From Delhi: Tungnath Chandrashila Trek Tour -5 Dyas

A real trek, with a temple at the top

Tungnath stands at 3,680 metres and is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Chandrashila, the summit above it, is another 400 metres up, and from it you can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome and Chaukhamba across the horizon on a clear morning.

It is one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in India, which is why it suits people with no mountain experience — and it is still a trek, not a walk.

Getting there

Delhi to Chopta is a long drive, usually with an overnight stop. Chopta is a meadow clearing in dense forest at about 2,700 metres, often called the mini Switzerland of India, with almost nothing there but a few huts.

The climb

From Chopta to Tungnath is 3.5 km of stone-paved path, climbing about 1,000 metres. Most people take two to three hours. It is steep and continuous but never technical, and there are tea stalls on the way.

Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar, the five temples where Shiva is said to have appeared as parts of a bull after the Mahabharata war. The temple is small, dark, ancient and entirely unlike anything lower down. It closes in early November for winter, when the deity is carried down to Mukkumath.

Chandrashila is another 1.5 km and a steeper 400 metres. Go at dawn: the whole Garhwal Himalaya comes up pink before the valleys have any light in them at all.

Deoria Tal

Usually included — a small lake that reflects Chaukhamba perfectly on a still morning, reached by a 2.5 km walk from Sari village.

Practical

Altitude is the real consideration. 4,000 metres is high enough to feel; walk slowly, drink more water than you want to, and tell your guide immediately about headache or nausea.

Best in April–June and September–November. The temple shuts for winter, and the monsoon makes the path treacherous.

Proper walking shoes, layers, and a windproof — the summit is cold at dawn in any month.