Chopta is the kind of place you discover and immediately wonder why it's not more famous. Set at 2,680 metres in the Rudraprayag district, this small alpine meadow is the base for the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek — and one of the few places in Uttarakhand where you can sit in a rhododendron forest at 3,000 metres with unobstructed views of the Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Trishul ranges. It's also the gateway to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 metres.
Tungnath Temple — The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar — the five sacred Shiva shrines of Uttarakhand. At 3,680 metres, it holds the record as the world's highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, over 1,000 years old and attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, is a compact stone structure that feels intimate despite its dramatic setting. In the foreground: a high-altitude meadow called Deoriatal pasture. Behind it: the Kedarnath range in full view on clear mornings. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is 3.5km — gentle enough for reasonably fit families.
The Chandrashila Summit (4,000m)
From Tungnath, an additional 1.5km steep climb brings you to the Chandrashila summit at 4,000 metres. This is where the trek becomes truly spectacular. On a clear morning, you can see Nanda Devi (7,817m), Trishul (7,120m), Chaukhamba (7,138m), Kedarnath (6,940m), and the Gangotri group — all in a single panorama. Most trekkers start from Chopta at 5–6 AM to reach the summit for sunrise. By 9 AM the cloud cover rolls in.
Best Time to Visit Chopta
Chopta is under snow. The trek to Tungnath requires crampons and snow gear. Dramatic, photogenic — but only for experienced trekkers or those with a guide. Camping in this season is extraordinary.
Peak rhododendron season — the trail from Chopta to Tungnath is lined with crimson and pink forests. Moderate temperatures. This is the easiest and most beautiful window for casual trekkers and families.
Post-monsoon clarity — Himalayan peaks are sharp and fully visible. Fewer tourists than May–June. Best photographic season for the Chandrashila summit. October is spectacular.
Heavy rain, leeches on the trail, and persistent cloud cover blocking the summit views. Not recommended unless you enjoy the moody misty aesthetic and are comfortable with wet conditions.
How to Reach Chopta from Haridwar
Haridwar to Chopta is 235km by road — a 7–8 hour drive via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath. The final 13km from Ukhimath to Chopta is a narrow mountain road that requires an experienced driver. There is no direct bus service. A private cab from Haridwar is the most practical option for most visitors. Our Chopta packages include door-to-door transport from Haridwar.
Combining Chopta with Char Dham Yatra
Chopta is geographically positioned between Kedarnath and Badrinath — making it a natural add-on to a Char Dham circuit. Pilgrims who have completed Kedarnath and are heading to Badrinath can detour via Ukhimath, spend a night in Chopta, do the Tungnath trek the next morning, and continue to Badrinath the same day. We design this as an optional extension on our premium Char Dham packages.
Book Chopta Tungnath — Weekend or Combined Package
Available as a standalone 2N/3D package from Haridwar or as an add-on to your Char Dham tour.