Chopta Trek: My Serene Escape into the Himalayas

Sometimes, you don’t need a long, grueling expedition to feel the magic of the Himalayas. Sometimes, all it takes is a short trek, fresh mountain air, and a trail that leads you to the clouds. That’s exactly what the Chopta Trek gave me — a compact adventure in Uttarakhand that was both peaceful and powerful. From winding forest trails to snow-kissed peaks and an ancient temple above the clouds, every step felt like a conversation with nature.

If you’re looking for a short Himalayan trek that packs in views, vibes, and a spiritual high — here’s what my journey to Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila looked like.

Reaching Chopta – A Hidden Gem in the Garhwal Himalayas

The journey to Chopta itself is part of the experience. After a night halt in Rishikesh, we drove for about 7–8 hours through winding mountain roads, pine forests, and sleepy hill villages. By the time we reached Chopta, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India," the sun was just beginning to dip behind the peaks.

Chopta isn’t a crowded hill station — it’s a quiet, scenic hamlet tucked away at around 8,700 ft, surrounded by thick deodar forests and snow-clad peaks in the distance. The air was crisp, and the silence was comforting. That evening, we huddled around a campfire at our campsite, sipping tea and talking to fellow trekkers under a sky full of stars. I already knew this was going to be special.

The Trek Begins – Into the Forests Toward Tungnath

The real trek began early the next morning. Our goal: reach Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trail starts gently, with well-laid stone paths that snake through the forest. There was snow on the ground in patches (I went in late February), and the trees were draped in mist. It felt like walking through a fairytale.

The higher we climbed, the more surreal it got. The sky opened up, and distant peaks — like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba — started peeking out. It wasn't just the landscape that made it memorable; it was the energy. Peaceful, pure, and powerful.

It took us about 3 hours to reach Tungnath. The temple, perched at 12,100 ft, stood silent and majestic, half-buried in snow. I remember standing in front of it in awe, feeling the weight of centuries of devotion, the whispers of prayers carried by the mountain wind.

Tungnath to Chandrashila – Touching the Sky

After a short rest at the temple, we decided to continue the final climb to Chandrashila, which literally means "Moon Rock." The ascent was steeper, the snow thicker, and the oxygen thinner. But the views? Worth every struggling breath.The moment we reached Chandrashila peak (13,000 ft), it felt like we had stepped into another dimension. The 360-degree panorama was insane — snow-covered giants all around, clouds below our feet, and the kind of stillness that gives you goosebumps.Everyone stood there in silence for a few minutes. No one spoke. There was nothing to say. The mountains had said it all.

The Descent – Melting Snow and Warm Sunshine

Coming down from Chandrashila felt like floating. The sun had come out fully by now, and the snow had started to glisten like crushed diamonds. The mood was lighter, people were laughing, slipping, taking photos, and reliving the highs (pun intended) of the peak.

We stopped again at Tungnath to offer a final prayer, then slowly made our way back to Chopta by late afternoon. I remember turning back again and again to get one last glimpse of the trail. That descent wasn’t just physical — it was a slow return to the real world.

Life in Chopta – Slow, Simple, Soulful

Back at the campsite, everything felt a little different. Maybe it was the adrenaline, or the sheer beauty of what we had just seen. But even the simplest things — warm dal-chawal, woolen blankets, the crackling fire — felt divine.

Chopta doesn’t have fancy resorts or WiFi. What it has is better — peace, silence, and the chance to actually be where you are. I spent the evening sitting outside the tent, wrapped in a shawl, watching the sun dip behind the forests, and the sky turn to velvet.

No pings. No emails. Just the sound of wind rustling through pine trees.

Why Chopta Trek Stays With You

The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trek may not be the most extreme or the most challenging trek out there. But it doesn’t have to be. Its beauty lies in its balance — spiritual yet scenic, simple yet stunning, short yet deeply satisfying.

If you're a beginner, this trek is a perfect entry into the world of Himalayan trekking. If you’re experienced, it’s a gentle reminder of why you started trekking in the first place. And if you just need a break from the chaos of city life, trust me — Chopta gives you space to breathe again.

Final Words

Mountains don’t speak in words, but they say so much. And on this trek, I heard them loud and clear.

If you ever find yourself craving stillness, adventure, or just a beautiful place to remember who you are — pack your bag, tie your laces, and head to Chopta.