Chopta and Tungnath

Tungnath Temple

Approaching Chandrashila

Chopta has become a popular tourist destination over the years. Many pilgrims doing the Chardham yatra stop here to visit the Shiva temple. Tungnath temple is the main attraction of Chopta.  At 3860 Mts altitude, Tungnath claims to be the highest altitude Shiva temple in the world. Like many other mountain temples in Uttaranchal, this temple opens only in summer season.

Many tent/camping sites have sprung up in Chopta. Since installation of electricity poles is not permitted in Chopta, all camps run on solar power or diesel generators.  The owners of the hotel where I stayed were from Mumbai. They fell in love with Chopta and decided to start up their own resto here. At night there was a hail storm and by morning the mountain tops had turned white. As usual, we were the only people in the hotel.

Gossip Time

Next day I decided to walk up to Tungnath. The guide (the waiter) from the hotel charges Rs. 1500 for the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The trek is well maintained and with hindsight, a guide was unnecessary. I started walking at 9:20 Hrs and reached Tungnath by 10:50 Hrs. Before the temple is the government run High altitude Plant physiology research station. Tungnath temple had not yet opened for the summer season. The temple becomes crowded as the summer progresses but today I had the temple and the awesome serenity all to myself. 

Chandrashila

45 minute walk above Tungnath is Chandrashila. It’s a popular spot to watch the sunrise. People start trekking up by 3-4 AM to reach Chandrashila in time for Sunrise.  At Chandrashila there is small modern temple, but I’m not sure about the deity inside. Sun had begun to melt the snow bought down by yesterday’s hail storm. There are magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. While descending from Chandrashila a total stranger who was trekking up, came up to me and asked me if I had any food! I gave him what I had. Many people come unprepared for the additional exertion caused by the high altitude. There are a few shops enroute to Tungnath but nothing beyond it. Horses are available for those who cannot walk up. I completed the trek and was back on the main road by 13:40 Hrs.

30 minute drive from Chopta is the starting point for Deorital trek. Accommodation here is cheaper than at Chopta. People who have more time can indulge in the popular 3 day Deoriatal - Tungnath trek.

Deorital

• Mahansu Devata Temple

• Roopkund Trek

• Babaji's cave & Kauravchina

• Patal Bhuvaneshwar

• Gwaldam

• Chakrata

• 33 days in Uttaranchal