Chopta Tourism

Chopta Tourism

Chopta Valley is a picturesque little hamlet and valley, which usually doesn't find a place in a conventional tourist's map. The quaint little town, nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is recognized for hosting the sacred Tungnath Temple, which is by far the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in India. It is a paradise for nature lovers and wins their hearts with its snow-crowned peaks, stunning meadows and verdant forests of rhododendrons and pines. Tourists can spend their days walking along the flower-laden trails, immerse themselves in the soothing music of the bubbling streams or simply unwind by gazing at the setting sun painting the sky in its golden hues.

Additionally, Chopta is a pure adventure & nature tourism destination in India which is quite popular amongst trekkers who travel here from different parts of the country to revel in the town's captivating panoramas. On a trip here, adventurists can embark on the " Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila" trek, which is the most popular trek in the region. Along with trekking, Chopta is ideal for nature camping. Vacationers can choose from an array of locales soaked in umpteen serenity and spend a night under the star-lit sky, while also enjoying a splendid bonfire experience. Pure bliss, isn't it?

Seeking more information on Chopta, particularly the popular tourist attractions, best places to visit and amazing things to do during your holidays here? Our Chopta travel guide is brimming with every smallest detail you may need. Just in case you are fancying a trip here, do check out our exclusive Chopta Valley tour packages that have been carefully designed to precision and cater to every need of the travellers..

Popular Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in & Around Chopta Valley

Chopta is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in India, nestled in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas. The place is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination lying enroute to the Char Dham Yatra, and is home to a number of religious sites, serene alpine lakes and enchanting meadows, all of which make for the town's popular tourist attractions. Here are some of the most interesting and must visit places that you do not want to miss during your holidays in Chopta.

Tungnath Temple : Peacefully perched at an elevation of 3680 metres on the Chandranath Parvat, at a distance of just 3.5 km from Chopta, Tungnath Temple is one of the most revered and ancient shrines of Uttarakhand. Believed to have been discovered by Adi Guru Shankaracharya more than 1000 years back, the temple enjoys a great religious significance, and is an important part of the sacred 'Panch Kedar' shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is also acknowledged as the highest Shiva temple in the world and pilgrims from all across the country visit here in great numbers. Other than being a religious destination, Tungnath is also well-known among trekkers, who stop by here for sometime during their trek to the famous Chandrashila summit.

Chandrashila : Resting at an elevation of 4130 metres above sea level, Chandrashila Peak is another major point of tourist interest for every traveller visiting the valley of Chopta. It lies just 1 km hike uphill from the village of Tungnath, and is steeped in interesting mythological stories. One of them has it that it is on this peak where Lord Rama undertook penance after defeating Ravana, the demon king and a highly learned scholar. Second legend goes on to narrate that the moon god, Chandra, spent time here meditating and hence, the name Chandrashila or the Moon Rock. Apart from possessing a religious significance, the summit is famous as a popular trekking destination, and offers a great time to trekkers wanting to soak themselves in a rustic mountain scenery packed with expansive meadows, snowy fields and lush evergreen forests. As you walk past the trails, look out for the majestic peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath and Chaukhamba that seem to shower all their blessings upon the visitors.

Deoria Tal : Deoria Tal is a serene emerald lake sitting at a distance of 3 km from the Sari Village near Chopta. The enchanting scenery of the place, which is defined by the colossal peaks of Chaukhamba Range that feast the visitors' eyes with their magical reflection in the lake's crystal clear waters. Perched at a height of 2400 metres above sea level, the lake is popular amongst ornithologists who are sure to have a captivating time spotting the rare and endemic winged creatures. Deoria Tal will never disappoint you in terms of camping. Tourists can camp just along the lakeside and enjoy the pristine beauty of the star-spangled sky in the night.

Best Time to Visit Chopta

Chopta is a year round destination and the best time to visit it depends on the type of activities tourists want to pursue.

Summers (April - June)

Summers would be the ideal time to undertake trekking or pilgrimage to the shrine of Tungnath. April to June is when the area is blooming with flowers and there is lush greenery all around. The sky during this time is absolutely clear and the fresh breeze rejuvenates the weary souls. What's more? Visitors can see the glaciers melting, while the awesome weather is perfect for revelling in the beauty of the place. Not to mention, the time is also ideal for some bird watching. An early summer trip might help you spot the ever mysterious spot-winged scarlet and other rare and endemic birds of the region.

Monsoon (July - September)

Beginning in the month of July, Chopta experiences the rainy season which lasts through September. Though the views during this time are unquestionably fascinating, it is not a recommended season for tourist activities due to road blockages and landslides along many areas on the route.

Winters (October - February)

Needless to say, summer is the peak tourist season in Chopta. However, those who wish to avoid the rush, can plan their holidays around winters i.e. beginning October until late February. Like summer, winter is also ideal for bird watching and presents you with amazing sights of beautiful winged creatures. Nevertheless, note that the temperature during this timeframe can drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius. The roads are completely bathed in white, making the trek a bit challenging. Plan a trip here during this time only if you are in a good shape to climb the heights.

How to Reach Chopta?

