Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Guide: Distance, Difficulty and Timings

The Tungnath Chandrashila trek starts at Chopta. Tungnath temple is about 3.5 km up the trail at 3,680 m, and Chandrashila peak is about 1.5 km further at around 4,000 m. The full round trip is about 10 km and takes 5–6 hours. It's easy to moderate, with a stone-paved path all the way to the temple.

If you only do one trek in Uttarakhand, make it this one. In a single morning you walk through rhododendron forest and open meadows, visit the highest Shiva temple in the world, and stand on a summit with a 360° view of the great Garhwal peaks. And you don't need any trekking experience to do it.

We take travellers up this trail on every Auli Chopta tour. Here's everything you need to know.

Trek at a glance

The trail, stage by stage

Stage 1: Chopta to the meadows (about 1.5 km)

The trail starts at a gate beside the road in Chopta. The first part is a gentle climb through forest of rhododendron, oak and birch. In March and April, the rhododendrons flower red and pink. After about 45 minutes, the trees open into wide meadows (bugyals) with the first big views of the peaks.

Stage 2: The switchbacks (about 1.5 km)

This is the steepest part to the temple. The path zig-zags up the slope, and this is where most people get breathless. Take it slowly, with short steps and regular sips of water. There are tea stalls along the way in season, which make good rest stops.

Stage 3: The final approach (about 0.5 km)

The path eases as the stone temple comes into view, with its small shrines and bells. Take your time here, visit the temple if it's open, and rest before deciding whether to go on.

Stage 4: Tungnath to Chandrashila (about 1.5 km)

From behind the temple, a rougher, steeper path climbs to Chandrashila. There are no railings, and the ground can be loose. It takes 45 minutes to an hour. At the top is a tiny temple and, on a clear day, an unforgettable view: Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi and dozens more peaks in a full circle.

How difficult is the Tungnath trek?

To the temple, it's easy. If you can walk 7 km with steady uphill, you can do it. Children and fit older travellers do it all the time; they just take a bit longer. The paved path means you don't need special skills.

To Chandrashila, it's moderate. The last 1.5 km is steep, loose underfoot and windy. Skip it if:

• you have knee problems
• the weather is turning bad
• you feel unwell (headache, dizziness, nausea) at Tungnath

There's no shame in stopping at the temple; the views from there are already superb.

When to start the trek

Start by 6–7 AM. Mountain clouds usually build by late morning and can hide the peaks completely by noon.

For the famous Chandrashila sunrise, leave Chopta around 4–4:30 AM with a headlamp and a guide. You'll reach the top just as the first light hits the snow peaks.

Aim to be back in Chopta by 2–3 PM, or earlier in winter, when it gets dark by around 5:30 PM.

Tungnath temple opening and closing dates

Tungnath is open for about six months a year. The doors (kapat) usually open in late April or early May and close in early November, after Diwali. The exact dates are fixed each year by the temple's priests and the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee. The opening date is announced around Baisakhi; the closing date is announced on Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

Recent dates for reference:

• Opened: 2 May 2025
• Closed: 4 November 2024

In winter, Lord Tungnath's doli (palanquin) is carried down to the Markateshwar (Markandeya) temple at Makkumath, near Ukhimath, where daily worship continues until spring.

You can still trek when the temple is closed; you just can't have darshan. We update this section as soon as each year's dates are announced.

The story of Tungnath

Tungnath is the third of the five Panch Kedar temples, along with Kedarnath, Madhmaheshwar, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar. According to legend, after the Mahabharata war the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva's forgiveness. Shiva avoided them by taking the form of a bull, and parts of his body appeared at five places in the Garhwal hills. At Tungnath, his arms are worshipped.

It's the highest Shiva temple in the world and the easiest Panch Kedar to reach. Want to visit all five? See our Panch Kedar tour.

Trekking in winter (December to March)

A winter Tungnath trek is beautiful, with deep snow on the meadows and frosted forest. But it needs more care:

• Micro-spikes are essential. The trail turns to ice, and ordinary shoes slip. Rent them locally.
• Tea stalls close for winter. Carry water in an insulated bottle and some snacks.
• It's very cold. Temperatures at the top can fall to around –5°C to –10°C.
• Roads can close. After heavy snow, the road between Duggalbitta and Chopta may be blocked, so your walk may start a few kilometres lower.
• Go with a local guide. Fresh snow can hide the edge of the trail above Tungnath.
• Start at first light and be back well before dark.

What to carry

• Trekking shoes with a good grip (not sneakers)
• A warm layer, even in summer, plus a waterproof jacket
• 1–2 litres of water and some snacks
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap
• A headlamp if you're starting early
• Some cash for tea stalls
• In winter: micro-spikes, gloves, a woollen cap and thermal layers

See our full Auli Chopta packing list.

Altitude and safety

Chandrashila is about 4,000 m high, and the air is thinner than you're used to. To stay comfortable:

• Walk at an even, steady pace.
• Drink water often.
• If you get a throbbing headache, dizziness or nausea, stop and head back down. Symptoms usually ease quickly at lower altitude.
• If you have a heart or lung condition, check with your doctor before the trip.

Plan your Tungnath trek

Our Auli Chopta tour package gives you a full day for this trek, starting from a camp close to the trailhead. Call or WhatsApp +91-90459-16770, +91-78307-18687.

Planning the season? Read the best time to visit Auli Chopta. Want another walk? Add the lake trek in our Deoria Tal guide. For the full trip plan, see the Auli Chopta itinerary and our Auli Chopta travel guide.