The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is one of the most breathtaking Himalayan treks in India—famous for snow-covered peaks, forest trails, and the divine summit view from Chandrashila peak. Located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, this beautiful trekking route passes through Chopta meadows, Tungnath Temple (the world’s highest Shiva temple) and finally reaches the Chandrashila Summit (approx. 4000m) offering a 360-degree Himalayan panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar, and Bandarpoonch.
The reason the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is called magical is because it blends snow adventure, Himalayan scenery, spirituality, silence of pine forests, meadows, wildlife and ancient mythology—all together in one amazing journey. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate hiker or spiritual seeker, the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek gives something unforgettable.
🌟 Why the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is So Special
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is not just a trek, it is a Himalayan experience filled with:
✔ peaceful forests
✔ ancient temples
✔ snowy trails (Dec–March)
✔ golden meadows (Apr–Jun)
✔ dramatic sunrise views
✔ divine Tungnath darshan
✔ breathtaking summit
✔ perfect landscapes for photography
✔ easy access from Haridwar and Rishikesh
Unlike many Himalayan treks, the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is beginner-friendly, extremely scenic, and open throughout the year.
🏔 What Exactly Is the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek?
Chopta → base village
Tungnath → highest Shiva temple
Chandrashila → the summit peak
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek follows this trail:
Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila
Distance
👉 4–5 km to Tungnath
👉 1.5 km further to Chandrashila
Total → about 6 km one way
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is one of the most naturally beautiful trails in Uttarakhand, famous for its dense pine forests, rhododendron flowers, peaceful meadows, snowfall slopes and huge Himalayan ranges shining in front of you. Every step feels magical—especially after you cross the Tungnath temple and walk towards the summit ridge.
The reason people fall in love with the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is the combination of devotion, Himalayan silence, and surreal sunrise views from the peak. Many trekkers describe the summit moment as “life-changing”, especially when the first golden sunlight touches the Himalayan peaks. That breathtaking experience becomes a memory forever.
📍 Location of Chopta-Chandrashila Trek
State: Uttarakhand
Region: Rudraprayag
Base Village: Chopta
Altitude: Up to 4000m
Chopta is also lovingly called the Mini Switzerland of India due to its rolling meadows and snow-covered Himalayan backdrop.
The Chopta–Chandrashila Trek is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, right in the heart of the Garhwal Himalayas. The journey begins from the peaceful mountain village of Chopta, a picture-perfect Himalayan hamlet surrounded by dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. From here the trail gradually climbs all the way up to the Chandrashila summit, which stands proudly at approximately 4,000 metres (13,000+ ft) above sea level, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of some of the most legendary Himalayan peaks—including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kedarnath Dome and more.
Many travellers lovingly call Chopta the “Mini Switzerland of India” because of its soft rolling meadows, glittering snow views in winter, natural silence and postcard-like mountain landscape. Whether blanketed in snow during January or covered in pink rhododendron blossoms during April, the region looks like a living painting in every season.
Being located inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek also gives a beautiful chance to explore untouched Himalayan nature, wildlife sightings, peaceful trekking paths and temple routes that carry centuries-old mythology. The location itself feels heavenly—far from crowds, full of fresh air, surrounded by forests, with the mighty Himalayas standing right in front of you throughout the journey
🌄 Best Time for Chopta-Chandrashila Trek
❄ Winter (Dec–March)
Snow trek
Frozen trails
White landscapes
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek in winter transforms into a magical snow-covered wonderland straight from a postcard! Deep snow carpets the trekking trail, pine forests look frosted like white Christmas trees, and the entire Chopta valley turns silent, calm, and incredibly divine. The climb to Tungnath and Chandrashila becomes slightly challenging due to snow, but the reward is unforgettable—breathtaking winter views and pure mountain stillness. Standing at the summit feels like floating above a white ocean of clouds. Winter also gives one of the most famous Himalayan highlights—the golden sunrise at Chandrashila, when snowy peaks glow fiery orange. This is the most dramatic and adventurous season, perfect for snow-lovers, photographers, and experienced trekkers seeking a true Himalayan winter experience.
