Uttarakhand · North India

Chopta & Tungnath travel guide

Mini Switzerland and the highest Shiva temple

Best time
Apr–Jun, Sep–Dec
How long
2–3 days
Stay a night
₹800–5,000
Food a day
₹300–1,200
Nearest railhead
210 km away
Nearest airport
225 km away

Plan Chopta & Tungnath in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.

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About Chopta & Tungnath

An offbeat meadow camp in rhododendron forest — the short, steep walk to Tungnath and Chandrashila, and a sunrise lake at Deoria Tal.

Things to do in Chopta & Tungnath

  1. Tungnath Temple

    4 h · Free

    Tungnath is the world's highest Shiva temple, sitting at an altitude of 3,680 metres in Uttarakhand. It is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples and lies just below the peak of Chandrashila with a rich legend linked to the Pandavas.

    Tip: Read up on the Mahabharata legend before visiting to understand the site's rich history.

  2. Chandrashila Summit

    2 h · Free

    Chandrashila is a high-altitude summit located above the Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand. It offers panoramic views of major Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. According to local legends, this is where Rama meditated and the moon-god Chandra performed penance.

  3. Deoria Tal

    4 h · ₹150 entry

    Deoria Tal is a high-altitude lake in the Garhwal Himalayas surrounded by lush green woods. It offers a clear reflection of the snow-covered Chaukhamba peaks in its waters.

    Tip: Carry drinking water and light snacks for the walk from Sari.

  4. Chopta Meadows

    2 h · Free

    Chopta Meadows features rolling alpine bugyals framed by snow peaks. It is a scenic viewpoint in the Uttarakhand region, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery.

  5. Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath

    1 h · Free

    Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is the winter seat of Kedarnath and Madhmaheshwar. It is an important spiritual site where the deities are worshipped during the winter months.

  6. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

    1 h · Free

    Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a serene forest stretch located on the Chopta-Gopeshwar road in Uttarakhand. It serves as a protected natural habitat for the endangered musk deer and various native Himalayan wildlife species.

    Tip: Keep your voice low and maintain distance to avoid disturbing the shy wildlife.

Where to stay in Chopta & Tungnath

  • Chopta camps

    ₹1,000–2,500

    Tents and huts at the trailhead.

  • Sari village homestays

    ₹800–2,000

    Base for Deoria Tal.

  • Ukhimath

    ₹2,000–5,000

    Proper hotels 30 km away.

What to eat

  • Kafuli & mandua roti

    local dish · veg

    Garhwali spinach curry with millet bread.

  • Trail dhabas

    street food · veg

    Maggi, chai and paranthas along the trail.

Good to know

  • No ATMs and patchy network at Chopta — carry cash.
  • Start Chandrashila by 4 am for sunrise.
  • Tungnath shrine closes for winter; the trail stays open in good weather.

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Chopta & Tungnath travel guide: best time, things to do, how to reach · JrnyLoop Blog