Chopta–Tungnath: India's Mini Switzerland
“The trek that everyone should do once.”
Kabir Rawat
@kabirinthehills
“The highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680m. A trek through rhododendron forests, meadows covered in wildflowers, and 360° Himalayan views. 3 days, no experience needed.”
Rishikesh → Chopta (210km)
Rishikesh Bus Stand
Shared taxi to Rudraprayag (₹250, 2.5hrs) then change for Ukhimath/Chopta (₹200, 2hrs). Total journey 5-6hrs. Start by 6am.
Rudraprayag Confluence
Where the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers meet. The sangam point is strikingly blue-green. 15 minute stop — the chai at the dhaba here is the best on the route.
Chopta Meadow
Simple tented camps and wooden guesthouses. Stay at Bansi Lal's camp (ask any taxi driver — everyone knows him). ₹700 with dinner.
✦ Creator's tip
Pack layers even in June. Temperature drops to 3°C at night. A sleeping bag liner adds 5°C of warmth and weighs nothing.
Tungnath & Chandrashila Summit
Chopta to Tungnath Temple (3.5km)
The trail starts at 2,680m and ends at 3,680m. The rhododendron forest (best in April when in full crimson bloom) is the most beautiful 2 hours of forest walking I've done in India.
✦ Creator's tip
Start at 6am to beat the afternoon clouds that roll in and block all views by 11am. The trail is well-marked; you don't need a guide.
Tungnath Temple (3,680m)
Highest Shiva temple in the world. The stone temple is over 1,000 years old. The views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba from here are unobstructed on clear days.
Chandrashila Peak (4,130m)
Extra 1.5km from Tungnath. Steep but completely worth it. 360° panorama of the entire Garhwal Himalaya including Kedarnath peak. On a clear November morning you can see 8 peaks above 6,000m.
✦ Creator's tip
The top is a narrow summit — only 5-6 people fit comfortably. Arrive by 8am to have it to yourself. After 10am it's crowded.
Deoriatal Lake & Return
Deoriatal Lake (2,438m)
4km from Sari village. A perfect Himalayan lake reflecting Chaukhamba peak in the water. This is the most photographed reflection in Uttarakhand and every photo understates it.
✦ Creator's tip
The reflected sunrise takes 30 mins to develop as the light hits Chaukhamba from the east. The window is 6:15am–6:45am. Sleep at Sari, wake at 5am.
Sari Village
Stay the night before Deoriatal here. Garhwali home stays are ₹400 with dinner and breakfast. The pahadi dal (mountain lentils with ghee) and rice is the best fuel for a 5am departure.
Rishikesh Return
Shared taxis from Ukhimath to Rishikesh leave hourly 7am–3pm. The 5-hour journey back through the Kedar Valley feels different after 3 days in the mountains.
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