Whispers of the Himalayas: My Soulful Journey to Chopta and Tungnath

There are places that don’t just live in your memory — they echo in your soul. Chopta was one of those places for me. Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, this little hamlet isn’t just a trekker’s delight — it’s a moment of stillness in a world that never stops spinning.

I didn’t go to Chopta looking for an adventure. I went because I needed clarity. Life in the city had become a blur — deadlines, noise, burnout. I wanted mountains, solitude, and silence. And Chopta, with its promise of snow trails and sacred peaks, felt like the right place to begin.

The First Glimpse of Chopta – A Scene from a Dream

After a long, winding drive from Rishikesh, passing through Devprayag and Rudraprayag, we finally reached Chopta Valley. It was cold, quiet, and covered in a blanket of mist. The air smelled of pine and earth, and I immediately felt lighter, like I’d left a weight behind somewhere along the highway.

What surprised me most was how untouched it felt — no big hotels, no loud tourists. Just scattered wooden cottages, grazing sheep, and the Himalayas standing guard in the distance.

That evening, I stood outside my homestay, hands wrapped around a cup of chai, watching the clouds slowly uncover Chaukhamba Peak. I remember whispering to myself, “This is what peace feels like.”

Trek to Tungnath – Where the Sky Meets the Spirit

The next morning, we started our trek from Chopta to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The trail was about 3.5 km long, moderately steep, and completely mesmerizing. Rhododendron trees lined the path, and patches of snow still clung to the ground from winter’s last breath.

Every step upward felt like walking through layers of time. There was something deeply spiritual about the silence here — not empty, but full. Full of wind whispers, bird calls, and your own heartbeat.

After about two hours, I saw the temple emerge through the mist — small, humble, ancient. I offered my prayers with trembling hands. Not out of cold, but because standing there, at 12,000 feet, I felt something shift inside me. A connection. A surrender.

The Final Push to Chandrashila – A View I’ll Never Forget

Though tired, I decided to go further — another 1.5 km trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak. It was steeper and colder, but every drop of sweat was worth what waited at the top.

The 360-degree view from Chandrashila took my breath away — literally and metaphorically. Nanda Devi, Kedarnath Dome, Trishul, Chaukhamba… the giants of the Himalayas stood before me like silent gods. It was one of those rare moments when you realize how tiny you are… and yet, how connected.

I didn’t want to leave.

The Descent – With a Heart Full of Mountains

Coming down felt easier on the legs, but harder on the heart. I didn’t want this to end. We passed by frozen streams, mountain dogs, and smiling locals who greeted us with “Jai Bhole Nath.” The sun was now casting golden light on the trees, and everything looked like a painting.

Back in Chopta, I sat outside by the fire, watching the stars. The same stars I never noticed back in the city. I felt gratitude — not just for the trek, but for what it had done to me. I had come looking for peace, and I found a version of myself I’d forgotten existed.

Things to Know Before You Go

If you’re planning your own journey to Chopta and Tungnath, here are a few tips:

Best time to visit: March to June for pleasant weather and clear views, or December to February for snow trekking.

How to reach: Nearest railway station is Haridwar. From there, take a taxi or shared jeep to Chopta via Rudraprayag.

Trek route: Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila. The entire trek is around 5 km one way.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate. Great for beginners and spiritual seekers.

What to carry: Layered clothing, good trekking shoes, gloves (especially in winter), a water bottle, and basic medicines.

Stay options: Homestays, eco-camps, and a few budget guesthouses available in and around Chopta.

Why Chopta Stays in My Heart

The Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek wasn’t just a trek — it was a reminder. That the world doesn’t always need to be fast. That healing is possible, especially when you lose yourself in nature. And that some answers can only be heard when the mountains are listening.

If you ever find yourself lost, burnt out, or just craving something real — go to Chopta. Walk the trail. Climb in silence. Breathe deeply. The Himalayas will do the rest.