This guide is about the Chopta Chandrashila Trek — dates, price, day-by-day itinerary and booking are on the trek page.
Quick answer: Yes. The Chandrashila trek is open in winter: Trekkaro runs it from October to June, with batches through December, January, February and March. Snow lies on Rohini Bugyal and the summit trail from December to April, and batches still walk past Tungnath to Chandrashila (3,962 m) in the snow. Only the Tungnath temple is closed in winter.
Is the Chandrashila trek open in winter?
Yes. Winter is one of the main seasons on Trekkaro's Chopta Chandrashila Trek, and the trek runs through December, January, February and March. On summit day the group still walks from Chopta past Tungnath to the top of Chandrashila in the snow months; the route does not stop at Chopta.
What closes in winter is the Tungnath temple, not the trail. The temple committee announces the temple's opening and closing dates each year, and in the closed months the winter worship of Tungnath is held at Makkumath, 45 km from Ukhimath. The walk past the temple to the summit continues.
Which months does Trekkaro run the trek?
Trekkaro runs the trek from October to June, with no batches in July, August and September. The table shows what each part of the season looks like on this route.
| Months | Batches | Snow on the route | Temperatures |
|---|---|---|---|
| October and November | Yes | Before the snow months | See our weather guide |
| December to February | Yes, through the winter | On Rohini Bugyal and the summit trail | Days 8°C to 14°C, nights -10°C to -6°C |
| March | Yes | Still on the higher sections | Days 13°C to 17°C, nights around 0°C |
| April | Yes | The last month of the snow season | See our weather guide |
| May and June | Yes | After the snow months | See our weather guide |
| July to September | No batches | – | – |
Our Chopta and Tungnath weather guide has the full month table, and the Chopta and Tungnath snowfall guide explains when and where the snow builds up.
What is closed in winter, and what stays open?
| Place | In winter |
|---|---|
| Chopta Chandrashila trek | Open: batches from December to March |
| Summit trail past Tungnath to Chandrashila (3,962 m) | Walked on summit day, on snow |
| Tungnath temple (3,680 m) | Closed; winter worship is held at Makkumath, 45 km from Ukhimath |
| Deoriatal and Baniyakund camps | Used by every batch, in tents with -20°C sleeping bags |
Because the temple is shut in winter, the walk past Tungnath is a snow trek rather than a darshan. If seeing the temple open matters to you, travel after its opening date; our Tungnath temple guide covers the temple itself.
What changes on the trek in the snow months?
The route and the 5-day plan stay the same in winter: Sari to Deoriatal on Day 2, the long forest day over Rohini Bugyal to Baniyakund on Day 3, and summit day on Day 4. Summit day is about 11 km in 8 to 9 hours, with about 1,280 m up from Chopta and the same down. Groups reach Chandrashila between 9 and 10 AM and stay 30 to 45 minutes.
The snow changes the pace and the kit. Microspikes and gaiters come with the Free Trekking Gear, and the team carries ice axes. Ropes are not needed on this trek: after fresh snowfall the team clears the trail and helps trekkers across slippery sections. Bring five warm layers from December to April, and keep your cap and gloves on at the top, even for photos.
The trail is busiest in the last part of December, the Christmas and New Year weeks. Trekkaro's trek leaders rate February highest, because the snow is at its best for walking and the trail is quieter.
What if the route is closed when your batch is due?
If the forest or permit office closes the route before your batch starts, Trekkaro cancels that batch, and you get back 100% of what you paid, however close it is to departure. You can take a TrekCash voucher valid for 12 months, or a full refund to your original payment method within 7 working days.
Before you leave home, check the forecast and district warnings for Rudraprayag on the India Meteorological Department's Dehradun centre, and keep a spare day before your onward travel on winter departures.
Who can do the Chandrashila trek in winter?
The trek is graded Moderate, and the minimum age is 8; trekkers under 18 come with a parent or guardian. In winter the hard part is summit day on snow, with camp nights of -10°C to -6°C. Your SpO2 and pulse are checked twice a day at every campsite, and one oxygen cylinder, a first-aid kit and a stretcher travel with every batch. Every trekker brings a medical certificate signed by a doctor (the form is in My Bookings), and travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation is mandatory and not included.
What does a winter batch cost?
The fee for the Chopta Chandrashila Trek is ₹8,250 per person plus 5% GST (₹8,662.50 with GST). EMI starts at ₹425 a month. It includes all trekking permits and forest camping fees, pure vegetarian meals, tents and the Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, against a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and a ₹200 washing charge. Transport is not included: we help the group book shared cabs at ₹6,500 one way per 5 to 6 seat vehicle, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, which is ₹1,083 each when six share.
See Chopta Chandrashila Trek dates and book | Chandrashila trek in December | Baniyakund camp
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chandrashila trek open in December?
Yes. Trekkaro runs batches through December, and snow reaches Rohini Bugyal and the summit trail in the snow months. The last part of December is the busiest time on the trail.
Is the Chandrashila trek open in January?
Yes. January is inside the snow season, and the snow is deepest on the climb from Baniyakund to Chandrashila. Microspikes and gaiters come with the Free Trekking Gear.
Is Tungnath temple open in winter?
No. The temple is closed in winter, and the winter worship of Tungnath is held at Makkumath, 45 km from Ukhimath. The trek still walks past the temple to Chandrashila.
When does the Chandrashila trek close?
Trekkaro runs the trek from October to June. There are no batches in July, August and September.
Can a beginner do the Chandrashila trek in winter?
Yes, if you are fit and ready for the cold. The trek is graded Moderate and open from age 8, but summit day is about 11 km in 8 to 9 hours on snow, with camp nights of -10°C to -6°C.
