Chopta Tungnath Trek: Everything You Need To Know

Of all the experiences that we have while vacationing away from our homes, there is hardly anything that can provide a better connection to nature than trekking. Every single year, millions of tourists travel to mesmerizing locations to experience the nature trails.

All of this surely makes you want to have an experience like that for your own, doesn’t it? Why waste any more time, then? The Chopta Tungnath Trek is here to provide the sheer joy and the adventure of trekking through some of the most magical lands in Uttarakhand. Don’t miss the chance, people! Now is the time to book tickets. Excited, aren’t you? Wait till you get to know all about this wonderful trekking experience that has got everyone from locals to international visitors all excited.

Overview Of Tungnath Trek

When you search about the easiest yet the most exhilarating treks near the region of the Himalayas, the first name that pops up is the Chopta Tungnath Trek.

Witness the sheer beauty of nature as you trek along the peaks of Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Kedarnath, and Nilkanth as they are all clear during this particular trekking course.

All of that combined and you have got the masterpiece right in front of your eyes.

The Tungnath trek consists of a very large portion which starts right from the spiritual lands of Haridwar and makes a stop at Chandrashila. In the full duration of the course, you will come across a range of other very interesting sights and areas. So, for those who are looking for a trekking experience that is easy enough for the first timers and yet is one of the most fulfilling experiences ever, this is the one to go for.

Some of the main attractions that you will get to see in the trek are the Tungnath Temple and also the very famous Chandrashila Peak along with some other beautiful points. Climb all the way above the peak and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire valley that stands below the hills and the mountains. We assure you that this will be an experience worth remembering.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and book the tickets right now to have one of the best trekking experiences of your lives. 

This post will provide all the details that you might find necessary during your trekking time. Buckle up as we take you on an amazing adventure that you will never forget.

What’s Special About The Tungnath Trek?

The Tungnath trek is a traveller’s dream. This trek is all about the experience. The entire trek is centred around the travel to the Chandrashila Peak on the way to which you will be passing the beautiful Deoriatal Lake. Opening up to a wide range of mountain peaks all over, this trek makes you want to stop and take it all in.

The trekking duration in total is usually about five days where you will get to experience the beauty of nature and some exhilarating challenges. It provides a breathtaking view of the summit views as well as valleys of lush greenery. It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur trekker or an experienced one, a bird watcher or just a chap who loves travelling, the Tungnath trek is something that doesn’t fail anyone.

Another plus point of this trek is how easy it is. For those who are new to the world of trekking, the Tungnath trek is a great way to start because of its easy grade. There aren’t any extreme environments, and the blend between the summer heat and the winter chill is perfectly seen in this experience.

The highest altitude on the trek would be at the Chandrashila peak which stands at about 13,100 Ft. Once you reach there, you will be mesmerized with what you can see. The entire region looks like a dream. Just the look of the mesmerizing valleys from the top is surely a sight to behold.

How To Reach Tungnath Trek

The best way to reach the Tungnath trek base camp is through Haridwar, and it is very well connected to different locations through air, road, as well as rail. So, the following are some of the best transport options to reach Tungnath.

By Air

Flights from Delhi are available for those who want to travel to the trekking location. The closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport (in Dehradun) located just about 36 km away from Haridwar and about 20 km from Rishikesh. After reaching the airport, you can find taxis at the stand which will take you to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there you can visit Chopta in a taxi or by bus.

The distance between Rishikesh/Haridwar to Chopta is about 164-255 km. You might need to book flights early because it is a very popular trekking course and people from all over the world book flight tickets to have an experience of trekking here.

By Rail

The Haridwar Junction Railway Station is the closest railway connection with New Delhi and Dehradun. It takes anywhere between 4 to 8 hours to reach Haridwar by railway from Delhi. 

By Road

The National Highway 58 is connected to Haridwar where numerous buses travel daily. Grab a seat on one of these buses and have the time of your life. If you plan to do a road trip, you will be lucky enough to see the main attractions on the way as well. There are direct buses available from Delhi to Haridwar as well.

It takes a further 5-7 hours to reach Chopta from either Haridwar or Rishikesh by road.

