Overview
Standing on a Himalayan peak is a feeling that words can hardly describe. After hours or even days of climbing through forests, rocky trails, glaciers, and high mountain ridges
Chopta Tungnath & Auli Tour Package from Haridwar
Escape into the Garhwal Himalayas with a journey that combines peaceful forests, an ancient Shiva temple, a rewarding mountain trek and the scenic meadows of Auli. The Chopta Tungnath and Auli tour package from Haridwar is ideal for families, couples, groups and nature lovers who want to experience both adventure and spirituality in one Uttarakhand holiday.
The tour takes you from the holy city of Haridwar to the green surroundings of Chopta, followed by a trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila. The journey then continues through the mountain roads of Chamoli to Joshimath and Auli, one of India’s best-known skiing and Himalayan-view destinations.
A five-day itinerary provides enough time to cover the main attractions without making every day feel rushed. Travellers who prefer slower journeys can add an extra night in Chopta, Joshimath or Auli.
Tour Overview
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point: Haridwar
Ending Point: Haridwar
Destinations: Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila, Joshimath and Auli
Ideal For: Families, couples, groups, pilgrims and nature lovers
Tour Type: Private road journey with trekking
Main Trek: Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila
Best Season: April to June and September to November
Winter Experience: Snow views and seasonal activities, subject to road and weather conditions
Tour Highlights
- Private journey from Haridwar through the Garhwal Himalayas
- Peaceful stay near the forests and meadows of Chopta
- Trek to Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar temples
- Optional climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila summit
- Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks
- Scenic drive from Chopta to Auli
- Visit to Joshimath and Narsingh Temple, subject to time
- Auli meadow and mountain-view experience
- Seasonal snow and skiing activities in Auli
- Optional ropeway or chairlift ride when operational
- Views of Nanda Devi, Kamet and other Himalayan peaks
- River confluences along the Haridwar–Auli route
Why Choose a Chopta Tungnath and Auli Tour?
Chopta and Auli offer two different Himalayan experiences within a single tour.
Chopta is surrounded by forests and mountain meadows. It is the starting point of the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. The destination is quieter than many popular hill stations and is especially attractive to travellers who enjoy walking, birdwatching, camping and mountain scenery.
Auli is known for its open slopes, Himalayan views and winter sports. According to the Chamoli District Administration, Auli lies at an elevation ranging from approximately 2,500 to 3,050 metres and offers views of peaks including Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri.
Combining the two places creates a balanced itinerary with temples, trekking, forests, road journeys, scenic viewpoints and opportunities for seasonal snow activities.
Day-Wise Itinerary
Day 1: Haridwar to Chopta
Your Chopta Tungnath and Auli tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel, railway station or agreed location in Haridwar.
Leave the plains behind and travel towards Rishikesh before following the mountain route through Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag. The road runs beside the Ganga and later follows its Himalayan tributaries through deep valleys and small hill towns.
If time and road conditions permit, stop at Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers meet to form the Ganga. Continue through Srinagar and Rudraprayag before travelling towards Ukhimath and Chopta.
Arrive at your camp, guest house or hotel near Chopta by evening. Check in and enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay near Chopta.
Approximate travel time: 8 to 10 hours, depending on traffic, weather and road conditions.
Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek
Wake up early and prepare for the most adventurous day of the tour.
After breakfast, travel to the starting point of the Tungnath trek. The route passes through forests and open meadows, with mountain views appearing as you gain height.
Tungnath is one of the five temples forming the Panch Kedar circuit. The official Uttarakhand Tourism Panch Kedar guide describes the trek from Chopta to Tungnath as approximately four kilometres.
The stone-paved trail is manageable for active beginners, but the continuous climb and high altitude require a steady pace. Take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
After reaching Tungnath, spend time at the temple and enjoy the surrounding views. Temple darshan depends on the seasonal opening schedule.
Travellers with sufficient fitness and time can continue towards Chandrashila, situated approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometres beyond Tungnath. The final section is steeper and can be more demanding, especially when snow, rain or strong winds affect the trail.
From Chandrashila, clear weather may reveal wide views of the Garhwal Himalayas, including Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth, Trishul and Nanda Devi.
Descend carefully to Chopta and return to your accommodation.
Dinner and overnight stay near Chopta.
Important Trek Information
- Tungnath trek: Approximately 4 km one way
- Chandrashila extension: Approximately 1 to 1.5 km beyond Tungnath
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate under normal conditions
- Trail type: Mostly uphill with stone-paved and natural sections
- Suitable footwear: Trekking shoes with a strong grip
- Recommended start: Early morning
- Temple access: Subject to seasonal opening
- Chandrashila access: Subject to snow and weather conditions
Travellers with heart, breathing, mobility or other medical concerns should consult their doctor before attempting the trek.
Day 3: Chopta to Joshimath or Auli
After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic drive towards Auli.
