Chopta is a hamlet among meadows and rhododendron forest at about 2,700 metres on the mountain road between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar. From it a paved path climbs about three and a half kilometres to Tungnath, at around 3,680 metres often described as the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five Panch Kedar shrines. A further steep kilometre and a half leads to the summit of Chandrashila, at about 4,000 metres, with a vast panorama of the Garhwal and Kumaon peaks.
It is a short, satisfying trek that can be done from spring to late autumn, which makes it a popular partner — or substitute — for the Valley of Flowers.
What to see and do at Chopta & Tungnath
Climb to Tungnath
Two to three hours of steady uphill on a stone path through meadows where, in spring, rhododendrons flower pink and red. The small stone temple stands on a ledge just below the ridge.
Reach Chandrashila for sunrise
Leave in the dark and you can be on the summit as the sun lights Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath. In the monsoon the view is a gamble.
Walk to Deoria Tal
From Sari village, an hour’s drive away, a short trail climbs to a forest lake famous for its reflections of Chaukhamba. Guided treks link it with Chopta over several days.
Look for the monal
The forests here, part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, are one of the better places to see the Himalayan monal, especially in the early morning.
How to get to Chopta & Tungnath
- From the main highway: turn off at Rudraprayag for Ukhimath and Chopta, and rejoin the Badrinath road at Chamoli via Gopeshwar — a slower but beautiful alternative to the valley road.
- From Rishikesh: roughly 200 km, a full day’s drive.
Practical tips
- Tungnath temple is closed in winter, when the deity moves down to Makkumath; the trail may still be walked in snow with proper gear.
- Facilities at Chopta are simple — camps and small lodges, with limited electricity.
- Weather changes fast above the treeline. Carry a warm layer and waterproofs in every season.
Best treks & tours for Chopta & Tungnath
These packages are the easiest way to see Chopta & Tungnath with a guide, transport and lodging sorted:
Guided trek from US$450 Rishikesh: 4-Day Himalayan Deoriatal Lake & Chandrashila Trek
A four-day trek from Rishikesh to Deoria Tal, the Rohini Bugyal meadows, Tungnath and the Chandrashila summit above Chopta. It runs outside the monsoon too, which makes it a fine alternative when the Valley of Flowers is closed. No reviews yet.
- Deoria Tal lake and its mountain reflections
- Tungnath temple and the Chandrashila summit
- Meals and tented accommodation
Guided trek & pilgrimage from US$1800 From Delhi: Kedarnath & Valley of Flowers 9-Day Trek
A long Garhwal journey from Delhi that pairs the pilgrimage trek to Kedarnath with the Valley of Flowers — two of the great walks of Uttarakhand in one trip. It is the most expensive option here and the listing has no reviews yet, so confirm group size, lodging and what the price covers.
- The trek to the Kedarnath temple
- The Valley of Flowers National Park
- Round trip from Delhi through Garhwal
Guided trek from US$405 Uttarakhand: Dayara Bugyal Trek (Meadow Trek)
Dayara Bugyal is a vast high meadow in the Uttarkashi district — a different valley system from the Valley of Flowers but the same kind of open alpine country. Four days from Dehradun, with one five-star review so far.
- One of the broadest alpine meadows in Uttarakhand
- Wide views of the Garhwal snow peaks
- A gentle gradient suited to beginners
