Chopta to Tungnath: Trekking to the World’s Highest Shiva Temple

Chopta in Uttarakhand is often pitched as a “mini Switzerland,” but the more accurate comparison for US and European travellers is a simple Himalayan trailhead: small, cold, scenic, and functional rather than polished. You come here for one big thing—a short, high‑impact ascent to Tungnath Temple and, if your legs allow, the Chandrashila summit—plus a few strong add‑ons like Deoria Tal and forest zones linked to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek is accessible enough for fit beginners, yet high enough to punish anyone who treats it like a casual city hike, especially in winter when snow and ice can turn the path into a slow, careful climb. This guide focuses on the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek route, realistic budget stays around Chopta, winter trek essentials, and how to add Deoria Tal and the musk deer sanctuary layer without rushing the experience.

Why Chopta Matters Beyond “Pretty Meadows”

A rare mix of pilgrimage and panoramic trekking

Tungnath is widely described as the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting at about 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), which is unusually high for a temple you can reach on foot within a single morning from a roadhead. It is also part of the Panch Kedar circuit in Uttarakhand, so for Indian travellers it carries a living pilgrimage identity, while for US/European hikers it reads like a high‑altitude cultural landmark embedded in a mountain hike rather than a museum‑style heritage stop.

A compact “Alps-like” payoff with Himalayan scale

If you’re used to the Alps or US national parks, Chopta feels less like a destination town and more like a base area: a place you sleep early, start early, and spend daylight hours moving uphill for views. The payoff is fast—Tungnath sits just below Chandrashila, so the trek stacks spiritual site plus summit‑style viewpoint in one route rather than making you choose.

A wildlife corridor, not a zoo

Chopta also sits close to protected habitats linked with the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is popularly known as the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary and is aimed at conserving Himalayan musk deer among other species. A smaller, easily reachable slice is the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, located about 7 km from Chopta on the Chopta–Gopeshwar road and described as part of the broader Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary landscape.

The Main Route: Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila

Chopta to Tungnath: the core climb

The Chopta to Tungnath walk is commonly described as roughly 3.5 km, and it climbs to the temple at about 3,680 meters, which is why people underestimate it at first and then feel the altitude on steeper sections. Expect a steady, well‑used trail where pace matters more than speed, because the air thins quickly and weather can swing from sun to fog in minutes.

Tungnath to Chandrashila: the summit finish

From Tungnath, the Chandrashila stretch is often cited as about 1.5 km, but it is typically steeper and more exposed, which makes it feel harder than the number suggests—especially with snow, wind, or poor visibility. Many itineraries place Chandrashila around 3,700 meters (about 12,000 feet), so even if you feel fine at Tungnath, the final push can still hit you with breathlessness and cold.

Time planning that prevents a “rushed summit”

A common mistake is treating the hike like a quick morning sprint and then leaving no buffer for weather, crowds, or rest, which is exactly when slips happen on icy sections and people start cutting corners. A safer pattern—especially for US/European visitors not acclimatised to Himalayan altitude—is an early start, a conservative pace to Tungnath, and a decision point there based on wind and visibility before committing to Chandrashila.

The Add‑On That Changes the Trip: Deoria Tal

Sari village base and the short trek

Deoria Tal is commonly approached from Sari village, and the trek is often described as about 3 km, typically taking around 1–2 hours depending on fitness and season. It’s a very different experience from the Tungnath climb: gentler, more lake‑centric, and often more forgiving for travellers who want scenery without a summit effort.

Why it works for families and photographers

Travel guides often position Deoria Tal as an easy trek with a best‑time window from roughly September to June, and they note that visiting in December can bring snowfall conditions that change the feel entirely. For a European/US audience, it functions like a short alpine lake walk: big reward, low technical demand, and a good buffer day if weather shuts down Chandrashila.

