Uttarakhand, India · Trip plan
4 days in Chopta & Tungnath
The trek to the world's highest Shiva temple and the Chandrashila summit.
- Best time
- Oct – Dec, Mar – May
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹3,500 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹28,000
Planning a 4-day trip to Chopta & Tungnath? Here's a day-by-day Chopta & Tungnath itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
October and November give the clearest Himalayan views of the year; from December the trail turns into a snow trek.
Chopta is a meadow in the Garhwal Himalaya, often called the Mini Switzerland of India. It's the base for the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila peak with its sweeping views.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct: a good time to go
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
October to November: 0–15°C; December to March: below freezing with snow.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Chopta & Tungnath
- 01
Tungnath
The highest Shiva temple in the world, at 3,680 m.
- 02
Chandrashila
A summit with a 360° view of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba.
- 03
Deoria Tal
A lake that mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks.
- 04
Chopta meadows
Rhododendron forest and open bugyals.
Day by day
Chopta & Tungnath itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: To Sari village
- Morning
- Drive from Rishikesh via Devprayag and Rudraprayag to Sari village (about 8 hours).
- Afternoon
- Settle into a homestay.
- Evening
- Early dinner and rest.
Fuel up in Rudraprayag; there are few pumps after it.
- D2
Day 2: Deoria Tal
- Morning
- Trek 2.5 km up to Deoria Tal.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at the lake; afternoon views of the Chaukhamba peaks reflected in the water.
- Evening
- Stay at the lake or return to Sari, then drive to Chopta.
The reflection is best early or at sunset on a still day.
- D3
Day 3: Tungnath and Chandrashila
- Morning
- Start the 3.5 km trek from Chopta to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Afternoon
- Continue 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit for a 360° view of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba.
- Evening
- Back down to Chopta for dinner and rest.
Start by 5 AM for sunrise at the summit.
- D4
Day 4: Back to Rishikesh
- Morning
- Leave early.
- Afternoon
- Lunch on the way.
- Evening
- Arrive in Rishikesh by evening.
Hire microspikes in Chopta for snowy months.
Shorter or longer
Chopta & Tungnath in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in Chopta & Tungnath
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Back to Rishikesh”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in Chopta & Tungnath
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Auli.
Chopta & Tungnath trip from your city
- From Delhi:Train or bus to Rishikesh, then 7–8 hours by road
What it costs
Chopta & Tungnath trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹1,500 | ₹12,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹3,500 | ₹28,000 |
| Luxury | ₹7,000+ | ₹56,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Chopta & Tungnath is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Chopta & Tungnath for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Chopta & Tungnath
Maggi and chai
At every trail stop.
Garhwali dal and rice
In camps and homestays.
Pahadi rajma
Small, flavourful hill beans.
Getting there
How to reach Chopta & Tungnath
- Travel
- Rishikesh to Chopta is about 200 km (7 to 8 hours) via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
- Getting around
- Shared jeeps and taxis from Rishikesh or Ukhimath; everything else is on foot.
- Tungnath temple shuts for winter (around November); the trek stays open.
- Hire microspikes for the snow.
Before you go
What to pack for Chopta & Tungnath
- Power bank and charging cables
- ID (Aadhaar or licence)
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- Warm layers for the evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
Good questions
Chopta & Tungnath trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Chopta & Tungnath?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoria Tal. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day Chopta & Tungnath trip cost?
Roughly ₹1,500 a day per person on a budget, ₹3,500 mid-range and ₹7,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹28,000 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit Chopta & Tungnath?
Oct – Dec, Mar – May. October and November give the clearest Himalayan views of the year; from December the trail turns into a snow trek.
Where should I stay in Chopta & Tungnath?
Budget: Camps & lodges (Chopta), from about ₹1,500 a night. Mid-range: Homestays (Sari village), from about ₹2,500 a night. Luxury: Mountain resorts (Ukhimath), from about ₹6,000 a night.
How do I reach Chopta & Tungnath?
Rishikesh to Chopta is about 200 km (7 to 8 hours) via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
Is 3 days enough for Chopta & Tungnath?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Back to Rishikesh". 4 days is the comfortable length.
How do I plan a trip to Chopta & Tungnath from Delhi?
Train or bus to Rishikesh, then 7–8 hours by road. Then follow the 4-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹1,500 a day per person plus travel.
What is the weather like in Chopta & Tungnath?
October to November: 0–15°C; December to March: below freezing with snow.
What food should I try in Chopta & Tungnath?
Maggi and chai: At every trail stop. Garhwali dal and rice: In camps and homestays. Pahadi rajma: Small, flavourful hill beans.
How do I get around Chopta & Tungnath?
Shared jeeps and taxis from Rishikesh or Ukhimath; everything else is on foot.
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