Located way back in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek is not so much a physical test as a spiritual journey and an awe-inspiring dive into the grandeur of nature. Famous for being home to the world’s highest temple of Shiva and presenting breathtaking views of towering Himalayan mountains, the trek is a must-do for both spiritual explorers and thrill-seekers.
The Charm of Tungnath & Chandrashila
Situated at an elevation of about 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), Tungnath temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its very ancient stone structure, estimated to be well over a thousand years old, is a testament to vibrant Hindu mythology. The temple itself is particularly sacred in that it’s believed to be the place where Lord Shiva’s “arms” reappeared following the Kurukshetra war. The peaceful ambiance, along with the elaborate carvings and beauty of nature surrounding it, makes for a spiritually enriching experience.
Chandrashila Summit: A bit more climb of approximately 1.5 km from Tungnath takes you to the Chandrashila Summit, which stands at a height of colossal 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The term “Chandrashila” literally translates to “Moon Rock,” and it is associated with local lore that relates it to the moon god, Chandra. This peak is the final treasure of the trek, and it gives an unsurpassable 360-degree 360-degree panoramic view of notable Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Bandarpoonch. Sunrise or sunset from this location is something that will remain in your memory forever.
Planning Your Trip: Details That Matter
Best Time to Travel:
The Tungnath Chandrashila trek can be done in various seasons, each providing a different charm:
Summer (April to June): The peak season. The weather is clear, mild, and good for trekking. Rhododendrons are in bloom, coloring the landscape with hues of pink and red. The trails are free from snow, so it is perfect for first-timers.
Autumn (September to November): After the monsoon, the atmosphere is crystal clear, with the best possible views of mountains. It is fresh and crisp, with lush greenery around. It’s a less crowded time to trek, ideal for those who want to be alone.
Winter (December to March): For seasoned trekkers looking for a challenge and a white winter wonderland, winter is a very magical experience. The whole area is covered with pure white snow, and the trek becomes tougher but very rewarding. Careful equipment and experience are required.
Monsoon (July to August): Not generally advisable because of heavy rain, slippery tracks, and the danger of landslides.
How to Reach Chopta (The Base Camp):
Chopta is the scenic village that is the starting point for the Tungnath Chandrashila trek, commonly known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.”
- By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, some 200 km from Chopta. You can rent a taxi or drive down to Rishikesh via bus from the airport, and then to Chopta.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Rishikesh (RKSH), located 173 km from Chopta. Rishikesh has good connectivity from major Indian cities. From Rishikesh, take a bus or taxi to Chopta.
- By Road: Chopta is well connected by road.
- From Delhi: The journey is about 400 km and takes you 10-12 hours. You can take the bus or a private car. The journey generally passes through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and then Chopta.
- From Rishikesh/Haridwar: The regular buses and shared taxis go to Chopta. The road from Rishikesh to Chopta is about 7-8 hours, driving through scenic landscapes and the river confluence at Devprayag.
Trek Difficulty & Length:
Tungnath Chandrashila trek is easy to moderate in general.
Chopta to Tungnath: This is 3.5 km and will take 3-4 hours. The road is smooth and gentle, and it is fit for families and beginners.
Tungnath to Chandrashila Summit: A slightly steeper climb of around 1.5 km from Tungnath and takes 1-2 hours. Though a bit tougher, the fact that it is short in distance means that those with average fitness can easily make it to the top.
Total Trek Distance: Around 8-9 km (return trek from Chopta to Chandrashila).
Overall Duration: The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila can be done in a single day from Chopta. However, for a more relaxed experience and to include Deoria Tal, a 2-3 day itinerary is ideal.
Itinerary (Sample 3-Day Itinerary)
This is a popular itinerary that allows for acclimatization and exploration.
- Day 1: Arrival in Sari Village/Baniyakund & Trek to Deoria Tal
- Reach Rishikesh/Haridwar and start your drive to Sari Village (or Baniyakund, which is slightly nearer to Chopta). The journey would take around 7-8 hours, with glimpses of the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas along the way.
- Check into a guesthouse or camp at Sari.
- In the afternoon, after lunch, take the easy 3 km one-way trek to Deoria Tal. This beautiful lake provides breathtaking reflections of Chaukhamba peaks and is a great place for photography and unwinding.
- Watch the sunset in Deoria Tal and return to Sari on trek.
