Tungnath Temple, the world’s highest Shiva shrine at 3,680 metres, opened for the 2026 season on April 22. For hikers based in Dehradun, the Tungnath trek from Chopta is a genuine opportunity that the Kedarnath crowds make difficult to find in the hills: a high-altitude forest trail, a working pilgrimage destination, and a summit with clear views toward Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba, all in one day. The late April window is the best of the year for this route.
Why Late April Is the Best Time to Go
The Tungnath temple opens in late April, and the weeks immediately after opening carry the least pilgrim traffic of the season. By May, the Chardham rush fills Chopta’s guesthouses and the trail becomes a queue. In late April, rhododendrons, whose red blooms cover the forest between 2,500 and 3,500 metres, are still in full flower. Snowfields above the treeline have softened enough to walk without crampons but remain on the upper slopes, making the views dramatic.
Getting to Chopta from Dehradun
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance from Dehradun to Chopta | 220 km, approximately 7 hours |
| Route | Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar (Garhwal), Ukhimath, Chopta |
| Bus options | GMOU buses from ISBT Dehradun to Ukhimath, then shared taxi to Chopta |
| Private vehicle | Drive directly to Chopta; parking available near the trailhead |
| Best departure time | 4 AM to reach Chopta by 11 AM for a comfortable day trek |
The Trek: Chopta to Tungnath
The trail begins at Chopta (2,680 metres) and covers 3.5 km to the temple (3,680 metres). Elevation gain is roughly 1,000 metres over 3.5 km, making it a steady climb but not technical. Most fit walkers complete the ascent in 1.5 to 2 hours. The path is paved with stones for most of its length. Beyond Tungnath, a further 1.5 km walk reaches Chandrashila summit at 4,000 metres, which gives the best panoramic view of the region including Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and Kamet peaks.
Where to Stay Near Chopta
Chopta has roughly 20 to 25 small guesthouses and tented camps that operate through the April to November season. Rates in April start at Rs 500 per night for basic rooms. Advance booking is advisable even in early season as the handful of established camps fill quickly on weekends. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) operates a tourist rest house at Chopta — book at gmvnl.com.
What to Carry
At 3,680 metres in late April, temperatures at the summit drop sharply in the afternoon. Carry warm layers, rain gear, and at least two litres of water. Trekking poles help on the steep stone path on the descent. No technical gear is needed. Download offline maps before leaving Chopta as mobile signals are absent on the upper trail. The nearest medical facility is at Ukhimath, 24 km from Chopta.
For current road conditions on the Rishikesh-Chopta route, check uttarakhandtourism.gov.in. Landslides can block sections of the Ukhimath-Chopta road after rain, so verify the day before travel. If you are planning a multi-day Chardham circuit from Dehradun, see the Dehradun city transport guide for route planning from the city.
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