Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta Chandrashila Trek: "Trekking to the World’s Highest Shiva Temple

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek includes 4 amazing destinations i.e. Chopta, Chandrashila, Tungnath, and Deorital. Each of these four places is located in Uttarakhand and offers its distinct charm. The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is the shortest and has the most beauty. Chopta village is the starting point of the trek and let us inform you that it is also known as 'Mini Switzerland'. Which means it holds striking beauty. Moreover, this trek offers a perfect blend of adventure and spiritual experience. As in Tunganath, there is the world's highest Shiva Temple. The Chopta Chandrashila trek also features a visit to the serene Deorital Lake. Let’s learn more about the trek by exploring the details shared in this blog. 

Highlights of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.

This trek includes many adventures and temples hence, it's charming on its own. The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is the shortest trek which includes snow-clad peaks and tranquil forests. However, it includes many other beautiful high sports. So, let’s get details of such picturesque views. 

1. The spotlight of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is the magnificent sunrise from the Chandrashila Summit. The sunrise paints the sky in hues of gold and crimson, leaving you spellbound in a moment of pure awe.

1. From the summit of Chandrashila which is 3,690 meters above sea level you can see 360-degree view of famous peaks like; Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Bandarpoonch.

1. You can experience a deep spiritual connection by visiting Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. It's one of the most peaceful and soul-stirring spots on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. However, this can be a little challenging but have faith and conquer the challenge.

1. During the trek, you will also visit Deorital Lake which is a sacred and high-altitude lake. This lake is known to provide mirror-like reflections to people and also you will see clear and crisp reflections of snow-covered peaks due to its crystal-clear water. You can even spot birds like Monal and woodpeckers in the surroundings. Moreover, the place is very peaceful so you can camp nearby and enjoy stargazing at night. 

1. The history of Chandrashila and Tungnath is deeply rich. It is believed that Lord Rama meditated at Chandrashila after his victory over Ravana, seeking inner peace. On the other hand, locals believe that Tungnath was built by Pandavas. However, Tungnath is one of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines. 

1. The scenery of the Chopta Chandrashila trek is very peaceful and mesmerizing. The landscape is picture-perfect. Going forward through the trail you will find grand summits like Kedarnath Dome, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. However, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is rich in flora and fauna. 

Best Time to visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Each season offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty on the Chopta Chandrashila Trek, allowing you to choose the time of year based on the kind of experience you’re seeking. Each season is described below along with its unique adventures and highlights, helping you choose the best time to embark on the Chopta Chandrashila trek. Moreover, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is open from 8 to 9 months. 

• Spring (March to April)

During the spring season, the trail is filled with blooming rhododendrons also known as Buransh, and there is fresh greenery all over. 

• Summer (May to June)

The best time to visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek is in the summer. Because in this season there is no snow and the trails are clear so, the route becomes easily accessible for trekkers. However, during summer, the temperature and weather are pleasant. 

• Monsoon (July to August)

This can be a risky season for you to visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek as the trails are generally slippery and wet due to rain. Thus, the trek can be challenging for you. However, the landscape includes beautiful views with lush green trails. 

• Autumn (September to November)

The Autumn season is great for photographs due to the blooming of different beautiful flowers. Moreover, this season is less crowded as compared to other seasons. 

• Winters (December to February)

This season is perfect for those seeking a snow-filled adventure, with stunning views of snow-covered mountains and quiet, uncrowded trails. However, the cold temperatures can be challenging. While the Tungnath Temple is closed during winter, you can still see its outer structure, and reaching the summit may be difficult due to deep snow. 

Itinerary for Chopta to Chandrashila Trek.

Here is the day-by-day planned itinerary for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek. This trek is usually planned as 3 nights/4 days or 4 nights/5 days itinerary starting from Rishikesh or Haridwar.

Day1: Rishikesh to Sari Village 

Your trek starts from 7-8 hours drive from Rishikesh to Sari Village. On the route, you will visit Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath, and then Sari. Even the view of the route is very scenic.

Day 2: Sari to Deorital Lake.

It is a 3km long trek which usually takes 2 hours to complete. This is a peaceful trek that offers you a reflection of Chaukhamba Peak in Deorital Lake. 

Day 3: Deorital to Tala Village and drive to Baniyakund 

From Deorital to Tala village it’s a 10km long trek and moving forward there is a 15 km drive to Baniyakund. 

Day 4: Drive from Baniyakund to Chopta and then trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila and Return to Chopta.

Baniyakund to Chopta is a 5km drive and the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila is 9-10 km | 7-8 hours (Both sides). 

Day 5: drive back from Chopta to Rishikesh.

The last day includes a 7 to 8-hour drive through a scenic view of the Gadwal Himalayas. 

Frequently Asked Questions with Answers.

Q1. Is the Chopta Chandrashila trek difficult?

Ans: yes, this trek includes challenges but it’s not difficult. Although it's suitable for beginners. 

Q2. Do we have networks during the Chopta Chandrashila Trek? 

Ans: there can be Jio and BSNL networks in Chopta and Tungnath. However, the connectivity is low in the high areas of the trek. 

Q. 3 In how many we can complete the Chopta Chandrashila Trek? 

Ans: The Deorital-Chandrashila trek spans approximately 27 km over 4 trekking days (or 6 days including travel to and from the base). The altitude ranges from 6,560 ft at Sari village to 12,083 ft at the Chandrashila summit.

Q 4. What is Chopta Chandrashila Trek mostly famous for?

Ans: Panoramic Himalayan Views, Tungnath Temple, Lush Forest Trails, Snow Experience, and its charming view and adventures. 

Q5. What is the total distance of the trek from Chopta to Chandrashila?

Ans: The complete trek covers approximately 9 to 10 km round trip, with about 3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath and an additional 1.5 km from Tungnath to Chandrashila summit.