Tungnath, Chopta and Kedarnath form an ideal combination of spirituality and adventure in the lap of the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Kedarnath, is considered to be one of the holiest of Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva with millions of pilgrims every year coming to visit this place. The Kedarnath walk is approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund and even the process is a divine experience since it traverses snow-clad mountains and river flows.
The highest Shiva temple on earth is defined as Tungnath and is near Chopta with a height of 3,680 meters. The walk to Tungnath on the chopta path is approximately 4 kilometers and is rated as moderate and therefore fit even to the initiate. Tungnath is a place where taking a journey to Chandrashila peak only 2 kilometers away is possible and has a stunning 360-degree view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.
The serene hill station beautifully situated upon the meadows, dense forests and the panoramic views of the mountains, Chopta commonly referred to as Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand to its inhabitants. Tungnath and Chandrashila treks are also based on it. The area is perfect to nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and hikers. These three places when visited in combination offer a complete experience of devotion, tranquility, and beauty of nature, which will be with you forever.
Kedarnath Tungnath and Chopta Trip Guide 2025:Timings,Procedure
How to Reach Tungnath and Chopta
Now let us talk about how to reach there. First of all, from any city of India, you can reach Haridwar or Rishikesh railway station. From there, you will get bus stands. But if you take airplane mode, you will have to land at Dehradun airport and from there, you can return to Rishikesh bus stand. The distance from Dehradun to Rishikesh is about 18 kilometers. The distance to Chopta is 210 kilometers from Rishikesh and 233 kilometers from Haridwar. This can confuse you a lot in the map, so you can search it as Chopta Mini Switzerland.
From Haridwar or Rishikesh bus stand to Chopta, the bus fare will be ₹406 per person, and online the prices may be slightly higher or lower. If you want to take a shared taxi from Haridwar or Rishikesh, then the fare per person in a shared taxi will be ₹450–₹600, and a personal taxi will cost you ₹7000–₹8000 one side.
If you want to come to Kedarnath Tungnath temple, then you can sit in the bus from Sonprayag bus stand and come here. The distance from Sonprayag to Chopta is about 75 kilometers, which takes two to three hours. The fare will remain ₹30–₹40 per person.
Where to Stay in Chopta
once you reach Chopta, where to stay? Let us tell you. You get two options to start with.
- First, you can take a room in a hotel, where you will get rooms from ₹600–₹900.
- Second option, you can stay in camps. In this, you will be charged around ₹1500 per person with breakfast and dinner.
- This Chopta is located at about one kilometer distance where you will get a great experience.
Food Options in Chopta
If we talk about food arrangements, you will find it in restaurants at different places. For lunch or dinner, it will cost you around ₹150–₹200.
Tungnath Trek
Next day morning, the trek is about 4 kilometers, starting from Chopta bus stand. For this, you have to pay ticket price. If you cannot travel on foot on this trek, then you will also get ponies here, which charge you around ₹1100–₹1200 both sides.
Chandrashila Trek
If you come to Tungnath, then you must complete the Chandrashila trek too, which is only 2 kilometers long. But its climb is a bit steep, and the paths are well made. After reaching Chandrashila, you will get to see a 360-degree view, which you may experience for the first time in your life.
Before evening, you can return back to Chopta and also go to Badrinath Temple, which is about 140 kilometers away. And if you want to return to Haridwar, you will also get buses to both Badrinath and Haridwar.
Best Time to Visit
Friends, now let us talk about when to come here. You can come any day of the year. And here, you can get darshan from May to October. In my opinion, you should come between May to October. But if you want to enjoy the snow here, then you can come between November to February.
Things to Carry
Now let’s talk about what you must carry before coming here. You should bring warm clothes, medicines, umbrella, raincoat, and sports shoes with you so that it will be easy for you to travel.
Overview Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Nearest Railway Station | Haridwar / Rishikesh |
| Nearest Airport | Dehradun (18 km from Rishikesh) |
| Distance Rishikesh to Chopta | 210 km |
| Distance Haridwar to Chopta | 233 km |
| Distance Sonprayag to Chopta | 75 km |
| Bus Fare | ₹406 per person |
| Shared Taxi Fare | ₹450–₹600 per person |
| Private Taxi | ₹7000–₹8000 (one side) |
| Hotel Stay | ₹600–₹900 per night |
| Camp Stay | ₹1500 per person (with food) |
| Food | ₹150–₹200 per meal |
| Tungnath Trek | 4 km |
| Chandrashila Trek | 2 km (steep) |
| Pony Charges | ₹1100–₹1200 both ways |
| Distance to Badrinath | 140 km |
| Best Time to Visit | May–October (darshan), Nov–Feb (snow) |
FAQs
Q1. How far is Chopta from Rishikesh?
Chopta is 210 km from Rishikesh.
Q2. What is the cost of staying in Chopta?
Hotels cost ₹600–₹900 per night, while camps cost about ₹1500 per person including meals.
Q3. How long is the Tungnath trek?
The trek to Tungnath from Chopta is 4 km.
Q4. Can I go to Chandrashila along with Tungnath?
Yes, Chandrashila trek is just 2 km from Tungnath, but it is steep.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Tungnath and Chopta?
May to October is best for darshan, and November to February is best if you want to enjoy snow.