Which trek should I choose between Kedarkantha and Chopta Tungnath?

Kedarkantha and Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila, these two treks have a lot in common. They 
take you to the almost same elevation, Kedarkantha to 3,800 meters and Chopta Tungnath to 4,000 

meters in about four to five days; both are set in Garhwal Himalayas and cost for these two treks are also 

almost same. If you are a moderate level hiker with a minimal physical fitness and are searching 

for one suitable destination to trek, you can get easily confused between these two; because any of 

these two treks are perfect for you, or so it seems, when you just look at the covers. Well, to help you 

out, here are a few directives:

The Route to Select:

Kedarkantha trek starts at the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary at Uttarkashi so you will be walking through 

the pine forest which is the habitat of musk deer, leopards, and birds until you reach the vast open 

meadows on the second day. The meadows are grasslands in summer and wide snow-fields in 
winter with little green decorations here and there and are surrounded by the famous ranges and peaks of the 

Himalayas, which provides you a complete 360-degree view. The human habitats in this part of 

the Himalayas are so less that you are guaranteed to find the solace of enjoying the nature undisturbed if that is 

what you are looking for.

Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila is a route which goes through mostly forests of pines, 

oaks, and rhododendrons, up to the third day. On this trek, the famous peaks of the

 Himalayas like 

Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba are clearly visible which is an added bonus. You 

will encounter villages, frozen lakes during winter and temples 

throughout the way, an experience that will give you an idea of the local heritage and 

culture of this part of the country which is thrilling in its own way. Chandrashila-Tungnath 

package also 

takes you 

through the utmost rich flora and fauna of the Himalayas. The trails are a nature lover’s

 paradise as well as 

a bird watcher’s. 

The Sunset from Chopta village on the third day of the trek is a delight to every photographer.


Time is the Key:
Ask yourself, “WHEN?” If you are planning to trek in any time of the year but Winter, 

the choice is easy. Chopta-Tungnath, the “mini Switzerland” of India offers a delightful 

weather in 

Summertime and is a place where you can walk through every season. If you are 

a beginner, Chopta-Tungnath trek in Summer is the choice for you.

The Snow-Effect:
For Winter, Kedarkantha is a widely popular and famous trek in India. The trails are 

covered by a thick blanket of snow once you reach the meadows; 

You can experience thick snow layer in Kedarkantha from December to late April, 

which makes the trek more adventurous and tricky. Whilst in the way to Tungnath temple and 

Chandrashila peak, the snowfall starts in 

November, and by January there is a layer of 6-7 ft snow. The temples and forests 

are fully covered by snow in winter, creating white mystic canopies 

as well as floors 

for the hikers. So to choose where to go in winter, You have to be imaginative. Before 

you choose, 

take 

a deep breath and imagine what do you want from the trek. If you can see yourself 

in the middle of a vast open snow-field, surrounded by the cloud covered magical 

peaks of the Himalayas, 

the only sound being a gentle stream flowing nearby, you have unknowingly chosen 

Kedarkantha yourself . 

But if you see yourself walking through the trails of snow-covered forests, unknown

 villages, 

or want to encounter a temple or a frozen lake on your way up, choose the Chopta-

Tungnath package.


The ‘Prize’ to Achieve:
The urge to trek or climb mountains is related to one’s own desire to explore. 

Trekking is strenuous and there is hardship, but the joy of reaching a 

peak is the greatest reward one can ask for. Both these treks we are discussing here are summit treks. 

On the summit of the Kedarkantha peak, at an elevation of 3,800 meters, you 

will see all the mountains of Gangotri, Yamunotri and Kinner Kailash range, lost in the mists of the 

farthest horizon, and the valleys down, widespread. Upon reaching the Chandrashila peak, 

your hard works 

will be rewarded by an incredible view of the most famous peaks of the Himalayas. Both the views are 

glorious, so the prize is lucrative in both cases. But again, the choice is yours.


The Religious Spark:
On the way to Chandrashila, you will start your journey from Haridwar, one of the seven holiest 

(Sapta Puri) places according to the Hindu mythology, and then you will come across ‘Ukhimath’, 

a small temple town during your trek. One of your desired destinations in this trek will be the 

Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple, 

situated at 3,680 meters. So, the Chopta Tungnath trek can be a desired destination for you if you

 have a religious mindset. While, on the Kedarkantha trek, you will walk through the human uninhibited 

places of the Garhwal Himalayas mostly, which can be an answer to the utmost 

desire of peace to one’s in

ner spirituality. So, Are you religious? Or are you spiritual? Or are you a bit of both? Choose accordingly.      

The Added Incentive:
The Kedarkantha package offers a drive from Dehradun to Sankri, through pine forests, 

crossing hill stations like Mussoorie, Purola, Nowgaon, Naitwar, Mori before the trek starts. 

However, to reach the Sari, the trek start point for Chopta-Tungnath Chandrashila,  a long 

drive alongside the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers through Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, 

Karnaprayag is necessary before finally reaching Mandakini Valley. While you choose one 

of these two packages, think about which road-trip is more attractive to you as well.

Both these journeys will give you unforgettable precious memories; But if you are to choose 

between these two, here are all the information that you need. Make an informed choice.