Tunganath & Chandrashila Peak

Chandrashila Trek with Tunganath is one of the most exciting and adventurous trails in Uttarakhand. Rocky terrain leading to the summit to witness the impressive panoramic views of the Himalayas leaves you enchanted. Soaring upto 13000 feet decked with snow, oak trees, clouds and mists, this is one trek you must take.

Tunganath Temple is the highest Shiva Temple in the world perched at 3680 metres. The 1000 year old temple is open to public from April end to November and is closed during winters and the deity is shifted to Mukku Village.

Chandrashila Trek Route Map

Haridwar – Chopta – Tunganath – Chandrashila Peak – Chopta - Haridwar

Where is Chopta?

Chopta is actually a small settlement on the main road with few restaurants. It’s not even a village but a collection of restaurants and hotels. It is the starting point for the trek to Tunganath and Chandrashila Peak.

But do remember there are two Choptas in this region. The second Chopta is located near Rudraprayag which is actually a bigger village and is thus shown more prominently on Google maps. Do not get confused.

Just to let you know, there is a Chopta Valley is Sikkim also.

How to reach Chopta

Enroute Chopta

By air: Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport to Chopta. It takes around 6 hours to cover 180 kms from Airport to Chopta by road on a private vehicle

By rail: Haridwar is the nearest railway station which is well connected with major Indian cities. Local buses and Taxis are available from Haridwar.

By road: Government buses, private buses and taxis run all the way from Haridwar to Chopta and takes about 8 hours.

Trek from Chopta to Tunganath Temple

Trail to Tunganath Temple

The very nature of this beautiful and easy trek, distance and connectivity to Chopta makes this an ideal trek for novice.

Trek to the top

The trekking distance between Chopta and Tunganath is 4 kms and it usually takes 3 hours.

Time taken to trek from Chopta to Tunganath Temple is usually three hours for an average person and another one hour from Tunganath to Chandrashila. It can be classified as a fairly easy trek and is an ideal trek for first timers.

Tunganath Temple - The Highest Shiva Temple

The trekking path from Chopta starts from the main road. The trekking trail is well marked and is properly paved till Tunganath. Trees welcome the trekkers as soon as the trek begins and an endless array of snowcapped peaks can be seen on the left side.

Tunganath Temple

Snow Shivling at Tunganath Temple

The trail zigzags and steadily climbs up gaining altitude. There are places where one can sit and enjoy the views of the snow capped Himalayan range.

Trek from Tunganath Temple to Chandrashila Peak

View from Chandrashila Peak

The trek from Tunganath Temple to Chandrashila Peak is of 1.5 kms and is a steep climb gaining 600 feet ascent to 13000 feet. The path to Chandrashila starts from Tunganath itself and cannot be missed. There is a small temple at Chandrashila Peak. One can savour the 360 degrees panoramic view of the Himalaya Range from the Chandrashila Peak. Prominent peaks visible from the peak are Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kamet, Kedar dome.

While we were climbing Chandrashila Peak, it became cloudy and as soon we payed our regards to the temple at the Peak it started snowing (how cliche!!). 

Chandrashila Peak

According to mythological legends, Chandrashila is the place where Lord Ram performed penance after killing Ravana.

Trekking back to Tunganath and Chopta

The downhill trek to Chopta will be an easy task and will roughly take half the time taken to ascend the Chandrashila Peak. If there is no hurry, take a leisure walk back and enjoy the mesmerizing views of the mighty Himalayas.

Stays and accommodation at Chopta

Tents at Chopta

Many lodges, guesthouses and tents are available in Chopta and in the nearby village Sari on a single and sharing basis. Campsites are also available in Chopta and Sari.

Dos & Don’t’s

Our very own SNOWMAN

• Carry sufficient water and keep yourself hydrated.
• A good trekking shoe is a must. It can save your life.
• Wear light clothes. Avoid jeans and body hugging clothes
• Dress as per the weather
• Carry some nuts and chocolate bars for instant energy
• Trekking poles are helpful and work as a third leg sharing the body weight and pressure
• Physical Fitness is essential. Trekking needs a lot of physical and mental strength and stamina. Start practicing from today.
• Always remember that you are the inferior one in the Himalayas. Listen to the weather.