Tungnath Chopta 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 Tungnath Chopta Trek, in Uttarakhand's Garhwal area, is a lovely walk in the big hills. It brings peace and a look at nature’s fine sights. Called the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is a small hill spot with many trees like deodar, oak, and rhododendron. This walk works for new and old trekkers, giving an easy path with big views and much worth. The main part of the trek is Tungnath, the top Shiva temple worldwide, set high at 3,680 meters. It is one of the sacred Panch Kedar shrines and holds deep meaning for Hindus. The walk to Tungnath begins at Chopta and covers about 3.5 kilometres. It winds through nice fields and thick green woods, slowly rising to show grand sights of peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul.

Going up from Tungnath, a 1.5 km walk takes you to Chandrashila Peak, high at around 4,000 meters. From this point, you see far, a full view of the snowy mountain ranges, a perfect spot for bright sunrises and sunsets. You can do this trek most of the year, each season painting the land in new colours. In spring and summer, the path is full of bloom and green, while in winter, it turns to a white snow world, great for snow walks. If you love nature, taking photos, seeking peace, or craving an adventure, the Tungnath Chopta Trek offers it all - calm, fine beauty, and a link with nature and ancient stories. It’s a short walk in India with both grand sights and a sacred touch.

History of the Tungnath Chopta Trek

The Tungnath Chopta area, in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is rich with ancient stories, holy importance, and a long past. This spot is part of the honoured Panch Kedar pilgrimage path, with five Shiva temples, Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar, each built by the Pandavas to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva after their war. Stories say, after the huge war, the Pandavas felt bad for the hurt to their kin and looked for peace. They went to Varanasi to see Lord Shiva for his blessing, but he, upset by the killing, hid from them in the Himalayas as a bull. The Pandavas followed, and when they reached him, he dived into the earth to escape. It’s thought that pieces of him appeared in different spots: the back at Kedarnath, the arms at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the middle at Madhyamaheshwar, and the hair at Kalpeshwar. In honour, the Pandavas set up temples at these spots, now known as the Panch Kedar. Tungnath, meaning “Lord of the Peaks,” is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and is thought to be over 1,000 years old. We don’t know exactly when it was made, but its style is like other old stone temples in the area, perhaps from long back, likely under the Katyuri kings who ruled parts of the land from the 7th to 11th centuries. These kings liked to build temples and kept the Hindu belief and soul alive. Over the years, the Tungnath Temple turned into a big pilgrimage site. Even with its high spot at 3,680 meters, people have made the sacred walk through thick forests and high fields for ages. The temple priests are from the nearby village of Makkumath, different from the other Panch Kedar temples, where priests are from South India, the Namboodiri community from Kerala.

The Chandrashila Peak, just 1.5 km above Tungnath, comes with its own stories. It’s said that Lord Rama rested here after beating Ravana. Another tale is the Moon God, or “Chandra,” did penance here, giving the peak its name Chandrashila, meaning “Moon Rock.” These tales add to the holy feel of the whole spot. Historically, this area was a way for trade and culture between the lower and higher parts of the Himalayas and Tibet. Shepherds and traders used the Chopta fields often, and over time, these paths turned into sacred walks as well. The paths to Tungnath and Chandrashila became loved trekking routes, mixing nature with ancient spirit. Today, the Tungnath Chopta trek is a top pick for short walks in India. It's easy to reach from spots like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, which have helped make it liked by walkers, pilgrims, and visitors. The trek also works well for new ones and families. As more folks want to travel in green ways, Chopta has turned into a loved place for nature lovers. But, even as more people come, locals and those who care to keep nature safe try to hold the gentle spot and its sacred feel safe. These days, the Tungnath Temple still brings many pilgrims each summer when the temple is open. The spot is covered in snow in winter, and the temple is closed, but the path is still liked by snow walkers and thrill-seekers. In short, the tale of the Tungnath Chopta Trek is a mix of tales, holiness, and nature. From old sagas and temple styles to its place in religious and Himalayan culture, the walk is not just a trek but a trip through time. For faith or thrill, the trek keeps giving a rich experience, standing as a timeless gem in the Indian Himalayas.

Places Near Tungnath Chopta Trek

• Chandrashila Peak: Just 1.5 kilometres up from Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila offers wide views of the Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi and Kedar Dome. Known for sunrises, it is a favourite with hikers and has a tale of Lord Rama meditating there after his big win. The path from Tungnath is short but hard, yet the view at the top is worth it.

• Deoria Tal: About 20 km from Chopta, Deoria Tal is a high lake you can reach by a short hike from Sari village. It sits among thick woods and shows clear reflections of the snowy mountains. Legends say the Pandavas came here in their time away. It's a top spot for camping and watching birds.

• Ukhimath: Around 28 km from Chopta, Ukhimath holds winter for the gods of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples. When these temples close in winter, their idols stay in Ukhimath. It's filled with holy stories and shows the ways of Garhwali life and faith.

• Kalimath: Kalimath is 50 km from Chopta and is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas in India. Kali is the star here. People come to see a special pit instead of a statue. It pulls crowds, mainly during the Navratri fest.

• Gopeshwar: About 40 km away, Gopeshwar runs through the Chamoli area and is calm and pretty. It has an old Shiva temple and is good for visiting other paths and holy places. It also has basic shops and rooms for travellers.

• Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: This lies 7 km from Chopta and works to save the rare Himalayan musk deer. A great visit for animal fans, you can see many plants and wild things in the quiet woods. It’s good for quiet walks and nature trips.

Best Times for Tungnath Chopta Trek

• Spring (March to April): Spring lights up the paths with flowers, new green stuff, and clear skies. Days are nice, from 10°C to 20°C, perfect for walking and looking around. The views are clear and bright.

• Summer (May to June): Summer brings lots of visitors. It has cool air and temperatures from 12°C to 25°C. Tungnath Temple opens, drawing both prayers and hikers. The paths are free of snow, great for new hikers and families.

• Monsoon (July to September): Rain comes, making paths slick and hard. The area is very green but not the best for walking because of sliding land, fog, and slow trips. Yet, it can be quiet and lush for those who don’t mind.

• Autumn (October to November): Autumn is a top time for this trek. Clear skies, fresh air, and fall colours make it pretty. Less crowded, it’s good for quiet walks and watching stars. It gets cold, but the paths are open till snow comes.

• Winter (December to February): Snow changes the area into a white land. Chopta is a key spot for snow hikes, but Tungnath Temple is closed. Days are cold from 0°C to 10°C. Snow makes it look magical, but you must dress right and take care.

How to Reach Tungnath Chopta Trek

• By Airport: The closest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 220 km away. It links to big places like Delhi. From there, get a taxi or cab to Chopta via Rishikesh. The drive is 8–10 hours with nice views.

• By Train: Rishikesh station is about 200 km from Chopta. Trains come from many cities. From Rishikesh, get a taxi or bus to Chopta. The road trip is about 8–9 hours long.

• By Road: Chopta is connected to big towns in Uttarakhand by road. Drive or bus from places like Rishikesh. Buses and cabs go till Ukhimath or Gopeshwar, then get a taxi to Chopta. Roads are good, but be careful as some paths twist a lot in the hills.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Tungnath Chopta Trek from Bengaluru 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.