Chopta Tungnath Trek Guide for Beginners: Trek Details 2026

The Chopta Tungnath trek is one of the most accessible & offbeat Himalayan trails. Nestled in the towering Garhwal Himalayas within the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the trek is famous for its untouched natural beauty & serenity.

The thing that makes this trail unique & different from others is a well-defined, paved, & easy-to-manage climb; it's considered the best trek for absolute beginners.

Passing through the highest Tungnath temple of Lord Shiva & majestic peaks like the highest Chandrashilla, this trail attracts millions of trekkers or travellers across the country that cater to spiritual & adventure experiences together.

Many trekkers, especially first-timers, often choose the Chopta Tungnath trek package (https://musafirresort.in/st_tour/chopta-tungnath-trek-package/) for a safer experience.

If you are also one of them who asks questions like, "Can a beginner do the Chopta Tungnath trek, and is it risky or not?"

So don't worry; here is a complete Chopta Tungnath trek guide for beginners, covering everything that a beginner should know before planning for the journey.
Quick Information about the Tungnath trek

Destination: Chopta Tungnath-Chandrashilla trek
Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand
Starting point/base: Chopta Valley
Trek distance: 3.5 km + 1.5 km additional stretch
Altitude: 12,073 to 13,000 feet above sea level
Grade level: Easy to Moderate
Best time: All-season trek (summer, autumn, winter)
Highlights: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashilla peak, & massive views of the Himalayas

Why Is the Chopta Tungnath Trek Famous?
Chopta Tungnath is a popular trekking destination in India, and the surge to this destination is growing day by day among all age groups, especially among youngsters, due to the social media craze.

It's a famous trek known for its offbeat Himalayan beauty, including the serene environment & panoramas of Mt. Chaukhamba & Nanda Devi.

Rich biodiversity, including the rare flora & fauna-all these things make it a perfect destination for peace seekers & nature enthusiasts, that provide opportunity for camping, stargazing, & wildlife spotting.

Highlights of Chopta Trek

Chopta Valley: One of the major attractions from which the trek starts. Chopta sits at an elevation of 2680 meters; it is an offbeat Himalayan destination famous for a diverse range of Himalayan wildlife. Allows for camping & provides beautiful sunrise & sunset views.

Views of Snow-capped peaks: The main highlights of the trek are the beautiful views of Mt. Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul peaks. Allows trekkers to immerse themselves in offbeat Himalayan beauty.

Tungnath Temple: A primary reason why many people undertake this trek is to visit the Shri Tungnath Mahadev Temple (https://musafirresort.in/tungnath-temple/), which is the world's highest Shiva temple & one of the Panch Kedar circuit.

Chandrashilla Summit: An additional & most recommended stretch of the trek is the Chandrashilla summit peaks that offer 360-degree views of surrounding peaks and a peaceful environment for meditation & inner reflection.
How To Reach Chopta & Tungnath
The trek to Tungnath & Chandrashilla starts from Chopta, which is accessible by motorable roads via the Uttarakhand base city.

So travellers must reach Chopta first and then head on a trek for the experience. Let's take a look at how to reach Chopta.

By Air: Take a flight to the nearest airport to Chopta, which is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Chopta, required to cover 175 km road trip.

By Train: Take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, which are the nearest railheads to the temple. From the station, take a bus or taxi to Chopta.

By Road: Chopta is well-connected by road. You can take a local UTC bus or taxi to reach Chopta from Haridwar & Rishikesh.
Onward journey: After reaching Chopta, proceed on a trek towards Tungnath & Chandrashilla.

Chopta Tungnath Trek Route Details
The Chopta Tungnath Trek route is well-defined and paved with stone, making it easier to follow for all age groups rather than other Himalayan treks.

Starting from Chopta, it can be divided into two main sections: one is from Chopta to the Tungnath temple, a 3.5 km stretch, & then a 1.5 km optional stretch from Tungnath to Chandrashilla summit.
Section One: Chopta to Tungnath
It's a well-marked trail section, which is not physically demanding, but steep ascents & gaining altitude can cause breathlessness. As you complete this section, you can witness an ancient stone-made Tungnath temple surrounded by snow-covered peaks, which gives you goosebumps for a divine experience.

Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy
Section Two: Tungnath to Chandrashilla
From the Tungnath temple to Chandrashilla, the stretch gains its altitude up to 4,000 meters. It can be a little difficult due to the ridge walk & rugged terrain, especially for beginners. It can test your stamina and lung stress.

Many first-timers with a decent fitness level can complete this stretch successfully for a profound experience.

Distance: 1.5 km
Duration: 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time To Visit Chopta Tungnath Trek
Uniquely, the Chopta Tungnath trek is an all-season accessible trek. It provides different experiences in different seasons, such as summer & autumn, which are ideal for a pleasant trekking experience; while winter is perfect for a snowfall experience.

Seasonal Overview of Chopta Trek Weather

Summer (April/May to June): A pleasurable time after the snowy winter. Tungnath temple reopens after its winter break, & it experiences comfortable weather with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking, sightseeing, & outdoor exploration.

Monsoon (July-August): Not ideal for travel & trekking due to heavy rainfall, which causes landslides & flash floods. Avoid this time for safety reasons.

Autumn (September to October): Another good time after the monsoon, offering vibrant scenery and accessible trails with excellent visibility. Perfect time for trekking & temple visiting.

Winter (November to March): Winter experiences extremely cold weather with moderate to heavy snowfall. Suitable for those who love to enjoy cool temperatures & want to experience snowfall.

Note: Tungnath temple is closed in winter, and the idol of Lord Shiva is shifted to its winter abode, Makku Math Village.

Trekking Tips For Beginners
The most important things in this Chopta Tungnath Trek guide for beginners are these trekking tips for a safe and comfortable trekking experience.

Physical preparation: Prepare your body for a high-altitude trek at least a month before your trip. Practice hikes, squats, lung exercises, & breathing exercises.

Pack smart: Pack light according to season. Carry all necessary items like warm clothes, medicine, trekking shoes, a raincoat, energy bars, & small daypacks.

Acclimatisation: Properly acclimatise your body to reduce the risk of Altitude sickness. Take a short break during the trails at local resting spots & tea stalls.

Pace yourself, not race with others: Follow the same pace; do not race with others, as it affects your health.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Carry a reusable water bottle on a trekking trail.

Check weather: Be aware of weather conditions before planning for the trip. Avoid the monsoon due to heavy downpours.

Respect the site: Be a responsive travelers. Avoid throwing non-biodegradable items on the Himalayan terrain. Carry back all your waste from the trek & promote environmentally friendly tourism.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chopta Tungnath trek is a beginner-friendly trek, which features the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, the divine energy of the Holy Tungnath temple, & lush greenery, making it a perfect destination for families.

Whether you are a spiritual traveller seeking blessings or a solitude seeker in the Himalayas, Chopta Tungnath is a special something that provides unforgettable experiences to every traveller.

The additional stretch to the Chandrashila summit peak is one of the major attractions of the trek. It provides 360-degree views of surrounding peaks, which is truly a soulful experience.

So if you are planning your first trek, then this complete Chopta Tungnath Trek guide for beginners will help you plan a better experience.

FAQs
Can a beginner do the Tungnath trek?
Yes, Absolutely beginner or first-timer can do the Tungnath trek starting from Chopta Bugyal, as it's an easy-to-moderate trek featuring a well-marked stone path. Make it easy to manage for beginners.

What is the difficulty level of the Tungnath trek?
The Tungnath trek is considered an easy-to-moderate trek due to the easier terrain. However, continuous steep ascent & high altitude can make it challenging for beginners. As it causes breathlessness, nausea, & fatigue.

How long is the trek from Chopta to Chandrashila?
The Chandrashila trek from Chopta is 5 km one way & 10 km for a round trip. Split into tow stage Ist from Chopta to Tungnath, around 3.5 km, & 2nd from Tungnath to Chandrasilla cover 1.5 km. takes almost 5-6 hours to cover both stretches.

Can a beginner do the Chandrashila Trek?
Yes, a beginner with a decent fitness level can absolutely do the Chandrashila trek. As the trails are well-marked & manageable.

Jakhdhar Road, Sankari, Guptkashi, Uttarakhand 246439

Musafir resort is a distinguished resort and travel company located in Guptkashi in Rudrapayag district of Uttarakhand. We are locals from Uttarakhand and provide the best packages and stay services in Uttarakhand.

This release was published on openPR.