Our journey: 4 November 2026 · Information checked: 13 November 2026
यह यात्रा गाइड हिंदी में पढ़ें
A path climbing through open meadows, Chopta falling behind, and a long line of Himalayan peaks ahead: Tungnath–Chandrashila rewards the walk well before the summit. On our 4 November journey, the early views were clear. Clouds gradually covered the higher peaks, but the valleys and layers of hills remained an impressive sight from Chandrashila.
The new photographs and stills here are from 4 November 2026. The separately captioned Makkumath archive image comes from an earlier PopcornTrip film.
Find the right Chopta
The trail starts at Chopta on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar road in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. From Rishikesh, the broad approach runs through Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Agastyamuni and Kund, then towards Ukhimath, Dugalbitta and Baniyakund. From Chamoli, another approach goes through Gopeshwar and Mandal. The district administration confirms Chopta’s location.
Search for “Tungnath Trek Entry Gate Chopta”, then compare the result with the road location and gate photographs. The road journey ends at the trail entrance. Follow local parking arrangements; space may be limited during busy periods or snow. Keep the road and entrance clear.
Distance and walking time
Allow approximately 3.5–4 km uphill from Chopta to Tungnath, followed by another 1.5 km to Chandrashila. Returning along the same route makes roughly 10 km overall. Published figures vary; Uttarakhand Tourism gives approximate distances.
Keep a full day available. Seven to eight hours, or longer with frequent stops, is a planning estimate rather than a promise. Start early, agree a daylight return time and walk at a sustainable pace.
Ponies, mules and the fare checklist
We saw riders and pack animals along the trail. Rides are generally an option for the climb to Tungnath; prepare to continue from the temple to Chandrashila on foot. Ask at the entrance about that day’s availability and trail conditions. Snow can limit or suspend services.
- Is the quote one way or return?
- Are waiting time and extra stops included?
- How far will the animal go, will a handler accompany you, and how is the return arranged?
- What happens if weather or the trail prevents completion?
Agree the current total and included services before setting off.
Tungnath, the third Kedar
Tungnath is revered as the third Kedar in the Panch Kedar tradition. Hindu tradition associates the shrine with Shiva’s arms. Uttarakhand Tourism describes the belief and the five shrines.
For 2026, the winter closure was on 6 November. A Dainik Tribune report dated 6 November reproduces the Rudraprayag Police notice issued that day. Our visit on 4 November preceded the closure. The temple committee confirms that Tungnath’s winter worship takes place at Makkumath, which is the relevant destination for winter darshan.
Look beyond the destination
Trail information boards introduce the area’s plants and birds. Stop to read them and listen to the forest. Uttarakhand Tourism lists birds including the Himalayan monal around Chopta. Watch from a distance and stay on the trail rather than following wildlife into its habitat. A trail sign also prohibits playing recorded bird calls to attract birds.
Chandrashila through changing clouds
The climb above the temple feels steeper. Pause when needed. By our arrival, clouds obscured the high snowy peaks. The nearer valleys and ridges were still open: a different experience from the clear range seen earlier that day.
Winter conditions and a place to stay
Snowfall has no fixed start or finishing date. Snow and ice on higher sections can remain beyond February. Check the IMD forecast and local trail information before setting out. Carry warm layers, dry gloves and socks, suitable footwear, a light and equipment appropriate to the conditions.
Do not stay late assuming you will find a room or tent higher up; winter services may be limited or closed. Look at Dugalbitta and Baniyakund as well as Chopta for accommodation. Confirm that your room or tent operates on your dates, and ask about warm bedding, water and meals. Agree the total charge in advance, particularly for holidays and busy weekends.
Numbness, skin colour changes, clumsiness or confusion are reasons to stop exposing yourself to cold and seek shelter and help. CDC guidance explains why frostbite and hypothermia can be serious.
Carry water; bring your litter back
Bring a reusable bottle and enough safe drinking water. Refill wherever safe drinking water is available, and carry enough to reach your next reliable supply. Do not drink untreated water from an open tank, stream or melted snow.
If open stalls offer juice, fruit or fruit chaat, they can make a pleasant short break. Availability varies with the season and opening hours. Choose freshly prepared food and safe water, and carry a light snack of your own.
Plastic recorded beside the trail is a reminder to carry wrappers, bottles and tissues back to proper disposal. Keep noise low and do not feed wildlife.
Allow separate time for nearby visits
Sari village is the roadhead for Deoriatal, a separate uphill walk of roughly 2–3 km each way. Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is Kedarnath’s winter seat; Makkumath is Tungnath’s. These are optional additions, not a checklist to squeeze into the summit day.
Earlier PopcornTrip journeys
Explore our earlier Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila film, Makkumath and Markateshwar Temple film and archived Chandrashila article in Hindi. Enjoy the journeys, then check the latest weather, trail conditions and services before planning your own.