A bike trip from Delhi to Chopta (Tungnath)
FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A BUDGET TRAVELLER: Let’s discuss the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of India’s Panch Kedar, Tungnath Trek, and Chandrashila Trek (Chopta).
Tungnath, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. It is also the starting point for the trek to Chandrashila, a summit offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. A bike trip from Delhi to Tungnath is a thrilling adventure that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in India.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ROUTE: DELHI-HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH-SHIVPURI-DEVPRAYAG-SRINAGAR-RUDRAPRAYAG-CHOPTA-TREK TO TUNGNATH-TREK TO CHANDRASHILA SUMMIT. (DELHI TO CHOPTA/Tungnath: 500 km around)
Preparation
It’s crucial to be organised before starting your bike adventure. A few things to remember are as follows:
- Make sure your bike is in good condition and has a full tank of fuel.
- Pack appropriate clothing for all weather conditions, as the weather in the Himalayas can change quickly.
- Carry a first-aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water.
- Inform someone about your travel plans and expected arrival date.
Day 1
DELHI TO HARIDWAR-RISHIKESH
Start early from Delhi and head to Haridwar. Once you reach Haridwar, you can take a break to visit the Har ki Pauri ghat and witness the evening aarti ceremony. Continue your journey to Rishikesh. Rishikesh has always been one of the most famous weekend gateways for DELHITES since it’s a one-to-two-day trip with lots of adventure sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, or cliff diving. If you haven’t been to Rishikesh and you want, then you can keep an extra day to visit Rishikesh and enjoy the subtle beauty of the ghats, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, and, of course, the most famous river rafting. I would advise you to stay the night in Rishikesh. And head towards the destination the next day.
Day 2
RISHIKESH TO RUDRAPRAYAG
Infinite Peace Devprayag is a little town in the Tehri Garhwal district and one of the Panch Prayags on the Alaknanda River. It is a well-known sacred location where the exuberant River Alaknanda and the serene River Bhagirathi meet. The Ganges, known as the longest river in India, is formed by the confluence of these two rivers, which is a magnificent sight. You may stop here for an evening snack if you are traversing Srinagar in the evening. Here, you can apparently locate an ATM or fill up your tank. These services are available in Rudraprayag now that Srinagar has left. In Rudraprayag, you can spend the night.
Day 3
RUDRAPRAYAG TO CHOPTA (TUNGNATH/CHANDRASHILA SUMMIT)
Chopta, also known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is our ultimate destination. The ride from Rudraprayag to Chopta is both challenging and rewarding. As you ascend, the views of snow-capped peaks become more prominent. Upon arrival in Chopta, you are welcomed by lush meadows and a stunning view of the Chaukhamba range.
The main focus of the trip is the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila Peak, a vantage point offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. Hiking through enchanting forests, wildflowers, and mountain streams, the temple is a place of serene spirituality, and from Chandrashila, you can see the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath peaks. The descent back to Chopta is equally memorable.
Day 4
CHOPTA (TUNGNATH) TO DELHI
The trip back to Delhi is similarly fulfilling. You can’t help but feel changed by the experience when you leave the mountains and return to the lowlands. The lengthy drive back to Delhi is spend thinking about the journey and the memories you’ve made.
Tips
- The best time to visit Tungnath is during the summer months (April to June) and autumn months (September to November).
- If you are trekking to Chandrashila, start early in the morning to avoid the heat.
- Carry a torch or headlamp if you are planning trek to Chandrashila for sunrise or sunset.
- Be respectful of the local culture and customs.
Conclusion:
An adventure, a bike trip from Delhi to Tungnath is also a spiritual trek across the magnificent Himalayas. It is a genuinely epic adventure because of the combination of various scenery, spiritual encounters, and the exhilaration of riding across complex terrain. It serves as a reminder that India is beautiful, both in its chaos and in the quiet areas that are just waiting to be explored. So get ready to travel this spectacular route from Delhi to Tungnath while revving your motors.
