Chopta - Tungnath Winter Trek
Snow trek to the world's highest Shiva temple in the heart of Uttarakhand's mini-Switzerland
Overview
Experience the magic of a Himalayan winter on this compact 4-day trek to Tungnath, the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680m. Starting from Rishikesh, drive through the snow-laden forests of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary to reach Chopta — a pristine meadow often called 'Mini Switzerland'. The snow trail to Tungnath is straight out of a winter fairy-tale: oak and rhododendron trees draped in white, crisp mountain air, and the majestic Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Trishul peaks forming your constant backdrop.
Itinerary
Rishikesh to Chopta | The Alpine Drive
Depart Rishikesh early morning for a scenic 7-8 hour drive through the Garhwal Himalayas. The road follows the Ganga and later the Mandakini River through Devprayag and Rudraprayag. Climb through dense forests of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The landscape transforms as you gain altitude — from subtropical foliage to alpine meadows. Arrive in Chopta by evening, a pristine meadow valley blanketed in white during winter months. Check into your lodge and enjoy the silence of the mountains.
Chopta to Tungnath & Chandrashila | The Summit Day
Start early after a warm breakfast for the highlight of the trek. The 3.5 km trail from Chopta to Tungnath is a steady climb through snow-covered forests. In winter (December-February), the trail is under 2-4 feet of snow, turning it into a magical white corridor. Reach the ancient Tungnath Temple — made of stone, standing silently against the elements for over 1,000 years. After paying respects, continue another 1.5 km to Chandrashila (3,990m if fully done) for a 360-degree panorama of the Garhwal Himalayas — Nanda Devi, Trishul, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba all visible in a single sweep. Descend back to Chopta by afternoon.
Chopta to Deoria Tal | The Reflection Lake
Drive 30 minutes to Sari village, the trailhead for Deoria Tal. A gentle 2.5 km ascent through rhododendron and oak forests leads to this breathtaking high-altitude lake. On clear days, Deoria Tal perfectly mirrors the Chaukhamba massif in its emerald-green waters — a photographer's dream. Spend a couple of hours at the lake, enjoy a packed lunch by its shore, and then descend back to Sari. Drive back to Chopta for a cosy bonfire evening with the group.
Chopta to Rishikesh | Journey Home
Wake up to one final sunrise over the snow peaks. After breakfast, drive back to Rishikesh. Reflect on the compact but immensely fulfilling winter adventure — the snow-laden forests, the ancient temple at the top of the world, and the silent grandeur of the Garhwal Himalayas. Arrive in Rishikesh by evening for onward connections. For those with time, an evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is the perfect spiritual bookend.
What's Included & Excluded
✅ Included
- ✓Experienced trek leader with winter Himalayan trekking and snow navigation expertise
- ✓Forest entry permits, camping charges, and mandatory trekker registration
- ✓Winter trekking equipment: crampons, gaiters, and trekking poles for each participant
- ✓Cozy lodge or camp accommodation with adequate heating and warm bedding
- ✓First-aid medical kit, pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitor, and oxygen cylinder
- ✓Bonfire in the evening (wood availability permitting) for group bonding under the stars
✕ Excluded
- ✕Personal winter clothing (thermals, down jacket, snow gloves — available for rent)
- ✕Travel insurance covering winter trekking and emergency evacuation
- ✕Any meals or accommodation before/after the scheduled trek dates
- ✕Personal expenses: snacks, packaged drinking water, tips for guide and staff
- ✕Mules or additional porters beyond those included in the selected package
- ✕Cost arising from road closures due to heavy snowfall (alternate arrangements at extra cost)
Things to Carry
Choose Your Package
Select the tier that fits your style and budget. Each package builds on the previous one.
Trek Only
Guided winter trek — includes guide, permits, and basic equipment. Arrange your own transport and stays.
₹7,999
/ person
What's Included
- 🥾Experienced winter trek guide with snow navigation skills
- 🏆Forest entry permits and trekking registration
- ➡️Crampons, gaiters, and trekking poles for snow terrain
- 🧺First-aid kit, emergency thermal blanket, and hand warmers
Trek + Stay
Our most popular winter package — cosy accommodation, warm meals, and all snow trekking gear provided.
₹11,999
/ person
What's Included
- 🥾Experienced winter trek leader and local guide
- 🏆All forest permits and trekking registration fees
- 🏨3 nights cosy lodge/camp accommodation in Chopta with heating
- 🍳Warm nutritious meals from day 1 dinner to day 4 breakfast
- ➡️Crampons, gaiters, trekking poles, and headlamp provided
- 🧺Comprehensive medical kit with oximeter and oxygen support
All Inclusive
The ultimate winter trek — private transport, premium heated accommodation, all meals, and a personal porter.
₹16,999
/ person
What's Included
- 🥾Private winter trek guide and dedicated support staff
- 🚐Private AC SUV for Rishikesh-Chopta-Rishikesh round trip
- 🏨3 nights premium heated lodge with attached bathrooms
- 🍽️All meals — hot breakfast, packed lunch, dinner, and evening bonfire snacks
- ➡️Full winter gear: crampons, gaiters, poles, headlamp, and insulated jacket
- 🎒Personal porter for 8 kg luggage and trail refreshments
Frequently Asked Questions
I've never trekked in snow before — is this suitable for beginners?+
Yes, the Chopta-Tungnath trek is one of the best entry points for winter trekking in India. The distance to Tungnath from Chopta is only 3.5 km (one way) on a well-defined trail that locals and pilgrims use even in winter. Our guides provide crampons and gaiters, and teach you the basics of walking in snow. The key challenge is the cold, not technical difficulty. As long as you have moderate fitness (you can walk 5 km in a city park) and are adequately dressed, you'll do fine. Many of our guests are first-time snow trekkers.
Can the Tungnath temple be entered in winter?+
The Tungnath temple closes for winter in early November, usually after Diwali, and reopens in April-May. The deity (the symbolic Shiva image) is moved to the Markandeya temple in Makkumath village for winter worship. However, reaching the temple structure itself is still an incredible experience — the ancient stone edifice standing alone in a vast white landscape is deeply atmospheric. You can circumambulate the temple structure and the views from the temple courtyard are the same year-round.
What if there is too much snow and the road to Chopta gets blocked?+
The road to Chopta (NH-107) is maintained by the BRO (Border Roads Organisation) and is usually kept open throughout winter. In the rare event of an exceptionally heavy snowfall blocking the road, our backup plan involves reaching Chopta via Ukhimath and walking the last few kilometres, or alternatively, trekking to Deoria Tal and nearby winter-accessible viewpoints. In extreme conditions where the trip cannot proceed, we offer a full reschedule or refund (minus the permit processing fee). Our team monitors weather conditions daily during December-February and communicates proactively with booked participants.
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