Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila
Easy to Moderate Alpine Trail in Rudraprayag • Summit 4,000 m (Chandrashila Summit) • 2 Days
Alpine Field Dossier • Route Metrics
About Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila
A classic summit trek starting from the pristine rolling meadows of Chopta (known as the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand'). The well-paved trail climbs through thick rhododendron and scarlet oak forests to Tungnath—the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 meters—and pushes 1.5 km further up a rocky ridge to Chandrashila summit (4,000m) for a stunning 360-degree vista of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Trailhead Approach
Commences from Base Trailhead, following established mountain corridors through valley topography.
Alpine Progression
Rises steadily into open mountain zones with panoramic vantages across Rudraprayag.
High Vantage & Crest
Reaches high elevation vantage points where disciplined alpine pacing and weather awareness ensure a safe journey.
The Trail
Photographic plates and visual observations along the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila route in Rudraprayag.
Plate 01 • Trail Observation
Field observation on the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila route through Rudraprayag.
Plate 02 • Trail Observation
Field observation on the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila route through Rudraprayag.
The Route
Trailhead coordinates, navigation milestones, and geospatial profile connecting Base Trailhead to the summit crest.
Base Trailhead
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand • Trailhead Access
Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila (4,000 m (Chandrashila Summit))
Panoramic vistas from Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila across Rudraprayag
30.4880° N, 79.2170° E
Mapped trail route
Interactive 3D Satellite Terrain
Inspect the 3D glacial topography, ridge relief, and trail approaches of Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila in photorealistic satellite imagery.
Elevation Profile
Continuous vertical gradient from Base Trailhead to the 4,000 m (Chandrashila Summit) summit crest with live slope & oxygen estimates.
Elevation & Slope Profile
Elevation Milestones • 4,000 m (Chandrashila Summit) Apex
- Base Trailhead
- Base Trailhead
- Mid-Trail Stage
- 4000 m • Chopta to Tungnath & Chandrashila Summit
- Apex Summit Marker
- Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila • 4,000 m (Chandrashila Summit)
Itinerary
Recommended day-by-day progression from Solang Village to the high meadows and summit ridge.
Arrive Chopta, Acclimatization Hike
Arrive at the alpine meadows of Chopta (2,680m). Evening acclimatization walk through rhododendron groves. Overnight camp.
Chopta to Tungnath & Chandrashila Summit
Pre-dawn climb to Tungnath temple (3,680m) and summit push to Chandrashila (4,000m) for 360° mountain sunrise. Descend to Chopta.
Information
Everything you need for a safe and prepared journey — real-time weather, seasonal cycles, practical field tips, medical directives, and gear checklist.
Best Time & Live Mountain Weather
Summer & Spring (May – June)
Clear morning skies, blooming alpine meadows across Rudraprayag, and comfortable daytime trekking conditions with residual high pass snow.
Monsoon (July – August)
Lush green valley trails and vibrant mountain ecology. Afternoon showers require early morning departures and waterproof shells.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (Sept – Oct)
Unparalleled long-range visibility, stable atmospheric pressure, and crisp dry conditions across the Himalayan summits.
Winter & Early Spring (Nov – April)
High elevation terrain covered in heavy seasonal snow. Lower valley trails accessible; high cols demand specialized cold-weather preparation.
Trail Tips & Practical Advice
Start your summit climb from Chopta by 4:00 AM to catch the unforgettable Himalayan sunrise from Chandrashila peak.
Visit in April and May when the rhododendron forests along the Tungnath trail burst into vivid scarlet and pink blooms.
Altitude Safety & Emergency Protocols
The Three Golden Rules of Altitude Safety
- 1Rule 1: Any headache or illness above 2,500m is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) until proven otherwise.
- 2Rule 2: Never ascend to sleep at a higher campsite with symptoms of altitude sickness.
- 3Rule 3: If symptoms worsen, or if ataxia (loss of balance) or breathlessness at rest appears, descend immediately.
What to Pack
Recommended alpine gear and equipment essentials required for the Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers regarding distance, altitude, how to reach, opening hours, winter conditions, and permits for Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila.
More Trails in Rudraprayag
Continue your journey through neighboring valleys, glacier basins, and trails across Rudraprayag.
Kedarnath Temple & Trail
The most revered of the twelve Jyotirlingas and the foremost among the Panch Kedar, Kedarnath is nestled at the head of the Mandakini river valley at 3,583m. Backed by the immense glaciated wall of Mount Kedarnath (6,940m) and Kedar Dome, the ancient grey-stone temple was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya and has withstood earthquakes, avalanches, and the test of millennia.
Chandrashila Peak Summit
Towering immediately above Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila ('Moon Rock') is a prominent 4,000-meter summit in the Garhwal Himalayas. Celebrated for its legendary 360-degree panorama encompassing Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Bandarpunch, and the Gangotri ranges, it is according to Hindu legend where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana, and where the Moon God Chandra spent hours in deep penance.
Deoria Tal Emerald Lake & Sari
A crystalline freshwater alpine lake sitting at 2,438m surrounded by dense rhododendron and oak forests in Rudraprayag district. Famed for its mirror-like reflection of the snow-clad Chaukhamba massif on clear mornings, it is associated with the Yaksha Prashna legend from the Mahabharata. The 3 km uphill cobblestone trail starts from the picturesque village of Sari.