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Chopta Chandrashila journey, a perfect adventure for newcomers and nature suckers likewise. This beautiful journey leads you to Tungnath, the loftiest Shiva temple in the world, before climbing further to Chandrashila Peak. Once you reach here, you’ll want to just stand still and take it all in — a full 360° view of the Himalayas with Nanda Devi and Trishul proudly watching over you. Blending adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty, the Chopta Chandrashila trek is considered one of the most stylish short Himalayan treks, ideal for those craving mountain sunrises and sacred sanctuaries in a single, unforgettable trip.

Complete Trek Distances and Route Breakdown

Let’s talk about the part every mountaineer wants to know before lacing up their thrills: the journey distance! The good news? This is a short, beginner-friendly Himalayan journey that offers indelible views without requiring days of strenuous walking.

The Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath journey officially starts from the lovely little village of Chopta, situated at an altitude of around 2,680 meters. From there, the trail takes you through thick timbers of oak and rhododendrons, gradually leading you to the sacred Tungnath Temple. The Chopta to Tungnath trek distance is approximately 3.5 to 4 km, and it generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how often you pause to take in the incredible Himalayan views.

After soaking in the calm, spiritual vibe at Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, it’s time to set your sights on the real showstopper — Chandrashila Peak. The distance from Tungnath to Chandrashila is just 1.5 km, but don’t let the number fool you. This final stretch is a little steeper and can be a challenge, especially if the trail’s blanketed in snow.

All in all, the total trek distance is around 5 to 5.5 km one way, and you can comfortably complete the whole journey — with plenty of tea breaks, photo stops, and breath-catching moments — in about 4 to 5 hours round trip. And trust us, with those jaw-dropping Himalayan views along the way, you’ll be stopping often.

Pro Tip: Yes, it’s a 5 km journey one way — but theview from Chandrashila summit is pure magic. Sunrise views will then stay with you for a long time!

Best Time to Visit Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Wondering when’s the best time to visit Chopta Chandrashila? It really depends on what kind of journey you expect. However, the sound of cold air and the flower headendron are perfect if the sky is clear.

Love clear skies, cool weather, and trails bursting with bright rhododendrons? Head there in spring (March to May). Prefer those crisp mountain mornings and snow-dusted peaks? Autumn (September to November) is your season.

And if you’re someone who dreams of walking through fresh snow, the winter trek from December to February is pure magic. It’s colder, sure — but the snow-covered landscapes will make you forget about the chill. Whichever season you pick, this trek never disappoints.

Trek Difficulty, Duration, and Who It’s For

The Chopta Tungnath trek is considered one of the easiest high-altitude treks in the Himalayas, making it perfect for both first-timers and seasoned hikers. Whether you’re a solo traveler chasing solitude, a nature photographer hunting for surreal sunrises, or a beginner eager to test your stamina, this trail has something for everyone. The trek covers about 4 km from Chopta to Tungnath, followed by another 1.5 km to Chandrashila, and can comfortably be done in 1 to 2 days. What’s great is you can choose the right season to match your vibe — spring for blooming rhododendrons, winter for snow-covered trails, or autumn for crystal-clear mountain skies.

Pro Tip: Start light cardio and daily walks a few weeks before your trek to build stamina — it’ll make a big difference when the altitude starts to test you!

How to Reach Chopta

Planning to reach Chopta? It’s simpler than you might think. The easiest way is to hit the road from Rishikesh, about 200 km away. The drive takes around 7 to 8 hours, and trust me — the scenic mountain views along the way are worth every minute. Most people stop at Ukhimath, the last lively city, before they come back to Chopta. If you want to break the journey, it’s a great place to catch food or stop at night. Whether you are driving yourself or hiring a taxi, the trip sets the perfect atmosphere for your trip.

What Makes Chandrashila Trek Famous

If there’s one thing the Chandrashila trek is known for, it’s the sunrise from its summit. Imagine standing at a distance of 4000 meters, looking at the first shaft of huge peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba; this is a moment that stops you in your tracks. Chandrashila leaves you speechless, not just because of what’s in front of your eyes, but because of the calm it brings to your heart on your way over. The ancient Tungnath Temple, known as the loftiest Shiva tabernacle in the world, adds a spiritual touch to the adventure. It’s one of those treks you’ll talk about for a long time.

Optional Trek Packages

Many travel operators offer a full Trek package for the first time for those who go on the trip or are just looking for a practical experience. These packages usually begin with Rishikesh or Chopta and include housing, all food, essential permits, and guidance from a skilled Trek leader. These packages are perfect for individuals and groups and take care of the plan so you can fully enjoy the trip and focus on incredible ideas and experiences without worrying about the details.

