Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
At Chopta, take 30–45 minutes to acclimatize, check the weather and trail conditions, and fill water bottles before setting out. The trailhead sits around 2,600–2,700 m, so even a relatively short walk can feel demanding as you climb. Wear grippy footwear and bring warm layers, rain protection, snacks, and water; facilities along the route are limited and can be seasonal.
Follow the Chopta–Tungnath Trail uphill for roughly 3.5–4 km. Allow about 3–4 hours for the ascent, taking it steadily through forest before the path opens onto exposed mountain slopes. Pause as needed, especially if you feel headache, nausea, unusual breathlessness, or dizziness; don’t push on if symptoms worsen. At Tungnath Temple, allow 45–60 minutes to visit if the shrine is open. Temple access is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check locally before starting; there’s no reliable overnight accommodation to count on at Tungnath, and you’ll need to descend to Chopta for the night.
Have a simple hot meal at a local dhaba near Chopta—budget roughly ₹200–500 per person, and expect menus and opening hours to vary with the season and weather. If you eat before descending, check what’s open rather than relying on a particular dhaba; otherwise, return to Chopta first and eat there. Keep enough daylight for the descent, which can be slippery after rain or snow, and carry a headlamp as a backup.
Start at first light from Chopta and allow about 3–4 hours uphill to Tungnath. Because you’re sleeping in Chopta, this means repeating yesterday’s climb before continuing to the summit; the full day can take 8–12 hours, including the descent. Check the forecast and ask locally about snow, ice, wind and visibility before setting out. Carry water, snacks, warm layers and grippy footwear, and turn back if conditions deteriorate.
From Tungnath, continue up the steeper final 1–1.5 km to Chandrashila—allow roughly 1–2 hours each way, and don’t push on if the trail is icy or visibility is poor. At around 4,000 m, take a slow pace and keep your summit stop to 20–30 minutes; the views are best enjoyed without lingering in the cold or wind. There’s no transport or bookable transfer on this route, so plan the return on foot and leave enough daylight for the descent.
Walk back via Tungnath to Chopta, allowing another 3–4 hours from Tungnath. Refuel at a local dhaba near Chopta; budget roughly ₹200–500 per person, and expect simple, locally run places rather than fixed restaurant hours. If the repeat climb feels too demanding, shorten the day by turning back at Tungnath rather than attempting the summit.
No packing list attached yet.