Rishikesh to Chopta Taxi Guide 2026 — Tungnath Trek, Fares & Road Conditions

Chopta (2,600 m) is located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in the Rudraprayag district of Garhwal. It is the base camp for Tungnath (3,680 m) — the highest Shiva temple in the world — and the further Chandrashila peak (4,130 m), which offers 360° views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, and Bandarpunch on clear days.

Unlike Kedarnath or Badrinath, Chopta has minimal tourist infrastructure. There are a handful of tented camps and basic guesthouses, one chai dhaba, and no mobile connectivity above the tree line. This is the destination for those who want Himalayan grandeur without the pilgrim crowds.

Distance: 195 km. Journey time: 6 to 7 hours. The route follows NH-7 from Rishikesh through Devprayag (70 km), Srinagar Garhwal (115 km), Rudraprayag (140 km), then State Highway 109 via Augustmuni, Kund, and Ukhimath before the final forest road climb to Chopta.

The last 20 km from Ukhimath to Chopta deserves special mention. This narrow BRO track climbs steeply through dense oak and burans (rhododendron) forest and is only reliably passable in a capable SUV. A standard sedan can manage it in dry conditions, but we recommend the Innova Crysta for any group with luggage or if there is any uncertainty about current road conditions.

Chopta road typically opens in late March or early April when snowmelt permits access and closes from December to March. The key seasonal windows:

• April to June: Rhododendron bloom, clear skies, pre-monsoon ideal. Tungnath temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya (April/May).
• July to August: Monsoon. Road can become slippery and occasionally blocked by small slides. Not recommended for first-time visitors.
• September to November: Post-monsoon clarity with the best Himalayan views of the year. Golden burans foliage in October.
• December to March: Road closed due to snow. Ukhimath is accessible; Chopta is not.

Fixed one-way fares with Uttarakhand Cab 24/7 for 2026:

• Sedan: ₹6,500 one-way (dry conditions only)
• Innova Crysta (recommended): ₹8,500 one-way

Fares are fully inclusive of tolls, fuel, and driver allowance. The Innova Crysta is strongly recommended for any party with luggage, in monsoon or early-season conditions, or where the road condition is uncertain. Our drivers contact local contacts in Ukhimath before departure for real-time Chopta road status.

1. What is the taxi fare from Rishikesh to Chopta?

A sedan is ₹6,500 and an Innova Crysta is ₹8,500 one-way for the 195 km journey. All tolls and driver allowance are included.

2. How long does Rishikesh to Chopta take?

6 to 7 hours for 195 km. The last 20 km from Ukhimath is a slow forest track taking around 1 hour despite the short distance.

3. Is a 4WD required to reach Chopta?

A capable 4-cylinder SUV like the Innova Crysta handles the Chopta road well in dry conditions. Full 4WD (e.g. a Bolero or Thar) is only needed in snow conditions, which means December to March when the road is typically closed entirely.

4. Can I combine Chopta with Kedarnath Yatra from Rishikesh?

Yes. Chopta lies 60 km from Ukhimath, and Ukhimath is on the Kedarnath access road. We offer multi-day itineraries combining a Kedarnath Yatra with the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek in a single Rishikesh-based circuit, typically over 4–5 days.