Pro Tips and Essential Info

• Carry warm layers and quality trekking shoes, as the weather near Chandrashila Peak can get chilly, especially in the early mornings and evenings.
• Start early to reach Chandrashila by sunrise — the panoramic Himalayan views at dawn are truly unforgettable.
• Stay hydrated throughout the trek; the high altitude can quickly dehydrate you without realizing it.
• Respect temple customs at Tungnath, as this trek also includes a visit to the revered Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world.
• The Tungnath trek is considered one of the most beginner-friendly high-altitude treks, making it perfect for first-timers and solo adventurers alike.

Conclusion

Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of the rare Himalaya adventures that beautifully mix spirituality, nature, early morning, and other trekking activities. Chopta is a small, fantastic ground station that acts as the perfect base for this trip and offers juicy grasslands and crisp air. The Chandrashila walk is at a height where the panoramic view of the powerful Himalayas rewards all your efforts. Whether you are looking for peace, adventure, or Instagram-worthy sunrise shots, this walk guarantees an experience you want to give relief over and over.

You trek to glimpse the incredible view of the mountain peaks. The view is stored in your heart forever, giving you a sense of a truly lived life. But peace is not felt only atop the summit, but also throughout the trek, where a beautiful backdrop follows you along the path. Brahmatal trek, in Uttarakhand, is one such trek that will take you to a realm surrounded by heavenly bliss. 

The trek is busy during peak seasons, from December to March. However, you can hike to the summit even before that period. During winter, some parts of the trek become quite challenging. The blog will deliver an exceptional guide to those planning for this beautiful Himalayan trek. You will learn everything about the trek for a remarkable experience.

Things That You Require:

Every trek, no matter how easy, requires fitness and a few essential things mentioned below. 

Trekking Gears

A successful trek requires quality trekking gear. Without these gears, your safety, comfort, and performance will be compromised. You can rent these gears, or if you are passionate about trekking and do it often, you must buy your own. Trekking shoes, poles, a Microspike, a rain cover, a backpack, and solar batteries are necessary for the Brahmatal trek. 

Trekking Guide 

Knowledge is also required to make your trek successful. Acquiring a trekking permit, booking a hotel, and planning overnight camp stays could become difficult. However, your trekking guide will do it for you. They will also instruct and guide you for a safe trek. Professional guidance and assistance are bliss even for trekkers with vast experience. Thus, book a Brahmatal Trek package and have a hassle-free trekking experience. 

Sunscreen, Hat, and Water bottles 

Carrying these three items is important; otherwise, you will have a terrible trek experience. You can get sunburns even during winter, when the direct and snow-reflected sunlight will cause your skin discomfort. For more safety, you must also carry a hat. A water bottle is a must, as water sources are rarely available on the trek. 

Brahmatal Trek Itinerary 

The duration of the trek is decided based on the weather and snowfall conditions, as well as the route you choose. Generally, the Brahmatal trek distance is approximately 25 km, 4 or 5 days long. However, due to the difficulty levels caused by snowfall, the trek duration can extend to six days. So, let’s start learning about the entire trek journey:

Day 1: Reach Lohajung, a beautiful Himalayan village and the base camp for the Brahmatal trek. Here, you can find beautiful guest houses, homestays, shops, and a distant view of Nanda Ghunti peak. The location also serves as a base camp for the Roopkund trek. 

Day 2: Your next stop could be Bekaltal or Tilandi. If the weather is harsh, Bekaltal will serve as the best campsite, where you will enjoy some beautiful moments around the Bekal lake. However, suppose the Tilandi has been selected as the campsite. In that case, you can enjoy staying at a beautiful grassland where some beautiful mountain peaks can be seen, such as Trishul 1 & 2, Mrigthuni, and Devtoli. The sunset and sunrise at this grassland will amaze you to the extent that you wish to return here again. 

Day 3: After breakfast at Tilandi, you proceed to Jhandi Top, a beautiful campsite with a unique Shiva temple. Harsh weather can stop you from going further, and your trek could end here for your safety. If this happens, don’t be sad, as you can still enjoy seeing the majestic mountain peaks from here. 

Day 4: Brahmtal campsite is your next stop if the weather allows you. After reaching here, start the trek to Brahmatal Top, where you can witness the grandeur of the mountain peaks at the Jhandi Top. You must also go for a beautiful Brahmatal lake trek. The lake is frozen in winter. Spend a few hours here, then travel back to the Brahmatal campsite. 

Day 5: The trekking guide decides the return route at the campsite. He generally preferred the short route, i.e., from the Brahmatal campsite to Lohajung via Daldum. 

Day 6: You can either stay at Lohajung or return home the same day. 

The Best Time to Trek: 

Standing near a frozen lake amid forests is an unforgettable experience. The scene will make you believe that heaven exists on Earth, too. Let’s know the best time to come here.

