Trekking in Chopta
Chopta is one of Uttarakhand's most popular trekking destinations and serves as the base for several Himalayan trails. From the famous Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek to peaceful hikes leading to alpine meadows and lakes, Chopta offers trekking experiences suitable for beginners as well as experienced trekkers.
The treks around Chopta pass through dense forests, high-altitude bugyals, ancient temples and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints, making the region a favourite destination for trekking throughout the year.
Popular Treks in Chopta Region
Tungnath Trek
Distance: 3.5 km (One Way)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Altitude: 3,680 m
The Tungnath Trek starts from Chopta and leads to the world's highest Shiva temple. The well-marked stone trail passes through alpine meadows and offers beautiful Himalayan views throughout the journey.
Chandrashila Summit Trek
Distance: 1.5 km from Tungnath (5 km from Chopta)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Altitude: 4,000 m
The Chandrashila Summit Trek continues beyond Tungnath Temple and rewards trekkers with one of the finest 360-degree Himalayan panoramas in Uttarakhand. From the summit, you can enjoy spectacular views of Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Kedar Dome, Bandarpoonch and several other snow-covered peaks. The trek is especially popular during sunrise and winter snow season.
Deoria Tal Trek
Distance: 2.3 km from Sari Village
Difficulty: Easy
Highest Altitude: 2,438 m
Deoria Tal is a short and beginner-friendly trek located around 22 km from Chopta. The trail starts from Sari Village and passes through forests before reaching the picturesque high-altitude lake. On clear days, the calm waters beautifully reflect the Chaukhamba massif, making it one of the most photogenic trekking destinations near Chopta.
Rohini Bugyal Trek
Distance: About 5 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Altitude: Approx. 3,400 m
Rohini Bugyal is a scenic meadow trek near Chopta that passes through dense forests and open alpine grasslands. The trail remains comparatively less crowded and offers peaceful surroundings along with wide views of the Garhwal Himalayas. It is an excellent choice for trekkers looking to explore beyond the popular Tungnath route.
Bisuri Tal Trek
Distance: Approx. 30 km Round Trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Highest Altitude: Approx. 4,100 m
Bisuri Tal Trek is one of the lesser-explored high-altitude treks near Chopta. The route passes through forests, alpine meadows and mountain ridges before reaching the pristine glacial lake. Due to its longer distance and higher altitude, this trek is recommended for experienced trekkers seeking solitude and untouched Himalayan landscapes.
Short Hiking Trails Around Chopta
Dugalbitta to Chopta Hike
Distance: About 3 km
Difficulty: Easy
This pleasant forest trail follows a section of the old Char Dham route between Dugalbitta and Chopta. It passes through oak and rhododendron forests and is suitable for beginners looking for a short Himalayan walk.
Baniyakund to Chopta Hike
Distance: About 2 km
Difficulty: Easy
This short walk connects Baniyakund with Chopta through beautiful meadows and dense forests. It is ideal for families, photographers and travellers who want to enjoy nature without undertaking a long trek.
Why is Chopta Popular for Trekking?
- Starting point of the famous Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek.
- Offers trekking routes suitable for beginners and experienced trekkers.
- Dense forests, alpine meadows and panoramic Himalayan views throughout the trails.
- Several treks can be completed over a weekend from Delhi, Dehradun and Rishikesh.
- Accessible during most months of the year, including winter snow trekking.
- Located within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, offering rich Himalayan biodiversity.
Best Time for Trekking in Chopta
Trekking in Chopta is possible throughout the year, although the experience changes with every season.
- April to June: Pleasant temperatures, blooming rhododendrons and clear mountain views.
- September to November: Stable weather, excellent visibility and comfortable trekking conditions.
- December to March: Ideal for snow trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Carry proper winter gear.
- July to August: The region receives monsoon rainfall. Trekking is possible but trails may become slippery.
Trekking Tips for Chopta
- Wear trekking shoes with good grip.
- Carry warm clothes even during summer mornings and evenings.
- Start your trek early to enjoy clear Himalayan views.
- Carry drinking water, light snacks and rain protection.
- Stay on marked trekking trails and avoid entering forest areas alone.
- Respect local customs and avoid littering inside the sanctuary.
- Check the weather forecast before planning a winter or monsoon trek.
Best Trek in Chopta Based on Your Experience
- For First-Time Trekkers: Tungnath Trek
- For Families: Deoria Tal Trek
- For Sunrise Views: Chandrashila Summit Trek
- For Nature Lovers: Rohini Bugyal Trek
- For Experienced Trekkers: Bisuri Tal Trek
