ChoptaChandrashila: Who should not try this trek?
Planning for Chopta Chandrashila trek? You are at the correct place. In this post I have shared every detail that you will need for this trek. Keep reading….
You may also enjoy reading about Zanskar Frozen River Trek
Table of Contents
Where is Chandrashila?
Chandrashila peak is located in Chopta,India. It is in the state of Uttarakhand, District Rudraprayag.
The peak is around 4,000 feet from sea level (almost half of Mt.Everest)
Note: There are 2 village named chopta, so if you want to go to Chandrashila, you need to take the route as per the google map below
How To Reach Chopta From Delhi?
Following table explains how you can reach Chopta and from there to Chandrashila.
If you are travelling from out of India, You can land in Delhi and follow the route mentioned below. Others may reach Haridwar/Rishikesh via some other route as well.
| Location | Mode | Comment | Cost |
| Delhi To Haridwar or Rishikesh | Train or Bus | You can get bus from Haridwar to Rishikesh as well. | Rs.250-Rs.400/- |
| Rishikesh to Rudraprayag | By Bus | Rishikesh-4 bus, starting 6am to 2pm | Rs.300/- |
| Rudraprayag to Ukhimath | By Taxi/Jeep | Sharing taxi is also available, approx 1.5hour travel time. Stay here is cheaper and better than Chopta. | Rs.300 (one way)-Rs.4000(full taxi, return fare) |
| Ukhimath to Chopta | By Taxi/Jeep | Better go to Chopta instead of staying at Ukhimath so that you can start your trek early. | Rs.30/- |
Note: The cost may be much more in case you are a foreigner.
Stay At Chopta
You can take a room (Rs.600 onwards) or stay in dormitory (Rs.300 approx) at Chopta. Remember that you can bargain the price in case the crowd is less.
Do remember that electricity is via solar only, so you may not get charging points, heaters. Also, few places may not have water supply in the morning, so better confirm it before booking.
You can pre-book or get room on the spot as well, lots of options are available.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek
Start early in the morning for the trek in case you need to return back to city life in Rishikesh. The last bus from Rudraprayag is at 4pm, if you miss it, you may have to stay at Chopta or Rudraprayag
To reach Chandrashila, you will have to take the route via Tungnath which is an interesting trek in itself.
Chopta Tungnath Trek
Chotpa to Tungnath is approx 4hrs trek,a distance of 3.5km. The route is pretty simple but as you will be climbing to higher altitude, you may get tired easily.
You will have to pay an entry fee of Rs.150/- for Tungnath.
Tungnath is famous for Lord Shiva’s temple, it may well be the highest temple of Lord Shiva.
Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek
Tungnath to Chandrashila is approx 2hrs trek ,a distance of 1-2km. This route is dirt road, so be careful during snow season.
Note: If it snows, you can get snow shoe on rent else normal shoe works.
Returning from Chandrashila to Chopta
Returning will be faster, you can reach Chopta in 2.5 to 3hrs only. So depending on your play, you can either stay longer at Chandrashila or Tungnath.
Chandrashila Trek Tips
You may already know this, but still I am putting it here.
- Do not wear too much of winter cloth as after a point, you will start feeling very hot due to walking.
- Travel light, carry water. You will find small shops on the way in case you need to eat.
- A stick will be helpful while trekking.
- Rudraprayag to Rishikesh/Haridwar last bus 4pm, so plan your trek accordingly.
- Carry portable charger as you will not get charging points starting from Chopta.
- Get a BSNL sim card, its the only provider whose service you will get once you start trek.
Best Time For Chandrashila Trek
Chandrashila trek is among the simple treks but if you plan it during snow, it will add to the complexity. There is no snow between April To October
Story behind Chandrashila
As per Hindu mythology, King Daksh (he was king of the mountains) got angry at Moon god (chandrama) as Moon was in love with one of his daughter.
King Daksh cursed Chandrama and he got very sick. Chandrama prayed to Lord shiva on this peak hence it got its name Chandrashila!
Conclusion:
Chandrashila trek is a fun trek in the beautiful state of Uttrakhand. The connectivity is very good and trek is not very difficult.