December to February

Youngsters generally decide to trek between December and February, when snowfall turns the location into a winter wonderland. During this period, the difficulty level of the Brahmatal trek was quite high. 

March to April

It’s the time when there is less snow, making the trek less difficult. The Oak and Rhododendron forests welcome you at significant portions of the trek,  especially in the lower and mid-altitudes. 

October to Mid-November

During the Post-monsoon, the trek becomes relatively easy, allowing the trekker to complete it in fewer days. The golden-orange forests silently motivate you to trek energetically. 

Conclusion 

Brahmatal Trek is not just a journey; in fact, it is about collecting memories that you can cherish forever. You not only seek enjoyment here but also test your endurance and take with you a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to channel through hurdles in life. Book your trekking guide, reach here, and discover a new version of yourself. 

Revered as “Dev Bhumi,” Uttarakhand remains a popular destination not only because of its spiritual essence but also because of its 100+ trekking locations. Many trail lovers seeking adventure are drawn to this state to experience a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and thrill. 

Filtering the best treks out of 100+ options could be strenuous. Don’t worry! We will acquaint you with Uttarakhand’s top eight winter treks, giving you a remarkable experience to cherish forever. The treks below have different difficulty levels so that you can select the best that matches your endurance. 

Enjoy Reading The Top Treks In Uttarakhand:

We have compiled a list of the region’s top trekking locations to help you decide on your next trekking spot. 

1. Deoban Weekend Trek

Altitude: 9,279 ft

Difficulty: Easy

Seeing the grandeur of India’s second-highest peak, Nanda Devi, by standing atop the Deoban summit will be a bewitching moment in your life. This trek will give you a chance to see 55 mountain peaks in just a weekend. The word “Deoban” is attached to the trek due to the clusters of deodar trees you can visit during the journey. The trek is easy for a beginner. However, like other treks, the Deoban Weekend Trek becomes quite difficult during the winter season in Uttarakhand. 

Trek Overview:

Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun, then drive to Lokhandi, a small base village for the trek. After this, you will stay overnight at the Sarwaswati campsite, nestled in the heart of nature. 

Day 2: Trek to Deoban by passing through a dense area of deodar, pine, and rhododendron forests and witness stunning views.  

2. Nag Tibba Trek

Altitude: 9915 ft

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

The Nag Tibba trek is famous for its short distance and mild difficulties. What makes this trek so popular? It is beginner-friendly and only a weekend long, which means you can cover it in just two days. The mountain peaks, including the Himalayan range, Bandarpoonch, Swarg Rohini, and many more, will surround you during the trek and become a part of your memory forever. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: The trek starts at a beautiful village, Pantwari, which is just 95 km away from Dehradun. You arrive at Basecamp, just five km from the town. 

Day 2: Don’t miss the beautiful sunrise at the Nag Tiba summit. Start trekking at 3:00 a.m. to reach the summit. On the way, you will see an incredible devotional sight, the Nag Tiba temple. After capturing some beautiful moments at the summit, return to Pantwari village.

3. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Altitude: 9,400 ft

Difficulty: Easy

Trekking to this summit seems like experiencing heavenly bliss. Shiva devotees will have an immensely exciting journey as they will get a chance to worship at the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath Temple. The Chopta Chandrashila trek is one of the easiest treks, but physical fitness is still required to complete it successfully. The treks in Uttarakhand in December can be risky. Make sure to carry microspikes to prevent falling and slipping on the snow. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: Reach Chopta, a small peaceful village and campsite filled with meadows and evergreen forest.

Day 2: Book a cab from Chopta to arrive at the trek starting point. After walking through the narrow snow-filled roads, you reach the Tugnath temple within 6 hours. The immensity of the stunning mountains will encourage you to hike further. Rest at the temple and prepare for the steep climb of 1 km to the Chandrashila summit. This 1 km long journey is considered very tricky. Make sure to be brave enough to cover it.

4. Dayara Bugyal Trek

Altitude: 11,830 ft

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Get ready to be lost in the beauty of the sunset at the summits of the Gangotri and Great Himalaya ranges if you decide to do the dayara bugyal trek. You will spend some of the best moments here. During winter, you can miss the meadow covered with rare flowers, such as Himalayan blue poppies. However, the snow–covered meadow will give you a fantastic experience to carry in your heart forever. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: Arrive at Raithal or Barsu basecamp, both are amazing resting locations. 

Day 2: After adapting to the climate overnight at the base village, you prepare to walk 4–5 km. Passing through oak and rhododendron forests to reach the Gui or Chilapada campsite will be no less than a thrilling adventure. 

Day 3: Despite being tired, expansive meadows and the majestic Himalayas surrounding you will keep your excitement alive throughout your journey to Dayara Bugyal. Enjoy the view, return to the campsite for the overnight stay, and head back to the base towns. 