Musk Deer Sanctuary Layer: What You Can Realistically Do

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary context​

Some travel references describe the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (also called Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary) as covering over 975 square kilometres and emphasise its conservation purpose for Himalayan musk deer. That scale matters, because it signals you are dealing with a large habitat zone rather than a compact “spot wildlife on demand” park.​

Kanchula Korak: a small, reachable slice​

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is described as a small sanctuary (about 5 sq km) set in dense forests, located around 7 km from Chopta, and promoted as a place to view rare Himalayan wildlife and birds as part of the wider Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary landscape. Treat it like a forest stroll with a possibility of sightings, not a guarantee, and you’ll enjoy it more.​

Budget Stays in Chopta: What “Budget” Actually Means Here

The reality: limited inventory, seasonal price spikes​

Chopta’s stay options are simpler than what many US and European travellers expect in a resort town, and availability tightens quickly in peak trekking months because it’s a small trailhead with limited beds. If you want budget pricing, the most practical strategy is to stay slightly away from the most in‑demand points (for example, in nearby bases used by trek itineraries) while still keeping early‑morning access to the trail.​

Comfort tradeoffs worth knowing before you book​

In winter, budget stays can mean cold rooms, occasional power interruptions, and limited hot water, so the decision is really whether you’re paying for location or insulation. If your priority is sunrise on Chandrashila, location wins; if your priority is recovery and warmth, you may prefer a slightly longer morning transfer for a better‑sealed room.

Chopta Winter Trek Essentials (the non‑negotiables)

Footwear and traction: where most problems start​

Winter trekking tips commonly stress sturdy waterproof boots, warm socks, gaiters, and traction tools like crampons or microspikes when trails ice over. For US/European travellers, think of it like a winter hike in the Alps: good boots are not a “nice to have,” they are the difference between stable steps and repeated slips.

Cold, sun, and visibility: the surprising combination

Winter packing lists for Chopta commonly include thermals, waterproof outer layers, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a headlamp, because cold air and bright snow can hit you at the same time. It’s also often recommended to carry a power bank and offline maps, because signals can be weak in winter zones and batteries drain faster in the cold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila

1) Is Tungnath really the highest Shiva temple in the world?

Tungnath is widely described as the highest Shiva temple in the world, and multiple references place it at about 3,680 meters (12,073 feet).

2) How long is the Chopta to Tungnath trek?​

A commonly cited distance for the Chopta to Tungnath walk is about 3.5 km.​

3) How far is Tungnath to Chandrashila, and is it harder?

Tungnath to Chandrashila is often cited as about 1.5 km, and it usually feels harder due to steeper gradients and exposure, especially in snow or wind.

4) What altitude is Chandrashila Peak?​

Some trek itineraries place Chandrashila at around 3,700 meters (about 12,000 feet).​

5) Can beginners do the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek?

Many guides describe the route as easy to moderate depending on snow, which means beginners can do it if they pace well, start early, and don’t force the summit in bad weather.

6) What are the winter essentials for Chopta treks?

Winter checklists commonly include waterproof trekking boots, woollen or thermal socks, gaiters, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, trekking poles, headlamp, and traction like microspikes or crampons when icy.

7) How do you reach Deoria Tal, and how long is the trek?

Deoria Tal is commonly approached from Sari village, and the trek is often described as about 3 km.

8) When is Deoria Tal considered best, and can it snow?​

Travel guides often cite September to June as a good trekking window and note that December visits can bring snowfall conditions.​

9) What is the “Musk Deer Sanctuary” near Chopta?

The area is linked with the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, also called the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary in some references, and a nearby small visitable zone is Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary about 7 km from Chopta.

10) Is wildlife spotting guaranteed around Chopta and the sanctuaries?

No—sources describe these as conservation landscapes and forest sanctuaries, so sightings depend on season, timing, and luck rather than a guaranteed “safari outcome.”