🌸 Summer (April–June)
Flowers blooming
Clear trails
Best for beginners
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek in summer feels like walking through a Himalayan paradise painted in emerald green. Snow begins to melt, streams flow gently beside the trail, and the famous rhododendron forests explode in red and pink blossoms, turning the trek into a colourful floral tunnel. The temperature stays pleasant, making it ideal for beginners and families. Meadows open into wide sunshine-filled valleys, where mountain air smells fresh and crisp. This is also the time when the sky is usually clear and allows spectacular views of Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kedarnath Dome, and Nanda Devi. Summer brings a peaceful balance of trekking comfort, spiritual atmosphere at Tungnath temple, and cool breezes at higher altitude—making it one of the most preferred seasons for first-time trekkers.
🍁 Autumn (Sept–Nov)
Most scenic colours
Avoid peak monsoon due to slippery trails.
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek in autumn is when the Himalayas look crystal clear after monsoon, with visibility stretching for miles. Forests glow in warm golden colours, meadows shine in soft yellow tones, and the air feels sharply fresh. This season offers the clearest Himalayan views of the entire year—ideal for photographers and sunrise chasers. Weather remains pleasant during the day and slightly chilly at night. Autumn is also spiritually beautiful because the skies look closer, temples feel quieter, and treks are less crowded. The trail smells of pine forests, and every turn opens a grand Himalayan window filled with mountains, clouds and endless sky—making this season emotionally uplifting and visually stunning.
🕉 Tungnath Temple – The Spiritual Heart of the Trek
Before reaching the summit, you visit Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Walking here feels divine—especially in winter when everything is covered in snow. The temple architecture is ancient, powerful, and spiritually calming.
Many trekkers say Tungnath darshan is the most unforgettable moment of the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek.
Standing in front of Tungnath Temple, you immediately feel a powerful spiritual presence that cannot be explained in words. The silence, the cold wind, the sound of distant bells, and the Himalayan peaks surrounding the shrine create a feeling that Shiva is not just worshipped here—He is truly present. The stone temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old and still carries the energy of ancient sages who meditated in these mountains. When snow covers the temple complex in winter, it looks like a frozen spiritual kingdom floating somewhere between earth and heaven. The moment you bow your head here, something inside you becomes peaceful, still, and deeply connected with the divine.
For devotees and trekkers alike, Tungnath Temple becomes the emotional highlight of the journey. Many people visit the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek only to see this sacred temple and experience its calmness. When you step inside the sanctum, the sound of your breath echoes softly against stone walls, giving a feeling like time itself has stopped. Even those not deeply religious are moved by its powerful atmosphere. After darshan, when you sit outside and look at the mountains, you feel an unexplainable calm—as if the Himalayas are blessing you in silence. That is why Tungnath is not just a stop on the trek—it is the spiritual heart of the entire journey.
🏔 Chandrashila Summit – 360° Himalayan View
The final climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila may be short in distance, but it is the section that truly takes your breath away—both physically and emotionally. The trail rises sharply above the tree line, surrounded by crisp mountain air, steady winds, and silence that feels almost sacred. Every step brings you closer to the sky, and for many travellers, this part of the journey feels like entering a different world altogether.
As you finally place your feet on the summit ridge, the entire Himalayan panorama suddenly opens up—huge, majestic, endless. It feels like someone has unveiled a massive painting made only for your eyes. The snow peaks stretch from horizon to horizon as if the Himalayas themselves are bowing in silence.
Right in front of you stand some of the most legendary Himalayan giants:
✨ Nanda Devi — India’s second highest peak, glowing in silver
✨ Kedarnath Dome — shining like a divine crown of Shiva
✨ Chaukhamba — a mighty four–pillar peak complex
✨ Trishul — perfectly shaped like Shiva’s divine weapon
✨ Bandarpoonch — guarding the Garhwal skies
Many trekkers say that this moment feels unreal—as if the mountains are alive and listening. The sky feels closer, the clouds float beneath you, and the wind whispers like ancient prayers.
And then comes sunrise…
When the first golden rays touch the Himalayan peaks, everything turns orange, pink, purple and gold. The light spreads slowly, colouring each mountain one by one, like nature is painting them in front of you. No camera can capture what the eyes feel at that moment.
This is why Chandrashila sunrise is famous across the world—travel magazines, photographers, trekkers and spiritual seekers all call it one of the most magical sunrise viewpoints on Earth.
Some say:
“You climb a mountain with your body, but you return with a new soul.”
At Chandrashila, that feels perfectly true.