5. Kedarkantha Trek

Altitude: 12,500 feet

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Leading yourself to a spot where peaks are coated with a golden glow makes it appear like you have entered another realm. Kedarkantha Trek allows you to experience such beauty when you reach here during sunset. Your every step moves you to unforgettable moments in your life. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: The expedition starts at Sankri, the base village with breathtaking views. Staying here overnight helps you adapt to the climate. 

Day 2: You will then be led to Juda Ka Talab, a beautiful campsite beside a frozen lake in winter.

Day 3: And then, to the next campsite, Kedarkantha. 

Day 4: To get a fantastic view of the crests at dusk, you must start ascending Kedarkantha peak in the morning. I have appreciated Mother Nature for some time and will begin returning to the base camp.

6. Kuari Pass Trek

Altitude: 12,516 ft

Difficulty: Moderate

The 55 km long perfect winter trek may not require fundamental trekking experience, but unquestionably requires a fitness level. The difficulty status is average when it snows here. Your efforts to successfully venture through the ancient oak and rhododendron forests will lead to the snow-draped Gorson Bugyal and Chitrakantha. Hiking to the summit will be no less than experiencing a winter adventure in a snowy wonderland. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: Arrive at Joshimath and stay overnight here. 

Day 2: To begin your trek, you reach Auli, where you’ll witness the mind-blowing views of the Nanda Devi peaks. Then, reach the Tali campsite and rest.

Day 3: Proceed to Kuari Pass by crossing Khullara. After appreciating the view from the summit, begin descending to the campsite. 

7. Gaumukh Tapovan Trek

Altitude: 14,203 ft

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The word Gaumukh reminds one of the immaculateness of the Ganges. This is what the expeditioners to the Gaumukh Tapovan trek experience. The tranquility, the scenery, and the snow will give you a sense of heavenly bliss. In addition, you will also see the lovely Bhagirathi Stream and crests, making your journey more mind-blowing.

Trek Overview:

Day 1: Gangotri serves as an essential location. The trekker must stay here to acclimatize.

Day 2: Reach the beautiful campsite of Bhojwasa. The walk to the camp offers staggering views of the Bhagirathi Peaks.

Day 3: From there, journey to Gaumukh, where you’ll witness the serene Gaumukh Glacier. At last, reach Tapovan to appreciate the breathtaking views of the mountains.

Day 4: Rest at the Tapovan and do not forget to capture astonishing moments in pictures.

Day 5: Disembark from Tapovan to reach Bhojwasa.

Day 6: Proceed to descend to Gangotri to reach Dehradun/ Rishikesh. 

8. Kalindi Khal Trek

Altitude: 19,495 ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Those seeking expertise in winter trekking are well aware of the Kalindi Khal Trek, which is recognized as one of the most challenging treks in India. It is an expedition for courageous hearts; the trekkers will test their endurance throughout their journey. Their successful venture through the rugged terrains and challenging situations gives them a sense of pride that stays with them forever. 

Trek Overview: 

Day 1: You arrive at Gangotari, a marvelous mountain town, take rest, and get ready for the challenging journey.

Day 2: From Gangotari, you walk ahead to the Bhojwasa, where you will see the wonderful roaring stream, Bhagirathi secretly cheering for you, along the path.

Day 3: After resting at Bhojwasa overnight, you move to Tapovan via Gaumukh. Here, the trekkers will witness the Bhagirathi emerging from the Gangotri Glacier at Gaumukh. 

Day 4: Continue to proceed to Nandanvan.

Day 5: From Nandanvan, you start heading towards the Vasuki Tal, a basecamp for Mt Satopanth and Mt Vasuki Parbat.

Day 6: The Trek stretches to Khara Pathar. Rest here and acclimatize.

Day 7: After this, there is a challenging trek to Shweta Glacier, which is around 4-5 km long but might take around 6 hours due to its challenging nature.

Day 8: After passing through the Sweta Glacier, you traverse the Suralaya glacier to reach Kalindikhal Base.

Day 9: Cover the challenging trek with a steep climb to Kalindi Pass. Spend some time here, then descend to the Rajaparav for an overnight stay at the camp.

Day 10: From Rajaparave, you start moving to Arwatal to see the beautiful scenery of the Arwa Glacier’s moraine fields.

Day 11: The next destination is Ghastoli, where you will cross rivers.

Day 12: You reach Mana from Ghastoli and then reach Badrinath to complete the trek. 

Conclusion 

Amazement, adventure, endurance, and peace are the essence of a fully lived life. Trekking to the above locations surely lets you experience a blend of all these. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip with your friends, connect with the best trekking guide, and have a fantastic experience.