Essential Guide to the Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek

Trek Difficulty Level and Fitness Tips

The Tungnath–Chandrashila trek is generally graded as an easy‑to‑moderate climb, but it should not be underestimated due to its rapid altitude gain and steep final ascent. The path from Chopta to Tungnath spans roughly 3.5 km and is a well‑laid concrete trail, while the final 1.5 km to Chandrashila Peak is steeper and can be technical if covered in snow or ice. For US and European hikers, the challenge is less about the distance and more about the thin air at 12,000+ feet, which can cause breathlessness even in fit individuals.

To prepare for the trek, it is recommended to start a fitness regime at least 4–8 weeks in advance, focusing on cardiovascular endurance and leg strength. Key exercises include:

• Cardio: Jogging or running 4–5 km within 30–40 minutes to build heart and lung capacity.
• Strength Training: Three sets of squats, lunges, and calf raises to prepare legs for steep inclines.​
• Uphill Practice: Walking up and down stairs with a weighted backpack to simulate the trek’s demands.
• Flexibility: Regular stretching to prevent muscle strains and improve overall mobility on uneven terrain.​

Best Time to Visit Chopta

Rhododendron and Spring Season (March to April)

This is widely considered the most beautiful time to visit as the forests come alive with blooming rhododendrons in shades of red and pink. The trails are mostly clear of deep snow but may still have scenic patches, offering a comfortable trekking temperature between 5°C and 20°C.

Summer and Post-Monsoon (May to June and September to October)

The months of May and June provide the most pleasant weather for those looking to avoid the cold, while September and October offer the crispest, clearest views of the Himalayan peaks after the monsoon rains have washed the atmosphere.

Winter and Snowfall Window (November to February)

For those chasing a winter wonderland, December to February are the peak snowfall months, though January and February are the absolute coldest with temperatures dropping to -15°C. Heavy snow can lead to the temporary closure of the Tungnath Temple, making this period better suited for experienced winter trekkers.

How to Reach Chopta from Delhi by Road

Chopta is well‑connected by a 400+ km road route from Delhi, which typically takes 12–14 hours of driving time. The most reliable and scenic route follows the National Highway 58 (NH58) up to Rudraprayag before turning onto NH107 towards Ukhimath.

The Standard Route:

1. Delhi to Rishikesh: A 6‑hour drive; many travellers stop here for a night to break the journey.
2. Rishikesh to Devprayag: See the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers.​
3. Devprayag to Srinagar and Rudraprayag: A critical junction where the road splits toward Badrinath or Kedarnath.
4. Rudraprayag to Ukhimath and Chopta: The final 70 km stretch where roads become narrower and more winding.

For US/European visitors, hiring a private taxi from Rishikesh or Haridwar is the most convenient option, as regular bus services are limited beyond Ukhimath.

Deoria Tal Trek Details

Deoria Tal is a high‑altitude lake located about 20 km from Chopta, famous for its emerald waters that reflect the Chaukhamba peaks. The trek starts from Sari Village and is a gentle 3 km uphill climb that takes about 1–2 hours. It is often done as a “warm‑up” trek before the Tungnath climb because it allows hikers to test their pacing at altitude in a more forgiving environment. While it is a year‑round destination, the reflections are most stunning on clear autumn mornings or during the winter when the lake is ringed by snow.

Chopta Winter Trek Packing List Essentials

Winter trekking in Chopta requires specialised gear to handle freezing temperatures and icy trails.

• Footwear: Sturdy waterproof trekking boots with good grip and gaiters to keep snow out of your shoes.
• Traction: Microspikes or crampons for the icy final stretch from Tungnath to Chandrashila.​
• Clothing: A three‑layer system including thermal base layers, a fleece mid‑layer, and a waterproof/windproof down jacket.
• Accessories: Woollen gloves, a beanie (monkey cap), and high‑SPF sunscreen and sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.
• Supplies: A headlamp with extra batteries (as cold drains them faster) and a thermos for hot water.