Chopta is ~160 km / 6-7 hours from Dehradun via Rudraprayag-Ukhimath. Tungnath (3,680 m) is a 3.5 km trek; Chandrashila (4,000 m) 1.5 km further. Temple opened 22 April 2026, closes early-mid November; Sept-Oct is the best window. Galaxy Hills taxis: +91 99979 49063.
Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila is the perfect post-monsoon trip from Dehradun: the world's highest Shiva temple (3,680 m), a 4,000 m summit with a 360° Himalayan panorama, and meadows that turn golden in autumn. With the Tungnath kapat expected around early–mid November 2026, September–October is the best window — crystal-clear skies and thin crowds.
Chopta & Tungnath 2026: Dates & Darshan Timing
- Temple open since: 22 April 2026 (Badri Kedar Temple Committee)
- Expected closing: early–mid November 2026 (around Bhai Dooj)
- Winter seat: Makkumath (Markandeya Temple)
- Darshan: 7 AM–12 PM and 3–7 PM (closed 12–3 PM)
- Winter snow treks: Dec–Mar with local guide + crampons
Why September–October Is the Best Window
Post-monsoon air is razor clear: Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul ranges stand out from Chandrashila. May–June gives blooming rhododendrons; late October gives crowd-free, cold, spiritual vibes just before the kapat. For snow lovers, December–March Chopta is Dehradun's favourite winter trek — pair it with Auli snowfall: https://galaxyhillstaxiservice.com/blog/auli-snowfall-taxi.
Dehradun to Chopta: Route, Distance & Time
Approx 160 km / 6–7 hours: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Duggalbitta → Chopta. The final stretch is a steep forest climb — a verified hill driver matters (the same corridor continues to Kedarnath via Sonprayag: https://galaxyhillstaxiservice.com/blog/kedarnath-taxi-from-dehradun).
| Point | Altitude | Trek (one way) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopta base | 2,680 m | — | — |
| Tungnath Temple | 3,680 m | 3.5 km stone trail | 2.5–3.5 hr |
| Chandrashila Summit | 4,000 m | +1.5 km | +1–1.5 hr |
Forest entry approx Rs 150 (3-day validity). Difficulty easy–moderate; ponies on request at Chopta.
Dehradun to Chopta Taxi Options
| Vehicle | Seats | Best For | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ertiga | 6–7 | Small trek groups | On request — hill quote |
| Innova / Crysta | 6–7 | Comfort on the climb | On request — hill quote |
| Tempo Traveller / Urbania | 9–17 | Trek groups | On request |
Round-trip packages with Chopta/Ukhimath halts; fixed quote on call +91 99979 49063.
2–3 Day Itinerary
1. Day 1: Dehradun → Chopta (160 km); sunset at the meadow viewpoint; overnight camps/homestays. 2. Day 2: 5 AM start → Tungnath darshan → Chandrashila summit → descend; drive to Ukhimath or stay back. 3. Day 3 (optional): Deoria Tal lake trek or continue on the Kedarnath circuit.
What to Carry & Safety
- Warm layers even in September (summit wind-chill 5–10°C), rain shell, grip shoes, 2L water
- Start the trek by 5–6 AM for clear summit views; clouds build by noon
- Cash only — ATMs end at Ukhimath; network is patchy above Duggalbitta
- Winter (Dec–Mar) treks: local guide + microspikes mandatory
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Tungnath temple close in 2026?
Expected early-mid November 2026 (around Bhai Dooj); the deity then moves to Makkumath for winter.
How far is Chopta from Dehradun?
Approx 160 km / 6-7 hours via Rudraprayag-Ukhimath; the last stretch is a steep forest climb.
Is the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek beginner friendly?
Yes — 3.5 km paved trail to Tungnath (+1.5 km to the summit), 6-8 hours round trip; ponies available at Chopta.
Best month to visit Chopta now?
Late September-October for crystal-clear Himalayan views; December-March for guided snow treks.
Galaxy Hills Taxi Service — Dehradun se since 2016. 5,000+ trips, police-verified pahadi drivers. Sources: UK Tourism, GMVN advisories.