Complete Travel Guide for Chopta to Tungnath Trek Including Sari to Deoriatal and Delhi Route

If you are looking for a peaceful yet rewarding Himalayan trek, the Chopta to Tungnath trail is a perfect choice. Known for its natural beauty and spiritual importance, the Tungnath temple trek offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks, dense forests, and open meadows. Many trekkers also combine this journey with a short trek to Deoriatal, a beautiful lake near the village of Sari. In this complete guide, we will cover the trek to Tungnath from Chopta, the route to Deoriatal, and how to travel from Delhi.

About Chopta – The Ideal Starting Point for Your Tungnath and Chandrashila Adventure

Chopta is a small hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is often called the "Mini Switzerland of India" because of its lush green meadows and 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. Chopta is the base point for the treks to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak.

Chopta is not commercialized like other hill stations, so it is ideal for those who love peace and nature. The weather here remains cool throughout the year, and during the winter months, the region is covered in snow.

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Trek from Chopta to Tungnath

1. Distance and Duration

The distance from Chopta to Tungnath is about 3.5 kilometers one way. The trail starts near the main road in Chopta, where a clear path with stone steps leads you all the way to the Tungnath temple.

Trek Distance: 3.5 km one way (7 km round trip)

Trek Duration: 2 to 3 hours one way

Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Best Time to Visit: April to November (Avoid monsoon and heavy snowfall months)

2. Trek Route and Experience

The path is well maintained and suitable for beginners. It goes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees. As you climb higher, the forests open into green meadows with clear views of the Himalayas. Along the way, there are a few tea stalls where you can rest and enjoy snacks.

The climb is steady but not too steep. People of all age groups, including families and beginners, can do this trek comfortably with a few short breaks.

3. Tungnath Temple

At an altitude of 3,680 meters, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and holds deep religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is open from late April or early May until October or November, depending on weather conditions.

Even if you are not religious, the setting of the temple surrounded by mountains is a spiritual experience in itself.

Chandrashila Peak 

If you have extra time and energy, you can continue trekking 1.5 kilometers further from Tungnath to reach Chandrashila Peak, which stands at 4,000 meters. The trail becomes steeper, but the view from the top is truly rewarding. On a clear day, you can see major Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Dome.

• Distance from Tungnath to Chandrashila: 1.5 km
• Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours one way
• Trek Level: Moderate to difficult due to altitude

Sari to Deoriatal Trek

Before heading to Chopta, many travelers include the Sari to Deoriatal trek in their itinerary. Sari is a small village located about 12 km from Ukhimath, and it serves as the starting point for the trek.

Trek Details

• Distance: Around 2.3 kilometers
• Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Altitude of Deoriatal: 2,438 meters
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round except during heavy monsoon or snowfall

The trail is easy to follow and not too steep. It goes through forests and small clearings, offering occasional views of the valley below. Once you reach Deoriatal, you will find a beautiful lake surrounded by trees, with the reflection of the Chaukhamba peak on its surface. Camping is allowed here, and the sunrise view is especially popular among trekkers and photographers.

Travel Tips from Delhi to Chopta

Total Distance

The total distance from Delhi to Chopta is around 450 to 470 kilometers, depending on the route. There are no direct trains or buses to Chopta, so you will need to travel in stages.

Route Options

Here is a common and reliable travel route:

Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh By Train: Many trains run daily from Delhi By Bus: Overnight Volvo or government buses Distance: 220–240 km Time: 5 to 6 hours Haridwar or Rishikesh to Ukhimath or Sari Village

1. Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh

By Train: Many trains run daily from Delhi

By Bus: Overnight Volvo or government buses

Distance: 220–240 km

Time: 5 to 6 hours

2. Haridwar or Rishikesh to Ukhimath or Sari Village

By road (shared cab, private taxi or bus)

Distance: 180–200 km

Time: 7 to 8 hours

3. Ukhimath to Chopta

Distance: 30–35 km

Time: 1 to 1.5 hours

You can also stop at Sari before heading to Chopta if you plan to do the Deoriatal trek.

Essential Tips for the Trek

Clothing: Carry warm clothes even in summer, as the temperature drops in the evening

Shoes: Good trekking shoes with grip are necessary

Water: Carry your own water bottles and refill at safe points

Health: Take short breaks to avoid fatigue or altitude sickness

Weather: Always check the weather forecast before traveling

Accommodation: Book in advance during peak seasons (May–June, Sept–Oct)

Conclusion

The Chopta to Tungnath trek is a perfect mix of natural beauty, spiritual calm, and adventure. When combined with the Sari to Deoriatal trek and planned with proper travel from Delhi, it becomes a complete Himalayan journey for beginners as well as experienced trekkers. Whether you’re seeking peace, nature, or a personal challenge, this trek offers it all.

So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to explore one of Uttarakhand’s best short treks. If you are planning your first Himalayan experience, this is a great place to start.