Sacred Heights: Your Complete Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi

Sacred Heights: Your Complete Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi

Published on June 14, 2025

Chopta tungnath trek from delhi, If you're seeking a journey that combines spirituality, adventure, and Himalayan beauty, the Chopta Tungnath trek from Delhi is your calling. Nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta is the gateway to the divine Tungnath Temple and the majestic Chandrashila summit trek. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time explorer, this trail offers a perfect mix of thrill and tranquility.

From snow-draped peaks to ancient legends, here’s your complete guide to planning the Chopta Tungnath trek and the Chopta Chandrashila trek from Delhi.

chopta tour package Your Journey Begins: Complete Itinerary of the Chopta Tour

Day 0: Departure from Delhi – Overnight Journey

10:00 PM: Depart from Delhi by AC Volvo bus or shared cab or tempo traveller towards Chopta.
Overnight: Onboard journey to Sari Village (approx. 12–14 hours).

Day 1: Arrival at Sari Village – Deoria Tal Trek & Bonfire Night

Morning: Reach Sari Village , check-in at cottages.
Afternoon: Begin trek to Deoria Tal (3 km, approx. 1.5 hrs one-way).
Enjoy scenic views of Himalayan peaks reflected in the crystal-clear lake.
Evening: Return to cottages, relax, and enjoy a bonfire & DJ night under the stars.
Stay: Overnight in cottages at Sari Village.

Day 2: Chopta – Tungnath Temple Trek to Chandrashila Summit

Early Morning: Drive to Chopta (approx. 1 hour).
Trek: Start the Tungnath Temple trek (3.5 km, 2–3 hours).
Visit Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple), then ascend to Chandrashila Peak (1 km further).
Breathtaking 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome, and more.
Afternoon: Return to Chopta for lunch.
Evening: Free time to explore local cafes or nature trails.
Stay: Overnight in cottages at Chopta.

Day 3: Explore Ukhimath & Dhari Devi – Return to Delhi

Morning: Visit Ukhimath (winter seat of Lord Kedarnath) and Dhari Devi Temple (on Alaknanda River).
Afternoon: Depart for Delhi via Devprayag.
Evening/Night: Stop for dinner en route.
Arrival: Reach Delhi by late night.

chopta tungnath trek

The Spiritual Trail: Tungnath Temple Trek

The Tungnath Temple trek is more than just a walk—it's a path to the world’s highest Shiva temple, perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters. Believed to be over a thousand years old, the temple is a key stop in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage and holds great mythological significance.

  • Distance: ~3.5 km from Chopta

  • Time: 2-3 hours depending on fitness level

  • Best Time: April to November; snow trek possible in winter

Trekking to Tungnath through rhododendron forests and open meadows feels like stepping into a divine realm. Most Chopta tour packages include this serene trek in their itinerary.

Beyond the Temple: Chandrashila Summit Trek

After reaching Tungnath, the trail continues for another 1.5 km to the stunning Chandrashila summit. The Chandrashila trek rewards you with 360-degree views of some of India’s highest peaks—Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kedarnath Dome.

  • Altitude: ~4,000 meters

  • Ideal for: Sunrise views, snow trekking, spiritual meditation

  • Highlight: Clear views of snow-covered Himalayan giants

For couples and photography lovers, the Chandrashila summit trek is a magical experience included in several Chopta tour packages for couple.

Why Chopta? The Land of Silent Beauty

Often referred to as the “base camp of Tungnath and Chandrashila,” Chopta is a peaceful Himalayan hamlet covered in dense pine and deodar forests. It offers breathtaking scenery year-round—lush green in summer, orange-red with rhododendrons in spring, and snow-white in winter.

The Chopta tour is a perfect blend of adventure and calm. Whether you're trekking or just relaxing in a mountain cottage, Chopta touches your soul.

chopta chandrashila trek

Starting Point: Chopta Tungnath Trek from Delhi

Many trekkers begin their journey with a Chopta tour package from Delhi, which includes transportation, meals, camping, and guided treks. You can reach Chopta from Delhi via:

  • By Road: ~450 km, around 10–12 hours drive

  • By Train: To Haridwar/Rishikesh, then drive to Chopta

  • By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun), then road trip to Chopta

If you're already in Uttarakhand, you can also opt for a Chopta tour package from Haridwar or Rishikesh.

