Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek with Deoriatal Lake

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of the most scenic and beginner-friendly Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand. Located in the Rudraprayag district of the Garhwal Himalayas, this trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spiritual significance. The trail takes trekkers through dense forests of oak and rhododendron, beautiful alpine meadows, peaceful mountain villages, and some of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Indian Himalayas.

The complete Chopta Chandrashila trek usually starts from Rishikesh and follows the route through Sari Village, Deoriatal Lake, Rohini Bugyal, Chopta, Tungnath Temple, and finally Chandrashila Summit. The full itinerary typically takes around 5 days and covers approximately 25–28 kilometres of trekking. Many trekkers also choose the shorter 3-day version, which focuses on the main highlights—Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila.

One of the reasons this trek is so popular is that it offers a high-altitude Himalayan experience without requiring advanced trekking skills. With a maximum altitude of 4,130 metres (13,550 ft) at Chandrashila Peak and an easy-to-moderate difficulty level, it is suitable for beginners, families, and first-time trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. The trail is well-defined, the daily trekking distances are manageable, and the altitude gain is gradual compared to many other Himalayan treks.

Quick Trek Facts

Chopta is often known as the "Mini Switzerland of India" because of its rolling green meadows, dense forests, fresh mountain air, and stunning views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. During spring, the region is covered with colourful rhododendron blooms, while winter transforms the landscape into a beautiful snow-covered paradise. Unlike many crowded hill stations, Chopta still retains its peaceful and untouched charm, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.

The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek offers a unique mix of natural beauty, mountain trekking, and spiritual significance.  Along the trek, visitors get the opportunity to visit Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the sacred Panch Kedar temples. Beyond Tungnath lies Chandrashila Summit, a viewpoint famous for its breathtaking 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath Dome, and Bandarpoonch. Combined with the beauty of Deoriatal Lake, the vast meadows of Rohini Bugyal, rich Himalayan wildlife, and year-round trekking opportunities, the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek offers one of the most complete and rewarding trekking experiences in Uttarakhand.