⭐ Trek Details (for beginners)
Difficulty → Easy to Moderate
Duration → 1 day or overnight
Best for → first-time trekkers
Family friendly and safe
The Chopta–Chandrashila Trek is considered one of the most beginner-friendly Himalayan treks in India, which is why thousands of first-time trekkers choose this trail as their introduction to the mountains. The total distance is short and the route is well-marked, which means you don’t need major trekking experience or high fitness levels to enjoy it. Most people complete the trek in one day, while some choose to stay overnight in Chopta and begin before sunrise to enjoy the golden morning at the summit.
The difficulty level is generally rated Easy to Moderate, depending on the season. In summer and autumn, the path is smooth and safe, ideal for families, students, couples and beginners. In winter the trail becomes snow-covered, making it slightly challenging but also incredibly exciting—still doable with proper shoes and a little guidance. Because of its short distance, wide trail, availability of guides, and peaceful terrain, the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek is one of the safest Himalayan treks, suitable for children, first-timers, and even seniors who are comfortable with light walking.
Many travellers say this is the perfect first Himalayan trek because it gives everything the Himalayas are famous for—snow, forests, temples, adventure and stunning views—without needing extreme trekking skills.
🗺 Itinerary
DAY 1 – Chopta to Tungnath
Walk through pine forests
Snow during winters
Rhododendron flowers in summer
Photography stops everywhere
Reach Tungnath temple
Attend arti if possible
Stay at Chopta
DAY 2 – Tungnath to Chandrashila
Start at 4:30–5:00 AM
Sunrise trek
Golden Himalayan glow
Reach summit
Spend 45 minutes
Return same route
✨ Why People Love the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek
Because it offers:
✔ devotion
✔ adventure
✔ calmness
✔ snow
✔ forest
✔ sunrise
✔ nature
✔ spiritual beauty
and all inside one single journey.
🚗 How to Reach Chopta-Chandrashila Trek
Haridwar → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta
or
Rishikesh → Kund → Chopta
Public transport also available.
🧭 From Haridwar
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta
Private taxi OR bus + shared jeeps
🌨 Chopta-Chandrashila Trek in Winter
Snow covered temple
Frozen trails
Snowfall possible
Carry proper shoes
Most magical season
🛏 Stay while in Chopta-Chandrashila Trek
Homestays
Tents
Forest lodges
Affordable & peaceful
🍲 Food on Trek
Maggi
Tea
Paratha
Dal-Rice
Winter = simple menu
🧤 What to Pack
Trekking shoes
Thermals
Trekking pole
Woolens
Rain cover
📸 Photography Tips
Golden sunrise
Snow frames
Temple pictures
Himalayan panorama
🌟 MYTHOLOGY
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is not only a Himalayan adventure—it is deeply rooted in ancient mythology. According to sacred beliefs, Lord Rama is said to have meditated at Chandrashila after defeating Ravana in Lanka. It was here that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva, seeking inner purification and forgiveness for the act of taking a life, even if it was to destroy evil. This connection with the Ramayana adds a profound spiritual depth to the summit, making the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek much more than a mountain climb.
Another ancient story tells that Chandra—the Moon God—performed deep penance at this very peak after being cursed by his father-in-law Daksha Prajapati. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed Chandra with renewed radiance. Because of this blessing, the summit came to be known as “Chandrashila,” literally meaning “The Moon Rock.”
These legends beautifully merge devotion and Himalayan energy, transforming the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek into a journey where spirituality walks beside every traveler. Many devotees believe the mountain still carries this divine energy, and those who meditate or pray here feel a deep silence, a sense of lightness, and an inner peace that words cannot explain.
❤️ Why Chopta-Chandrashila Trek Feels Divine
Because the trek includes:
→ Tungnath Temple
→ Alpine forests
→ Himalayan summits
→ Sunrise
→ Spiritual silence
It feels like nature and devotion walking together.
