Chopta Chandrashila Trek

The Chopta to Chandrashila Trek is one of the most popular treks undertaken by adventure enthusiasts. Located at a height of over 12,000 feet, the Chandrashila Peak is located just above the Tungnath Temple. If you are on a Chopta Tungnath Trek, you can also extend your journey to Chandrashila Peak, which is known for its natural beauty as well as religious importance.
 

The Tungnath to Chandrashila trek covers a distance of about 1.5 km. Although the distance is small, this stretch is considered the toughest and most challenging part of the Chopta to Chandrashila trek. In this Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek guide, we have shared the essential information to help you prepare for the trek.

Where is Chandrashila Located?

Chandrashila is a peak located above the revered Tungnath Temple. To reach this point, trekkers need to ascend a steep and challenging trail of 1.5 km. Located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand, Chandra Shila means a "Moon Stone".

 

Being located at such a great height, Chandrashila offers mesmerising and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. On a bright sunny day, you can spot prominent Himalayan peaks such as Kedar Peak, Chaukhamba, Bandarpunch, and Trisul.

 

Chandrashila Peak is known to be the place where Lord Rama undergoes an intense penance after killing Ravana. Another folklore suggests that the Moon God also meditated at this point, which is why the place is called Chandra Shila.
 

Chandrashila Tungnath Trek: A quick itinerary

Journey Commenced From

Ideally, the Journey to Chopta Chandrashila Trek starts from Rishikesh, which is the most common starting point for travellers from various cities. However, it may vary depending on the location where your journey starts. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh offers decent road and train connectivity.
 

Various roadways and private operators offer daily bus service to Rishikesh from nearby cities. It's Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station connects well with Delhi, Haridwar and other major locations.
 

Since Rishikesh does not provide direct air connectivity, so visitors travelling by air need to reach the nearest Airport, i.e. Jolly Grant Airport, located around 16 km away.
 

How to reach Chopta for Chandrashila Tungnath Trek?

Chopta is located around 202 km from Rishikesh and offers good road connectivity. You can opt for a bus, shared taxi, cab or bike to reach Chopta. Visitors can board a bus from Rishikesh Bus Stand to Ukhimath. Daily, a few bus operates on this route, which usually depart early in the morning. You can also take a shared taxi from Rishikesh to Ukhimath. From there, visitors can board a shared taxi to reach Chopta.

 

Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek: Key details

Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek Distance and Difficulty

Chopta to Chandrashila trek distance is around 5 km and is considered a moderately difficult trek. It takes around 5 to 6 hours to reach Chandrashila Peak. As a moderate level trek, it requires good physical fitness and mental strength. Due to its height, Acute Mountain Sickness can be an issue, particularly for beginners.

 

Tungnath Chandrashila Trek: Overview

The pious journey to Chopta to Chandrashila begins from Chopta Village. Both Chopta and Sari villages are considered its base camp, where you can stay overnight to start their trek the next morning.

• Entry Fee

Before you commence the trek, you have to pay an entry fee of Rs 200/-. This fee can be paid at the Forest Department Check Post located in Chopta.

• Scenic View

During the trek, visitors will come across to witness a scenic view of the surrounding landscapes. As this route is filled with lush green meadows and rhododendron flowers (particularly during February to May).

• Tea Break

Along the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek, there are some tea stalls, where you can rest and take some refreshments.

• Panch Kedar

After trekking a distance of about 3.5 km, you will reach the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva Temple in the world. After taking the blessings of Lord Shiva, you can continue your trek to Chandrashila Peak.

• Journey Towards the Summit

Chandrashila Peak is situated around 1.5 km above Tungnath Temple, which is regarded as the toughest part of the trek. This distance from Tungnath to Chandrashila is quite steep and needs more endurance.

• The Summit

Finally, after trekking a distance of 5 km, you have arrived at the pinnacle you have been dreaming of. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of some prominent peaks, including Trisul, Nandadevi, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks.

• Back to Base Camp

After a wholesome trekking journey with the blessing of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama, begin your descent to the base camp. The next morning, after breakfast, bid adieu to Chopta and these majestic mountains with your memories.
 

Common Challenges

While trekking from Chopta to Chandrashila Trek, you may face some general challenges, such as: -

Backpack Check List for Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

You all must keep the following items in your backpack before commencing the Chandrashila Tungnath Trek journey: -

Chandrashila Tungnath Trek Route Map

The journey to the Chandrashila Tungnath Trek begins from its starting point, Chopta. It is well connected by road and can be reached easily by shared taxi, personal vehicle, or by hiring a cab. Travellers can reach Chopta by following the route map given below. You need to arrive at the nearest point from your respective location to begin your journey.
 

Dehradun (Haridwar) → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Tilwara → Agastmuni → Chandrapuri → Ukhimath → Sari Village → Chopta.
 

Note: Ukhimath is the last bus stop and is accessible by Uttarakhand roadways bus from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. Alternatively, it can also be reached by shared taxi.
 

Note: From Ukhimath, visitors can take a shared taxi service up to Chopta Village.
 

Accommodation

Both Sari and Chopta villages offer multiple lodging options to trekkers, which include homestays, tents, cottages, resorts, and guesthouses. Some nearby lodging options are: -

• Near Sari Village
  • Snow and Shades Resort and Cafe.
  • Bajwal Homestay and Guest House.
  • Dharohar Chopta.
  • Pine Tree Hotel.
  • Himalayan Heritage.
  • The Alpha Resort.
• Near Chopta Village
  • Neelkanth Home Stay.
  • Hotel Anukampa.
  • Nanda Devi Guest House.

Important Tips for Trekkers

• Check the weather forecast before planning your trek.
• Direct public transportation to Chopta is not available.
• A few bus operates daily between Rishikesh to Ukhimath, to board the same, visitors need to reach the station early.
• Prior accommodation booking is advisable to avoid last minute hassle.
• Carry sufficient cash, as the area doesn't offer ATMs and a proper mobile network.
• Road-side free parking is available for the visitors.
• Bring all the essential items recommended during the trek.
• Collect the entry ticket from the Forest Check Post.
• Begin your trek early in the morning, as accommodation facilities are not available at Chandrashila.
• You can also take a mule service to offload your luggage.
• Apply sunscreen cream to protect your skin from sunburn.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses during the daytime on clear sunny days.
• Fuel stations are not available in the region. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Avoid wearing cotton clothing; instead, you can opt for quick drying and thermal layers.

Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek via Deoriatal

Majorly, most trekkers begin their Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek from Chopta village. However, during winter, the route to Chopta becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall. To overcome this, a new route to climb the Chandra Shila Peak was discovered by the trekkers. With this, the Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek, trekkers can ascend the peak even in winter. However, this route is not for beginners unless they are physically fit, as it covers a long distance than the usual one and requires experience and fitness endurance. Visitors can also undertake this route under the expert guidance during other seasons if they wish to explore it, by following the route given below : -

Deoriatal Chandrashila Trek: A quick itinerary

Helpline Number

In case of any emergency, visitors can contact the Forest Department or dial 112.