Chandrashila,Uttarakhand

• Chandrashila Summit panoramic viewpoint
• Tungnath Temple (highest Shiva shrine)
• Chopta meadows (base/green pasturelands)
• Rhododendron and conifer forests along the trail
• Sunrise and sunset vistas over peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Peak

• 360-degree Himalayan panorama from the summit
• Short but steep alpine trek accessible from Chopta
• High-altitude flora including seasonal rhododendron blooms (spring)
• Crisp, clear air ideal for photography and star-gazing
• Traditional temple architecture at Tungnath perched on a ridge

• Short trek: Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila (approx. 3.5–4.5 km one-way depending on route)
• Sunrise/sunset viewing from Chandrashila
• Photography and wildlife/bird watching
• Pilgrimage visit to Tungnath temple and nearby Chandrashila meditation spots
• Guided nature walks and seasonal wildflower viewing

April to June (spring to early summer) and September to November (post-monsoon/autumn) for clear skies, pleasant temperatures and safe trails. Winters (Dec–Feb) offer snow-clad scenery but the trek can be challenging and roads may be closed; monsoon (July–Aug) brings slippery trails and limited visibility.

Alpine climate: summer daytime temperatures range roughly 5–20°C, nights cooler; winters often drop below freezing with heavy snowfall. Weather can change quickly—expect high UV, strong sun and sudden winds at the summit.

Nearest roadhead and base: Chopta (motorable). The final stretch is a steep trek: Chopta to Tungnath is ~3–4 km (stone steps), then another ~1–1.5 km to Chandrashila. Nearest major airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (several hours by road). Nearest railheads: Rishikesh or Haridwar, followed by road travel to Chopta via Srinagar/Ukhimath/Gopeshwar depending on route. Vehicles can usually reach Chopta in summer; in winter a 4x4 may be needed and some roads may close due to snow.

1–2 days from Chopta (early morning ascent to catch sunrise at Chandrashila and return the same day). If coming from farther (Dehradun/Haridwar), allow 2–3 days including travel time and acclimatization.

Warm layered clothing (insulating mid-layer, windproof outer layer), sturdy trekking boots, trekking poles, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm gloves, daypack, and rainproof jacket. In winter, carry crampons/ice-traction if attempting when snowy.

Local Garhwali foods available in Chopta/nearby guesthouses — simple nourishing fare like dal, rice, local vegetables, and rotis; you may find aloo ke gutke, local sweets and tea. Souvenirs include woollen caps, mufflers, shawls, prayer flags and small handicrafts from nearby markets.