Best Time to Visit Chopta–Tungnath: Snow, Trekking & Camping
Best Time to Visit Chopta Tungnath for Snow, Trekking & Camping
A small poem before the road
Pine trees whisper, bells ring slow,
clouds drift soft where the cold winds blow.
Chopta smiles, Tungnath calls—
walk a little, and the heart walks all.
Quick answer (so you can plan fast)
Snow lovers: Late December to February (deep winter, best odds of thick snow).
Clear views & steady trails: September to November (post-monsoon skies, golden light).
Flowers, soft sun & family-friendly camping: April to May (rhododendrons, pleasant days).
Monsoon caution: July–August (lush but wet; landslides possible).
Temple darshan: Tungnath opens late April/early May and closes in early November; in winter the deity is at Makkumath.
Know your heights (helps you pack right)
Chopta sits around 2,680–2,709 m—cool even in summer.
Tungnath Temple is around 3,680 m.
Chandrashila summit is ~12,083 ft (≈3,680 m)—a short, steep push above the temple with a grand 360° view.
Season-by-season guide (simple words, true facts)
Spring (April–May): gentle days, flowers on the trail
Days are easy, winds are kind. Meadows wake up, rhododendrons paint the slopes.
Good time for first-timers, kids, parents. Camping feels cozy in the evening; light woollens do the job.
Why it’s loved: steady paths, bright skies, temple opens for darshan.
Typical feel: days ~10–20°C, nights turn cool. (High mountains vary—carry a fleece.)
Early Summer (June): warm sun, longer light
Trails are open, views are wide. Great for Chandrashila sunrise if you start before dawn.
Keep a cap, sunscreen, and water; afternoons can feel warm lower down.
Note: Pre-monsoon showers can pop up—pack a light rain jacket.
Monsoon (July–August): green, dreamy… and tricky
The hills glow green, streams sing loud, and mists dance. It’s pretty—yes.
But trails get slippery, leeches show up, and landslides can halt roads. If you come now, keep buffer days, trek with a local guide, and check road status daily.
Good for: slow travel, bird songs, quiet stays.
Not ideal for: tight itineraries, first-time trekkers.
Autumn (September–November): crystal skies, gold light
The mountains look close enough to touch. Air is clear, colours are warm.
Perfect for trekking and camping with steady weather.
Temple closes around early November, so plan darshan before that window ends.
Typical feel: days ~8–18°C, nights chilly—bring a warm layer.
Winter (Late December–February): snow stories, quiet trails
This is the snow window—white forests, silent meadows, stars that feel near.
Paths can be icy; use good shoes (micro-spikes help). Roads may close after fresh snow; keep flexibility.
Temple stays closed in winter; for blessings, visit the winter seat at Makkumath.
Typical feel: day 0–10°C, night -5 to -10°C (colder during fresh snow spells).
Best time by interest (pick your vibe)
I want guaranteed snow feels: Jan–Feb (late Dec also likely).
I want temple darshan + easy walks: May–June or Sept–Oct.
I want big views for photos: Oct–Nov (post-monsoon clarity).
I want flowers and soft weather with kids: April–May.
Tiny planner (so trips go smooth)
Start points: Most stays are around Chopta, Baniyakund, Duggalbitta.
Trail notes: Tungnath path is paved in parts but steep; the last climb to Chandrashila is short and sharper—go slow, breathe easy.
Temple window: Opens late April/early May, closes early November.
Camping: Use designated campsites near villages; keep meadows clean and leave no trace.
Monsoon safety: Keep buffer days, check road/weather daily, avoid night drives.
Network & cash: Signal is patchy; carry cash after Ukhimath.
What to pack (simple list that works)
Feet: warm socks, trekking shoes with grip (snow months: micro-spikes help).
Warmth: fleece + padded jacket (winter), light jacket (spring/autumn).
Rain: poncho or jacket (Jun–Sep).
Sun: cap, sunglasses, SPF.
Basics: refillable bottle, small first-aid, ID card, torch.
Gentle reminders (for the hills and for us)
Walk soft, speak soft; it’s a holy trail.
Keep the meadows clean; bring your waste back.
Share the path with mules; give them space on the mountain side.
Smile at locals; ask before photos; buy from small shops when you can.
A note on names & numbers (so facts stay true)
Chopta altitude: ~2,680–2,709 m.
Tungnath altitude: ~3,680 m; Chandrashila high point ~12,083 ft.
Snow window: strongest Jan–Feb; possible from late Dec.
Monsoon caution: July–August brings heavy rain and landslide risk.
Temple timing: Opens late April/early May, closes early Nov; winter seat—Makkumath.
Closing lines
If your heart wants snow, come when the world turns white.
If your eyes want long views, come when the skies turn glass.
If your soul wants quiet prayers, come when the bells begin in May.
Chopta waits. Tungnath blesses. The path will do the rest. ❄🌄🙏
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Time to Visit Chopta–Tungnath
Q. Which month is best for snow in Chopta Tungnath?
If you want full snow trails, January and February are the best. Snow can also start in late December, but the heaviest layers stay till February.
Q. Is Chopta open in winter?
Yes, Chopta stays open even in peak winter. Roads may close for a few days after heavy snowfall, but locals keep basic routes active. Tungnath Temple, however, closes in November.
Q. When does Tungnath Temple open and close?
The temple usually opens in late April or early May and closes in early November. In winter, the idol is worshipped in Makkumath village.
Q. Is it safe to visit Chopta during monsoon?
July–August bring heavy rains and landslides. It’s safe if you keep buffer days and travel with local drivers, but not the best for tight itineraries.
Q. Which season is best for trekking and camping in Chopta?
April–May (spring) and September–November (autumn) are perfect. Trails are clear, weather is pleasant, and camping feels cozy.
Top Travelophila Packages:
Chardham Yatra Packages 2025
Chopta Auli Tour Packages
Nainital Mussoorie Tour Packages
Trekking Packages