🧘 Experience You Must Not Miss
❄ Snow walk
🏔 Sunrise
🕯 Tungnath arti
🌲 Forest trail
📸 Summit photography
🧭 Best Viewpoints
Tungnath temple gate
Mid-trail viewpoints
Chandrashila summit
🌟 Nearby Places to Visit Along with the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek
One of the biggest advantages of planning the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek is that the surrounding region is filled with breathtaking destinations—spiritual temples, glacial valleys, bugyals, and natural viewpoints that turn your journey into a complete Himalayan experience. Whether you love nature, spirituality, wildlife, waterfalls or photography, every destination near Chopta feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. Here are the best nearby places you should definitely try to cover:
🕉 Kedarnath Dham
Only a few hours away from Chopta lies the iconic Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Jyotirlingas and also the third dham of the Chardham Yatra. Surrounded by snow mountains and ancient legends, Kedarnath offers one of the most powerful spiritual experiences in India. Many trekkers combine Kedarnath with the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek to add more spiritual depth to their Himalayan trip.
🌄 Kartik Swami Temple
About 45–50 km from Chopta, Kartik Swami Temple offers mesmerizing forest trails leading to a quiet hilltop dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. The sunrise from this temple is said to be one of the most beautiful in Garhwal, making it a perfect photography and devotional spot after the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek.
🏞 Deoria Tal Lake
Deoria Tal is a magical emerald-green lake only 3 km from Sari village. The lake reflects massive Himalayan peaks like a natural mirror, especially during sunrise. Surrounded by forests and meadows, Deoria Tal is a peaceful camping destination often combined with the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek itinerary.
🌿 Gopeshwar
Gopeshwar is a beautiful town known for ancient temples, quiet markets, mountain views and refreshing Himalayan weather. The Gopinath Temple is the cultural highlight and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It’s a peaceful stopover before or after the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek.
🏔 Rudraprayag
One of the main confluences of river Alaknanda and Mandakini, Rudraprayag is spiritually significant and offers panoramic viewpoints, temples and historical legends. It’s a great destination for travellers who want to continue exploring Uttarakhand after completing the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek.
🌲 Ukhimath
Also known as the winter seat of Kedarnath, Ukhimath houses beautiful temples connected with the Kedarnath tradition. The surrounding village views, terraced farms, and pine forests make it a relaxing and scenic detour from the main Chopta–Chandrashila Trek route.
❤️ Why you should explore around Chopta
Because every nearby destination adds a new dimension—spiritual, natural or adventurous—to your journey. When you combine these beautiful places with the Chopta–Chandrashila Trek, you transform a trek into a complete Himalayan travel experience.
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Final Conclusion
Why the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek Feels Like a Once-in-Life Himalayan Blessing
The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek is truly a heavenly Himalayan experience that blends devotional peace and thrilling adventure in the most magical way. Imagine walking through tall pine forests, crossing snow-covered paths, resting beside ancient Shiva temples, and finally standing on top of a summit where the entire Himalayan range spreads like a painting in front of your eyes. That is exactly what the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek offers—a divine combination of nature, spirituality, calmness and pure Himalayan beauty.
Whether you come for trekking, meditation, photography, nature connection, or simply to escape city life, the Chopta-Chandrashila Trek always gives you more than you ever imagined. Many travelers say that even though they came for adventure, they returned feeling spiritually elevated, because the route passes through Tungnath—the world’s highest Shiva temple—adding a sacred presence to the trek.
It’s often called the most beautiful short trek in India—and the moment you reach Chandrashila summit and watch a golden sunrise painting Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba Himalayan peaks, you’ll understand exactly why. The Chopta-Chandrashila Trek doesn’t just show you mountains—it changes how you feel inside.
❓ 20 FAQs (Unique, SEO-Focused)
1. What is Chopta-Chandrashila Trek famous for?
Snow, summit views, Tungnath and sunrise.
2. Best month?
April–June & Dec–March
3. Is it beginner friendly?
Yes.
4. Is there snow?
In winter.
5. Total distance?
Around 6 km one way.
6. How many days?
1 or 2 days.
7. Can seniors do it?
Yes, slowly.
8. Best sunrise spot?
Chandrashila summit.
9. Can we trek alone?
Yes, but group recommended.
10. Is Tungnath open in winter?
Sometimes closed during heavy snow.
11. Any permit?
No permit.
12. Is camping allowed?
Yes.
13. Photography allowed?
Absolutely yes.
14. Mobile network?
Weak above Chopta.
15. Snowfall guaranteed?
Depends on weather.
16. Road conditions?
Mostly good.
17. ATM available?
Ukhimath.
18. Safe for solo girls?
Yes.
19. Night stay?
Chopta.
20. Is guide required?
Optional but useful in snow.