Haridwar to Tungnath: Complete 2026 Travel Guide (Distance, Route & Trek)

Last updated on March 21st, 2026 at 02:23 pm

The haridwar to tungnath distance covers 185-225 km by road from Haridwar to Chopta, taking 6 to 8 hours to drive. From Chopta, you trek 3.5 km uphill to reach Tungnath temple. Plan for a full day of travel.

Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting at 12,073 ft (3,680 m) above sea level. This is not just another hill trek. It is a serious mountain journey through the Garhwal Himalayas.

The route passes through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath before reaching Chopta. Each stop adds to the experience.

Before you plan your trip, check the official Uttarakhand tourism guidelines for any permit or seasonal restrictions in 2026.

Haridwar to Chopta: The Road Journey

The full trip to Tungnath has two parts. First, you drive from Haridwar to Chopta (185-225 km). Then you trek 3.5 km from Chopta to the temple. This section covers the road journey.

The Route

The standard route goes like this:

Haridwar -> Rishikesh -> Devprayag -> Rudraprayag -> Ukhimath -> Chopta

Total drive time is 6 to 8 hours. Mountain traffic, road conditions, and seasonal landslides can all add extra time. Start early, ideally by 5:00 or 6:00 AM.

Distance Breakdown Table

What to Expect on the Road

The road from Rishikesh onward runs along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. It is scenic but demanding.

Road conditions to prepare for:

• Roads narrow significantly after Rudraprayag
• Sharp hairpin bends start after Ukhimath
• The last 30 km stretch from Ukhimath to Chopta has steep curves and uneven patches
• Landslides are possible during and after monsoon season (July to September)

Tips to avoid motion sickness:

• Sit in the front seat if possible
• Avoid heavy meals before and during the drive
• Keep a window slightly open for fresh air
• Carry Avomine or any standard motion sickness tablet

Do Not Skip Devprayag

Pull over for 10 minutes at Devprayag Sangam. This is where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga. It is one of the most visually striking spots on this entire route and costs you nothing except a short stop.

The road gets quieter and more peaceful after Rudraprayag. By the time you reach Ukhimath, you are well into the mountains.

Chopta to Tungnath: The Trekking Distance & Details

Once you reach Chopta, the road ends. There is no motorable route to Tungnath temple. From here, the only way forward is on foot.

The Trek at a Glance

What the Trek Is Like

The trail is well-paved with stone steps for most of the route. It is one of the more beginner-friendly high-altitude treks in Uttarakhand. Families with children and older adults complete this trek regularly.

The path moves through dense rhododendron and oak forests in the lower section. As you gain altitude, the tree cover thins out and opens into alpine meadows with wide Himalayan views.

Things to know before you start:

• The trail is clearly marked and easy to follow
• Horses and ponies are available at Chopta for those who need assistance
• Small chai and snack stalls exist along the trail
• Carry water. There are limited refill points mid-way
• The last 500 meters before the temple are steep

Tungnath Temple

At 12,073 feet, Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is one of the Panch Kedar shrines and holds deep religious significance. The structure is ancient, believed to be over 1,000 years old.

In 2026, the temple is tentatively scheduled to open on May 2, 2026. Always confirm the opening date before planning your trip.

The Chandrashila Extension

If you want more, continue past Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak. It is an extra 1.5 km steep climb taking about 1 to 2 additional hours. The summit sits higher and offers a 360-degree panoramic view of peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath range.

Most fit trekkers combine both in a single day trip from Chopta.

How to Reach Chopta: Transport Options & Costs

Getting to Chopta requires some planning. There is no single direct transport from Haridwar. You have two main options: bus or taxi.

Option 1: By Bus (Budget Route)

Direct buses to Chopta do not exist. Here is how the bus route actually works:

• Take a bus from Haridwar to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath
• Buses run from Haridwar bus stand and take roughly 6 to 7 hours
• From Ukhimath, hire a shared jeep or local taxi for the last 30 km to Chopta
• Shared jeeps cost around ₹100 to ₹200 per person depending on availability
• Total cost by bus plus shared jeep is significantly lower but takes more effort

The bus option works well if you are traveling solo on a tight budget. But shared jeeps from Ukhimath are not always available on demand. You may have to wait.

Option 2: By Taxi (Direct & Comfortable)

A dedicated round-trip taxi from Haridwar to Chopta is the most convenient option.Haridwar Taxi Services is a verified provider operating on this route.

• Round-trip fare: ₹7,500 to ₹9,500
• You get a direct pickup and drop with no transfers
• Driver waits at Chopta while you trek
• Best for families, groups, or anyone with limited time

For groups of 4 to 6 people, splitting a taxi fare makes it very cost-effective compared to the bus route.

Bus vs Taxi: Quick Comparison

Last ATM Before Chopta

Withdraw cash before leaving Ukhimath. It has the last reliable ATM on this route. There are no ATMs in Chopta.

Best Time to Visit & Essential Stops

When to Visit in 2026

Tungnath Temple is tentatively scheduled to open on May 2, 2026. The temple closes every winter due to heavy snowfall and reopens in late April or early May.

Best months to visit:

• May to June: Clear skies, rhododendrons in bloom, comfortable trekking weather
• September to November: Post-monsoon freshness, crisp air, excellent mountain visibility

Months to avoid:

• July to August: Active monsoon season brings landslides and slippery trails
• December to April: Temple remains closed, heavy snow blocks the road to Chopta

Where to Stay in Chopta

Chopta has limited but reliable accommodation options. Book in advance, especially for May and October weekends.

• GMVN Tourist Rest House, Chopta: Government-run, most reliable option at the base camp. Decent rooms at budget-friendly rates
• Magpie Jungle Camp, Chopta: Popular with trekkers, well-reviewed campsite with basic amenities and good food

Food and Rest Stop at Ukhimath

Before the final 30 km stretch to Chopta, stop at Ukhimath.

• Chauhan Guest House & Restaurant, Ukhimath: A reliable spot for a hot meal and rest before pushing ahead to Chopta

Practical Tips

• Withdraw cash at Ukhimath. It has the last reliable ATM before Chopta
• Jio and BSNL networks work on this route but remain patchy in higher areas
• Carry enough cash for stays, food, and pony rides at the trek base

FAQs

Can Elderly Pilgrims Do the Tungnath Trek?

Yes. If you can walk 3 to 4 km on a normal day, this trek is manageable. The path is paved with stone steps throughout. Take it slow, take breaks, and be mindful of the altitude at 12,073 ft. Ponies are available at Chopta if needed.

Is There Mobile Network on the Trek?

Jio and BSNL both work on this route but expect frequent signal drops. Do not rely on live navigation during the trek. Download offline maps before you leave Ukhimath.

Wrapping Up

Haridwar to Tungnath is one of the most rewarding journeys in the Indian Himalayas. With the right planning and an early start, it is fully doable in a day trip or a relaxed weekend.For official temple dates and updates, check the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee website before finalising your travel plans