Desh Darshini Travel Desk · Uttarakhand travel guide
If you're planning a Chopta trip from Dehradun, here's a realistic day-by-day structure most 3-day itineraries follow — including ours. Adjust timings for your own pace, but the sequence holds for most travellers.
An early start from Dehradun, driving via Rishikesh and Rudraprayag to reach Chopta by evening (roughly 7–8 hours on the road, with stops). Settle in, acclimatise, and rest ahead of the trek day.
The main trek day: an early start up to Tungnath temple (~3.5 km), continuing to the Chandrashila summit for panoramic Himalayan views, then descending back to Chopta by afternoon or evening. This is the longest, most physically demanding day of the trip.
A relaxed morning followed by the return drive to Dehradun, arriving by evening. Some itineraries add a short stop at a viewpoint or local market on the way back.
Travellers with an extra day sometimes add Deoriatal, a scenic alpine lake a short drive and walk from the main road — worth considering if you're not tied to a strict 3-day schedule.
It's tight but possible for very fit trekkers with a private vehicle — most travellers find 3 days considerably more comfortable.
As early as practical — an early start means better light, cooler temperatures, and more buffer time for the full there-and-back trek.
Arriving the evening before and starting the trek the next morning is the standard structure and works for most reasonably fit travellers.
Desh Darshini