Chopta and Tungnath by Bike from Rishikesh
- Distance
- ~165–200 km from Rishikesh, depending on route
- Riding time
- 6–7 hours
- Days needed
- 2 minimum, 3 relaxed
- Chopta altitude
- ~2,680 m
- Tungnath
- ~3,680 m — 3.5 km trek from Chopta
- Chandrashila summit
- ~4,000 m — a further ~1.5 km
- Season
- Year-round to Chopta in most winters, though snow can close the last stretch. Best April–June and September–November
- Difficulty on the bike
- Moderate. Good until Ukhimath, then narrow and mixed
- Bike we'd recommend
- Himalayan 411
If you have two days and you want the best return on them in Uttarakhand, this is it. The ride is short enough to be relaxed, the last twenty kilometres are through rhododendron and deodar forest with the range opening up in the gaps, and at the end there’s a 3.5 km walk to the highest Shiva temple in the world and another kilometre and a half to a summit with a 360-degree view of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul.
The Ride
Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag (~140 km, 4–5 hrs). The same excellent highway as the Kedarnath route — sweeping curves above the Ganga, two confluences, good surface throughout. Fuel at Srinagar or Rudraprayag.
Rudraprayag → Ukhimath (~40 km, 1.5 hrs). Climbing now, narrower, still sealed. Ukhimath is where the Kedarnath deity is housed in winter and it’s the last place with a decent choice of food.
Ukhimath → Chopta (~30 km, 1.5 hrs). The reason you came. The road climbs steadily through dense forest, badly surfaced in places, with drops on one side and no barrier. It’s slow riding and every kilometre of it is worth it. In April and May the rhododendrons are in flower and the whole hillside is red.
Chopta itself is not a town. It’s a handful of dhabas and camps on a meadow. Don’t expect an ATM, a pharmacy or a mechanic.
The Treks
Tungnath — 3.5 km, 2–3 hours up. Stone-paved, steep, entirely doable by anyone reasonably fit. At 3,680 m it is the highest of the Panch Kedar and, by most accounts, the highest Shiva temple anywhere. It closes for winter around November and the deity moves to Ukhimath.
Chandrashila — a further 1.5 km, 45–60 minutes. Steeper and rougher than the Tungnath section, and the payoff is a summit at roughly 4,000 m with the whole range in front of you: Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar Dome. Go at sunrise if you can — leave Chopta by 4:30 AM with a headtorch.
Where to Stay
Chopta: dhabas with basic rooms and tented camps, ₹800–2,500. Cold at night year-round; a good sleeping bag or a heavy quilt is not optional. Book ahead in season — there is not much of it.
Sari village: 10 km back, slightly better rooms, and the trailhead for Deoria Tal, which is worth a day if you have one.
Ukhimath: the most comfortable option, 30 km away, and it means a very early start for a Chandrashila sunrise.
Which Bike
Himalayan 411 — ₹1,400/day. The final thirty kilometres to Chopta is exactly what this bike is for. Broken surface, steep, narrow, and often wet. Ground clearance makes it pleasant instead of tense.
Himalayan 450 — ₹2,000/day. Excellent, and more than you need for 165 km. Worth it if you’re going on to Badrinath.
Classic 350 — ₹1,300/day. Fine until Ukhimath. Hard work on the last stretch, especially two-up. Doable.
Hunter 350 — the 150 mm clearance is against you on that final climb. Only if it’s what’s available and you’re riding solo and gently.
What It Costs
Two days, two riders sharing a Himalayan 411:
| Bike, 2 days at the daily rate | ₹2,800 |
| Fuel, ~350 km at ~30 kmpl | ~₹1,200 |
| Accommodation, 1 night | ₹1,000–2,500 |
| Food | ₹1,200–2,000 |
| Per person | ~₹3,100–4,300 |
The cheapest genuinely spectacular thing you can do from Rishikesh on a bike. Rate card →
When to Go
April–May: rhododendrons in flower, cool, clear. Arguably the best month.
June: warm, busy, good.
July–August: monsoon. Green beyond description, mist that hides the entire range, leeches on the trek, landslide risk on the Ukhimath road. Not a first trip.
September–November: the clearest mountain views of the year. October is exceptional. Cold at night — bring layers you think are excessive.
December–March: Chopta under snow, and genuinely beautiful. The last stretch can close without notice, the Tungnath trek becomes a snow walk, and you need to be equipped for it. Message us before you set out — we’ll tell you what’s passable today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Chopta and Tungnath in one day from Rishikesh?
Is the road to Chopta good?
Can I ride to Chopta in winter?
Do I need a permit?
How hard is the Chandrashila trek?
Can I combine Chopta with Kedarnath?
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