Chopta to Tungnath: A Complete Guide to the Himalayan Trek Including Deoriatal and Delhi Route
If you're seeking a serene and fulfilling Himalayan trek, the Chopta to Tungnath trail is an excellent choice. Renowned for its natural beauty and spiritual importance, this trail offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, dense forests, and open meadows. Many trekkers also combine this journey with a short trek to Deoriatal, a picturesque lake near the village of Sari. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the trek from Chopta to Tungnath, the route to Deoriatal, and how to travel from Delhi.
About Chopta: Chopta is a small hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its lush green meadows and 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. Chopta serves as the base point for treks to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak.
Chopta is not commercialized like other hill stations, making it ideal for those who love peace and nature. The weather here remains cool throughout the year, and during the winter months, the region is covered in snow.
Trek from Chopta to Tungnath: The distance from Chopta to Tungnath is approximately 3.5 kilometers one-way. The trail starts near the main road in Chopta, where a clear path with stone steps leads you all the way to the Tungnath temple.
Trek Distance: 3.5 km one-way (7 km round-trip) Trek Duration: 2 to 3 hours one-way Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate Best Time to Visit: April to November (Avoid monsoon and heavy snowfall months)
The path is well-maintained and suitable for beginners. It passes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. As you climb higher, the forests open into green meadows with clear views of the Himalayas. Along the way, there are a few tea stalls where you can rest and enjoy snacks. The climb is steady but not too steep, making it comfortable for people of all age groups, including families and beginners.
Tungnath Temple: At an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and holds deep religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is open from late April or early May until October or November, depending on weather conditions. Even if you are not religious, the setting of the temple surrounded by mountains is a spiritual experience in itself.
Chandrashila Peak: If you have extra time and energy, you can continue trekking 1.5 kilometers further from Tungnath to reach Chandrashila Peak, which stands at 4,000 meters. The trail becomes steeper, but the view from the top is truly rewarding. On a clear day, you can see major Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi
