Chopta Tungnath and Chandrashila Temperature and Weather Guide

Quick answer: Chopta temperature in winter (December to February) is roughly 2°C to 10°C during the day and around -4°C to -10°C at night. Tungnath temperature is about 6°C colder, and Chandrashila, the highest point above it, is colder still and windy. Snow usually settles from mid to late December and is deepest in January and February. Tungnath temple is closed in winter, but the trail stays open. To walk it in the snow, see our Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek.

Chopta is a small meadow in Rudraprayag district, at about 2,680 m (8,790 ft), and it is the starting point for Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila, the summit above it. Every winter thousands of people search for the Chopta temperature, the Chopta weather today and whether there is snow in Chopta now, because the answer decides what to pack and when to go.

This guide covers the Chopta temperature month by month, the Tungnath temperature and Chandrashila temperature, the Chopta snowfall time, how to read the 15-day forecast, whether Tungnath is open in winter, what to wear and how to reach Chopta from Delhi in winter.

By Manish Barakoti, Himalaya Shelter. Trek facts are from our own trek page, checked on 26 October 2026. Last updated: 26 October 2026.

Chopta has no official weather station, so all the Chopta Uttarakhand temperature figures below are approximate ranges, based on nearby valley forecasts adjusted for height (air cools by roughly 6°C for every 1,000 m you climb) and typical winter conditions. Mountain weather changes every year, so always check the latest forecast before you travel.

The three places on this trail sit at very different heights, so the temperature in Chopta, at Tungnath and on Chandrashila is never the same on the same day.

The Chopta temperature at night is the number to plan for. Even on a sunny December day, the temperature drops quickly after sunset, and the coldest hour is just before sunrise.

Chopta Uttarakhand weather changes fast from autumn to winter. Use this table as a planning guide for Chopta and the lower trail.

Chopta in October

The Chopta temperature in October is the most comfortable of the cold season: around 12 to 18°C in the day and 2 to 7°C at night. Chopta weather in October is usually clear and dry, with the sharpest views of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul. Grass on the meadows turns gold. Nights already need a warm jacket.

Chopta in November

Chopta in November is cold and mostly dry. The Chopta temperature in November is roughly 8 to 14°C during the day and can drop to around -2°C at night. There is usually no snow at Chopta itself, although light snow can dust Chandrashila and the upper slopes late in the month. Weather in Chopta in November is a good choice if you want clear skies and fewer people.

Chopta in December

Chopta in December is when winter really begins. The Chopta temperature in December is around 4 to 10°C in the sun and -4 to -8°C at night. The first proper snow usually settles between mid and late December, so Chopta in December end is often white while early December may still be dry. Chopta Uttarakhand in December is also busy over Christmas and New Year, so book early if your dates fall then. Things to do in Chopta in December include the sunrise walk to Tungnath, the climb to Chandrashila on snow and evenings around the camp.

A stone hut at Chopta after a December snowfall

Chopta in January

Chopta in January is usually the coldest and snowiest month. The Chopta temperature in January stays around 2 to 8°C by day, and at night it often falls to -6 to -10°C, colder on clear nights. Snow can cover the meadows, the trail to Tungnath and the road near Chopta. This is the month for deep snow photos, but also the month when the road is most likely to close for a day or two after heavy snowfall.

Chopta in February

Chopta in February keeps January's snow, with slightly longer and sunnier days. The Chopta temperature in February is roughly 3 to 9°C in the day and -5 to -9°C at night. Fresh snow spells are common, so February is a good month for a snow trek with a little less cold than January.

March and Spring

The Chopta temperature in March rises to around 7 to 13°C by day, and the snow starts to melt at Chopta while patches stay near Tungnath and Chandrashila. From April the rhododendron forests bloom, and by May the Chopta temperature is mild, around 14 to 22°C in the day.

Chopta in Summer and Monsoon

The Chopta temperature in May and the Chopta weather in June are pleasant, with green meadows and cool nights around 6 to 12°C. In July and August the monsoon brings heavy rain, slippery trails and landslide risk on the roads, so this is the one season we do not recommend for the trek. Overall, the Chopta climate is cool all year and cold for five months.

The Chandrashila temperature is always lower than Tungnath, because the summit is higher and fully exposed to the wind. Chandrashila weather can be calm and sunny at sunrise and turn windy within an hour.

On Chandrashila summit, with the snow peaks of Garhwal behind

Chandrashila Temperature in December and January

The Chandrashila temperature in December is usually below freezing all day, and the Chandrashila temperature in January can drop to around -15°C or lower before sunrise, when most groups reach the top. Chandrashila in winter is under snow for long periods, and the last section above Tungnath can be icy, so microspikes and trekking poles help a lot.

Night Cold and Wind on the Summit

Wind matters more than the thermometer here. At -10°C, a 20 km/h wind can make exposed skin feel close to -18°C. That is why a windproof outer layer, a buff over the face and good gloves matter more on Chandrashila than an extra sweater.

Tungnath Altitude and Oxygen Level

Tungnath stands at 3,680 m (12,073 ft). At this height the Tungnath oxygen level is lower than in the plains, with less oxygen in each breath, so you will breathe harder and walk slower, which is normal. Walk at a steady pace, drink water and tell your trek leader early if you feel a headache, nausea or unusual tiredness.

Tungnath temperature is roughly 6°C colder than Chopta, because the temple is about 1,000 m higher. The Chopta Tungnath temperature today and the Chopta Tungnath weather depend on the sun and the wind, but these ranges show what to expect.

Tungnath Temperature in October

The Tungnath temperature in October is around 6 to 12°C in the day and close to freezing at night. Skies are usually clear and the views are at their best. Tungnath in October is also your last chance to see the temple open before the winter closing.

Tungnath Temperature in November

The Tungnath temperature in November drops to around 2 to 8°C in the day and -7°C or lower at night. The first snow can appear on the upper trail, and the temple closes for winter early in the month.

Tungnath Temperature in December and January

The Tungnath temperature in December is around -2 to 4°C in the day and -10 to -14°C at night, with snow on the trail. The Tungnath temperature in January is the lowest of the year, around -4 to 2°C in the day and -12 to -16°C at night.

Tungnath temple with snow around the courtyard

The Chopta snowfall time is usually from mid or late December to February, with snow staying on the higher slopes into March. Snowfall in Chopta comes in spells, usually when a western disturbance (a winter weather system from the west) reaches Uttarakhand, so a week of sunshine can be followed by two days of heavy snow.

First Snow and the Best Snowfall Month

The first light snow often reaches Chandrashila and Tungnath in late November or early December. Snow at Chopta itself usually settles from mid to late December. The best Chopta snowfall month is usually January, with February a close second. If snow is the main reason for your trip, plan for late December to February.

Tungnath and Chandrashila Snowfall Time

The Tungnath snowfall time starts a little earlier than Chopta, because the temple is higher. Chandrashila snowfall can begin in November and the summit often keeps snow until March. Even when Chopta is green in early December, there may already be snow above Tungnath.

Is There Snow in Chopta Now? How to Check Live Weather

To know whether there is snow in Chopta now, check three things a few days before you travel: the IMD Uttarakhand forecast for Rudraprayag district, recent photos posted from Chopta, and your trek operator's update. Our team shares current trail conditions with every booked group. For a wider view of where it snows across the state, see our guide to snowfall in Uttarakhand.

We do not publish live numbers, because the Chopta temperature today can change by the hour. Here is how to read the Chopta weather forecast yourself:

• Use the right location. Weather apps rarely have Chopta. Search for Chopta, Ukhimath or Rudraprayag and remember that Ukhimath is lower, so it shows warmer numbers.
• Adjust for height. Take the Ukhimath forecast and subtract about 8°C for Chopta, and about 14°C for Tungnath.
• Read rain as snow. In winter, rain in the valley forecast usually means snow at Chopta and above.
• Check the wind. Wind chill is what you will feel on Chandrashila.
• Use the official source. The IMD Meteorological Centre, Dehradun publishes district forecasts and weather warnings for Uttarakhand.

A Chopta weather forecast 15 days ahead, or a Tungnath weather forecast 15 days ahead, is useful only for the general trend (cold spell or snow spell coming). Trust the 3 to 5 day forecast more, and recheck it the day before you leave.

No. The Tungnath temple closing time for winter is usually early November, and it reopens in April or May. During winter, the Tungnath doli (the deity's palanquin) is taken down to Makkumath, where Lord Tungnath is worshipped until the temple reopens. The exact closing and opening dates are announced each year; see our page on the Tungnath Temple opening date for details.

So is Tungnath open in December? The Tungnath temple in winter is closed, but the trail is not. Chopta Tungnath in winter is still one of the most beautiful snow walks in Uttarakhand, and you can walk past the closed temple to Chandrashila when conditions allow.

A Chopta Chandrashila trek in winter, or a Chandrashila trek in December, is short but feels like a real Himalayan snow trek. The walk from Chopta to Tungnath is about 3.5 km on a paved path that is often under snow, followed by a short, steep climb to Chandrashila. You start early to reach the top for sunrise, when the views of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath peak, Nanda Devi and Trishul are clearest.

• Trail: snow and ice above the tree line; microspikes and poles make it much safer.
• Cold: the coldest part of the trip is the pre-dawn walk and the summit.
• Days: our trek takes 3 days from Dehradun and is graded easy.
• Group: a maximum of 12 trekkers with a trek leader, pickup from Dehradun.