By Air : The nearest airport is Jolly Grant located at Bhaniawala, Dehradun, at approximately 40 km from Haridwar. After reaching Haridwar, travellers need to cover the rest of the journey of about 190 km by road, either boarding a bus or hiring a cab.
By Road : Chopta is a quiet hamlet located along the Rudraprayag - Ukhimath - Gopeshwar Highway, (NH 58) which is well connected to Delhi, Haridwar and major towns of Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. Having said so, there is no direct bus or any other public transport service to reach Chopta. Travellers first need to reach Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, and then take a cab to the desired destination. Alternately, they can hire a direct taxi from Haridwar or much better, drive down their own car.
By Train : The nearest railhead to Chopta is situated 190 km away in Haridwar. The strong rail network connects the holy town to majority of the cities across India. From Haridwar, many buses and taxis ply at regular intervals to Ukhimath and Rudraprayag, from where Chopta is just a blink away.

Where to Stay in Chopta?

Chopta is a pristine little destination in Uttarakhand offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. There are a number of hotels in and around the valley that provide a peaceful and comfortable stay, besides being easy on the visitors' pockets. Some of the best hotels to check out include the famous Himalayan Eco Lodge Kund and the Stay Apart Chopta Retreat. In case you are someone seeking an offbeat stay in Chopta, plenty of campstays are available, and offer a rustic experience amidst bucolic mountain scenery and tranquil landscapes. Additionally, tourists can choose from a range of guesthouses and homestays that lend a homely ambience to travellers away from their homes. A GMVN run guesthouse at Ukhimath enroute to Chopta is quite well-known and leaves travellers with the most friendly and relaxed accommodation experience.

Other Activities to Do in Chopta

Besides being acknowledged as one of the prime religious destinations, Chopta also sits as a popular adventure getaway in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. The town is flocked by a number of local and international tourists looking forward to adventure activities like rock climbing, mountain biking and rappelling.

The place is especially famed as a trekking destination and forms a base for many frequented treks in and around the region, including the one to the sacred Tungnath Temple and the magnificent Chandrashila summit. A snow-trek during winters is a dream come true for avid trekkers and is counted amongst the activities must do in Chopta.

Apart from trekking, Chopta is great for camping. There are plenty of locales and beautiful green meadows around the region that offer a perfect ambience to pitch your tents and spend a night under the star-lit sky. The mesmerizing lake of Deoria Tal, especially, is a campers' delight and offers them an unprecedented chance to soak in the calm and quietude of the place.

Chopta is also an incredible place for birders and ornithologists. The dense forests in this region are home to over 240 bird species. Tourists can spot the beautiful Himalayan Monal, Scarlet Finch and Chestnut-Crowned Warbler, among many other colourful winged species. Plan a trip here in winters and you may be lucky enough to even spot the Snow Partridges.

Popular FAQ for Chopta

Chopta is a beautiful little destination snuggled in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. There are various reasons which make this place so famous in India. The town is acknowledged as an important Hindu pilgrimage site hosting the very sacred and ancient Tungnath Temple, one of the revered Panch Kedar shrines. Tourists visit here in huge numbers to pay their homage as well as to bask in the alluring scenic beauty. The place also enjoys the status of a popular adventure destination that lends visitors a chance to revel in a range of adventure offerings including trekking, camping and bird watching.

The best and the most convenient way to reach Chopta is via bus until Ukhimath from the twin cities of Haridwar/Rishikesh. From Ukhimath, Chopta is just a short distance away and can be reached boarding a private taxi/cab.

Chopta is considered one of the best places to experience snowfall in winters. January and February are the best months to witness fresh snow and indulge in activities like snow trekking and snow skiing.

Chopta is located at an approximate distance of 190 km from Haridwar, whereas an estimated distance between Chopta and Rishikesh happens to be around 164 km.

The best season to visit Chopta Valley is summers i.e. starting April through June. The weather is perfect and visitors can enjoy activities like trekking, nature sightseeing and birding. However, those wishing to experience snow must plan a trip around winters, which begins around October and lasts until February.

Rhododendrons start to bloom in Chopta Valley around early spring, which is the beginning of April until May. Entire valley during this time turns into a carpet of reddish hues, offering a mesmerizing sight to be etched in your memories forever.

The temperature in Chopta ranges between 10°C and 32°C during summers. Winters are a bit harsh, with the mercury dropping to a minimum of -15°C and a maximum of 15°C.

The mercury drops down to sub-zero during winters. In such cold weather, it is advisable to carry along with you good heavy woollens, a pair of anti-skid trekking gears or snow boots, and adequate supply of packaged food and water.

Chopta Valley boasts a number of accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels and resorts to guesthouses, homestays and nature camps. Tourists can check out Mayadeep Herbal Resort, StayAPart Chopta Retreat, Himalayan Eco Lodge Kund and a GMVN run guesthouse located at Ukhimath for the best experience.

Starting from Delhi, tourists need to cover a total distance of about 400 km to reach Chopta Valley. The trip is divided into two parts - Delhi to Haridwar, which takes about 5 to 6 hours and then further, Haridwar to Chopta, which is another 6 to 7 hours. That said, the minimum time required to visit the beautiful town in Garhwal Himalayas is just about a day, with all the refreshment breaks included.

Tungnath Temple is located at a distance of 3.5 km from the town of Chopta. The shrine is situated uphill and can be reached via a trekking route, which takes 3 to 4 hours depending on the traveller’s fitness level.

Dotted with lush green pastures, flower laden meadows and breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, Chopta greatly resembles the alpine wonderland and hence, is aptly named Mini Switzerland of India.

Yes, definitely! Chopta Valley is a paradise for birders and has been declared an Important Bird Area (IBA) under the bird conservation programme by Birdlife International. Some of the bird species which are commonly spotted here are Himalayan Monal, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Yellow-Rumped Honeyguide, Scarlet Finch and Hill Partridge among many vibrant winged species.