Depending on the selected route and current road conditions, the journey may pass through Mandal, Gopeshwar, Chamoli and Joshimath. The scenery changes throughout the day, with forested slopes, mountain villages, river valleys and distant Himalayan peaks.
If time permits, stop briefly in Gopeshwar or visit Narsingh Temple in Joshimath. Narsingh Temple is an important religious site and is connected with the winter traditions of Badrinath.
Continue towards your hotel in Joshimath or Auli. Auli is approximately 16 kilometres from Joshimath and can be reached by road. Ropeway access may also be available when services are operational.
Check in and spend the evening relaxing after the road journey.
Dinner and overnight stay in Joshimath or Auli.
Day 4: Auli Sightseeing and Leisure Day
After breakfast, spend the day exploring Auli and its surroundings.
Auli is also known as Auli Bugyal, meaning a mountain meadow. During the warmer months, its slopes offer green landscapes and views of the surrounding peaks. In winter, the same slopes may be covered with snow and become a centre for skiing and other seasonal activities.
Places and experiences may include:
- Auli meadow
- Artificial Lake
- Himalayan viewpoints
- Chairlift or ropeway ride, when operational
- Short nature walks
- Seasonal skiing or snow activities
- Views of Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri
- Photography in the oak and conifer surroundings
The Joshimath–Auli ropeway and local chairlift services are subject to weather, maintenance, technical clearance and operating schedules. Tickets should therefore not be treated as automatically included unless specifically confirmed.
During winter, skiing lessons and equipment can be arranged through local operators, subject to snow conditions and availability.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight stay in Joshimath or Auli.
Day 5: Auli or Joshimath to Haridwar
Have an early breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Begin the return journey towards Haridwar. The route generally passes through Joshimath, Chamoli, Nandprayag, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Devprayag and Rishikesh.
The journey follows the Alaknanda Valley and passes several important river confluences. Short photography or refreshment stops may be possible depending on traffic and the expected arrival time.
Reach Haridwar by evening or night. The tour concludes with a drop at your hotel, railway station or another agreed location.
Approximate travel time: 9 to 11 hours, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.
Avoid booking an early return train on the same day. A late-night departure or an additional night in Haridwar provides a safer buffer.
Tungnath Temple: The Spiritual Heart of the Tour
Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to tradition, the arms of Lord Shiva appeared at Tungnath after the events associated with the Pandavas.
Situated at an elevation of around 3,677 metres, it is widely described as one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Reaching the temple requires effort, but the surrounding mountains and peaceful atmosphere make the journey deeply rewarding.
The temple remains accessible for darshan during its official opening season. During winter, heavy snowfall affects the route and the temple does not operate in the same way as during the main pilgrimage season.
Travellers should confirm the opening status before planning a trip specifically for temple darshan.
Chandrashila Summit Experience
Chandrashila means “Moon Rock”. The summit rises above Tungnath and offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Chopta region.
The trail from Tungnath to Chandrashila is shorter than the main trek but noticeably steeper. Snow, ice, rain and fog can increase the difficulty.
Reaching Chandrashila should remain optional. Travellers should turn back if the weather changes, visibility becomes poor or any group member feels unwell.
The trek is about enjoying the Himalayas, not competing to reach the summit at any cost.
Auli: Meadows, Snow and Himalayan Views
Auli is one of Uttarakhand’s best-known mountain destinations. In winter, visitors come for skiing and snow activities. During the warmer months, they enjoy meadows, forest walks and mountain views.
The Chamoli district tourism information notes that Auli can be reached from Joshimath by road or ropeway and offers views of Nanda Devi, Kamet and Dunagiri.
Auli is suitable for:
- Families looking for a mountain holiday
- Couples seeking a quiet scenic destination
- Groups interested in winter activities
- Photographers
- Nature lovers
- Travellers combining Auli with Badrinath or Chopta
- Beginners interested in seasonal skiing lessons
Snowfall cannot be guaranteed for a particular date. Travellers booking a winter package should remain flexible because snow and severe weather may also affect road access and local activities.
Best Time for the Chopta Tungnath and Auli Tour
April to June
This is a good period for pleasant weather, green landscapes and the Tungnath trek after the route becomes safely accessible.
Mornings and evenings remain cold, so warm clothing is necessary.
July to August
The monsoon brings greenery but also increases the risk of heavy rain, landslides, falling stones and road closures.
This period requires flexible planning and close attention to government weather advisories. Trekking should not be attempted during unsafe conditions.
September to November
The post-monsoon season often provides clearer mountain views and cooler weather. It is a good time for trekking, photography and peaceful stays.
Temperatures fall rapidly towards November.
December to March
Winter transforms Chopta and Auli into snow destinations. Auli is popular for skiing when sufficient snow is available.
However, the Tungnath Temple remains seasonally closed, and snow can make the Chandrashila trek more challenging. Winter travellers need suitable clothing, footwear and a flexible itinerary.
