Chopta, fondly called the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, is the gateway to one of the most rewarding short treks in the Himalayas — the Tungnath–Chandrashila trail. In just a weekend, trekkers experience velvet meadows, ancient temples, rhododendron forests ablaze in red and pink, and a summit panorama that rivals treks twice its length.
The trek starts from Chopta (2,680 m), a meadow hamlet on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar road surrounded by deodar and oak forests. A well-paved 3.5 km trail climbs to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 metres and the third of the Panch Kedar shrines. The thousand-year-old stone temple, where the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped, exudes ancient serenity.
From Tungnath, a steeper 1.5 km climb leads to Chandrashila summit (4,000 m) — the "moon rock" where Lord Rama is believed to have meditated. The summit reveals a jaw-dropping 360-degree amphitheatre of Himalayan giants: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Bandarpoonch.
This trek is doable year-round, each season offering a different character. Winter (December–March) blankets the trail in snow, turning it into a moderate snow trek. March–April brings rhododendron blooms, while October–November offers crystal-clear mountain views. Sunrise from Chandrashila is legendary — start by 4 a.m. with headlamps.
With a total distance of just 10 km return, the trek suits beginners, families, and photographers alike. Chopta offers camps and lodges but no fuel stations or ATMs, so come prepared. Short on time but craving the Himalayas? The Chopta–Chandrashila trek with UttarakhandTours.in is your perfect escape.