When I first planned my trip to Tungnath, I realized most guides online were either too long or too confusing. So here’s a direct, practical guide based entirely on what actually matters on the route. No fluff—just clear steps to help you reach Tungnath smoothly.
Where Tungnath Is Located
Tungnath sits in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district at 3,680 meters. The trek starts from Chopta, a small hill station often called the “Mini Switzerland of India.” If you reach Chopta without trouble, reaching Tungnath becomes easy.
Best Time to Visit
After multiple visits, I recommend:
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April to June – Best for clear skies and easy trekking
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September to November – Cool, peaceful, perfect for photography
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December to March – Snow trek season (only advisable if you have prior trekking experience)
How I Reached Chopta (Base for Tungnath)
From Delhi
I usually take an overnight bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (8–9 hours). From Rishikesh, Chopta is a 5–6 hour drive.
From Rishikesh
This is the most convenient route. You can:
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Hire a shared taxi from Rishikesh
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Take a bus towards Ukhimath and then switch to a local cab
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Rent a bike or car and drive yourself
The roads are mostly smooth except for a few rough patches after Rudraprayag.
From Dehradun
Either drive directly or reach Rishikesh first and continue to Chopta the same way as above.
If you want the entire route handled of Tungnath Chandrashila Trek without juggling transport, a lot of trekkers I met recommended The Searching Souls. I used them once for a winter climb—not promotional, just genuinely helpful. They arrange direct transport to Chopta, which saved me the hassle of switching buses.
How to Reach Tungnath from Chopta
The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is straightforward:
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Trek Distance: 3.5 km
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Trek Time: 2–3 hours
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The path is paved almost the entire way, but the incline feels steep for beginners—so keep your pace steady and take regular breaks.
Route Breakdown
Here’s how the trek practically feels:
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The first 1 km warms you up—gradual incline
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The middle section is steeper but scenic
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The last stretch opens into wide meadows and finally the temple
If you have energy left, Chandrashila Peak is another 1.5 km from Tungnath. The view from the top is worth every step.
Stay Options
In Chopta
I always prefer staying in Chopta because the temperature near the temple drops sharply at night.
You’ll find:
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Simple guesthouses
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Homestays
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Tented camps
Most are clean and budget-friendly. If you prefer a pre-arranged stay, The Searching Souls. also books comfortable camps—again, nothing flashy, just reliable.
Near Tungnath
Only a few basic dharamshalas exist near the temple and these fill up quickly. Good only if you want a sunrise trek to Chandrashila without starting from Chopta.
What to Carry
Here’s my go-to list:
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Comfortable trekking shoes
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Warm layers (even in summer it gets cold)
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Water bottle
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Light snacks
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Rain cover
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Gloves & cap in winter
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Power bank
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Cash (no ATMs in Chopta)
Safety Tips
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Avoid trekking after dark.
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Drink water frequently.
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Don’t push your speed—altitude can surprise you.
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In winter, spikes are necessary; the trail gets icy.
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Check weather before leaving Chopta.
Food Availability
You’ll find small tea stalls on the route selling:
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Maggi
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Parathas
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Tea
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Water
The options are simple but enough for the trek.
Mobile Network
Only Jio works consistently in Chopta. On the trek, the signal appears in patches and disappears near the temple.
ATM Availability
Carrying cash is a must. The last reliable ATMs are at:
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Ukhimath
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Rudraprayag
For First-Time Trekkers
If this is your first Himalayan trek:
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Start early
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Keep your backpack light
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Don’t trek on an empty stomach
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Take breaks every 20–25 minutes
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Enjoy the forest—you’ll cross rhododendron-filled stretches that look unreal in bloom
If you want a worry-free first trek, travelling with experienced guides like those from The Searching Souls. can be helpful—they know the route inside out and keep small groups safe without making it feel “touristy.”
Conclusion
Reaching Tungnath is far simpler than people think. Get to Rishikesh, reach Chopta, start the 3.5 km trek, and you’re on your way to the highest Shiva temple in the world. Whether you’re going solo or taking a guided group, the journey is smooth as long as you plan the basics right. The moment you stand in front of the temple with the mountains wrapped around you, every step feels worth it.
