In this particular post, i have wrote in details about the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek which is the most important tourist attraction in Chopta at an altitude of 2,680 metres. Tungnath Temple is 3,680 meters and Chandrashila is at 4,000 meters from the sea level. Which makes Chopta just another hill station like several others in Uttarakhand. So what’s it that creates this trek so special? the answer is that it is perfect for even an absolute beginner. it is neither too long nor too short. it is not too challenging to dishearten you. On the way you will get through the beautiful valleys filled with breath-taking sceneries, or walk to either the Tungnath temple or Chandrashila peak and get a taste of adventure.

Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
For a quick overview, the Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila trek is a 5.5 kilometers long trail that starts from Chopta and ends at the top of Chandrashila peak. the gap between Chopta to Tungnath is about 4 kilometers and 1.5 kilometers between Tungnath to Chandrashila. The trek is considered to be moderate and is that the most popular ones in all of Uttarakhand. It remains accessible throughout the year apart from the months of January and February when winter season buries the whole region under several feet of snow.
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Chopta
Chopta is a little region popular as a tourist destination for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Located at an altitude of 2,680 meters with the forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron. This entire region is a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
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Tungnath Temple
Tungnath is one among the five ‘Panch Kedar’ temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; the other four being Madhyamaheshwar, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar with Kedarnath. At an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft), it’s the highest of all the five temples but is additionally the easiest one to succeed in . it’s said that the temple is over 5,000 years old and third within the hierarchy of the Panch Kedars; due to which it is also referred to as “Tritiya Kedar”.
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Chandrashila
Chandrashila is that the summit of the Tungnath and is located 1.5 kilometers further up from the temple at a height of over 4,000 meters (13,120 ft).
Suggested Read: Ultimate Guide to Rishikesh- Yoga Capital of World
The Trek
Chopta to Tungnath Trek
The entire trek from Chopta to Tungnath is of 4 kilometers. There are a total of 11 zig-zag bends on the way while climbing up the ascent. It takes approx 2 hours cover 4km and reach Tungnath and then another one hour to reach Chandrashila. The descend back to Chopta can easily be done in half the time. So it is advised to start early in the morning
Ravanshila
Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek
Chandrashila peak may be a trek of another 1.5 kilometers from the temple. The trail leading to the summit is from behind the temple complex, clearly marked and hard to miss. Plenty of people reside Tungnath for the night and then trek to Chandrashila in the morning to catch the sunrise view.
The Mythology/Believes of Tungnath Temple
As per the Belief, after the battle of “Mahabharata”. The Pandavas went in search of Shiva to seek forgiveness for killing their relatives in the battle. Here Lord Shiva decided to not appear in front of the Pandavas and hide underground after taking the form of a bull (Nandi).
Later, it’s said that Shiva’s body rematerialized at five different locations, still in the form of a bull. These five locations are what is now referred to as ‘Panch Kedar’ Temples. Each of the temples is identified with a unique part of Shiva’s body. Tungnath is identified as where hands were seen, Kedarnath for his mound, head showed up at Rudranath, his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar, and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.
Best time for Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Best time for Tungnath Trek: April, May, June, September and October
Best time for Chandrashila Trek: May, June, September and October
The reason why I removed April for Chandrashila because if there was heaps of snow, then you may not be able to reach all the way to the top.
How to reach Tungnath / Chandrashila
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Accommodation Choices
Accommodation is readily available at Chopta, Baniyakund, Gopeshwar, Dugalbitta, or even at Tungnath. No need to book beforehand there are many simple guest houses and homestays to stay at Chopta, ranging from as little as ₹100 per person to 500 Rupees for a four bed room with attached bathroom, find a place per your liking and negotiate an on the spot deal.
Best Timing for Views :
- Scenario No. 1 : One can do a day hike to Tungnath and Chandrashila and come back the same day.
- Scenario No. 2 : The extremely fit trekkers can reach Tungnath, where there are simple staying options in the style of rustic guest houses. The sunrise views from Chandrashila Top are the best. Staying at Tungnath can enable a person to reach Chandrashila Top before sunrise, otherwise it can become a tough situation to begin the trek from Chopta and expect to reach Chandrashila for sunrise!
3 thoughts on “Tungnath Chandrashila Trek – How to Plan & Prepare on Budget”
Sanjeev Gupta
(May 26, 2020 - 12:55 pm)Nice writeup
subhadeep
(May 27, 2020 - 6:03 am)thank you !