How long is the Tungnath trek?

Uttarakhand trek

Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek

A sunrise summit above one of the highest Shiva temples

Tungnath and Chandrashila is an easy to moderate short trek from Chopta in Uttarakhand. You walk to the Tungnath temple, often described as the highest Shiva temple in the world, and on to the Chandrashila summit at about 12,000 ft for a Himalayan sunrise. Plan 2 to 4 days, adding Deoriatal lake for the longer version.

Max altitude: About 12,000 ft at Chandrashila
Duration: 2 to 4 days from Rishikesh
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Best time: March to June, September to December, snow in January and February
Base: Chopta, or Sari village for Deoriatal
Getting there: Rishikesh or Dehradun, about 7 to 8 hours by road

Tungnath and Chandrashila trek: Chandrashila peak

Why people pick Tungnath and Chandrashila

Tungnath temple, one of the Panch Kedar
Sunrise over Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba
Deoriatal lake reflections on the longer version

Route, day by day

The usual shape of the trek. Exact camps and timings vary by operator and conditions.

Drive through the Mandakini valley to the meadows of Chopta.

Pre-dawn walk up to the temple and summit for sunrise, then down.

Short hike from Sari to the lake.

Drive back.

Fitness

Easy-moderate. The summit is short but steep, walk slowly in the thin air.

What to carry

Trekking shoes with ankle support, broken in
Three warm layers and a waterproof jacket
Headlamp, sunglasses and sunscreen
Two water bottles
Personal medicines and a small first aid kit
Original photo ID

Before you book

The Tungnath temple closes for winter and the deity moves to Makkumath. The trail itself stays open in snow.

Tungnath and Chandrashila questions

About 3.5 km from Chopta to the temple and roughly 1 km more to Chandrashila, so most people do it as a morning round trip.

Add a few days near Tungnath and Chandrashila

Uttarakhand

Chopta & Tungnath

Meadows, the highest Shiva temple, and a sunrise worth the early start

Uttarakhand

Rishikesh

River rapids by day, ghats and quiet by evening

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