Information of Base Camp in Tungnath Trek

Nestled right in the midst of the shimmering mountains of Uttarakhand, you will find the Chopta region. This quaint yet beautiful hill station stands at the height of about 2600m in total.

The trek begins from the Tungnath Temple.

This temple is one of the most revered places for the people of this region. Additionally, the lands of Chopta are filled with the most mesmerizing collections of fauna and flora. You can stop and admire the scenery right here at the Tungnath Temple.

The location is priceless and an unspoiled one. Also, it is a non-commercial location and you will be able to find lesser crowded spots and beautiful meadows in the lands of Chopta. The trekking trails are filled with the most beautiful sceneries and that too all year long.

So, that is all that you need to know about the base camp of the Tungnath trek. Do you not agree that this all seems to be so amazing to behold? Well, be present for the trek in Tungnath, and it might blow your minds away.

Best Season To Visit Tungnath

Many travellers from far and wide travel to this trek in Tungnath so that they can have an ideal trekking experience. Although the destination is available for trekking throughout the year, there is still a time where the lands open up to the visitors in the most beautiful way.

We would recommend that if you want to see Tungnath at its peak glory, then visiting the location in between March and May would be ideal.

This is the time when you will find the most beautiful weather here along with the best of the views set for you. 

Information/Advice To Visit The Tungnath Trek

Is it your first time trekking in Tungnath? Well, in that case, you need all the preparation tips that you can get.

Packing preparation

• Prepare all the way from clothing to other protective items that you might need to survive in the chilly weather of the mountains.
• Also, ensure that you always have a safe space for all the protective gear that you have so that you can use it in the time of need. Keeping the essentials safely is also very important.
• Apart from that, choose great-quality footwear and other essentials that will be able to keep you warm.

Fitness preparation

• You might also need to build up some leg strength from trekking so gym training or going on walks and runs on steeper inclines will help.
• Replicate the trek when you practice to make sure that you don’t feel weak during the experience.
• Also, practice trekking with some weight on your shoulder as you will be trekking with your backpack.
• Buying a walking pole for additional support during the trek is optional.

Do not overpack as you’ll be carrying your bag throughout the trek.

Things to Carry

Although you will have all the essentials in your backpack, there are some other things that you might want to carry while going around trekking here. We are presenting you with some of the most important belongings that you must have during the trekking course.

• Carry good quality trekking boots that will last longer during the trek
• You need to get camp shoes for the river walks, and you might need one for your visit to Devariyatal
• Carry a winter jacket along with you always for dealing properly with the cold weather
• Trekking pants are also an essential component. You will need them when you are climbing up the peaks. No one likes to climb in stacked jeans right?
• Take a woollen cap or scarf in case you find yourself fighting the cold weather.
• A cap that protects you from the sun 
• Having a pair of sunglasses and some sunscreen will also be very useful
• Walking stick (optional)
• Water bottles and water purification tablets
• You also need to carry a Swiss Army knife with you all the time
• Insect Repellent
• Feminine hygiene products
• Keep an emergency first aid box:
  • Bandaids
  • Antiseptic
  • Bandages/gauze
  • A small pair of scissors
  • Thread and needle
  • Cotton
  • Personal medication for any existing conditions
  • Antibiotics
  • Medication for cold, stomach ailments, and nausea

Medical Advice

As adventurous as the trekking experience is, some accidental damages can happen in the way. Being prepared is the only thing that you can do during situations like these.

First aid kits that are usually available with the guides that show you around. However, it would be a great idea if you carry one for yourself. Keep all the necessities as per the above list.

Although the trekking guides have the precautionary measures for tourists, it is best to be well informed. These also include the knowledge about CPR or emergency resuscitation. Most people who go for these long treks in the areas of high altitudes may suffer from some common sicknesses.

There is a very common form of altitude sickness which is called the Acute Mountain Sickness. The symptoms are pretty common, such as insomnia, headaches, lung problems, gastrointestinal problems, ataxia and a lot more. You need to consult a doctor immediately to know whether you will be able to travel further or not.

Permits

You will have to pay entry fees at some of the checkpoints, and the rates vary from one to another. There are some additional charges for forest camping as well. The rest of it is covered by your tour packages. You wouldn’t need additional permission to embark on your trekking journey here.

