag District Administration, and the India Meteorological Department, Dehradun for forecasts close to your travel date.
Adding Deoriatal to the Trek
Many trekkers combine Tungnath and Chandrashila with Deoriatal, a lake reached by a separate short trek from Sari Village.
This is a genuinely different walk on a different day, not an extension of the Tungnath trail. It is shorter and gentler, and works well as a lighter first day before the main climb.
See Chopta Lakes for details on Deoriatal itself.
Doing the Trek With Us
Our Chopta Tour Package from Delhi covers this trek as a 2 Nights / 3 Days trip, with round-trip transport from Delhi, accommodation, selected meals and on-ground trek assistance. Deoriatal is included on the first day, with Tungnath and Chandrashila on the second.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the Chopta to Tungnath trek?
Approximately 3.5 to 4 km one way. Uttarakhand Tourism describes it as around 4 km.
2. How far is Chandrashila from Tungnath?
Roughly 1.5 km further, climbing to approximately 4,000 m.
3. How difficult is the Tungnath Chandrashila trek?
Easy to moderate up to Tungnath, moderate beyond it. Snow, rain or poor visibility increase the difficulty considerably.
4. Can beginners do this trek?
Yes, in suitable weather and with reasonable fitness. Two to three weeks of regular walking beforehand helps significantly.
5. How many hours does the full trek take?
Typically 2.5 to 4 hours up and 2 to 3 hours down, depending on pace, group size and trail conditions.
6. Is the trail paved?
Most of the Chopta to Tungnath section is a stone-set path. The Tungnath to Chandrashila section is rougher and often snow-covered.
7. Is Chandrashila compulsory?
No. Attempt it only when weather, trail conditions and fitness allow. Returning from Tungnath is a perfectly good trek.
8. Do I need a guide?
Not mandatory in clear conditions. Recommended during snow, poor visibility, or if you are trekking alone.
9. Can children do this trek?
Many children manage the Tungnath section. Chandrashila depends on the child's fitness, the conditions and parental judgement.
10. Is there mobile network on the trail?
Connectivity is limited and unreliable. Save important information offline before starting.
