Situated at the district of Rudraprayag, lying on the Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba, this pious destination is heavenly. Heavenly destination blessed with the nature’s bounties is a hill station allocated at the height of 2,680 above sea level.
And it’s a fully connected city by road, air and bus. Lying centrally to the Chopta Valley, the place is celebrated as ‘‘Mini Switzerland’ of India. A day’s stay here is filled with soothes and enthusiasm. And reaching this destination is really simple as its well connected through road, rail and air.
The destination is easily accessible by motor cycle ride, where Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila, is a feasible trekking destination. A perfect spot to dive in the spirituality the picturesque snowy mountain with the river flowing along and gigantic natural appearance makes Chopta an adequate place for adventurous junkie.
Having the abundance of birds, predominantly recognized for rare Himalayan species of monal bird, musk deer and Pika Mouse, and the trek to the nearby region such as Deoria Tal, is a famous lake surrounded by dense forests.
Rock craft, rock climbing, rappelling, snow skiing, yoga are some of the best adventurous activities which can be planned out. And with the mix of trekking destination, adventure and holidaying it offers you captivating glimpse with majestic feel of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary wherein Octobers are considered to be the best time to visit the place.
1. Trekking: Chopta serves as the starting point for several trekking trails. The most famous one is the trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. The Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world and offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Chandrashila Peak trek rewards you with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.
2. Tungnath Temple: Situated at an elevation of around 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), the Tungnath Temple is an important religious site for Hindus. It's a moderate trek to reach the temple, and the journey is quite scenic.
3. Chandrashila Peak: This is the summit above the Tungnath Temple. It's a slightly challenging trek, but the view from the top is absolutely worth it. You'll get a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
4. Deoria Tal Lake: Another popular trekking destination near Chopta is the Deoria Tal Lake. The trek to the lake takes you through dense forests and meadows, and the lake itself reflects the surrounding peaks in its clear waters.
5. Bird Watching: Chopta is home to a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You might spot species like Monal, Himalayan Griffon, and Snow Partridge.
6. Camping: Chopta offers camping opportunities in its serene environment. Camping here is a wonderful way to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the region.
7. Natural Beauty: The region is characterized by lush green meadows, dense forests, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. It's a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
9. Rhododendron Sanctuary: Chopta is surrounded by the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna. The sanctuary, especially during the rhododendron bloom in spring, is a sight to behold.
Ukhimath
Rudraprayag
Auli
Hemkund sahib
Tungnath
Kartik swami temple
Joshimath
Deoriatal Lake
Badrinath temple
Chopta bazar
Chandrashila Peak
Chopta is generally accessible from Rishikesh or Haridwar, which are major cities in Uttarakhand. The best time to visit is during the summer months of April to June and the autumn months of September to November when the weather is pleasant and the trekking routes are accessible.
By Air: The nearest airport to Chopta is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 226 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta. The drive will take around 7-8 hours, depending on road conditions.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Haridwar, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Haridwar, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta. The distance is around 225 kilometers and the journey take approximately 7-8 hours.
By Road: Chopta is well-connected by road, but the last part of the journey involves traveling on mountainous roads, which can be narrow and winding. You can drive to Chopta from major cities like Delhi, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. The approximate driving time from Rishikesh or Haridwar is 7-8 hours. If you're driving from Delhi, the journey could take around 10-12 hours.
