Chopta History

Chopta, being the epicenter of Panch Kedar, is called the mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand. It is a little heaven found in the Garhwal Himalayas. Being surrounded by velvety meadows, snow-capped peaks, and serene beauty, Chopta is famous for its religious and historical significance. It is located at the epicenter of Panch Kedar which has five sacred Shiva temples in the state of Uttarakhand, namely Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar. Tourists from far-off places visit here all year round. 

Chopta Valley is home to rare species of flora and fauna and a paradise for mountain lovers. The distance between Chopta to Tungnath is just 3.5 km and homes the highest Shiva Temple in the world at an elevation of 3680 meters. The temple belongs to the ancient era and is more than 1000 years old. The foundation of the Tungnath temple was laid by the third Pandava brother, Arjuna. With the North Indian style of architecture, the temple also has a lot of shrines including the one where Lord Ram meditated to finally release himself from the curse that was given to him by Brahmatya because he killed Ravana.

Chopta Geography

Chopta is said to be the unspoiled beauty of Uttarakhand with lush green forests and a picturesque view. The height of Chopta is 2709 meters (8,888 ft) above sea level, giving a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the wild ranges. It is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife sanctuary which is located in Rudraprayag District. The destination provides some breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains and the valley. Surrounded by evergreen forests, it is also the starting point of the famous Chopta Tugnath trek and the Chopta Chandrashila Trek.

Plan My Package Recommends Places to Visit in Chopta

Chopta Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is famous for being the home to the world’s highest Shiva Temple. For nature lovers, the Tungnath Chopta trek is a paradise. The highest Shiva temple is the main reason for tourists to visit this place. This temple is one of the five Kedar shrines in the state of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers laid the foundation of the Tungnath Temple in the North Indian architectural sites with shrines of other Gods surrounding the temple. Pilgrims, adventure and thrill-seekers, nature lovers are attracted to this place due to its location between the mountains with beautiful meadows and stunning view of the valley, and plenty of opportunities for trekking and camping, and worshipping the deities. One thing to keep in mind is that photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited.  

Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal is a famous lake in the Rudraprayag district, at a distance of 3 km from the Mastura and Sari villages of Uttarakhand. Apart from that, Deoria Tal is one of the popular places for camping and trekking so trekkers are in for a treat. Deoria Tal lake also called the Reflection Lake gives a reflection of Chaukhamba Peaks on a clear day. One can also visit the Sari Village which is the last village of the Deoria Tal trek and one can also explore the culture and traditions of the village. Bird watchers often visit the place because of its location, where several migratory and Himalayan birds are spotted. If you are planning to trek then you should know that littering the lake is a punishable offense. There is a rest house near Deoria Tal where you can stay but the amenities may be limited. Also, there is a myth that earlier ‘Devas’ used to bathe in this lake.

Chopta Chandrashila 

Chandrashila is a summit above the temple of Tungnath whose literal meaning is the “ Moon Rock”. With an elevation of (12,110 ft) above sea level, Chandrashila provides the view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba Peaks, Bandarpunch, Trisul, and Kedar Peak. Chopta Chandrashila Trek is quite popular among tourists. Chandrashila Trek can be done throughout the year and is considered a moderate trek with a duration of 3-6 days, providing you a glimpse of the ancient culture of the Garhwal region. The best time for the Chopta Chandrashila trek is between the months of January to March.

Rohini Bugyal

If you are looking for a quiet campsite then this is the place for you. The only sounds that are heard here are those of the chirping birds and that of streams passing through mountains. Rohini Bugyal is one place where you can camp in peace and feel close to nature. Bird watchers can have a nice time here as the place is full of Himalayan and migratory birds. Stunning meadows, jaw-dropping views, and the cool breeze, Rohini Bugyal is a place where serenity meets surreal beauty. While camping, you may witness the Kala Parvat light up and that is one of the most beautiful experiences one should at least have in his/her lifetime.

Dugalbitta 

Dugalbitta is a hamlet where travelers halt while coming from Chopta or if they are visiting Char Dham. With an elevation of 2600m, Dugalbitta has turned into a gateway for travelers. The meaning of the word Dugalbitta is the space between the two mountains and the name is inspired by its location which is exactly between two mountains that make it a perfect place for travelers looking forward to witnessing the beauty of nature. The distance from Ukhimath Chopta to Dugalbitta is just 7km.

Sari Village

Located in the district of Rudraprayag, Sari is a small village near Ukhimath Chopta and is also popular as the starting point of the Deoriatal Lake trek which is approximately 2.5kms from here. The village is located in the dense forests of Rhododendron and Oak trees at an elevation of 2000 meters. Sari Village, also known as Sari Gaon provides homestays in the Sari region when hotels at Chopta are closed due to heavy snowfall.

Bisurital Chopta

One of the hidden destinations for trekking in Chopta Uttarakhand is Bisurital and not many people know about its existence. Located in the Mandakini Valley, Bisurital is a lake with 4000 mt altitudes. The trek starting point is from Chopta passing through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a 5-day trek with a moderate difficulty level. One can reach Bisurital by trekking from Chopta. The Bisurital trek starts from Chopta, passing through Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, covering a distance of 60km.

Places near Chopta

Makkumath Village (approx 46.7 Km from Chopta)

Makkumath is a village in the district of Rudraprayag and has a picturesque view of the mountains. People looking for an escape from their daily routine can visit this village for a change of air and scenery. Tranquility and peace are what one finds here in abundance. It is 30km from Chopta. In case you couldn’t take blessings from Lord Shiva by trekking to Tungnath then you can go to Makkumath Village for Lord Shiva’s darshan. Makkumath’s landscape and serene environment attract several birds and that is why it is a heaven for bird watchers.

Auli (approx 148 Km from Chopta)

Auli is known as a skiing destination, Auli is a paradise for people who love to ski. Everything that an ideal tourist can ask for, is there at Auli. Being one of the favorite winter destinations, people visit Auli mainly for skiing. With lots of adventure activities, cable car rides, romantic vistas, wooden huts, and snow-covered mountains, Auli is also called a European Village. In summers one can go for biking adventures here. Auli also has an artificial lake called Auli Lake, which is considered the highest in the world. The distance from Chopta to Auli is 148km.

Best Time To Visit Chopta

Chopta in Summers

• Chopta sees a large crowd during the summer season. People wanting to escape the heat of the cities to feel the cold soothing breeze of the mountains, come running to hill stations. Thus, Chopta is a hotspot during the summer season. One can find lush green mountains and serene views of the mountains during the summer month from March to May. Thus the best time to visit Chopta is from March to May.

Chopta in Monsoon

• Chopta experiences monsoon between the months of July to September when the region experiences very heavy and frequent rainfall. Although there is very little rain by the end of September, the region provides a breathtaking view of the valley.

Chopta in Winters

• Although summers see heavy traffic, Chopta isn’t any less beautiful during the winters. The same destination that looks lush green during the summers, looks very dry during the cold months of November and December.

Chopta Weather

•  Chopta during the Summer season lasts between the months of April to June, with temperatures ranging from 2℃ to 22℃. The weather in Chopta remains pleasant throughout the summer season. 
• Chopta during the Monsoon season, the weather is cloudy, with heavy rainfall and there may be instances of landslides during the monsoon season that may lead to road blockages, with temperatures ranging from 19℃ in the day to 4℃ during the night. From October to November, the weather remains clear with cold days and chilly nights.
• Chopta during the Winters season, Chopta experiences cold days and extremely cold nights with temperatures ranging from 9℃ during the day to -8℃ during the night. Know More

How To Reach Chopta

Chopta by Air

• The nearest airport from Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 226km in Dehradun. There are also bus services available from the airport that take tourists to Chopta.

Chopta by Road

• Chopta has a well-connected road network with the major cities of Uttarakhand. The nearest cities to Chopta are Srinagar and Rishikesh which are connected with the bus terminal in New Delhi thus several busses are also available.

Chopta by Train

• The nearest railway station from Chopta is at a distance of 202 km in Rishikesh.
• Auli to Chopta: Distance- 148 km
• Rishikesh to Chopta: Distance- 164 km
• Makkumath to Chopta: Distance- 30 km
• Delhi to Chopta: Distance- 262 km

Places to Stay in Chopta

The Tattva

If you are looking for a musical retreat then Tattva is the place for you to stay. Situated in the foothills of Joshimath, Tattva enhances the atmosphere of the place by playing ambient music throughout the day. It boasts high-end interiors, luxurious rooms, and a blend of serenity and beauty.

Snowpod Chopta

Why live in a hotel when you can live in an igloo? Snow Pod in Chopta is an eco-friendly and luxury resort where you can have an experience of a lifetime by living in igloo-shaped cottages. It is located in a village called Makku which is approximately 20 km from Chopta. Apart from that, it also has an in-house restaurant that serves traditional and organic food. Know More

Places to Eat in Chopta

Chauhan Guest House

At Chauhan Guest House, the staff makes sure that their customers are having a comfortable experience. The restaurant tries to take care of their customer’s hunger pangs in the best way possible. You can order local dishes which are the best in this restaurant.

Mayadeep Restaurant

If you are in Chopta and are craving home-cooked food then look no further. Mayadeep Restaurant provides the best home-cooked food that you can find in Chopta. It is an in-house restaurant that provides some mouth-watering delicacies to your platter.

Snow View Restaurant

Dining while looking at snowy mountains is what we live for, as the name speaks for itself, Snow view restaurant offers you an experience of eating the local dishes while admiring the beauty of nature. With local dishes being their specialty, your tummy might get full but you would still find yourself craving for more.

Do's & Dont's

Do's

• Do capture sunset and sunrise
• Do your research on Chopta before going on a trip.
• Do carry good pair of trekking shoes, and make sure they are comfortable.
• Do wear masks and carry sanitizer.
• Do carry sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated and keep some snacks for boosting your stamina.

Don`ts

• Do not litter on the mountain, store the waste in a bag and throw it in the dustbin.
• Do not take pictures of the local people without their permission.
• Do not take off your mask during the journey.
• Do not miss out on the Sunrise & Sunset in Chopta.
• Do not go anywhere if you have lack knowledge of the place.

CHOPTA PINCODE: Pincode for Chopta is 246489