Attractions in Tungnath and Around

While you trek around the entire land of Chopta, there are many different attractions that you will find here. These attractions are always filled with people ranging from tourists to locals. So, let us have a look at some of the serene locations around the Tungnath Trek.

Haridwar

Known to be a land of spirituality, this location is considered to be one of the most religious locations in Uttarakhand.

One of the important things to remember while you are in here is that the place doesn’t allow alcohol and non-vegetarian food items.

You will find numerous breathtaking points of interest in here. Some of the main ones include the Chandi Devi Temple, Har Ki Pauri, the Manasa Devi temple and so much more. The place is known to be one of the holiest locations that you will find in the country, second to Varanasi.

Also read: 8 places to truly explore spirituality in India

Tungnath

Home to the world’s highest Shiva Temple, this location has got an altitude of about 3680m in total. So, once you are high up there, you can enjoy the entire view of the area from above. Apart from all these beauties, Tungnath is known as one of the names of the Panch Kedar shrines that are in Uttarakhand.

You might have to trek if you want to get to the place, but once you do, you will be mesmerized by the sight of the beautiful trees of deodar, pine, rhododendron and so much more. Go camping with friends under the night sky, watch the stars, and trek all the way through the hamlet and meadows.

But whatever you do, make sure that you visit the Tungnath Temple once.

Deoria Tal

When you visit Deoria Tal, be prepared to be amazed by the breathtaking view of the beautiful lake. Situated just 3 km away from the Sari Village, this location is the perfect example of peace and tranquillity. You can get a full 360-degree view of the Himalayas from here.

However, the main attraction would have to be the village tour that you get here. Come along and interact with the people around here to know the culture in a better way.

Capturing the moments of life in the village with the camera will be a cherishing experience for sure. Plus, there are mythological stories surrounding the place that are worth a listen. The story about the Pandavas from the epic Mahabharata being asked questions from the Yaksha depicts this place as the exact location.

The Deoria Tal is situated at an altitude of about 2300m and serves as the perfect point for a breathtaking view. Trek along the hills and embrace the village social life while you make campfires in the night with the locals.

Chandrashila

When we talk about Chandrashila, it is the summit of the entire mountain where Chopta and the Tungnath Temple is situated. Perched high above at an altitude of about 4000m, this is one of the most interesting locations for a full-on view of the Chopta lands.

Get a full view of the Himalayas from here along with other mountains such as Nanda Devi, Kedar, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.

If legends are to be believed, then Chandrashila is considered to be the location where Lord Rama went to meditate after his victory over Ravana. So, there are many stories and myths related to the location. Sit back for some time, and you might be able to listen to a few of these from the locals. Make sure that you visit the temple once you are here.

Ukhimath

This place is also known to be as winter Kedarnath. This is the place where Lord Shiva is residing when Kedarnath remains closed for the winters and hence the name. This place also offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the great Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 1300m, this location might not be that high, but it surely provides an awesome experience of trekking to the people who visit the place. The scenic beauty and attractiveness of the place are what attracts the tourists the most. Here at Ukhimath, you will be able to enjoy the view while trekking, visit the very famous Ukhimat Temple and have the best time.

Where To Stay In Tungnath

You wouldn’t have to worry about accommodation while you are trekking because Tungnath has got some great Homestays and guest houses for the tourists. The price of the rooms ranges between INR 100 and INR 500 for a single room.

These might not be the special glam luxury that you are used to in case of the hotels. However, the hotels are very well-kept, and the staff everywhere is friendly as well. You can also retire in a camping resort that you might find nearby. Book early, to ensure that you don’t miss out on the good deals. When it comes to accommodation, Tungnath doesn’t disappoint.

Conclusion: Have A Great Trekking Time Here At Tungnath

For us, city dwellers, a quiet and peaceful trekking experience along the mountain trail is a must. So, now that you know so much about Tungnath trek aren’t you all excited for your first trekking experience there? Well, why wait and waste time, then? Go ahead and make a booking right now. Book tickets for your transport, get yourself a good hotel deal, pack your bags, and come on over to this magical land.  

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