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Destination Guide·April 24, 2026·7 min read

Chopta-Tungnath Winter Trek 2026 | Complete Travel & Survival Guide

TravelTalk24 Team

Travel Experts

Chopta-Tungnath Winter Trek 2026 | Complete Travel & Survival Guide

Imagine walking on a frozen trail, surrounded by endless white ridges, silent mountains, and a freezing breeze, all leading to the highest Shiva temple in the world. Welcome to the winter wonderland of Chopta-Tungnath, often dubbed the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand'.

Winter in Chopta is not your average hill station vacation. Heavy snowfall forces roadblocks, network connections vanish, and every step on the black ice requires caution. This comprehensive guide, based on a February travel vlog by 'Uttarakhand Beauty', provides the exact ground reality, taxi fares, stay options, and survival tips you need for an epic snow trek.

Watch the Complete Chopta Tungnath Winter Trek Vlog

How to Reach the Trek Starting Point

The journey begins in Haridwar, which is approximately 200 km from Chopta. Here is what you need to know about the commute during the snowy season:

By Public Transport: Buses from Haridwar will drop you at Kund or Ukhimath. From there, you must hire local taxis.
By Personal Vehicle: Do NOT attempt to drive all the way to Chopta if you do not have snow chains. You will likely only make it up to Makku Bend or Duggalbitta before black ice makes driving too dangerous.
Local Taxis: From Makku Bend, local 4x4 or chained taxis are easily available to drop you near the trekking start point.

Route	Estimated Local Taxi Fare (Per Person)
Baniyakund to Chopta	₹100
Makku Bend to Chopta	₹200 - ₹300
Ukhimath to Chopta	₹500
Normal Season (Baniyakund to Chopta)	₹50

RouteBaniyakund to Chopta

Estimated Local Taxi Fare (Per Person)₹100

RouteMakku Bend to Chopta

Estimated Local Taxi Fare (Per Person)₹200 - ₹300

RouteUkhimath to Chopta

Estimated Local Taxi Fare (Per Person)₹500

RouteNormal Season (Baniyakund to Chopta)

Estimated Local Taxi Fare (Per Person)₹50

Where to Stay: Baniyakund

Baniyakund is the best and largest camping colony nearest to the Chopta trekking point (about 3.5 to 4 km away). Staying here is a practical choice because it offers:

Warm, clean tents built for extreme winter conditions.
Essential winter facilities like hot food, heavy blankets, and bonfires.
Easy access to sharing taxis the next morning to drop you right at the trek's starting line.

The Tungnath Winter Trek

The trek to Tungnath is dramatically different in winter compared to summer. The trail is heavily snowed in, and black ice forms on steep turns. The temple remains closed during the winter (the deity is moved to Makku Math), but trekking up to the temple structure is an incredible spiritual and adventurous experience.

Trek Details	Information
Forest Entry Fee	₹200 per adult (₹100 with a valid student ID) collected at the starting check-post.
Crampons & Shoes	Available for rent at the starting point. Crampons cost ₹300 per pair, and snow trekking shoes cost ₹200 per pair. Crampons are absolutely mandatory to prevent slipping on black ice.
Trail Conditions	No shops or cafes are open on the trail during peak winter. You must carry your own water, chocolates, chips, and energy-boosting fruits (like Kinnow/Oranges) from the towns below.
Chandrashila Peak	Located 1.5 km beyond Tungnath. Only attempt this in winter if the weather is perfectly clear and you are trekking with experienced guides, as trails are often erased by fresh overnight snow.

Trek DetailsForest Entry Fee

Information₹200 per adult (₹100 with a valid student ID) collected at the starting check-post.

Trek DetailsCrampons & Shoes

InformationAvailable for rent at the starting point. Crampons cost ₹300 per pair, and snow trekking shoes cost ₹200 per pair. Crampons are absolutely mandatory to prevent slipping on black ice.

Trek DetailsTrail Conditions

InformationNo shops or cafes are open on the trail during peak winter. You must carry your own water, chocolates, chips, and energy-boosting fruits (like Kinnow/Oranges) from the towns below.

Trek DetailsChandrashila Peak

InformationLocated 1.5 km beyond Tungnath. Only attempt this in winter if the weather is perfectly clear and you are trekking with experienced guides, as trails are often erased by fresh overnight snow.

Please pack out what you pack in! Empty water bottles and wrappers weigh nothing. Do not litter the pristine Himalayan snow. 'Civic sense' goes a long way in keeping the mountains clean.

Winter Trekking Essentials & Survival Tips

Gear Up: Proper snow trekking shoes, crampons, winter jackets, gloves, caps, and trekking poles are essential.
Hydration is Key: Carry your own water bottles and hydrating fruits. You will not find water stalls on the frozen trail.
The Golden Rule: Slow pace, short breaks, and regular hydration. Overconfidence does not work here—only calories do.
Weather Alerts: Mountain weather changes instantly. If heavy snowfall begins or visibility drops, do not push to Chandrashila. Retreating is a smart decision.
Stick Together: Never stray from your group or take unknown 'shortcuts' across the bugyals (meadows) during winter.

“Navigating off-road trails in black ice and booking the best camps in Baniyakund can be challenging. Let TravelTalk24 map out your extreme mountain escape seamlessly.”
— TravelTalk24 Team

Simplify Your Uttarakhand Winter Expedition

Figuring out live taxi rates from Ukhimath, booking reliable tents in Baniyakund, and tracking weather for the Chandrashila trek can be stressful. To plan your itineraries effortlessly, check out the travel planning app, TravelTalk24.