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Chopta

Chopta to Chandrashila, then the dorm

A long ride to Chopta, a dawn walk to Tungnath and the Chandrashila top, and no camping kit required.

Days
4
Style
Mountain
Trip cost
₹11,000
Rating
No reviews

Written by Kabir

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Before you go. From November to March, ask in Chopta about snow before you leave in the dark. Microspikes or a firm decision to stop at Tungnath. Start with a headlamp and be below the temple by late morning if cloud is building. The road day is longer than the trek. Plan for that, not for heroics.

Overview

The highest Shiva temple and a short summit above it, done from a bed in Chopta. It is a real climb and still a weekend shape if you respect the road day. Solo is fine on a clear trail. Solo is not fine on ice above Tungnath.

Day by day

  1. Day 1 — The road to Chopta is the work

    Leave Rishikesh or Haridwar early in a shared cab toward Chopta. You arrive tired. That is correct. Check into a dorm or a simple room, eat, and sleep. Do not wander the ridge in the evening when you do not know the drop.

  2. Day 2 — Tungnath at dawn, summit if the path is clear

    Out before sunrise. The stone stair to Tungnath is the main climb, about three to four hours. If the trail above the temple is dry and other people are on it, continue to Chandrashila, about an hour more. If it is ice and you are alone, the temple is the top. Down to Chopta for a late lunch and the same bed.

  3. Day 3 — A flat day on purpose

    Walk the Chopta meadows or sit still. Your knees did the trip yesterday. Eat well. Confirm the cab down. This day is why the plan is four days and not a rushed two.

  4. Day 4 — Down to the plains

    Early shared ride back toward Rishikesh. Keep the afternoon unbooked. Mountain roads slip.

Where to sleep, eat, and how to get there

Stay

Sleep in Chopta, not on the summit

A dorm or cottage in Chopta for three nights. Ask for a blanket before you pay. You are not carrying a tent.

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Move

Shared cab, one seat

Book a seat, not a whole car, unless you are splitting with people you met at the hostel. The drive is the expensive line in this budget.

Do

Tungnath and the ridge above it

No permit for this walk. A local guide is for snow days, not for clear stone stairs. Turn around when you cannot see the next cairn.

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Eat

Eat where the cab drivers eat

Chopta has simple kitchens. Dinner the night before the climb should be hot and early. Carry two snacks and a litre more than you think.

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