Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek 2026: Complete Guide (Best Time & Itinerary)
Autumn & Winter Trekking · Uttarakhand
Quick answer: The Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is a short 2–4 day, easy-to-moderate summit trek to about 12,083 ft, starting from Chopta in Uttarakhand. It’s the most accessible Himalayan summit you can do in a long weekend, passing Tungnath — one of the highest Shiva temples in the world — on the way up. Best in autumn (October–November) for clear views and in winter (December–February) as a snow trek.
We run Chopta–Chandrashila departures from our Dehradun base across the autumn and winter seasons. Here’s the full guide — altitude, itinerary, best time and difficulty.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Summit altitude (Chandrashila) | ~12,083 ft (3,690 m) |
| Base | Chopta (~8,790 ft) |
| Duration | 2–4 days (4–5 with Deoriatal) |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate (beginner-friendly) |
| Best time | Oct–Nov (clear views) · Dec–Feb (snow) · Mar–May (rhododendron) |
| On the way | Tungnath temple (open ~Apr/May–mid-Nov) |
What is the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
This is a short summit trek in the Rudraprayag/Chamoli region of Uttarakhand. From the meadows of Chopta, the trail climbs to Tungnath temple and continues to the Chandrashila peak at about 12,083 ft, where you get a 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks. Many trekkers add Deoriatal lake at the start, beginning from Sari village, for a fuller 4–5 day loop.
Chopta–Chandrashila trek itinerary (short version)
- Day 1: Drive to Chopta (or Sari for the Deoriatal variant); overnight.
- Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath, continue to Chandrashila summit (12,083 ft), return.
- Day 3: Drive back — or, with Deoriatal, add a day for the lake at the start.
Exact dates and the Deoriatal option are on our Chopta–Chandrashila itinerary page.
What is the best time for the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
October to mid-November is the most popular window — clear post-monsoon skies and the sharpest Himalayan views, with Tungnath still open. December to February turns it into a magical snow walk. March to May brings the rhododendron bloom, when the slopes turn red and pink. For a month-by-month view of the autumn season, see our best treks in October & November guide.
How difficult is the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
Easy-to-moderate, and one of the best beginner summit treks in India. The actual climb from Chopta to Tungnath and on to Chandrashila is short but steep in sections, and takes a few hours up and back. Basic fitness is enough — no technical skills, and the short duration makes it forgiving of altitude. It’s a great stepping stone before a longer snow trek like the Kedarkantha Trek.
Temperature, cost and what to carry
Autumn days are pleasant at 10–15°C; winter days sit near 5–10°C with nights around 0 to −8°C. Being short, it’s one of the more affordable Himalayan summits — contact Divine Trail for exact 2026 pricing on Dehradun departures. Carry warm layers, a windproof jacket, trekking shoes and (in winter) gaiters; we provide tents or stays, sleeping bags and meals as per the itinerary.
Pair it with
Chopta–Chandrashila is a natural opener before the longer autumn Har Ki Dun Trek, or before the full winter season covered in our best winter treks in India 2026–27 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of the Chandrashila trek?
The Chandrashila summit stands at about 12,083 ft (3,690 m), reached from Chopta via the Tungnath temple. It is one of the most accessible Himalayan summits for beginners.
What is the best time for the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
The two best windows are autumn (October–November) for clear post-monsoon views, and winter (December–February) for a snow trek. Spring (March–May) adds rhododendron blooms. Autumn is the most popular.
How many days is the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
The core Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trek takes 2–4 days, making it ideal for a long weekend. Adding Deoriatal lake at the start extends it to about 4–5 days.
How difficult is the Chopta–Chandrashila trek?
It is graded easy-to-moderate and is one of the best beginner summit treks in India. The climb from Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila is short but steep in parts; basic fitness is enough.
Is Tungnath temple open during the trek?
Tungnath, one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, is open from around April/May to mid-November, after which it closes for winter. The trek to the Chandrashila summit above it remains open year-round.
