Tungnath Trek in Uttarakhand takes you to one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Tungnath temple is located at 12,073 ft. The journey begins from a place called Chopta and takes 2 to 4 hours to reach the temple. Chandrashila’s top is approximately 1 km from Tungnath. A steep ascent takes you to the summit of Chandrashila, renowned for its panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba. Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath.
Embark on Chopta Tungnath Trek to witness the diverse Himalayan landscapes and immerse in nature’s wonders. The best part about the Tungnath trek is you can complete it in one day. Begin early morning from Chopta. A gradual climb on a well-paved trail marks the beginning of the trek. While the trek traverses a well-trodden path, the altitude gain is quick. Trekkers can rent a wooden trekking stick for a minimal amount at the base of Chopta.
After the initial few minutes, undulated clearings greet you, bordered by the majestic presence of coniferous trees lining one side of the meadow. There is a dhaba, offering tea and snacks. From the first Dhaba, the ascent becomes steep, demanding trekkers to navigate the trail one step at a time.
The trail to Tungnath – Chandrashila trek winds through majestic landscapes, and snow-studded peaks looming in the distance stand sentinel for most of the trail. As you advance on the trail, lush green meadows unfold before you, dotted with grazing sheep and horses, painting a postcard-perfect scenery.
While the picturesque journey to Tungnath Trek enthrals you, reaching the Tungnath Trek has a calming effect on your mind as you enter one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Tungnath, perched at 12,073 ft is the highest of the Panch Kedar.
The distance between Tungnath and Chandrashila is approximately 1.5 km. A steep climb takes you to Chandrashila Top. The view from the top is breathtaking, as the snow-studded peaks of Chaukhamba, Bandarpooch, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, and Neelkanth mesmerize you. On the other side, the sprawling lush green Garhwal valley makes a perfect backdrop.
Chopta Tungath trek is a perfect escape for bott beginners and experienced trekkers. It is one of the most loved treks in Uttarakhand for all the perfect reasons. If majestic Himalayan peaks, snow and wilderness excite you, Tungnath must be on your bucket list.
Travel plan to Chopta Tungnath trek
Tungnath trek is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, with its base camp in Chopta. The base camp is around 221 km and is a 9- 10 hr drive from Dehradun. For the Chopta Tungnath trek, you have to travel to Dehradun. The state capital is well connected by air, train, and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun.
Dehradun to Chopta Travel Plan
There is no direct bus from Dehradun to Chopta. Here are a few options to plan your travel to Chopta.
The base camp Raithal is around 293 km and is a 10- 11 hrs drive from Dehradun. Dehradun is easily accessible by air, train and road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport in Dehradun. You can book your tickets well in advance till Dehradun to avail of tickets at cheaper rates. You can choose to travel by air from any metro city to Dehradun. The other option is to reach Delhi by air and travel by train or bus from Delhi onwards.
If you are reaching Dehradun by air, here are a few options for planning your travel. Dehradun Airport is well connected with all the metro cities. You can book a direct or connecting flight to Dehradun. If you plan to reach Dehradun by air, ensure to land in Dehradun on Day 0.
Dehradun city is 32 km away from the Jollygrant Airport. It takes 1 hour to reach the city. You can opt to hire a cab/auto directly from the Airport. The other option is to exit the Airport complex and book an auto. The charges for prepaid cabs at the airport are exorbitant. Another low-cost alternative to get to Dehradun city is to travel on a city bus. Walk towards the Dehradun – Rishikesh highway and hop on a shared auto or city bus. You will have to wait for the bus. Regular city buses run between Dehradun and Rishikesh almost every half an hour.
If you land in Dehradun on day 0, book a hotel or dorm near ISBT, Dehradun. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam’s hotel is 10 minutes away from ISBT and offers rooms at reasonable rates. They have economical as well as deluxe rooms.
This option will be economical for you. A flight to Dehradun will be slightly priced higher than a flight to Delhi. To cut down your travel budget, fly to Delhi, then get on a bus or train from Delhi to Dehradun.
You can book and find bus options at UTC Online or Redbus. Another option is to go to Kashmere Gate and book a bus offline. Try to board a bus or train which will arrive in Dehradun on the evening of Day 0. Reaching Dehradun on Day 0 helps you to rest before your trek starts on Day 1.
If you want to travel overnight, Nanda Devi Express runs daily and departs from H. Nizamuddin at 11.35 p.m. and arrives at Dehradun early at 5.40 a.m. Overnight Volvo AC buses also run frequently between Delhi and Dehradun. It takes 6-7 hours to get to Dehradun from Delhi.
The trek is 3 days long, including travel to and from the base camp. The team will be back in Dehradun on Day 3. You reach Dehradun in the evening, between 7 to 8 pm.
While returning you can fly directly out of Dehradun to your city. The second option is to travel by bus or train to Delhi.
If you go with the first option, you can book a direct flight from Dehradun to your city on Day 7, (Day 8, if you keep one buffer day).
The second option requires you to travel to Delhi by train or bus. Once you reach Dehradun in the evening, you can head to ISBT Dehradun and book an AC Volvo bus to Delhi and travel comfortably. The other option to reach Delhi from Dehradun is to book a train.
If you prefer the second option, book a flight that leaves in the late morning or early afternoon of Day 5. Get an overnight bus or train from Dehradun then reach Delhi in the early morning. You will have enough buffer time if you have booked an afternoon flight.
Some trekkers prefer to stay back for a day and use the buffer day to explore Rishikesh or Mussories. You can either stay for a night and explore Dehradun city or proceed home the same evening if flying out of Delhi.
