Uttarakhand · 4,130 m · Moonlight Trek

Chopta
Chandrashila

Top of the World  ·  360° Himalayan Panorama

4130
Metres Alt.
8 km
Trek Length
4–5
Days
Easy
Difficulty
View Itinerary
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About the Trek

Where the Himalayas
Meet the Sky

Chopta, nestled in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, is one of Uttarakhand's best-kept secrets. The meadows bloom with rhododendrons in spring, frost over in winter, and shimmer under star-speckled skies year-round.

The trail winds through dense oak and rhododendron forests to Tungnath — the highest Panch Kedar shrine at 3,680 m — before ascending to the Chandrashila summit, where you are rewarded with an unobstructed 360° panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome, and Chaukhamba.

"Find yourself at the top of the world and enjoy the spectacular 360° views — the stunning Kedarnath range stretching endlessly to the north."
🏔️
Summit
Chandrashila Peak
🛕
Sacred Stop
Tungnath Temple
🌙
Best Time
Moonlit Pre-Dawn
🦅
Wildlife
Kedarnath Sanctuary
🌊
Nearby
Deoria Tal Lake
🧭
Difficulty
Easy – Moderate

Journey Outline

Day by Day
Itinerary

D0
Night
Delhi → Rishikesh (Overnight Bus)
21:00Gather at Kashmere Gate Metro Station
22:00Board bus for Rishikesh. Settle in and rest.
D1
Day 1
Rishikesh → Sari → Deoria Tal
The road to Sari passes through Rudraprayag — the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, one of the Panch Prayags.
04:30Arrive Rishikesh. Cab/bus to Sari Village via Agustmuni, Syal Saur & Kund.
12:00Arrive Sari (2,700 m). Rest & acclimatize.
14:00Begin the 2 km warm-up trek to Deoria Tal — a glacial lake mirroring the Chaukhamba peaks.
EveningSet up camp. Bonfire under the stars. Prepare for the big climb.
D2
Day 2
Deoria Tal → Chopta Base
06:00Leave for Chopta (2,680 m), the Switzerland of Uttarakhand.
11:30Arrive Chopta. Explore meadows, bird-watch, rest. Camp overnight — prepare for a 3:45 AM start.
D3
Summit
⭐ Moonlight Trek to Chandrashila (4,130 m)
The most magical part of the journey — a torchlit ascent through silent forests as the world sleeps.
03:45Begin moonlight trek to Chandrashila Peak via Tungnath Temple.
~06:00Pass through Tungnath — highest Panch Kedar shrine (3,680 m).
08:00Summit! Sunrise 360° panorama — Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath range.
13:30Descend to Chopta. Lunch. Depart for Rishikesh.
22:00Board overnight bus back to Delhi.
D4
Day 4
Optional: Rishikesh Rafting + Return
05:00Arrive Rishikesh.
MorningOptional: White-water rafting on the Ganges.
22:30Bus departs for Delhi.
D5
Return
Back in Delhi
05:30Arrive Delhi. Memories packed, legs sore, soul full.

Route Map

The Path

Delhi 215 m Rishikesh 372 m Rudraprayag 895 m Sari Village 2,700 m Deoria Tal 2,438 m ⛺ Chopta 2,680 m ⛺ Tungnath 3,680 m 🛕 ▲ Chandrashila 4,130 m · SUMMIT Road / Bus Trek Summit Ascent ⛺ Camp Night    🛕 Sacred Site
Delhi → Rishikesh: ~243 km  ·  Rishikesh → Sari: ~175 km  ·  Trek (Chopta → Chandrashila): 8 km · 5–6 hrs

What to Carry

Trek Essentials

🧥 Clothing
  • Windproof / waterproof jacket
  • Fleece or full-sleeve sweater
  • Thermals (top & bottom)
  • Woollen cap, mittens & scarf
  • Comfortable trekking trousers
  • Raincoat or poncho
👟 Gear
  • Trekking / hiking shoes (good grip)
  • Trekking pole or walking stick
  • Headlamp / torchlight + extra batteries
  • Backpack (30–40 L)
  • Sleeping bag (if not camping service)
💊 Health & Hygiene
  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+) & lip balm
  • Basic first-aid & personal meds
  • Electral / Glucose sachets
  • Personal toiletries & towel
  • Hand sanitiser
🎒 Misc
  • Water bottles (at least 2 L capacity)
  • Energy snacks & trail mix
  • Camera / fully charged phone
  • Portable power bank
  • Cash (ATMs scarce beyond Rudraprayag)
  • Loads of energy & curiosity

⚠️   Note: Limited solar electricity available on-trail. Charge all devices before reaching Chopta.

Ready?

The Mountains
Are Calling

Pack light. Sleep under stars. Wake before dawn. The 360° view from Chandrashila is worth every cold step.

Plan Your Trek