Best Time for Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trek in Uttarakhand, has become one of the most popular Himalayan trails for domestic trekkers. Known for the heavily forested trail, easy to moderate gradient and a magnificent 360-degree view of prominent peaks including Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Trishul from Chandrashila summit. But the timing of this trek is critical, because each season offers a different experience.

It again depends on the weather and road conditions (for Indian travelers starting from Delhi, NCR, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and Mumbai or Bangalore). This blog provides specific advice, not just information — so you’ll have an answer to exactly which season is right for YOU.

March to May — The Best Time for Most Indian Trekkers (Highly Recommended)

For Indian travelers, the best time to do the Chopta Chandrashila trek is March, April, and May. These three months offer the most comfortable conditions for both travel and trekking.

Why this period is ideal:

• Day temperature stays between 10–15°C

• Nights remain around 0–5°C

• Roads from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath remain open and stable

• Trails are dry and safe

• Forests bloom with bright rhododendron flowers

• Visibility is excellent, which means perfect sunrise views from Chandrashila

This season is especially recommended for:

• Beginners

• Families

• Weekend trekkers from Delhi/NCR

• People who want a stress-free journey

• Trekkers who want good photographs without cold weather challenges

The skies stay clear for most days, which gives Indian travelers the best chance of capturing the iconic Chandrashila sunrise. Weather remains consistent enough for those planning short weekend trips where every hour counts.

Late December to February — Best Time for Snowfall Lovers (Winter Experience)

If your aim is to see snow, then Chopta Chandrashila trek in winter is the best time. From late December onwards, Chopta transforms into a snowy landscape.

What to expect in winter:

• Day temperature between –2°C to 5°C

• Night temperature dropping as low as –10°C

• Frosted trees, frozen patches, and thick snow on the trail

• Magical white scenery all the way to the summit

This season offers the most dramatic visuals — the kind many Indian travellers look for, especially those coming from warmer states who have never seen heavy snow.

However, winter trekking requires:

• Good trekking shoes

• Microspikes

• Gloves, thermals, and proper jackets

Tungnath Temple remains closed during this season, but the trek route is open. If you are coming from metro cities or are trekking for the first time, winter trekking is safe only with proper gear and guidance.

September to October — Best for Greenery, Crisp Views & Lesser Crowd

If you enjoy lush greenery, calm weather, and fewer tourists, September and October are excellent months.

Highlights of this season:

• Post-monsoon freshness makes the forests look alive

• Meadows around Chopta turn deep green

• The air becomes extremely clear after monsoon

• Sunrise from Chandrashila looks sharper and more defined

• Temperature remains moderate, around 12–18°C in the day

For Indian photographers and nature lovers, this period is one of the best. The crowd is lesser compared to March–June, so the trek feels more peaceful.

This season is ideal for:

• People traveling from Uttarakhand, Delhi, UP, and Haryana

• Trekkers who want quiet trails

• Those who prefer greenery over snow

July to August — The Season Indian Travelers Should Avoid

The only time not recommended for Indian trekkers is the monsoon season. Uttarakhand receives heavy rainfall in July and August, and the Chopta region is no exception.

Why monsoon is unsafe:

• Frequent landslides on roads near Rudraprayag, Kund, and Ukhimath

• Very low visibility due to fog

• Slippery trails in the forest section

• Unexpected roadblocks

• Leeches in the lower altitudes

• Weather changes too quickly

For anyone travelling from Delhi/NCR, UP, Rajasthan, or even Uttarakhand itself, monsoon adds a level of risk that does not justify the trek. Many times, travelers get stuck for hours due to road closures, especially on the Rudraprayag–Ukhimath route.

If your dates are flexible, it is better to avoid this season completely.

Tungnath Temple Access and Its Impact on Best Time

One of the main attractions of this trek is Tungnath Temple, one of the Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the world.

Temple timing:

• Opens: Late April or early May

• Closes: Late October or early November

If your goal is to visit the temple along with Chandrashila summit, your best time is April–June and September–October.

During winter, the temple remains closed, but the trek is open.

Travel Recommendations for Indian Trekkers (With Trek Accessibility Guide)

Understanding the best time for the Chopta–Chandrashila trek becomes easier when you look at it from an Indian travel perspective, because weather, distance, and road safety vary depending on where you live. The trek is open almost the entire year, except during periods of extreme snowfall or heavy monsoon when the forest department may temporarily restrict movement for safety.

Trek Route Accessibility

You can access Chopta, Tungnath trail, and Chandrashila summit almost all year round.
However:

• July–August (Monsoon): Trails are slippery, visibility is poor, and landslides are common.

• Late Dec–Feb (Peak Winter): The route remains open but covered in snow. You’ll need spikes, gaiters, and winter gear. Sometimes the final stretch to Chandrashila is shut for a few days after heavy snowfall.

Tungnath Temple Access

The temple is not open throughout the year.

• Opens: Late April / Early May

• Closes: Late October / Early November
  Even when the temple is closed, the trek to Chandrashila remains open.

Best Time by Region

🇮🇳 From Delhi & NCR

Delhi and NCR trekkers mostly travel by road, so road safety and driving conditions matter a lot.

Best months: March–May and September–October

• Summer roads are most stable

• Winter is possible but requires early morning starts due to black ice

• Ideal for short weekend plans

🇮🇳 From Haridwar, Rishikesh & Dehradun

This region is closest to Chopta, and people here often make short trips.

Best months: February–June and September–November

• Shorter distance means February is already trek-friendly

• Roads from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath are safest during spring and autumn

• Easier early-morning departures

🇮🇳 From Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore & Chennai

Travelers from these cities usually fly to Dehradun first, so they prefer predictable weather and open temple timings.

Best months for temple visits: April–June
Best months for snow: January–February

• February to April is cold but manageable if someone wants a winter experience

• Summer provides reliable weather for long-distance travel plans

🇮🇳 For Uttarakhand Locals

Locals prefer quieter and cleaner months when tourist crowds thin out.

Best month: October

• Excellent visibility and peaceful trails

• Avoid monsoon due to landslides

• Winter trekking recommended only with guides