This Tungnath and Chandrashila Two-Day Itinerary helps you fit the highlights into a short, relaxed trip. It assumes you have already reached Rishikesh or Ukhimath. From there, two days in Chopta give you enough time to rest, trek and explore. For travel basics, start with our Chopta Travel Guide.
Before You Start
Chopta sits about 28 km above Ukhimath. Therefore, reach Ukhimath or Chopta by the evening before Day 1 if possible. Also, fill fuel and withdraw cash in Ukhimath, because Chopta has limited facilities.
Day 1: Arrive, Rest and Explore
Morning: Drive up to Chopta via Makku Bend, Duggalbitta and Baniyakund. Check in and have a light breakfast.
Late morning: Take a short walk around the Chopta meadows. This gentle activity helps your body adjust to the altitude.
Afternoon: Rest, hydrate and prepare your daypack for the next morning. Our Chopta Chandrashila Trek Packing List helps you check everything.
Evening: Watch the sunset from the meadows. Then, enjoy stargazing, because Chopta has very little light pollution. See our guide to the best sunset points in Chopta.
Day 2: Summit Day
Pre-dawn: Start the trek with headlamps, warm layers and water. First, walk the paved 3.5 km trail to Tungnath Temple.
Sunrise: Continue 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit. Watch the sun light up Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and other peaks.
Late morning: Descend to Tungnath and visit the temple if it is open. Afterwards, walk back down to Chopta.
Afternoon: Eat a hot lunch and rest. Then, drive down towards Ukhimath or continue your journey.
Optional Add-On: Deoria Tal
If you have a third morning, visit Deoria Tal near Sari village. The 2.5 km trail leads to a lake that reflects Chaukhamba on calm days. Our Deoria Tal Travel Guide from Chopta explains the plan.
Quick Itinerary Table
| Day | Plan | Key tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reach Chopta, acclimatise, sunset | Rest well, drink water |
| Day 2 | Tungnath and Chandrashila sunrise trek | Start before dawn |
| Optional | Deoria Tal from Sari village | Go early for reflections |
For a longer plan, read our Chopta 3-Day Complete Itinerary and explore more trips on WanderlustTrail.
What to Book in Advance
First, book your stay in Chopta, Baniyakund or Duggalbitta early, because rooms stay limited. Next, arrange your taxi from Rishikesh or Ukhimath if you do not drive. In addition, hire a local guide ahead of time for winter or pre-dawn treks. Finally, confirm the Tungnath temple opening dates if darshan forms part of your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are two days enough for Tungnath and Chandrashila?
Yes, two days usually suffice once you reach Ukhimath or Chopta. Use the first day to arrive and acclimatise, then climb for sunrise on the second day. Add travel days from Delhi, because the road journey alone takes 11 to 13 hours.
Should I stay in Chopta or Ukhimath?
Stay in Chopta if you want an easy pre-dawn start for the summit. Ukhimath offers more facilities, including an ATM, but lies about 28 km away. Many travellers stay in Chopta, Baniyakund or Duggalbitta to keep the morning drive short.
What time should I start the trek on Day 2?
Start two to three hours before sunrise if you want to see it from Chandrashila. Carry headlamps, warm layers and water. If sunrise does not matter to you, start at first light for a safer, more relaxed climb.
Can I add Deoria Tal to this itinerary?
Yes, you can add Deoria Tal as a half-day trip on a third morning. The lake lies near Sari village, with a 2.5 km trail. Some fit trekkers visit on Day 2 afternoon, but a separate morning gives better reflections.
Is this itinerary suitable for families?
Families with fit children can follow this plan comfortably. Keep the pace slow, take regular breaks and skip the pre-dawn start if children feel tired. Starting at first light instead still gives beautiful views and a safer climb.
What if the weather turns bad on summit day?
Safety comes first. If rain, snow or strong wind arrives, delay the start or stop at Tungnath. Keep a buffer day in your plan when possible, because clear weather often returns within a day in the mountains.
Do I need permits for this itinerary?
Travellers generally do not need special permits for the Tungnath and Chandrashila day trek. However, the area lies inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, so rules can change. Check current forest department guidelines locally before starting, especially for camping plans.