Tungnath & Chandrashila
Sunrise above the clouds at 4,000 metres.
Last verified: [BRACKETED]
- Altitude
- 3,680 m · summit 4,000 m
- Trek & start
- 4 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 1.5 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, reachable by car from Rishikesh or Ukhimath.
4 km of paved-then-stone path, about 2–3 hours; steady but manageable for most.
1.5 km steeper 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 Tungnath temple closes for winter.
FAQ
[BRACKETED — the family's own answer.]
[BRACKETED — the family's own answer.]
[BRACKETED — the family's own answer.]
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 sideGaurikundHot springs at the gateway to Kedarnath.