Chopta in the Spring
As winter slowly bids farewell, Chopta Valley comes alive with the magic of spring. The once snow-covered slopes now burst into color as rhododendron flowers bloom in full glory, painting the valley in vibrant shades of red and pink. It’s like nature rolled out a red carpet, welcoming travelers to witness its breathtaking transformation. The crisp mountain air, the scent of fresh blossoms, and the peaceful charm of the Himalayas make this the perfect time to visit.
Chopta - The Mini Switzerland of India
Beautifully garnered amidst the pristine lush meadows, Chopta serves as the base for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashilla, the third holiest temple among the Panch Kedars (the five abodes of Lord Shiva). This unspoiled destination is snuggled in the lap of the Himalayas, offering an unobstructed view of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks.
Chopta has emerged as a heaven for solitude seekers, avid trekkers, and nature enthusiasts, thanks to its serene yet breathtaking landscape. Its natural beauty is further elevated by the lush evergreen forests, particularly the stunning rhododendron groves that are part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. In early summer, these trees transform the valley into a vibrant red carpet, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Visitors can experience the rich diversity of Himalayan flora and fauna, including various bird species and the elusive musk deer which is also the state animal of Uttarakhand. A major highlight of visiting this charming hamlet is the opportunity to embark on the Tungnath trek (about 3.5 km from Chopta) and the Chandrashila trek (further 1 km from Tungnath). For those looking to explore further, a trip to Deoriatal is also a must.
- Scenic beauty: Chopta valley is situated at an altitude that varies from 1800 meters near the village of Sari to 4090 meters at the summit of Chandrashila peak. It and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The surrounding forests are also home to a variety of flora and fauna.
- Trekking: Chopta is the base for many popular treks, such as Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoria Tal, Atri Muni Fall & Ansuyamata Temple and Bisudital . These treks offer stunning views of the Himalayas, and the natural beauty of the region makes the journey truly memorable.
- Spiritual significance: Chopta is considered a sacred place, and the Tungnath temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. which is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. The temple is located at a height of 3680 meters and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.
- Adventure activities: Chopta offers a variety of adventure activities like Snow Trekking, Hiking, Jungle Walking, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and river rafting. These activities are perfect for those who love to experience the thrill of the great outdoors.
- Peaceful atmosphere: Chopta is a peaceful and quiet place, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a great place to unwind and relax in the lap of nature.
Overall, Chopta is a great destination for those seeking adventure, natural beauty, and spirituality. It is an ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature, making it a perfect destination for a rejuvenating vacation.
Chopta in Winters
Winter is the ideal season to visit Chopta for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Majestic peaks such as Chaukhamba and Kedar Dome stand out distinctly during this time. Between December and March, Chopta transforms into a snowy wonderland, drawing thousands of tourists eager to experience its beauty. However, travelers should note that driving on snow-covered roads can be challenging.
Recommended Property to Stay in ChoptaChopta Travel News
28 Apr 2025
Preparations in full swing for opening the doors of Tungnath Dham
The doors of Lord Tungnath, the third Kedar among the Panch Kedars, will be opened for devotees on May 2 with Vedic chanting. After which daily worship of the Lord will be performed here for six months of summer.
The doli of Tungnath will leave for Bhootnath Temple from Makkumath on April 30. On this day, the doli will stay here in the Bhootnath Temple. On May 1, the doli of Lord Tungnath will reach Chopta from Bhootnath Temple for stay. On May 2, the doli of Lord Tungnath will leave from Chopta to Tungnath in the morning. On the same day, at 10:15 in the morning, the doors of Shri Tungnath Temple will be opened for devotees for darshan.
15 Mar 2025
Snowfall Update: 15 Mar and 16 Mar (Sunday morning) - chances of snowfall in Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila
28 Feb 2025
Heavy Snowfall in Chopta, Tungnath
Heavy snowfall has been recorded in Chopta region including Tungnath.
Activities in Chopta
Trekking in Chopta: The trek route to Chandrashila commences at Chopta and involves easy to medium grade trekking. The enthralling treks take some through enchanting meadows, hushed hamlets, and conifers and oak forests. In winter, the trekking route is covered in snow. You can also trek to Devariyatal, Bisurital or indulge in 4-5 days trekking expedition in Chopta as well.
Photography: Chopta offers mesmerizing views of the undulating valleys and one cannot resist capturing the majestic snow-covered peak with their camera. The 360-degree panorama one witnesses form the Chandrashila summit is one of the reasons to make Chandrashila one of the best spots to capture snow-capped mountains.
Camping in Chopta: Being situated en-route to Tungnath, Chopta is an ideal place to camp and enjoy the beauty of nature. Camping is an amazing experience to have with family and friends when you are surrounded in the lap of nature.
Bird Watching in Chopta: Chopta has a great forest line which has hundreds of different species of bird. Bird watchers from all around the globe can visit Chopta and explore. Ideal season for bird watching is from Feb to April.
Yoga and Meditation in Chopta: Peaceful environment, lush greed meadows, majestic Himalayan views in Chopta enhance the meditation and yoga activities in Chopta. Many foreigners come to Chopta for medidation as Rishikesh gets crowded sometimes.
