Facts last checked 2026-11-04.
Chopta is a high meadow in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, set among forest on the road towards Ukhimath. It is the base for the short trek to the Tungnath temple and on to the Chandrashila peak.
What we arrange in Chopta
We plan trips to Chopta around your dates, group size and interests. Stays, transport and the trek are arranged with registered local providers. We can start the journey from our base in Rishikesh. Tell us what you have in mind and we will tell you what is possible on your dates.
We price each trip by your dates and group size. See how pricing works.
The Tungnath and Chandrashila trek
The trek starts at Chopta. Tungnath temple is about 3.5 km from Chopta, and Chandrashila is about 1.5 km further, so the walk is about 5 km one way. Chandrashila is at roughly 4,000 m, and the last stretch is steeper. Plan most of a day for the round trip, and start early for clearer views. Weather and snow can change the plan.
Getting to Chopta
- By air: Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is about 221 km away, with daily flights from Delhi. Taxis run from the airport.
- By train: Chopta has no railway station. Rishikesh is the nearest, about 202 km away. Haridwar is also used and is a little farther.
- By road from Rishikesh: the route runs through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to Chopta. It is a long mountain drive of about 200 km, usually 7 to 9 hours. Some trips break the journey with a night at Sari village.
We arrange pick-ups from Rishikesh and Haridwar. See also our guide to Rishikesh, where we are based.
When to go to Chopta
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| March to June | Pleasant weather and clear views. A good window for first-time trekkers. |
| July to mid-September | Monsoon. Roads can be disrupted, trails are slippery and views are often cloudy. |
| Mid-September to November | Clear, cooler weather. |
| November to February | Cold, with snow. The temple is closed for winter, and Chandrashila can be hard to reach in heavy snow. |
Tungnath temple is open for about six months a year. It usually opens in April or May and closes around early November, when the deity is moved to its winter seat at Makkumath. The Badri-Kedar Temple Committee sets the dates each year. The walk itself can still be done in winter, but the temple is shut and snow makes it harder. Ask us before you fix your plans.
Chopta Tungnath: common questions
How far is Chopta from Rishikesh?
About 200 km by road, usually 7 to 9 hours.
How long is the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek?
About 3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath and 1.5 km more to Chandrashila, so about 5 km one way. Plan most of a day for the round trip.
What is the best time to visit Chopta?
March to June and mid-September to November for the clearest weather. Heavy snow can limit the trek in winter, and the temple is closed from about November to April.
How much does a Chopta trip cost?
There is no fixed rate card. We price each trip by your dates and group size. Send us your plan and we will reply with a quote.