Chopta Tour Package Inclusions

A typical Chopta tungnath trek package includes:

  • Delhi to Chopta transfers (AC/Non-AC vehicles)

  • Campsite or cottage stay in Chopta

  • Meals (veg/non-veg, depending on package)

  • Guided Tungnath temple trek and Chandrashila trek

  • Bonfire, music night (seasonal)

  • Trekking permits and local support

Chopta Tour Package Price

The Chopta tour package price varies depending on group size, season, and facilities. On average:

  • Budget trip: ₹4,999 – ₹6,999 per person

  • Couple package: ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 for 2 people

  • Luxury camping: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 per head with deluxe tents and added activities

Customized options like the Tungnath tour package from Delhi and Chopta tour package for couple can include premium stays, private transport, and guided birdwatching or yoga sessions.

 

tungnath temple trek

Weather of Chopta Tungnath: What to Expect All Year Round

The weather in Chopta Tungnath is a key highlight of the trekking experience—refreshing, unpredictable, and incredibly scenic throughout the year. From snowy trails to blooming meadows, the climate adds a unique charm to every season of the Chopta tour.

Spring (March to April)

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Chopta. The forests come alive with blooming rhododendron flowers, the sky stays clear, and the weather is pleasantly cold. Temperatures range between 5°C to 15°C—perfect for the Chopta Tungnath trek.

Summer (May to June)

Mild and cool, summer is the peak season for trekkers. The weather is dry and clear, offering excellent visibility of snow-capped peaks. Day temperatures hover around 10°C to 20°C, while nights remain chilly. Ideal for first-timers on the Chopta Chandrashila trek.

Monsoon (July to August)

Monsoon brings heavy rain, making the trails slippery and risky. While the region turns lush green, landslides are common. This is the off-season for the Tungnath temple trek and most Chopta tour packages avoid these months.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is one of the best seasons for the Chopta Tungnath trek from Delhi. Crisp skies, post-monsoon freshness, and golden-hued forests offer breathtaking photography opportunities. Temperatures dip to 4°C to 14°C.

Winter (December to February)

Winter transforms Chopta into a snow-covered wonderland. The Chopta Tungnath trek becomes a thrilling snow trek, especially beautiful from December to early February. Day temperatures stay around -5°C to 5°C, and nights can go below freezing.

Many Chopta tour packages from Delhi and Chopta tour packages for couples offer snow activities, bonfire nights, and winter camping during this time.

chandrashila summit trek

Flora and Fauna of Chopta: Nature’s Hidden Sanctuary

The Chopta Tungnath trek is not just about mountains and temples—it's also a journey through one of the richest ecological zones in the Himalayas. Nestled within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers.

Flora: The Forests That Breathe Life

The landscape of Chopta is covered with dense alpine and temperate forests, filled with:

  • Deodar (Cedar) and Oak trees

  • Rhododendrons, which paint the valley red and pink in spring

  • Pine and Maple trees

  • Ferns, mosses, and alpine grasslands

During your Chopta tour, especially from March to May, the forest floor bursts into color with wildflowers, making every step of the Chopta Tungnath trek feel magical.

Fauna: Wild Residents of the Himalayan Slopes

Chopta's protected ecosystem shelters rare and beautiful animals. If you’re lucky during your Chopta Chandrashila trek, you might spot:

  • Musk Deer

  • Himalayan Monal (state bird of Uttarakhand)

  • Leopards (rare sightings in deeper forest areas)

  • Foxes and Wild Goats

  • Pikas and Himalayan Tahr

  • Various species of butterflies and insects

It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Early morning hikes often reward trekkers with sightings of:

  • Himalayan Woodpecker

  • Snow Partridge

  • Eurasian Jay

  • Bar-Tailed Treecreeper

chopta chandrashila trek from delhi

History of Chopta Tungnath: Where Legends Meet the Mountains

The Chopta Tungnath trek is not just a scenic Himalayan trail—it's a spiritual and historical pilgrimage rooted in ancient Indian mythology. This region in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas is deeply connected with the Mahabharata and the worship of Lord Shiva, making it one of the most sacred treks in India.