- Overnight at Sari.
- Day 2: Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek from Chopta
- Early morning breakfast.
- Drive from Sari to Chopta (around 40-minute drive).
- Trek from Chopta to Tungnath. The path goes through great rhododendron and oak forests. Be careful to spot the elusive Monal bird, Uttarakhand’s state bird.
- Arrive at Tungnath Temple. Relax in the spiritual atmosphere and appreciate the ancient structure.
- Proceed with the steep climb to Chandrashila Summit. Behold the awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of the Himalayan range.
- Descend to Chopta and drive back to your stay in Sari/Baniyakund.
- Overnight stay.
- Day 3: Sari/Chopta Departure
- Post breakfast, leave from Sari/Chopta for Rishikesh/Haridwar with memories that will linger forever from the Himalayas.
Things to Do & See
Aside from the major trek, here’s what you can do more of:
- Birdwatching: Chopta is a bird lover’s paradise, particularly in spring. You can see many Himalayan bird species.
- Photography: The whole area is extremely photogenic. From the mountain peaks covered with snow to green meadows and old temples, there are no end to beautiful photography opportunities.
- Camping: Spend a night under the starry Himalayan sky by trying out camping in Chopta or Baniyakund.
- Local Culture: Engage with the friendly and hospitable locals to learn about their conventional way of living and practices.
- Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: Situated close to Chopta, it is a sanctuary for the preservation of the endangered musk deer.
Accommodation:
Accommodations are mostly found in Chopta, Sari, and Baniyakund.
- Chopta: Provides basic guesthouses, homestays, and a fair amount of camping facilities. These can be anything from basic tents to Swiss tents with washrooms attached.
- Sari Village: Provides guesthouses and homestays, which are usually preferred for those planning to go to Deoria Tal.
- Baniyakund: A tiny hamlet before Chopta, where a few comfortable hotels and camps are available.
- It’s best to book your stay in advance, particularly during peak season.
Packing Essentials
- Clothing: Layers are key! Warm jackets (down jackets for winter), fleece, thermals, quick-dry trekking pants, t-shirts.
- Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof trekking shoes with good ankle support. Extra pairs of socks.
- Rain Gear: A waterproof jacket and trousers, or a poncho, especially if trekking in spring or autumn.
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen (high SPF), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Accessories: Headlamp/torch with backup batteries, power bank, simple first-aid kit, personal medicines, toiletries, water bottle/hydration pack, trekking poles (strongly recommended, particularly for Chandrashila), snacks (energy bars, dry fruits).
- Identification: ID proof.
Safety Tips:
- Acclimatization: If you’re traveling from low altitudes, take a day’s acclimatization in Chopta or Sari before going for the trek. Drink plenty of water.
- Physical Conditioning: Not that hard, but in a moderate state is preferable. A few weeks of jogging and squats beforehand can suffice.
- Weather: The weather on the mountains can change quickly. Monitor forecasts and anticipate quick changes in temperature, rain, or even snow.
- Guide: If going in winter or you’re not aware of the path, take a local guide.
- Stay on the Trail: Don’t stray off established trails.
- Leave No Trace: Take all your trash back with you. Ensure the unspoiled charm of the Himalayas is saved.
- My Personal Experience & Highlights:
- The journey to Chopta itself was worth it, with twisting roads providing glimpses of hillside farms and faraway snow peaks. On reaching Chopta, I was struck at once by its peaceful charm – a “Mini Switzerland” indeed.
The hike to Tungnath was an absolute pleasure walk amidst full forests, with each step filled with the chirping of birds. The rhododendron flowers in May were breathtakingly beautiful, forming a colorful carpet on the path. Approaching the temple at Tungnath seemed to transport me in time. The old stone temple, with its religious background, seemed to provide an incredible sense of tranquility.
The last climb to Chandrashila was tedious but thrilling. With every step, the excitement mounted, and when I reached the peak, the scene that lay out before me was sheer magic. The enormity of the Himalayas, with Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba peeking over the horizon, was something I will hold on to until the end of my days. I was privileged to see a magnificent sunrise, coloring the snow-white mountains in shades of gold and scarlet.
The return trip, although exhausting, was full of feelings of accomplishment and wonder. The whole experience of being attuned to nature, testing the limits of my body, and enjoying the spiritual comfort of Tungnath was a truly transformative one.