Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a lovely and cool walk set in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. It's one of the top easy treks in India, known for its great views. It starts from the small place called Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of India," with lots of green land and trees called rhododendrons that bloom in the spring. The best part of the walk is making it to the top of Chandrashila, which is around 13,000 feet up. From up there, walkers can have far views of big mountains like Nanda Devi and Kedarnath. The way also goes by the Tungnath Temple, the world's highest Shiva temple, adding a deep, holy feel to the walk. This place is very important for many people who follow the religion and is one of the Panch Kedar holy spots. This trek is liked a lot because you can go on it any time of the year and it changes with the seasons. It is not too hard, making it good for first-timers and those who walk a lot, looking for a quiet time. Along the way, you can see lots of birds, deer, and colourful plants. The peace, the great views, and the holy stops make this walk a way to feel new again in nature. With its short time, lovely views, and deep culture, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a must for anyone wanting to see the Himalayas.

History of Chopta Chandrashila Trek

A long time ago, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek was not just a pretty path in the mountains but also a trip through old stories and important history. This part of Uttarakhand has deep roots in old Indian culture and feelings about religion. One key part is the Tungnath Temple on the way up. This temple is for Lord Shiva and is the highest one for him in the world. Old stories say it's part of the five temples made by the heroes of a big old story, the Mahabharata, who wanted to say sorry for their acts in a big fight. Lord Shiva, upset by their acts, hid as a bull in the mountains. It's thought that parts of him showed up in different spots. His arms showed up at Tungnath, making it a sacred spot. Chandrashila, the "Moon Rock," is right above Tungnath. Another tale says Lord Rama meditated there after a big victory. Because of these stories, the path is not just pretty but also very sacred.

In the past, only people on holy trips and local shepherds used the path for a long time. The people living in Chopta, from local roots, stayed close to nature, moving with the seasons, and farming to live. The path and temple were mostly for those seeking deep answers and locals until a few decades back. More recently, after 2000, more people walking for fun started to visit because of its lovely views and not-so-hard paths. With better roads and other basics, more people could come and see the place. The rich nature of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary also brought in those who love birds and animals from all over. Now, while new walkers visit, the path still feels old and sacred. There are now efforts to keep a balance, making sure the area and its story are save for the years to come. So, the story of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek mixes old tales, the local way of life, nature, and new trips.

Nearby Places around Chopta Chandrashila Walk

• Tungnath Temple: Set on the path to Chandrashila, Tungnath Temple is one of the most liked holy spots in Uttarakhand. It's the top Shiva temple in the world and a key stop in the Panch Kedar trip. With green fields and wide Himalayan views, this old temple is not just for soul search but also a main spot for walkers in the Chopta area.

• Deoria Tal: Deoria Tal is a clear, high lake about 20 km from Chopta. Known for its clear waters that show the big Chaukhamba peaks, it gives a calm camp site in thick woods. The short walk to Deoria Tal is good for new folks and photo lovers looking for nice sun up and sun down shots.

• Ukhimath: Ukhimath is the winter home of Lord Kedarnath when the Kedarnath Temple shuts due to snow. It's a town full of culture about 30 km from Chopta, known for its old Omkareshwar Temple and old rites. It's a calm stop for those seeking more than trekking.

• Sari Village: Sari is a small town on the way to Deoria Tal and is the start point for the lake trek. With old Garhwali homes, stepped farms, and kind locals, Sari gives a true feel of the area. It’s also a good spot to see rural Himalayan life close up.

• Kedarnath Wildlife Place: Covering the Chopta area, the Kedarnath Wildlife Spot is full of many life forms. It is home to rare Himalayan types like the musk deer, monal pheasant, and big cats. Nature fans and bird lookers often walk this area for its rich nature and nice paths through oak and rhododendron woods.

• Gopeshwar: Gopeshwar is a bigger town, about 50 km from Chopta and is the main spot for Chamoli. It has many temples, shops, and places to stay. It’s also the start for many other walks in the area, making it a handy stop for needs or travel.

• Kalimath Temple: About 40 km from Chopta, Kalimath Temple is for Goddess Kali and is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is by the Saraswati River and pulls pilgrims all year. It’s a strong soul spot set in quiet nature.

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila

• Spring (March to May): Spring is a top time to see the Chopta Chandrashila Walk. The air is nice, with clear sky and mid-heat, making the walk easy to enjoy. At this time, the red and pink plants bloom, making a magic path. The Himalayan views are clear, and the slowly melting snow adds beauty to the land without making the walk too hard.

• Summer (May to June): Early summer is just right for those who want a cool break from the heat of the plains. The lands are full of green, life is awake, and the place is open. This is also a great time for camping and bird watching, as many rare Himalayan birds can be seen along the path. The temples, like Tungnath, are open, pulling both walkers and those on a holy trip.

• Rain time (July to September): Rain time is not the best for walking in Chopta Chandrashila due to lots of rain, slick paths, and the chance of landslides. Yet, for those who dare, the area turns very green and lively, with foggy lands and strong skies. It’s not as full in this time, but safety and the right gear are a must.

• Fall (October to November): Fall is another great time to go. The sky is clear after the rains, the air is fresh, and the views of snowy Himalayan tops are great. The path is dry and safe, great for walking. Fall also starts the time when the temples shut, so it’s good for those who want to mix soul trips with nice walks.

• Winter (December to February): Winter changes the Chopta Chandrashila path into a snow-filled land of wonder. Though it's harder because of the low heat and snow-filled paths, it offers a one-of-a-kind time for those seeking fun. The walk is harder, but the still white land and quiet are well worth it. Tungnath Temple is shut at this time, but the walk to Chandrashila is still doable with the right winter gear and a local guide.

How to Reach Chopta Chandrashila

• By Airport: The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 220 km away. From the air spot, you can get a taxi or take a bus to Chopta via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath. The ride takes about 8–10 hours. Regular planes link Dehradun with big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, making air travel easy for those coming from far.

• By Train: The nearest train stops are Haridwar and Rishikesh, about 210–230 km from Chopta. These stops link to big cities in India. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can keep going by taxi, shared cab, or bus to Chopta via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. The road ride from Rishikesh to Chopta takes about 8–9 hours and has nice views on the way.

• By Road: Chopta is easy to get to via roads from the main cities in Uttarakhand. Buses and shared jeeps are there from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun to Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and then to Chopta. From Ukhimath, Chopta is about 30 km and taxis or shared cabs can be used. The roads are mostly good, but in winter or rainy times, they may have snow or landslides, so always check road conditions before.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Chopta Chandrashila Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.