Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek – 3 Days / 4 Nights (Jan)

Day 1: Delhi → Rishikesh → Chopta (Arrival)

Morning: Board a government AC bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (≈5 hrs, ₹300). Enjoy the Ganga ghats and a quick breakfast at a local dhaba.

Afternoon: Transfer to a shared jeep from Rishikesh to Chopta (≈8 hrs, ₹400). The road winds through pine forests; stop for a light lunch en‑route.

Evening: Check‑in at a budget homestay in Chopta (shared dormitory, ₹500 per night). Warm up with a simple dinner and early rest for the trek ahead.

Day 2: Chopta → Tungnath (Trek)

Morning: After a hearty but cheap breakfast, drive to the trek‑start point (≈30 min). Begin the 3.5 km ascent to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva shrine in the world.

Afternoon: Reach Tungnath (≈2 hrs climb) and spend time exploring the temple and soaking the panoramic views. Light packed lunch on the trail.

Evening: Descend back to Chopta, freshen up, and enjoy a communal dinner. Review safety tips with the shared guide for the next day’s summit trek.

Day 3: Tungnath → Chandrashila (Summit) → Chopta

Morning: Start early with the guide; the 1 km steep trail from Tungnath leads to the snow‑capped Chandrashila Peak (≈1 hr climb).

Afternoon: At the summit, enjoy 360° views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Dronagiri. Warm drinks and a simple snack are provided.

Evening: Trek back to Chopta, collect belongings, and have a celebratory dinner. Prepare for departure the next morning.

Day 4: Chopta → Mussoorie (Optional) → Delhi

Morning: Check out and take the shared jeep back to Rishikesh, then a bus to Mussoorie (≈4 hrs total). If the budget is tight, skip this leg and head straight to Delhi.

Afternoon: In Mussoorie, stroll along Mall Road and visit Kempty Falls for a quick scenic break. Simple lunch at a local eatery.

Evening: Board an overnight government bus from Mussoorie/Rishikesh to Delhi (≈7 hrs, ₹300). Arrive in Delhi the next morning.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Delhi → Rishikesh (Govt AC Bus) – 5 hrs – ₹300
• Rishikesh → Chopta (Shared Jeep) – 8 hrs – ₹400
• Chopta Homestay (2 nights, shared dorm) – 2 nights – ₹500/night (₹1,000 total)
• Simple Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) – 4 days – ₹250/day (₹1,000 total)
• Shared Trek Guide (2 days) – 2 days – ₹300
• Snow Gear Rental (crampons, trekking poles) – 2 days – ₹200
• Mussoorie Visit (optional night stay & transport) – 1 night – ₹600
• Total Estimated Cost (with Mussoorie): ₹3,800
• Total Estimated Cost (without Mussoorie): ₹3,200

Tips

If you wish to extend the adventure, add an extra night in Mussoorie or a day for acclimatization in Chopta; this will increase the cost by roughly ₹800‑₹1,000. To keep the trip within the ₹5,000‑₹6,000 budget, skip the Mussoorie night and use the saved ₹600 for a better guide or extra food. Always carry warm layers, waterproof boots, gloves, cap, sunglasses, and a basic first‑aid kit for the January snow conditions.