Trek · Chopta & Tungnath, Garhwal
Sunrise climb to Tungnath and Chandrashila
A pre-dawn climb on the paved path from Chopta to Tungnath temple, then the steep last 1.5 km to Chandrashila, above 4,000 m, for sunrise over Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Nanda Devi. About 5 km each way and 1,300 m of ascent.
Photo: AjitK332 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsThe path from Chopta to Tungnath is 3.5 km of stone paving with steps, climbing through rhododendron forest and then open meadow. Most walkers take 2–2.5 hours up. Tungnath temple, at 3,680 m, is small and old, built in the same North Indian Himalayan style as Kedarnath. If you reach it before the doors open, there are tea stalls beside the temple where you can wait out of the wind.
Above the temple the path turns to a rough, steep trail for 1.5 km to the summit of Chandrashila, above 4,000 m, where a small shrine and prayer flags mark the top. The view on a clear morning is the reason we bring guests here: Chaukhamba, the Kedarnath peaks, Neelkanth, Nanda Devi and Trishul, and the long valleys of the Mandakini and Alaknanda below. Legend says Rama meditated on this summit.
Start by 4 am with a headlamp to reach the top around sunrise. Wear proper shoes and warm layers; even in May it is near freezing at dawn. In winter the path is under snow and you need microspikes and a guide. Altitude affects some walkers: go slowly, drink water and turn back if you have a strong headache or feel breathless at rest.
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Trips through Chopta & Tungnath
Do this on a trip
Each of these trips stops in Chopta & Tungnath. Tell us and we keep a slot for this day.
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Comfort
Kedarnath, Tungnath and Badrinath by car
Private car with driver
Photo: McKay Savage from London, UK · CC BY 2.0 · Commons
Saver
Deoria Tal, Tungnath and Chandrashila
UTC and GMOU buses, shared jeeps and a shared taxi
Questions
Before you book
How difficult is the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek?
Moderate. Tungnath is 3.5 km on a paved path with steady climbing; Chandrashila adds 1.5 km of steep, rough trail. Reasonably fit walkers manage the return trip in 6–7 hours. It is not technical in summer, but the altitude, above 4,000 m at the top, makes it feel harder.
Can I do Tungnath trek in winter?
Yes, from December to March it becomes a snow trek. The road may stop several kilometres short of Chopta, the path is icy and the temple is closed. Go with a local guide, wear microspikes and start early. Check road and weather status before you travel.
Are ponies available for Tungnath?
Ponies run on the Tungnath path in the yatra season, costing roughly ₹1,500–2,500 one way. They do not go to Chandrashila. Use registered handlers and do not overload the animals; walking slowly is often just as quick.