Chandrashila
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.49°N, 79.22°E
📖 About Chandrashila
- ✦Summit at 4,000m offers 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks
- ✦Temple at the top draws pilgrims year-round despite the 5 km steep ascent
- ✦Winter trek from January to March requires crampons and experience in snow navigation
- ✦Base camp at Chopta (2,680m) has limited accommodation - book ahead for peak season
The 5 km trek from Chopta to Chandrashila gains 720 metres elevation, starting at 2,680m and reaching the summit at 3,400m. Most trekkers complete the climb in 4-5 hours and descend in 3 hours. The route passes through Tungnath temple at 3,680m - the highest Shiva temple in the world - before the final 1.5 km push to the peak. On clear days, you see Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), Chaukhamba (7,138m), and over 20 named Himalayan peaks stretching from Kedarnath to the Tibetan border.
Tungnath temple, dating to the 8th century, forms part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit and stays open year-round despite heavy snowfall. The temple complex has a small stone structure with a copper roof and accommodates about 15 people at a time. From November to March, snow covers the entire trail - depths reach 3-4 feet in January and February. Rhododendron forests dominate below 3,200m, and alpine meadows take over higher up. Himalayan monals and snow pigeons appear frequently near the treeline at dawn.
The trek suits fit trekkers comfortable with sustained steep climbs and altitude - many first-timers struggle above 3,500m due to thin air. Mobile connectivity disappears completely above Chopta. The nearest ATM sits 40 km away in Ukhimath, and only two small shops in Chopta accept UPI - carry enough cash for 2-3 days including guide fees (Rs 800-1,200 per day) and emergency supplies.
🎯 Things to Do in Chandrashila
The main trail starts from Chopta parking area and climbs 720 vertical metres over 5 km, reaching the summit marked by a small shrine and metal railings. Start before 5 AM in summer months to catch sunrise from the top by 7 AM and avoid afternoon cloud cover that blocks mountain views. Weekend crowds from October to November mean 50-60 trekkers on the trail simultaneously - weekdays stay quieter with 10-15 people maximum.
The stone temple sits 3.5 km from Chopta at 3,680m elevation, making it the world's highest Shiva shrine and a mandatory stop on the Chandrashila route. Priests maintain daily puja at 7 AM and 6 PM year-round, and pilgrims can stay overnight in the small dharamshala for Rs 200-300 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Heavy snow from December to February buries the temple entrance - priests dig a tunnel to keep it accessible.
This lake lies 23 km from Chopta at 2,438m, requiring a separate 2.5 km trek from Sari village where you can park vehicles. The clear water reflects Chaukhamba peaks on windless mornings, and lakeside camping costs Rs 500-800 per tent through local operators in Sari village. December to February sees the lake freeze partially, and monsoon months fill it with runoff turning the water murky green.
From January to mid-March, the entire trail becomes a snow route requiring crampons, gaiters, and trekking poles - rent these in Chopta for Rs 300-500 per day (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Snowfall depths average 3-4 feet in February when temperatures stay at -12.2°C (10°F) minimum, and only experienced trekkers with a certified guide should attempt the summit. The Forest Department sometimes closes the trail above Tungnath after heavy snowfall - check with the Chopta Range Office before starting.
Himalayan monals, snow pigeons, and yellow-billed blue magpies appear frequently in rhododendron forests between 2,800m and 3,200m from April to June. Carry binoculars and walk the first 2 km of the Chandrashila trail between 6 AM and 8 AM when bird activity peaks - afternoons see far less movement. Monsoon months from July to September reduce bird sightings as most species move to lower elevations during heavy rain.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Chandrashila. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Chandrashila
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperature swings - May sees 20.7°C (69.3°F) daytime at Chopta base but summit stays near 5-8°C (41-46.4°F) even at noon. Carry a windproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves, and a woollen cap for the exposed final kilometre where winds gust strongly.
Book accommodation in Chopta at least 10 days ahead for April-May and October-November when trekking season peaks. The village has only 8-10 guesthouses with 40-50 total rooms, and weekends fill completely.
Hire a local guide from Chopta village for Rs 800-1,200 per day (confirm locally — rates vary by season) - they know weather patterns and can identify safe routes during snow or fog. Solo trekking above Tungnath carries risk during low visibility.
The nearest ATM sits in Ukhimath, 40 km away, and mobile networks (BSNL only) stop working above Chopta. Carry Rs 3,000-5,000 cash per person for accommodation, meals, guide fees, and emergencies - only two shops accept UPI and that works intermittently.
Stay options concentrate in Chopta village itself with basic guesthouses charging Rs 800-1,500 for doubles and tented camps at Rs 1,200-2,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Tungnath dharamshala offers Rs 200-300 beds but has no electricity or running water after sunset.
📍 More Places in Chamoli
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Chandrashila
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Chandrashila covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Chandrashila is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 3354 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.