Tungnath Chandrashila Trek With Deoriatal
A great trek and a real pilgrimage—the Chandrashila Tungnath trek with deoriatal brings out all the senses to you, whether in relation to adventure, a connection with peace, or relating to the natural forces as a whole. One enjoys visiting the ancient temple, or Tungnath, with breathtaking views from the peak atop Chandrashila. But there’s even more to discover:
Visiting Deoriatal is an experience you won’t forget. It’s a peaceful lake nestled in the middle of dense forests, with water so clear it reflects the snow-capped mountains like a mirror. The beauty of this place feels almost unreal, like something you’d see in a storybook.
Tungnath Chandrashila Trek – Complete Guide
Trek Highlights
Altitude: Chandrashila Peak – 4,000 meters (13,123 feet)
Duration: 2-3 days (approximately 6-7 km trek)
Base Camp: Chopta
Best Time to Visit:
Summer: April to June
Winter: November to February
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Major Attractions: Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar, and Chaukhamba, the sacred Tungnath Temple, and the captivating Deoria Tal Lake.
Tungnath Chandrashila Trek With Deoriatal Overview (Facts)
1. Tungnath Temple: This is the world’s highest Shiva temple and is part of the very sacred Panch Kedar circuit.
2. Chandrashila Peak: Scenic views, a 360-degree view, Himalayas covered with snow.
3. Deoria Tal: Lake on the other side that depicts a calm environment, fascinating reflection of peaks in it.
4. Flora and Fauna: Beautiful rhododendron, pine, oak forests. Flora and fauna here comprise monals and mountain goats.
5. Cultural Importance: The trek is rich in mythology as many legends associate it with Lord Rama and Mahabharata.
Itinerary
Day 1: Chopta Arrival
- Arrival at Chopta
- The base camp for trekking.
- Check into a guesthouse or camp site.
- Spend the day acclimatising and sight-seeing in the scenic location.
- Overnight in Chopta.
Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak
- Trekking Distance: 6-7 km, one way
- Time Taken: 5-6 hours, to Chandrashila Peak and back
- Start trekking from Chopta early in the morning
- Ascend through the dense forests and meadows to reach Tungnath Temple, about 5 km ahead.
- Visit and pay respect to the sacred Tungnath Temple.
- Hike up to Chandrashila Peak, which is about 1.5 km.
- Savor breathtaking views of Himalayan ranges and click on the surreal scenery.
- Come back to Chopta by the late afternoon.
- Overnight at Chopta
Day 3: Exit from Chopta
- Spend your morning at Chopta with a short nature walk or photo shoot.
- Take a final departure for your onward journey with memories that will not fade away from your memory.
Optional Add-On: Deoria Tal
- If time allows, this includes a short trek to the breathtaking Deoriatal that lies near Sari Village.
- Trekking distance: 2.5 km one way from Sari Village.
- Great if one has an extra day for the trek as a supplement.
Trekking Experience
This is one of the sublime mixes of adventure, spirituality, and beauty of nature, Tungnath Chandrashila trek with deoriatal. It starts from the quaint village of Chopta and climbs up through lush green meadows, dense forests, and rocky terrains. Climbing further to Chandrashila Peak offers breath-taking views of the sunrise and awe-inspiring views of the mighty Himalayas.
How to Reach Chopta Tungnath
By Air: The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, which is 220 km from Chopta. Taxis and buses are available from Dehradun to Chopta.
By Rail: Rishikesh railway station is 200 km from Chopta. Taxi or buses can be hired from there to reach Chopta.
By Road From Delhi: Chopta is very well connected by roads to cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar, Delhi – Haridwar (212 km) – Rishikesh – Dev Prayag – Srinagar – Rudra Prayag (take left towards Kedarnath) – Agustmuni – Syal Saur – Kund – Ukhimath – Duggalbitta – Baniya Kund – Chopta (448 km) – Tungnath – Chandrashilla
Best Time To Do Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Winter Trek
- Snowy Trails: The trail becomes a fairy tale when it is completely covered by snow. It is like walking on moonlight, a real treat.
- Obstacles: This requires good equipment like crampons and good clothing; trekking poles are a must.
- Highlights: Clear sky, pristine snowy landscapes, and less crowd.
Summer Trek
- Weather: Summers are mild with blooming rhododendrons. The trek in summers is pleasant.
- Trail: Clear and accessible trails, good for beginners and nature lovers.
- Highlights: Vibrant greenery, colorful wildflowers, and pleasant camping weather.
Know Before You Go for Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
| Category | Details |
| Trek Difficulty | Moderate to Challenging (due to steep climbs and high altitude) |
| Trek Duration | 3 to 5 days depending on your pace and itinerary |
| Best Time to Visit | April to June, and September to November |
| Starting Point | Chopta, Uttarakhand |
| Distance (One Way) | 5-6 km from Chopta to Tungnath; 1 km more to reach Chandrashila |
| Highest Altitude | Tungnath: 3,680 meters, Chandrashila: 4,000 meters |
| Total Ascent | 1,200 meters (from Chopta to Chandrashila) |
| Weather | Winters: Cold and snowy; Summers: Pleasant and cool |
| Temperature | Winter: -5°C to 5°C; Summer: 10°C to 20°C |
| Fitness Level | Moderate (basic fitness required) |
| Accommodation Options | Guesthouses, campsites, and homestays in Chopta and Tungnath |
| What to Pack | Warm clothes, trekking shoes, sunscreen, hat, gloves, camera, raincoat |
| Permits | No special permits needed for Indian nationals |
| Food and Water | Available at Chopta and Tungnath; carry water for the trek |
| Guides & Porters | Optional, but available for hire |
| Mobile Connectivity | Limited signal, mostly only in Chopta and parts of Tungnath |
| Safety Tips | – Carry a first aid kit
– Acclimatize for altitude – Don’t trek alone |
| Nearby Attractions | – Chopta (base village)
– Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva temple) – Chandrashila Peak (amazing panoramic views) – Deoriatal Lake (beautiful, reflective lake) |
| Travel Options | Accessible from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun by road |
| Emergency Services | Nearest hospital in Rudraprayag or Srinagar, Uttarakhand |
Why is Tungnath Chandrashila a Must-Do Trek?
1. Spiritual: Tungnath hosts the world’s highest Shiva temple, offering peace and a unique spiritual experience.
2. Scenic beauty: Witness breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
3. Accessible: Perfect for first-timers, families, and seasoned trekkers, with well-marked and manageable trails.
4. Terrain: Explore vibrant meadows, lush oak and rhododendron forests, and exciting rocky paths.
5. Cultural immersion: Chopta, Tungnath is a wonderful way to connect with Garhwali culture. You can meet friendly locals, learn about their everyday lives, and taste their traditional food. It’s a chance to experience their customs, festivals, and unique way of living.
One of the Panch Kedar (five shrines)
Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar (five shrines) pilgrimage, which includes Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar. The legend says that the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped at Tungnath, and it becomes a place of pilgrimage for both devotees and trekkers. So with spiritual reverence and natural grandeur, this trek forms a journey unique to the heart and soul.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, the Tungnath Chandrashila trek offers an enriching experience filled with adventure, peace, and stunning vistas.
