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Chopta Chandrashila Trek - Walk to the Roof of the Garhwal Himalayas

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Package Highlights

  • Duration: 3 Day / 2 Night
  • Start Point: Tapovan Chowk, Rishikesh
  • End Point: Tapovan Chowk, Rishikesh
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Overview

About the Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Tucked away in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a name that anyone serious about trekking in Uttarakhand knows well. Sitting at roughly 8,500 ft, this quiet hamlet is often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" and once you arrive, it's easy to see why. Rolling meadows, snow-dusted peaks, and pine-scented air greet you at every turn. But Chopta is more than just a pretty base camp. it's the gateway to one of the most beloved Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand: the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.

This 3-day journey takes trekkers from the spiritual town of Rishikesh through scenic Garhwal roads to Chopta, then up a well-defined forested trail to Tungnath Temple - revered as the highest Lord Shiva temple in the world and one of the sacred Panch Kedars. From there, the trail continues to Chandrashila Peak, where the Himalayan panorama opens up in all its glory - Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and the Kedarnath Dome stretching across the horizon in a view that leaves trekkers speechless.

What makes the Chopta Chandrashila Trek particularly special is its accessibility. At 12 km of total trekking, with a moderate gradient, it suits beginners, families, and older trekkers without sacrificing any of the grandeur typically associated with longer Himalayan expeditions. Add a bonus visit to Deoria Tal - a serene glacial lake that mirrors the Chaukhamba massif on its still surface - and you have a package that punches well above its weight.

This trek is also a year-round affair. Summers bring green meadows and wildflowers; autumn offers crystal-clear skies and sharp mountain views; winter wraps the trail in snow, creating a magical white-out experience for snow enthusiasts. Each season reveals a different face of Chopta, making it worth returning to again and again.
Whether you're drawn by the spiritual pull of Tungnath Temple, the thrill of standing atop Chandrashila Peak, or simply the desire to breathe clean mountain air after a hectic urban life - the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is a journey that delivers on every front.

Itinerary of Chopta Chandrashila Trek - Walk to the Roof of the Garhwal Himalayas

Your adventure begins at Tapovan Chowk, Rishikesh at 6:00 AM sharp. The road to Chopta is itself a visual treat  winding through the sangam at Devprayag (where the Alaknanda meets the Bhagirathi), climbing through the hills of Rudraprayag and the quieter stretch past Ukhimath.

By the time you arrive in Chopta, the evening light catches the surrounding peaks in shades of gold and amber. Spend your first evening simply absorbing the atmosphere - walk through the open meadows, chat with locals, or just sit quietly and let the mountains do the talking.

Overnight stay in camps nestled amid pine and oak forests.

This is the heart of the Chopta Chandrashila Trek and it doesn't disappoint.

After an early breakfast, the trail begins its steady climb through some of the most beautiful forest terrain in the Garhwal Himalayas. The path is well-marked and gradually ascends through canopies of rhododendron, oak, and alpine shrubs.

As the tree line gives way to open ground, the ancient stone structure of Tungnath Temple (3,680 m) comes into view a sight that's equal parts spiritual and spectacular. One of the five Panch Kedars, this temple has been a pilgrimage site for centuries and holds immense religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.

After a short rest and darshan at Tungnath, the trail continues upward for another 20-30 minutes to reach Chandrashila Peak. At 13,100 ft, the summit offers what many trekkers describe as the finest 360° Himalayan panorama in Uttarakhand- Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and the Kedarnath Dome all visible on a clear day.On winter mornings, the sunrise from Chandrashila is nothing short of extraordinary.

Descend to Chopta by late afternoon and settle in for a warm dinner around camp, Overnight stay in camp.

A gentle morning begins with breakfast before a short 2.5 km walk to Deoria Tal - a pristine lake cradled by forests that reflects the towering Chaukhamba peaks on its glassy surface. It's the kind of place that makes you want to sit quietly for a while.
After soaking in the views, head back to Chopta, pack up camp, and begin the drive back to Rishikesh. By the time you're back in the city, you'll already be planning your next trek.

Trip ends with memories that stay with you long after the mountains are out of sight.

Inclusions

  • Twin-sharing accommodation in camps/lodges throughout the trek
  • All meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (MAP plan)
  • All local transportation and transfers from Rishikesh and back
  • Certified, experienced trek guide throughout the journey
  • Camping equipment - tents, sleeping bags, and necessary gear

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses, tips, and any items of a personal nature
  • Any meals or snacks beyond the included plan
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended - not included)
  • Entry fees at monuments or temples (if applicable)
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under Inclusions

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation within 7 days of booking: Full refund processed - no deductions(Except PG charge).
  • Cancellation 3-6 days before the trek date: 50% of the total amount will be refunded.
  • Cancellation less than 3 days before departure: No refund applicable.

Payment Policy

  • Discuss your requirements and preferred dates with the TriptoOcean team before confirming your booking or making payment through website.
  • 100% advance payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot.

Refund Policy

  • Approved refunds will be processed within 5-7 working days of confirmation.
  • Full refunds are issued if the trek is cancelled by TriptoOcean due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, safety concerns, etc.).
  • If a trekker misses the trek due to personal reasons after booking, the standard cancellation policy applies.
  • Refunds are credited back to the original payment method used at the time of booking or in the form of Triptoocean vouchers as per user choice.

FAQs

Absolutely. This is one of the most beginner-friendly Himalayan treks in Uttarakhand. With a moderate gradient over a manageable 12 km distance and just 3 days, it's well within reach for anyone with a basic fitness level.

The trek is enjoyable year-round. Spring and summer (April-June) offer green meadows and clear skies; autumn (September-November) is ideal for sharp mountain views; winter (December-February) transforms the trail into a snow wonderland. Avoid the monsoon months (July-August) due to slippery paths and poor visibility.

Chandrashila Peak sits at an elevation of approximately 13,100 ft (3,990 m) above sea level, making it one of the more accessible high-altitude summits for beginners doing trekking in Uttarakhand.

No. Tungnath Temple is typically open from May to November for pilgrims. During winter, the deity is ceremonially shifted to Markandey Temple in Ukhimath. However, the trek to Chandrashila can still be done in winter even when the temple is closed.

Key essentials include sturdy trekking shoes, moisture-wicking and layered clothing, a warm jacket (especially for winter or early mornings), a rainproof shell, a daypack, a water bottle, sunscreen, and valid ID proof. Your trek team will handle tents and sleeping gear.

Given the moderate altitude of 13,100 ft, the risk is relatively low for most people. However, it's important to stay hydrated, ascend at a steady pace, and inform your guide if you feel lightheaded or nauseous.

Yes, the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is popular with families. Children above 8 years with reasonable fitness can comfortably complete this trek with proper pacing and parental supervision.

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