Tungnath & Chandrashila
Sunrise above the clouds at 4,000 metres.
- Altitude
- 3,680 m · summit 4,000 m
- Trek & start
- 3.5 km from Chopta
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best months
- Apr–Nov
Why go
Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, set on a ridge above the Chopta meadows. The short climb rewards you with a horizon of Himalayan giants.
Push on another 1–1.5 km to Chandrashila for a 360° sunrise over Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba — one of the finest short-trek views in Uttarakhand.
The trek
Chopta is the road head and meadow base, about 165 km from Rishikesh via Ukhimath.
3.5 km on a stone-paved pilgrim path, about 2.5–3 hours up; steady but manageable for most.
A steeper 1–1.5 km push to the 4,000 m summit — time it for sunrise.
Start before dawn for the Chandrashila sunrise, and carry water and a warm layer — the summit is exposed and cold even in summer. The temple closes for winter, when Tungnath is worshipped at Makkumath.
FAQ
Half a day: about 3 hours up to Tungnath, 45 minutes more to Chandrashila, and 2 hours back down to Chopta.
No. Chopta is about 3 hours by road from Sonprayag, on the other side of the valley. Plan it as its own day, with a night in Chopta.
Not in season — the path to the temple is paved and busy. In winter snow, or for a pre-dawn climb to Chandrashila, a local guide is worth it.
More places to explore
- Kedarnath sideVasuki TalA glacial lake beyond Kedarnath, at 4,135 metres.
- Chopta sideDeoria TalAn emerald lake mirroring the Chaukhamba peaks.
- Chopta sideChoptaMeadows and forest — the base for Tungnath.
- Kedarnath sideTriyuginarayanThe eternal flame where Shiva and Parvati wed.
- Kedarnath sideGaurikundThe trailhead where the walk to Kedarnath begins.
- Chopta sideMadhyamaheshwarThe second of the Panch Kedar, deep in the forest.