One of Uttarakhand’s most popular weekend treks is the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. It starts from Chopta, located in the Rudrapayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It leads past the revered Tungnath Temple, which is the 1000-year-old highest Shiva Temple at an altitude of 12,070 ft, passes through rhododendron forests, and goes up to Chandrashila, a peak with some of the best views of the Himalayas—Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nandadevi. In just a few days, this short trek combines natural beauty, mythological significance, and a rewarding climb to provide a full Himalayan experience.
Mythological Significance
Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples claims to be the highest Shiva temple in the world (situated at ~ 12,073 ft / ~3,680 m).
Legend says that after the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas asked for forgiveness of their sin from Lord Shiva, but unconvinced, they disappeared in the form of a bull. Later, Lord Shiva appeared in parts across the Himalayas; Tungnath is believed to be where his arms appeared.
Chandrashil means ‘moon rock.’ After defeating Ravana, Lord Rama is said to have meditated here. According to another mythology, Chandra, the moon god, also performed penance here.
Quick Itinerary/Day-wise Plan
Day 1: Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh to Chopta
- Drive from Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh, your starting point, to Chopta with a total distance of 205 km. It took 9-10 hours.
Day 2: The trek starts from basecamp to Tungnath Temple to Chandrashila Summit to Chopta and then returns.
- The trek starts from Chopta base camp to Tungnath; the trek passes through a dense forest of rhododendron, oak, and pine.
- The first trek reaches Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva shrine.
- Enjoy mountain views, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Peak, and Chaukhamba.
- The trek descends back to Chopta, and we rest in Chopta.
Day 3: Return from Chopta to Dehradun.
- Return from Chopta to Dehradun, a 9-10-hour drive.
Highlights of Chopta Chandrashila Trek
- Tungnath Temple: This is the highest Shiva shrine; Tungnath Temple trek is in one of the Panch Kedar temples. The architect of the temple is Pahadi, made of wooden and stone elements.
- Chandrashila Summit: The summit of Chopta Chandrashila is itself and highlights crazy sunrises over cloud and mountain views of Nandadevi, Trishul, and Tungnath.
- Flora & Fauna: Deodar, oak, and rhododendron forests; wildflowers in spring.
- Trails: The trek route offers meadow walks, dense forest, and ridge walks.
- Accessibility: Trek can be completed over a weekend, ideal for Delhi-NCR trekkers.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek Difficulty
Difficulty and Fitness
The difficulty level of the Chopta Chandrashila trek is easy to moderate. The trekking distance is very short, but the trail is steep, especially the last climb.
Prepare yourself before trekking. Squats and jogging are necessary.
The trek is beginner-friendly to moderate.
- Distance: The trekking distance is 5–6 km to Tungnath and 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit from Tungnath.
- Elevation Gain: 12,073 ft (Tungnath) to 13,000 ft (Chandrashila).
- Trail: The trail is marked, and the trail is made of stones and wooden tiles and also cemented trails in some sections.
- Fitness Requirement: Basic fitness is enough.
The best time to visit the Chopta Chandrashila Trek
The best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is April to June.
- April to June: In this season, it is vibrant; rhododendron blooms turn the forest into red and pink shades, clear blue skies and snow-covered peaks, pleasant weather, and gentle breezes make it perfect. The temperature range is between 10°C and 20°C in the day and 5°C at night, so this makes the weather comfortable for beginners.
- September to November: After the monsoon, the forests and meadows are full of lush green. The temperature range is between 5°C and 15°C in the daytime and 5°C to –5°C at night. There’s a chance of rain and snow that makes the trek a bit challenging. In autumn, skies get a spectrum that attracts photographers.
- December to February: If you want snow, winter is best for snow trekking. Temperature range can also be below 0°C even in daytime.