Aaochale ( Let's Go )
Uttarakhand
देवभूमि उत्तराखण्ड
About Chopta Uttarakhand
Chopta Uttarakhand is a small village situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is located at an elevation of 2,680 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the beautiful Himalayan mountain ranges. Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” due to its breathtaking natural beauty and serene surroundings.
Chopta Uttarakhand is a popular destination among trekkers and nature lovers. The place is known for its scenic beauty and offers a perfect getaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is surrounded by lush green forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron trees, which make it an ideal destination for nature walks.
One of the major attractions of Chopta is the Tungnath temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters and is a popular destination among tourists and devotees. The trek to Tungnath is relatively easy and can be completed by people of all age groups.
Chopta Uttarakhand is also the starting point of the Chandrashila trek, which is a popular trekking destination in Uttarakhand. The trek offers spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The summit of Chandrashila is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Apart from trekking, Chopta is also an ideal destination for camping and bird watching. The place is home to a variety of bird species, including Himalayan Monal, Snow Partridge, and Himalayan Griffon.
Chopta Uttarakhand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from April to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Who Should Visit Chopta
Chopta Uttarakhand is a beautiful destination in Uttarakhand that is ideal for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and people seeking a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is particularly popular among trekkers and hikers due to its location in the Garhwal Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and lush green forests.
Chopta Uttarakhand is also an excellent destination for those interested in wildlife and birdwatching, as the region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The peaceful and serene surroundings of Chopta make it a great place for meditation and yoga, attracting many spiritual seekers as well.
Overall, Chopta Uttarakhand is a perfect destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and tranquility.
Best Time To Visit Chopta
The best time to visit Chopta Uttarakhand is from April to November when the weather is pleasant, and the region is covered with lush greenery. During these months, the temperature ranges between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time for trekking and other outdoor activities.
The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall, which can lead to landslides and disrupt travel plans. The winter season, from December to February, is also not recommended for tourists, as the region experiences heavy snowfall, and the temperature drops below freezing point. However, if you are interested in snow sports like skiing, then the winter season is the best time to visit Chopta Uttarakhand.
How to Reach Chopta
Chopta Uttarakhand is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is well connected by roadways from major cities in the state.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 226 km away from Chopta. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is about 200 km from Chopta. From Rishikesh, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chopta.
By Road:
Chopta Uttarakhand is well connected by roadways from major cities in Uttarakhand. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun to reach Chopta. The nearest town to Chopta is Ukhimath, which is about 30 km away. From Ukhimath, you can hire a jeep or take a shared taxi to reach Chopta.
Things To Do in Chopta
Chopta Uttarakhand is a charming and peaceful hill station situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. This serene and pristine location is famous among trekkers, adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, and people who wish to escape the hustle-bustle of the city. Here are some of the best things to do in Chopta:
Camping:
Chopta is an excellent place for camping amidst the beautiful pine, oak, and deodar forests. You can spend the night under the stars and wake up to the stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. There are lot of good camps and homestays that you can book to enjoy camping in chopta specially with families and with your group of friends. Explore the beautiful surrounding s around the camp and make some trekking and hiking plan around chopta.
Trek to Tungnath Temple:
Chopta is the starting point of the trek to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva Temple in the world. The 3.5 km trek to the temple is easy to moderate level and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Tungnath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panch Kedar, the five holy shrines of Lord Shiva, and is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, serene environment, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Trek to Chandrashila Peak :
Tungnath Temple is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts, as it is the starting point for the trek to Chandrashila Peak, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. The trek is a moderately difficult one and takes around 5-6 hours to complete, covering a distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles).
The trek from Chopta to Chandrashila peak is steep and can be challenging, but the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views from the summit. Trekkers can see several of the region’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath.
The best time to undertake the Chandrashila trek is between the months of April and November. During the winter months, the region receives heavy snowfall, which can make the trek difficult and dangerous.
The Chandrashila Trek is considered to be a moderate-level trek, and it is suitable for both novice and experienced trekkers. However, it is always advisable to prepare well in advance and acclimatize properly before attempting the trek. Trekkers are advised to carry appropriate gear and clothing for the trek, as well as adequate food and water supplies.
Overall, the Chandrashila Trek is a rewarding and exhilarating experience that takes trekkers through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Indian Himalayas.
- Deoria Tal Trek :
Deoria Tal is a picturesque lake located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters above sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The lake is surrounded by dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees, and is considered to be one of the most serene and beautiful lakes in the region.
The lake is a popular destination among trekkers and nature lovers. It is believed to be the same spot where the Pandavas were asked questions by Yaksha in the Mahabharata. The lake offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, and Kedar Range.
The trek to Deoria Tal is an easy one, which makes it perfect for beginners and families with kids. The trek starts from the village of Sari, which is located at a distance of around 12 km from Ukhimath. The trail passes through dense forests and offers beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Deoria Tal is an ideal destination for camping, and many trekkers prefer to camp here overnight to witness the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, and one can spot a variety of birds here, including Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Griffon.
Bird Watching:
Chopta is a haven for birdwatchers. You can spot a variety of birds like Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and Himalayan Griffon in their natural habitats.
Photography:
The stunning landscape of Chopta is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The place is a treasure trove of beautiful landscapes, flora, and fauna.
Overall, Chopta is a must-visit place for those who love to be close to nature and want to experience the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas.
Before You Travel
If you are planning to travel to Chopta Uttarakhand, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Carry warm clothing as the weather can be unpredictable.
- Wear comfortable shoes for trekking and hiking.
- Carry a first-aid kit and necessary medicines.
- Respect the local customs and traditions.
- Hire a local guide for trekking or hiking, if required.
- Carry a sufficient amount of cash as there are limited ATMs in the area.
Don’ts:
- Do not litter the surroundings and dispose of waste properly.
- Do not pluck flowers or disturb the wildlife.
- Do not harm or feed the animals in the region.
- Do not smoke or light a fire in the forest area.
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs.
- Do not go off the marked trail while trekking or hiking.