The easiest way to reach Chopta for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek is to travel by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. From Delhi, take a bus or train to one of these towns, then continue by bus, shared jeep or taxi. Chopta has no railway station or airport, so the last part of the journey must be by road.
If you want to save money, use public transport to reach Rudraprayag or Ukhimath and then look for a local ride. If you are travelling with family or a group, a taxi from Rishikesh may be easier. Also check whether your trek package starts at Chopta or Sari village, as these plans follow different routes.
How to Reach Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila from Delhi
Chopta lies in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, on the road between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar. From Delhi, the road journey is roughly 400 to 450 km, depending on the route. It can take 12 to 15 hours or longer, so avoid planning a tight same-day connection.
A common road route is:
Delhi → Haridwar or Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Kund → Ukhimath → Chopta.
The route passes through river valleys and small hill towns. Travel slows after you enter the mountains, and rain or road work can add more time.
Starting point | Approximate distance to Chopta | Time by road |
Delhi | 400 to 450 km | 12 to 15 hours or more |
Haridwar | Around 200 to 230 km | 7 to 10 hours |
Rishikesh | Around 170 to 200 km | 6 to 9 hours |
Dehradun | Around 220 to 250 km | 7 to 10 hours |
Ukhimath | Around 30 to 35 km | 1 to 2 hours |
These are planning estimates. The exact distance depends on your route and the point where you stay in Chopta. Check the road and weather before you leave.
How to Reach Chopta by Bus
Taking a bus is often the cheapest way to travel from Delhi to Chopta. First, take a bus from Delhi’s Kashmere Gate ISBT to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Best fare: around ₹300 one way on a non-AC bus when a low-cost seat is available. The journey usually takes 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.
From Haridwar or Rishikesh, take a bus towards Rudraprayag or Ukhimath. Aim for a fare of around ₹250 to ₹400 where a suitable service is available. From Ukhimath or another suitable stop, you may need a shared jeep or local taxi to reach Chopta. Keep around ₹200 to ₹400 for the final shared ride, subject to availability.
Check the onward transport before leaving. Local services may be limited, especially later in the day, and you may need to hire a taxi if you miss the last ride.
How to Reach Chopta by Train
Chopta has no railway station. Haridwar is a practical railhead for many travellers coming from Delhi and other cities. For the best fare, look for sleeper-class tickets from around ₹150 one way, where available. Second-sitting tickets may cost less on some trains. Check the fare for your exact travel date before booking.
From Haridwar, continue by bus towards Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, then arrange a shared jeep or taxi to Chopta. Rishikesh is another option, depending on your train connection and onward transport. If you arrive late, consider staying overnight rather than relying on a late shared ride.
How to Reach Chopta by Cab
A private taxi is the most direct option if you want to avoid changing vehicles. For the best budget fare, aim for around ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 one way from Rishikesh for a suitable vehicle, if you can find a driver offering that rate. The final price depends on the season, vehicle type and road conditions.
You can also take a bus to Ukhimath or Rudraprayag and hire a local taxi for the remaining distance. This may cost less than booking a cab for the entire journey from Rishikesh. Before confirming, ask whether the quoted fare includes fuel, tolls, driver charges and any waiting time.
Travel Cost: Bus, Train, Shared Jeep and Cab
The table below gives broad budget estimates. These are not fixed fares, and prices can change with demand and the season.
Travel option | Rough cost per person or vehicle | Best for |
Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh by bus | ₹400 to ₹1,500 per person | Budget travellers |
Delhi to Haridwar by train | ₹200 to ₹1,500 per person | Travellers who prefer rail |
Haridwar or Rishikesh to Rudraprayag by bus | ₹300 to ₹700 per person | Lower-cost travel |
Local shared jeep | ₹300 to ₹800 per person, where available | Solo travellers |
Private taxi from Rishikesh to Chopta | Around ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 per vehicle | Families and groups |
Check the fare before you book. Some taxis charge extra for a return trip, night travel or waiting time. Shared jeeps may also be full during busy trekking months.
Chopta or Sari Village: Where Does Your Trek Start?
This matters if you have booked a trek package. A trip focused only on Tungnath and Chandrashila usually starts from Chopta. The walk goes uphill to Tungnath Temple and then continues to Chandrashila Peak. Some longer packages also include Deoria Tal. These trips may ask you to report to Sari village first, then walk to the lake before moving towards Chopta. Trek operators may also arrange a pickup from Rishikesh at a set time.
Before booking your train or bus, check the meeting point in your package details. If the operator asks you to reach Rishikesh by 6:00 AM, you may need to arrive the previous evening. Do not assume that every package begins at Chopta itself.
Check the Correct Chopta Location Before You Travel
When booking a cab or using a map app, check that the destination is Chopta in Rudraprayag district, on the Ukhimath to Gopeshwar road. Do not rely on the name alone if your driver or map shows another nearby place.
Share the exact map pin with your driver and confirm the route through Kund and Ukhimath. Road works or diversions can change the route, so ask for a current road update before you leave. This small check can prevent a wrong turn on a long mountain drive.
Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila: Trek Distance and Time
Chopta is at about 2,600 metres above sea level. The Tungnath and Chandrashila trail climbs higher, so the walk can feel harder than the distance suggests.
Trek section | Approximate distance | Time to allow |
Chopta to Tungnath Temple | 3 to 3.5 km one way | Around 2 to 3 hours |
Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak | About 1.5 km one way | Around 1 hour or more |
Return to Chopta | About 4.5 to 5 km | Around 2 to 3 hours |
Your speed will depend on fitness, weather and trail conditions. Start early and leave enough time for the return walk. If you plan to see the sunrise, stay near Chopta the previous night rather than trying to reach the trailhead after a long drive.
Snow can cover the trail in winter, often from December to March. The climb above Tungnath can become steep and hard to follow when snow is deep or ice covers the path. Check local conditions and do not continue if the route is unsafe.
Best Time and Road Safety
Road travel can be slow during the monsoon, when heavy rain may cause landslides or road closures. In winter, snow and ice can affect the upper roads and the trek. During busy pilgrimage and holiday periods, traffic may also add time to your journey.
Keep these points in mind:
- Check road and weather updates before leaving.
- Start early from Rishikesh or Haridwar.
- Carry cash, as card payments and ATMs may not be easy to access in remote areas.
- Save your hotel details, pickup point and booking information on your phone.
- Keep an extra day if you need to catch a train or flight after the trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reach Chopta by public bus?
Yes, you can travel by bus to nearby towns such as Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, then continue by local bus, shared jeep or taxi. Confirm the final ride before leaving.
Where should I get down for Chopta?
It depends on your bus route. Ask the conductor whether you should get down at Rudraprayag, Kund or Ukhimath. Confirm your onward transport before choosing the stop.
Is Haridwar or Rishikesh better for reaching Chopta?
Haridwar is often useful for long-distance train travel. Rishikesh is closer to Chopta by road for many routes. Choose the place that gives you the best train or bus time and a reliable onward ride.
Is there an ATM or mobile network in Chopta?
Do not rely on finding a working ATM or steady mobile signal in Chopta. Carry enough cash and save key travel details before leaving a larger town. Signal strength can vary by network and location.
How many days should I plan from Delhi?
Three days or more gives you a less rushed trip from Delhi, especially if you want to trek and return safely. A longer package that includes Deoria Tal may need more days.