The Legend of Tungnath Temple

At the heart of the Tungnath temple trek lies the oldest and highest Shiva temple in the world—Tungnath, located at an elevation of 3,680 meters.

According to mythology, after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas sought forgiveness for killing their relatives and gurus. Lord Shiva, unwilling to forgive them easily, disguised himself as a bull and vanished into the ground. The bull’s body parts are said to have reappeared at five different places in the Garhwal Himalayas, which came to be known as the Panch Kedar.

  • Tungnath is where Shiva’s arms were believed to have emerged.

  • The other parts appeared at Kedarnath (hump), Rudranath (face), Madhyamaheshwar (navel), and Kalpeshwar (hair).

Built over a thousand years ago, Tungnath Temple has been a key spiritual stop for sages, yogis, and pilgrims trekking through this sacred terrain. Today, it forms the core of most Chopta tour packages, especially those focused on spiritual and heritage travel.

Chopta: The Silent Base of the Himalayas

Unlike other commercialized hill stations, Chopta remained hidden from the tourist map for centuries. Tucked inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta was once just a grazing ground for shepherds and a rest stop for pilgrims en route to Tungnath.

Its discovery as a trekking destination happened much later, when adventurers and backpackers began to explore lesser-known Himalayan trails. With the rise in eco-tourism and weekend getaways, Chopta soon became a hotspot for:

  • The Chopta Tungnath trek from Delhi

  • The Chopta Chandrashila trek

  • Birdwatching, nature camping, and snow trekking

Even today, Chopta is celebrated for its raw beauty, spiritual silence, and pristine trails—making it a key part of every Chopta tour.

chandrashila trek

Historical and Spiritual Importance Today

  • Tungnath Temple is maintained by local priests from the Makku village and remains closed during winter (Nov to April).

  • The Chandrashila summit trek, just 1.5 km above the temple, is believed to be the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana.

  • Thousands of pilgrims, trekkers, and couples now take part in the Chopta tour package from Delhi, combining adventure and divinity.

Whether you're exploring through a Chopta Tungnath trek, a Tungnath tour package from Delhi, or a Chopta tour package from Haridwar, you’re walking through one of the most sacred landscapes in the Himalayas.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the best time to visit Chopta Tungnath?

March to June (spring-summer) and September to November (autumn) are ideal for trekking. December to February is great for snow treks.


2. How difficult is the Chopta Tungnath trek?

The trek is easy to moderate, suitable for beginners and families. It’s a short 3.5 km walk from Chopta to Tungnath, and 1.5 km more to Chandrashila.


3. What is the altitude of Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila?

Tungnath Temple is at 3,680 meters, and Chandrashila summit is at 4,000 meters.


4. How far is Chopta from Delhi?

Chopta is about 450 km from Delhi and takes around 10–12 hours by road via Haridwar or Rishikesh.


5. Is the Chopta Chandrashila trek safe for solo or female travelers?

Yes, it's a safe and popular trek, especially when booked through trusted Chopta tour packages with local guides.


6. Are there any Chopta tour packages from Delhi?

Yes, many operators offer Chopta tour packages from Delhi, including transport, accommodation, guide, and trekking assistance.


7. Can I see snow in Chopta?

Yes, December to February is the best time for snowfall. You can enjoy a snow-covered Tungnath temple trek and Chandrashila summit trek.


8. What kind of accommodation is available in Chopta?

You’ll find eco-camps, guesthouses, and mountain cottages. Many Chopta tour packages for couples include scenic stays with bonfires and meals.


9. Is Tungnath Temple always open?

No, Tungnath Temple is open only from May to October. It remains closed in winter due to heavy snowfall.


10. What is the average cost of a Chopta tour package?

A budget Chopta tour package starts around ₹4,500–₹6,000 per person. Premium or couple packages may cost ₹8,000–₹12,000 depending on services.