Complete Guide: The Exact Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek Distance
| Trek Segment | Distance | Estimated Time | Difficulty |
| Chopta to Tungnath | 3.5 km | 2 to 2.5 hours | Moderate |
| Tungnath to Chandrashila | 1.5 km | 1 to 1.5 hours | Steep and Hard |
| Total One Way | 5 km | 3 to 4 hours | Moderate to Hard |
| Total Return | 10 km | 6 to 7 hours | Moderate to Hard |
The trail changes a lot as you go higher. Here is what to expect on each part:
- Chopta to Tungnath: The path is wide and well-marked. It has stone steps for most of the way. Trees cover the trail, so it feels cool even on sunny days.
- Tungnath to Chandrashila: This is the hardest part. The path gets very steep. The air is thin at this height, so your lungs have to work harder. Take small steps and go slow.
- Total Distance: 5 km one way is not too long. But the high altitude makes it feel much harder than a normal 5 km walk.
- Return Trek: Going down is faster. Most people finish the return in 3 to 3.5 hours.
Phase 1: Chopta to Tungnath Trek
The first leg of the trek covers 3.5 km. It starts from Chopta at 2,680m and takes you up to Tungnath Temple at 3,680m. That is a climb of 1,000m in altitude.
This section takes around 2 to 2.5 hours for most people.
The trail is well-built. Large stone steps cover most of the path. You will not need any special gear or climbing skills for this part.
Key highlights of this phase:
- Stone paved trail: The path has proper steps cut into the mountain. It is easy to follow and hard to get lost.
- Forest cover: The lower section passes through dense Rhododendron and Oak trees. It keeps the trail cool and shaded.
- Steady incline: The climb is gradual. It gets steeper only closer to the temple.
- Small dhabas on the way: Local tea stalls operate along the trail during the season. You can stop for tea, snacks, and rest.
- Tungnath Temple: You arrive here at 3,680m. This is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The stone temple is ancient and sits in an open alpine meadow.
Reach Tungnath and take a proper break. Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes here. Drink water, eat something light, and let your body adjust to the altitude.
The second leg to Chandrashila starts right behind the temple. It is shorter but much harder.
Phase 2: Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek Distance & Route
The second leg is only 1.5 km. But do not let that small number fool you.
This short stretch takes 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. It is the hardest part of the entire trek.
Why is 1.5 km so difficult here?
The trail goes straight up. There are no gradual switchbacks like the first leg. Every step pushes you higher at a fast rate.
At this altitude, the air has much less oxygen. Your body works harder just to breathe. Most trekkers have to stop every few minutes to catch their breath. That is completely normal.
You start at 3,680m at Tungnath Temple. You finish at 4,000m at Chandrashila Peak. That is a 320m altitude gain in just 1.5 km.
What to expect on this stretch:
- The path is rocky and uneven in several places
- Wind gets very strong as you go higher
- Temperature drops fast near the summit
- The trail is exposed with no tree cover at all
- Your legs will feel heavy due to thin air
At the Chandrashila Summit:
The effort is worth every hard step. From 4,000m, you get a full 360-degree view of the Himalayas. On a clear day, you can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath Peak, and Bandarpoonch.
Go slow. Drink water often. Do not rush this section. Altitude sickness can hit fast if you push too hard.
How to Reach Chopta (The Basecamp)
Chopta is the starting point for the Tungnath Chandrashila trek. It is a small roadside stop in Uttarakhand. There are no trains or flights to Chopta. You have to reach here by road.
Distances from major cities to Chopta:
- Rishikesh to Chopta: 202 km, around 7 to 8 hours by road
- Dehradun to Chopta: 226 km, around 8 to 9 hours by road
- Haridwar to Chopta: 220 km, around 8 to 9 hours by road
- Delhi to Chopta: 450 km, around 13 to 14 hours by road
Step by step route from Rishikesh:
Rishikesh is the most common starting point for most trekkers.
- Take the road towards Devprayag, then Rudraprayag
- From Rudraprayag, head towards Ukhimath
- Ukhimath is the last major town before Chopta
- From Ukhimath, Chopta is only 40 km away
- The road from Ukhimath to Chopta passes through thick forests and mountain curves
How to get to Chopta:
- By shared jeep: Available from Rishikesh and Ukhimath. Cheapest option.
- By private taxi: Book from Rishikesh or Dehradun for direct and comfortable travel.
- By bus: State buses run up to Ukhimath. From there, take a local jeep to Chopta.
Reach Chopta a day before your trek. This gives your body time to adjust to the altitude before the climb.
Best Time for the Trek
The trek stays open for two main seasons every year.
Summer Season: April to June
- Snow starts melting in April. The trail becomes walkable.
- Rhododendron flowers bloom across the hillsides in April and May.
- Days are clear and weather is stable. Best for views from Chandrashila.
- Avoid late June as monsoon clouds start rolling in.
Autumn Season: September to November
- Monsoon ends by mid-September. The trail dries up quickly.
- October is the best single month for crystal clear Himalayan views.
- November gets very cold. Snow can appear on the Chandrashila summit.
- The trek closes for winter after mid-November.
Avoid: July and August. Heavy rain makes the trail slippery and dangerous.
Trek Difficulty Level
This trek is rated moderate to difficult overall.
The Chopta to Tungnath section is manageable for most people with basic fitness. The Tungnath to Chandrashila section is genuinely hard because of the steep climb and thin air at 4,000m.
Fitness checklist before you go:
- You can walk 8 to 10 km without stopping
- You have no serious heart or lung conditions
- You have done light exercise in the weeks before the trek
About altitude sickness: It can hit anyone above 3,000m. Headache, dizziness, and nausea are the early signs. If symptoms appear, go down immediately. Do not push through it.
Essential Things to Carry
Keep your bag light. Every extra kilo feels heavier at high altitude.
Quick packing checklist:
- Water: Carry at least 2 liters. No reliable water source on the Tungnath to Chandrashila stretch.
- Trekking shoes: Proper grip is important. The rocky trail near Chandrashila can be slippery.
- Warm layers: Temperature drops fast above 3,500m. Carry a fleece jacket and a windproof outer layer.
- Snacks: Energy bars, dry fruits, and biscuits keep your energy up between stops.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: UV exposure is very strong at 4,000m. Do not skip these.
- Basic first aid: Include altitude sickness tablets like Diamox if your doctor approves.
Final Thoughts
The total trek distance is 5 km one way. That is not a big number on paper.
But this trail climbs from 2,680m to 4,000m. The thin air, steep sections, and cold winds make every kilometer count.
The 1.5 km from Tungnath to Chandrashila is the hardest stretch. It is also the most rewarding. Standing at 4,000m with the entire Himalayan range in front of you makes the burning legs and heavy breathing completely worth it.
Start early, go slow, and carry enough water. This trek delivers every time.