Things to do/places to see in Chopta Region:
Chopta Travel Tips
- The trek route from Chopta is relatively easy to moderate and can easily be done with kids.
- It snows heavily in winters at Chopta and Tungnath and the trek tends to get quite difficult but the views cannot be described in words.
- Last ATM is in Ukhimath (not sure about working condition), but it is better to carry cash with you.
- Nearest market is in Ukhimath (30 kms before Chopta), so carry all the essential items you may require during your stay in Chopta
- Transport: It is best to hire a private vehicle for moving around as public transportation may not be available.
Staying in Chopta
Chopta is, in all its essence, the base camp for the Tungnath – Chandrashila trek. There are few of hotels and swiss tents available in the region starting from Makkuband, Dugalbitta, Baniyakund and in Chopta. All of them offers basic facilities at nominal charges.
For groups and families you can consider Mayadeep Resort in Chopta. Earlier camping was another popular option for staying in Chopta. But due recent order of High Court camping in Chopta is banned for some time, till the ban is lifted.
It is important to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, as the town can get crowded with tourists and trekkers. It is also a good idea to check reviews and compare prices before making a booking.
Since Chopta region doesn't have electricity, modern room facilities like geysers, room heaters, electric kettles etc are not available in Chopta hotels. You may get these amenities at hotels in Ukhimath which is 32kms from Chopta.
Chopta Food Guide
Being a small hamlet, Chopta doesn’t offer many fancy dining options. However, the place does have some local eateries and roadside food stalls (Dhabas) that offer some of the popular North Indian and Chinese dishes. Most of the resorts have in-house kitchen that serves selected delectable cuisines.
About Chopta Tourism Guide
The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is quite popular among the trekkers as it takes you through the grasslands and covers some of the best views of nature. Bird watching is also possible here as the region harbors great species of Himalayan birds, including the Himalayan Monal. Some of the leisure activities that you can do in Chopta are camping, trekking, yoga, snow trekking, skiing, rock craft, rock climbing, rappelling, bird watching, and photography.
Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila are covered with snow during winters. If you visit the place during Dec-Feb, you may witness snowfall and enjoy trekking in snow But the roads are occasionally blocked near Chopta in case of heavy snowfall. Check out Chopta in Winters.
Know about Chopta Tungnath Trek
Ask a Question about Chopta
Chopta Questions
Rahul Sharma
29 Jan 2025
Q. Is Chopta a good place for a honeymoon trip?
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Vishal Pandey
14 Jan 2025
Q. Can I explore Chopta on a bike?
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Ashwin Nair
10 Jan 2025
Q. How can I get a permit for trekking in Chopta?
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Chopta Weather
Check out the Chopta weather report for April
Chopta Weather in April
The minimun and maximum temperature in April in Chopta is 2°C and 15°C respectively. The weather is generally pleasant and clear in April and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Chopta in April.
What is Chopta famous for?
Chopta is famous among tourist as Hill Station, Trekking, Camping, Bird Watching, Yoga, Meditation, Temple, Weekend, Snowfall, Winter Trek.
Chopta is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Chopta is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Base Camps (Trek), Biking, Bird Watching, Camping, Char Dham Route, Christmas and New Year, Emerging Destinations, Hiking, Hill Station, Honeymoon Destination, Leisure, Meadows, OffBeat, Romantic, Trekking, Weekend Getaway, Winter Treks, Yoga and Meditation.
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Chopta Reviews
Snehal Banerjee
29 Jan 2025
My friend and I recently took a trip to Chopta, one of the most beautiful destinations in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway with friends or family, this place is perfect.We started our adventure with a 4 km trek to Chandrashila, home to the highest Shiva temple in the world. The journey was breathtaking, with lush green meadows and stunning landscapes of Garhwal surrounding us. As we climbed higher, the air felt fresher, and the views became more surreal.In winter, Chopta transforms into a snowy paradise, often called the "Indian Switzerland." The entire landscape is blanketed in white, making it a dream for trekkers. Reaching the Chandrashila summit felt like touching the sky, and standing there, we truly understood why this place is called heaven on Earth.If you love adventure, nature, and spirituality all in one, Chopta is the place to be. Trust us, this trip was unforgettable!
Pradeep Kumar
15 Jan 2025
In 2022 May, I experienced Chopta under the enchanting glow of a full moon. Driving through dense forests, the moonlight transformed from fleeting glimpses to a radiant beacon, illuminating snow-capped peaks. Camps lined the road as I reached the start of the Tungnath trail.Ascending the cobbled path before dawn, the sky shifted to warm hues, unveiling blooming rhododendrons and vibrant monals. The landscape was breathtaking, especially during the full moon sunrise—a truly magical moment. Whether visiting for the temple or the journey, Chopta’s rare flora, fauna, and serene views make it unforgettable.
Rajesh Sharma
10 Jan 2025
In June 2019, I visited Chopta with my friends from Delhi and Dehradun. It was a bike trip, and Chopta turned out to be an incredibly beautiful place with breathtaking views. It's not very crowded, so you can truly enjoy nature at its best. For accommodation, there are no major hotels or resorts; tents and camps are the only options, which made our experience even more memorable. We trekked to Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, and also did the Deoriyatal trek from Sari village. We had an amazing time on this trip.
