Chopta Chandrashila Trek Weather : A Deep, Month-by-Month Guide

The Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila trail is one of the rare Himalayan treks where every season feels like a different world.

Spring opens the forest with rhododendrons, summer brings crystal skies, monsoon paints everything bright green, autumn gifts golden grass and clear peaks, and winter turns the entire route into a snow-covered wonderland.

 Chopta Chandrashila trek weather conditions plays a huge role in this trek because:

• Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world (3,680 m)

• Chandrashila summit sits even higher at 4,000 m

• Trails shift rapidly — clear one hour, misty the next

• Temperature changes faster because of height gain

• Snow adds both beauty and challenge

• Monsoon drastically transforms the forest sections

Why Chopta Chandrashila trek Weather Feels Special

Chopta Chandrashila trek Weather is not just a condition — it is the soul of the trek:

1. The entire trek is exposed to fast-changing mountain weather

Clouds move quickly over the ridge. A clear trail can turn foggy in minutes.

2. Chandrashila receives some of the earliest snow in Uttarakhand

First snowfall often comes by mid-November.

3. Forests, meadows, ridges — every terrain responds differently to weather

Dense forests stay shaded and cool, while meadows heat up fast under the sun.

4. Tungnath temple has completely different weather from Chopta

Even in summer, the temple can be 6–8°C colder than Chopta.

5. The summit gives a 360° view of the highest Indian Himalayas

Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba — you need clear weather for this.

March – April (Spring Season)

Temperature: Day 8°C–15°C | Night 0°C–5°C

Spring is when the trail wakes up. Snow begins melting around Tungnath, and the forests bloom in bright pink and red rhododendrons.

How the weather feels:

Crisp mornings and slightly cold evenings

Forest air smells freshly washed

Pleasant wind at the summit

Occasional late-March snowfall

Trail experience:

Rhododendron-filled trails

Melting snow around Tungnath till early April

Clear weather until afternoon

Slight cloud build-up around 2–3 pm

Best for:

✔ Flower lovers

✔ Those who want winter + spring mix

✔ First-time trekkers

May – June (Summer Season)

Temperature: Day 12°C–22°C | Night 5°C–10°C

The most stable weather of the entire year. These are the months when Chopta is called the “Mini Switzerland of India.”

How the weather feels:

Warm days, cool evenings

Very comfortable trekking conditions

Low wind at lower camps, breezy near the summit

Very low snowfall chances

Trail experience:

Crystal-clear views of Kedarnath & Chaukhamba

Perfect sunrise from Chandrashila (golden light)

Snow completely melts by mid-May

Long trekking days with steady weather

Best for:

✔ Beginners

✔ Families

✔ People who want the best views

✔ Photographers

July – August (Monsoon Season)

Temperature: Day 10°C–18°C | Night 6°C–12°C

Monsoon transforms Chopta into the greenest version of itself.

But this season needs caution.

How the weather feels:

Misty mornings

Occasional heavy rain

Deep green forests with the smell of wet earth

Frequent fog near Tungnath temple

Trail experience:

Slippery sections

Leech-prone forest patches

Limited visibility on summit days

Very few trekkers → peaceful, intimate experience

Good for:

✔ Monsoon lovers

✔ Nature photographers

✔ Trekkers who love quiet trails

Not recommended for beginners due to slippery terrain.

September – October (Post-Monsoon Autumn Season)

Temperature: Day 8°C–16°C | Night 0°C–6°C

This is the clearest and most photogenic weather of the entire year.

How the weather feels:

Crisp, clean air

Zero humidity

Stable skies

Evenings begin to feel cold

Trail experience:

Golden meadows of Chopta

100% clear mountain views

Ideal time for Chandrashila sunrise

No snow but very pleasant temperature

Best for:

✔ Photographers

✔ Serious trekkers

✔ People who want guaranteed mountain views

November – February (Winter Season)

Chopta Chandrashila trek weather in winter is what truly made this trek iconic. Winter is the season that made Chandrashila famous. When snow covers Tungnath temple and Chandrashila, the trek becomes magical.

Temperature: Day -2°C–8°C | Night -5°C–-10°C

How the weather feels:

Very cold mornings

Bright sunshine after 10 am

Windy at the summit

Nights drop into sub-zero temperatures

Trail experience:

Heavy snowfall from late December to February

Temple buried in snow (in peak winter)

Chandrashila turns into a beautiful white ridge

Frozen water sources

Need microspikes and gaiters for safety

Best for:

✔ Snow lovers

✔ Adventurous beginners

✔ Photographers

✔ Winter trek fans

Season-wise Temperature Summary

Weather Changes by Altitude

Weather changes as you climb:

Chopta (2,600 m):

Mild, predictable weather in summer.

Snow is lighter in winter.

Tungnath Temple (3,680 m):

6–8°C colder than Chopta

Windier

Much more snowfall

Chandrashila Summit (4,000 m):

Windiest point

Coldest temperature

Clear views in autumn & winter mornings

What Weather Is Best for Your Style of Trekking?

The Chopta Chandrashila Trek is open year-round, and each season has its own specialties. The best time for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek who:

Want flowers?

Is April

Want greenery?

Is May–June

Want the best mountain views?

Is September–October

Want snow?

Is December–February

Love mist, clouds, silence?

Is July–August

How Weather Affects Trek Difficulty

Easiest Weather:

May – June

Dry trails, stable skies, warm days.

Moderate Difficulty:

March–April

Melting snow patches near the temple.

Challenging Weather:

July–August

Slippery trail, poor visibility.

Most Challenging:

December–February

Deep snow, cold winds, frozen sections.