Introduction of Chopta Tungnath Trek
Chopta is a peaceful Himalayan hamlet located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Surrounded by dense forests, rolling meadows, and stunning views of the Chaukhamba and Trishul ranges, Chopta is the starting point for the popular Chopta and Tungnath trek. It’s an ideal destination for beginners and nature lovers looking for a calm mountain escape.
Tungnath, situated above Chopta, is the highest Shiva temple in the world, perched at an altitude of around 3,680 meters. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is short (about 3.5–4 km) but incredibly scenic, passing through stone-paved paths, alpine forests, and wide Himalayan landscapes. The spiritual atmosphere and the breathtaking views make the Chopta and Tungnath trek one of the most rewarding experiences in the Garhwal Himalayas.
Why This Trek Is Popular Among Delhi Travelers
The Chopta and Tungnath trek is popular among Delhi travelers because it’s easy to reach, weekend-friendly, and perfect for beginners. The Delhi to Chopta drive is manageable, making it a quick escape into the Himalayas.
The trek is short yet rewarding, offering beautiful views, peaceful trails, and the spiritual experience of visiting Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. This mix of nature, adventure, and spirituality makes it a top choice for people traveling from Delhi.
What Makes the Delhi → Chopta → Tungnath Journey Special
The Delhi → Chopta → Tungnath journey is special because it combines a scenic road trip with a short, rewarding Himalayan trek. Within a few hours of leaving Delhi, travelers go from city traffic to quiet forests, open meadows, and clear mountain views. The final trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple, adds both spiritual charm and adventure, making the entire route a perfect blend of nature, peace, and unforgettable Himalayan beauty.
Delhi to Chopta Distance Overview
The distance from Delhi to Chopta varies between 400–450 km, depending on the route taken. It’s a scenic journey that moves from highways into beautiful Himalayan forest roads.
- Distance by Road: approx 400–450 km
Traveling by road from Delhi to Chopta covers around 400–450 km and usually takes 9–12 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions.
- Distance by Train + Road
There is no direct train to Chopta. You can take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh (approx 240 km from Delhi) and then continue the remaining 180–200 km to Chopta by road.
- Distance by Flight + Road
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 220–230 km from Chopta. After landing, you need to travel the remaining distance by taxi or bus.
- Total Travel Time
The total travel time from Delhi to Chopta ranges from 9 to 12 hours by road, while train+road or flight+road options usually take 10–14 hours including transfers.
- Best Way to Reach Chopta from Delhi
The best and fastest way to reach Chopta from Delhi is by direct road trip—either by personal car or private taxi—because it offers flexibility, saves time, and avoids multiple transfers.
Best Routes from Delhi to Chopta
Route 1: Delhi → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta
This is the most common and preferred route with generally good road conditions after Rishikesh, except for a few narrow hill sections.
Pros: Faster, easily navigable, more food/fuel stops.
Cons: Can get crowded during weekends and peak seasons.
Route 2: Delhi → Haridwar → Srinagar → Ukhimath → Chopta
A scenic route that follows the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, offering beautiful valley views.
It may experience seasonal traffic near Haridwar–Rishikesh and occasional delays during monsoon.
Route 3: Delhi → Rishikesh → Chamoli → Gopeshwar → Chopta
This route is less crowded but slightly longer, ideal for travelers who prefer quieter roads and more mountain scenery.
Best for those who want a peaceful drive, avoid tourist rush, or are staying near Chamoli/Gopeshwar
How to Reach Chopta from Delhi
By Bus
You can take a Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh bus (available day and night). From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you’ll find shared taxis, local buses, or private cabs going toward Ukhimath/Chopta, completing the last stretch of the journey.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. From these stations, Chopta is around 180–220 km away, and you can hire a taxi or take a bus toward Rudraprayag–Ukhimath to reach Chopta.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. After landing, travelers must take a taxi or bus toward Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta, covering about 220–230 km by road.
Chopta to Tungnath Trek Distance
The Chopta → Tungnath trek is 3.5 km, making it perfect for beginners who want a short yet scenic Himalayan experience.
Tungnath → Chandrashila: 1.5 km
From Tungnath, an additional 1.5 km climb takes you to Chandrashila Peak, offering stunning 360° Himalayan views.
Total Trekking Time
The full Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila route takes around 4–6 hours, depending on your pace and weather conditions.
Trek Difficulty Level
The trail is easy to moderate, with a steady incline and stone-paved pathways that are manageable for first-time trekkers.
Tips for Beginners
Start early in the morning, carry water, snacks, warm clothes, and wear good trekking shoes. Take short breaks, walk at your pace, and stay hydrated for a smooth trek.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Chopta–Tungnath Trek
The weather in Chopta changes beautifully with every season, offering a unique experience throughout the year. However, the best time to visit depends on your trekking style, weather preference, and whether you want snow or clear trails.
1. Summer (April to June)
Best for: First-time trekkers, families, comfortable trekking
Summer offers pleasant weather with clear skies and mild temperatures (10°C–20°C). The trail is easy to walk, and the meadows around Chopta are lush green. This is the peak season for beginners.
Highlights:
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Pleasant climate
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Clear mountain views
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Easy and safe trails
2. Monsoon (July to September)
Best for: Nature lovers seeking greenery
The entire Chopta valley becomes extremely green and fresh during monsoon. But the region experiences moderate to heavy rainfall, which can make the trails slippery.
Highlights:
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Lush forests
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Foggy, mystical landscapes
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Fewer crowds
Things to note:
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Landslides may cause road delays
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Avoid trekking during heavy rain
3. Autumn (October to November)
Best for: Clear skies, crisp views, best photography
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to trek to Tungnath. The weather becomes cool, skies turn crystal clear, and the panoramic views of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul peaks are at their best.
Highlights:
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Sharp, clear Himalayan views
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Stable weather
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Ideal for both beginners and photographers
4. Winter (December to March)
Best for: Snow trekking enthusiasts
Winter transforms Chopta into a snowy paradise. Trails are covered in snow, especially from January to March. Tungnath temple usually closes in winter, but the trek remains open depending on snow levels.
Highlights:
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Snow-covered trails
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Magical winter landscapes
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A great introduction to snow trekking
Things to note:
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Temperature can drop to –10°C
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Requires warm clothing and proper trekking shoes
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Trek difficulty becomes moderate to difficult
Conclusion
The Delhi to Chopta Tungnath trek is the perfect mix of nature, spirituality, adventure, and Himalayan beauty. In just a few hours, you can escape city life and enter peaceful forests, meadows, and panoramic mountain views. The short trek to Tungnath—the world’s highest Shiva temple—adds spiritual charm, while the climb to Chandrashila offers one of the best sunrise viewpoints in India.