Planning a winter trip? See Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek batches, cost and inclusions.

The view from Chandrashila on a clear morning

The Chopta best time to visit depends on what you want. If you are asking for the best time to visit Tungnath temple, go between its opening in April or May and late October. For snow, the best month to visit Chopta is January or February.

For the trek itself, the Chandrashila trek best time is October to November for views and late December to February for snow. Chopta trek in December is a good middle ground: cold, often snowy by the end of the month, and with clear days.

Layers keep you warmer than one heavy jacket. Match them to the temperature you will feel, including the wind.

• Base: two thermal sets, top and bottom.
• Middle: a fleece or woollen sweater.
• Outer: a down or padded jacket and a windproof, waterproof shell.
• Head and hands: woollen cap, buff or neck warmer, warm gloves plus a thin inner pair.
• Feet: waterproof trekking shoes with deep grip and two or three pairs of woollen socks.
• Extras: sunglasses and sunscreen for snow glare, a head torch for the sunrise walk and an insulated bottle so your water does not freeze.

For a full checklist, read our guide to winter trek clothing.

Chopta is about 225 km from Dehradun and about 200 km from Rishikesh. The road goes through Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to Chopta. Reaching Chopta from Delhi usually means an overnight bus or train to Dehradun or Rishikesh, then a full-day drive.

• Start early; mountain roads are slower in winter and it gets dark by about 5:30 PM.
• After heavy snowfall, the last stretch to Chopta can close for a day or two, and vehicles may stop a few kilometres short.
• Keep one buffer day in your plan if you are travelling in January or February.

When it comes to the Chopta trip cost, the biggest items are the drive, the stay and a local guide for the snow. An organised trek from Dehradun covers all three.

Chopta is the shortest winter trip here. If you have more days and want deeper snow and higher camps, these winter treks are the next step.

Trekkers at the small temple on Chandrashila summit

Want to see Chopta under snow? Our Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek runs from Dehradun in 3 days, with a trek leader, a maximum of 12 trekkers per group and all the winter gear you need on the snow. The trek fee is ₹9,900 + 5% GST per person. For dates and questions, call or WhatsApp us at +91 94583 86006.

What is the temperature in Chopta in December?

The Chopta temperature in December is roughly 4 to 10°C during the day and around -4 to -8°C at night. The first proper snow usually settles between mid and late December, so the end of the month is often colder and white. Carry thermals, a down jacket, gloves and a woollen cap.

When does it snow in Chopta?

Snow usually settles at Chopta from mid or late December and is heaviest in January and February. Higher up, Tungnath and Chandrashila can get light snow from late November, and the summit often keeps snow until March. Snow comes in spells, so it is never guaranteed on a fixed date.

Is there snow in Chopta in November?

Usually not at Chopta itself. November is cold and mostly dry, with nights around freezing. Light snow can dust Chandrashila and the upper slopes late in the month, but for snow on the meadows and the trail, plan for late December to February.

What is the temperature at Chandrashila in winter?

The Chandrashila temperature in winter stays below freezing most of the day and can fall to around -15°C or lower before sunrise in January. The summit is fully exposed, so wind makes it feel even colder. A windproof jacket, a buff and good gloves are essential.

Is Tungnath temple open in winter or December?

No. Tungnath temple usually closes in early November and reopens in April or May, and in winter Lord Tungnath is worshipped at Makkumath. The trail stays open, so you can still walk to Tungnath and Chandrashila in the snow when conditions allow.

Can we do the Chandrashila trek in winter?

Yes. The Chandrashila trek in winter is one of the most popular short snow treks in Uttarakhand. The trail above Tungnath can be icy, so go with a trek leader and use microspikes and poles. After heavy snowfall, the road or the trail may close for a day, so keep a buffer day.

What is the best time to visit Tungnath and Chandrashila?

For the temple, visit between its opening in April or May and late October. For clear mountain views, October and November are best. For snow, choose late December to February. Spring brings rhododendron blooms, while July and August are best avoided because of monsoon rain.

Which month has the most snow in Chopta, January or February?

January usually has the most snow and the coldest nights in Chopta. February often brings fresh snow spells with slightly sunnier days. Both are good for a snow trip; February is a little more comfortable if you feel the cold easily.

How cold does Tungnath get at night?

Tungnath temperature at night is roughly -10 to -14°C in December and can reach around -16°C in January. Even in October nights are close to freezing. Nights are coldest just before sunrise, which is when most groups start walking to Chandrashila.

How much does the Chopta Chandrashila winter trek cost and where does it start?

Our Chopta Chandrashila Tungnath Trek costs ₹9,900 + 5% GST per person and starts from Dehradun. It takes 3 days, with a trek leader and a maximum of 12 trekkers per group. Check the trek page for dates and inclusions.