Tungnath and Chopta

Tungnath stands at about 3,680 metres and is generally described as the highest Shiva temple in the world, one of the five Panch Kedar shrines, reached by a paved but steep path of three and a half kilometres from Chopta. Chopta itself is a stretch of meadow and rhododendron forest on the ridge road, often called a mini Switzerland in Indian travel writing, with no real village. A further kilometre and a half above the temple, Chandrashila at about 4,000 metres gives a panorama taking in Nanda Devi, Trisul, Kedarnath and Chaukhamba, and is a common sunrise objective.

What you actually see

• Tungnath temple - the highest Shiva shrine, at 3,680 metres.
• The Chopta meadows - grass and rhododendron along the ridge road.
• Chandrashila - the summit above with a wide Himalayan panorama.
• The rhododendron bloom - red and pink forest in April and May.

When to go

April to June for rhododendron and September to November for the clearest views; winter brings snow that makes the climb a different proposition, and the temple relocates to Mukkumath for the season.

Honest expectations

The climb is short but steep and felt at altitude. Chopta has only basic camps and dhabas, no real facilities. Weather closes the view frequently. The trail is crowded at weekends.

Nearby

Kedarnath lies west; Badrinath is northeast.