Package Inclusions
A standard Chopta Tungnath and Auli package from Haridwar may include:
- Pickup and drop from Haridwar
- Private transportation according to group size
- Four nights’ accommodation
- Two nights near Chopta
- Two nights in Joshimath or Auli
- Breakfast and dinner
- Driver allowance
- Fuel charges
- Toll taxes
- Parking charges
- Sightseeing transfers according to the itinerary
The final inclusions should be confirmed in writing before booking.
Package Exclusions
The package may not include:
- Train or flight tickets
- Lunch and refreshments
- Ropeway or chairlift tickets
- Skiing lessons and equipment
- Trekking guide
- Porter, pony or personal assistance
- Entry fees
- Travel insurance
- Medical expenses
- Personal shopping
- Laundry and room service
- Heater charges where billed separately
- Expenses caused by landslides, snowfall or road closure
- GST or other taxes unless mentioned
- Anything not specifically listed under inclusions
Accommodation Information
Accommodation near Chopta is generally simpler than in major cities. Depending on location and season, travellers may stay in camps, cottages, guest houses or small mountain hotels.
Facilities such as continuous electricity, mobile network, room heaters and hot water may be limited. Luxury expectations should be adjusted according to the remote location.
In Auli, accommodation can be selected in Auli itself or in Joshimath. Hotels in Auli provide easier access to the slopes, while Joshimath generally offers a wider range of properties, markets and local services.
What to Pack
Carry light but practical luggage.
Recommended items include:
- Warm jacket
- Thermal clothing
- Gloves and woollen cap
- Raincoat or poncho
- Trekking shoes
- Extra socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medicines
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small trekking backpack
- Walking stick or trekking pole
- Torch
- Power bank
- Identity document
- Light snacks and ORS
- Waterproof cover for your bag
Winter travellers need insulated jackets, waterproof footwear and additional warm layers.
Important Travel Information
- Mountain travel times are longer than the distance may suggest.
- The itinerary can change because of weather, traffic or road closures.
- Start the Tungnath trek early in the morning.
- Avoid trekking during thunderstorms, heavy rain or poor visibility.
- Ropeway, skiing and chairlift services depend on local operations.
- Snowfall cannot be guaranteed.
- Mobile networks may be weak near Chopta.
- Carry cash because digital payments may not work everywhere.
- Do not leave plastic or food waste on the trail.
- Respect the temple atmosphere and local communities.
- Senior citizens should consider the altitude and trekking requirements before booking.
- Keep one flexible day if travelling during winter or monsoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are required for Chopta and Auli from Haridwar?
A five-day, four-night tour is suitable for covering Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila and Auli. Six days are better for families or travellers who prefer shorter driving hours.
How difficult is the Tungnath trek?
The trek is approximately four kilometres one way and is considered easy to moderate in normal conditions. The continuous climb and high altitude can still make it tiring.
Is Chandrashila included in the trek?
Chandrashila is usually offered as an optional extension beyond Tungnath. It should only be attempted when the weather, trail condition and traveller’s fitness are suitable.
Can children join this tour?
Yes, active children can join with parental supervision. Their ability to complete the entire trek depends on age, fitness and weather conditions.
Is the package suitable for senior citizens?
Senior citizens can enjoy Chopta and Auli, but the Tungnath trek may not suit everyone. Medical advice and realistic planning are recommended.
Can we see snow in Auli?
Snow is generally more likely during winter, but its timing and quantity vary each year. No tour operator can responsibly guarantee snowfall on a particular date.
Is Tungnath Temple open during winter?
The temple operates according to a seasonal schedule and generally remains closed during the main winter period. The snow trek may still be possible with appropriate guidance and conditions, but temple darshan should not be expected when the shrine is closed.
Is the Auli ropeway included?
Ropeway tickets are normally separate unless specifically mentioned. The service is also subject to weather, maintenance and technical operations.
Where will we stay in Chopta?
Accommodation may be in Chopta, Baniyakund, Dugalbitta or another nearby area, depending on availability and road conditions.
Can the package start from Rishikesh or Dehradun?
Yes. The itinerary can be customised with pickup from Rishikesh, Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport or another agreed location. The price and travel time will change accordingly.
Book Your Chopta Tungnath and Auli Tour from Haridwar
The Chopta Tungnath and Auli tour package from Haridwar is a memorable way to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Uttarakhand.
From walking through the forests of Chopta and seeking blessings at Tungnath to watching the Himalayas from Chandrashila and exploring the open slopes of Auli, every day offers a different experience.
Share your travel dates, number of passengers, preferred hotel category and pickup location to receive a customised package. With comfortable transportation, carefully selected accommodation and realistic journey planning, you can enjoy the mountains without worrying about the daily arrangements.
Itinerary
With Uttarakhand Trails, every detail of your journey is carefully planned. From comfortable accommodations and reliable transportation to experienced local guides and 24/7 travel support, we ensure a safe, smooth, and spiritually enriching pilgrimage.
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