If you’re looking for an offbeat Himalayan destination that offers adventure, serenity, and spirituality, then Chopta in Uttarakhand should be your next stop. Often called the Mini Switzerland of India, Chopta is a picturesque hill station tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s a haven for trekkers, nature lovers, and spiritual seekers. ⛺✨
In this blog, we’ll take you through the best tourist places in Chopta, trekking trails, nearby attractions, how to reach Chopta, the best time to visit, local food, places to stay, and much more! Let’s begin our Himalayan journey. 🥾🌄
📍 Where is Chopta Located?
Chopta is a small hamlet in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, located at an altitude of about 2,680 meters (8,790 feet) above sea level. It serves as the base for the famous Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila trek, making it a popular destination for trekkers and pilgrims alike. 🏞️
🧭 How to Reach Chopta – Travel Made Easy
🚌 By Road
You can reach Chopta via road from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. Buses and shared taxis are available till Ukhimath or Gopeshwar, and from there, you can hire a local cab to Chopta.
🚆 By Train
The nearest railway station is Haridwar (225 km) or Rishikesh (209 km). After that, a scenic drive will get you to Chopta.
✈️ By Air
The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km). Cabs and buses are easily available from here.
🕰️ Best Time to Visit Chopta – When Heaven Calls
- March to June (Spring & Summer) – Ideal for trekking, bird watching, and greenery 🌿
- October to December (Autumn & Early Winter) – Best for clear skies and stunning views 🍁❄️
- December to February (Snow Season) – Experience snowfall and snow trekking ⛄
- Avoid July–September – Due to monsoon and landslides 🌧️
🏔️ Top Tourist Attractions in Chopta – Must-Visit Places ✨
1️⃣ Tungnath Temple – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World 🕉️
At 3,680 meters, Tungnath Mahadev is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. It’s part of the sacred Panch Kedar circuit.
- 🚶 Trek Distance: 3.5 km from Chopta
- 🌄 Highlights: Breathtaking views of Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba peaks, spirituality, and rich mythology.
2️⃣ Chandrashila Peak – The Moon Rock Summit 🌙
Just 1.5 km from Tungnath, this peak stands at 4,000 meters. It’s famous for its 360° Himalayan views.
- 🧗♂️ Difficulty: Moderate
- 🌅 Sunrise Trek: One of the best sunrise spots in India. Worth waking up at 4 AM!
3️⃣ Deoria Tal – The Magical High-Altitude Lake 🪞
Located near Sari Village (20 km from Chopta), this pristine lake mirrors snow-clad peaks.
- ⛺ Camping & Stargazing: Ideal for peaceful nights under the stars
- 🦜 Bird Watching: Spot Himalayan monals, eagles, and other rare species
4️⃣ Ukhimath – Winter Abode of Kedarnath 🛕
When Kedarnath Temple shuts during winter, the idol is worshipped here.
- 🛤️ Cultural Significance: Important stop for spiritual travelers
- 🧘 Peaceful and less crowded
5️⃣ Baniyakund – Gateway to Chopta 🌾
A scenic meadow just before Chopta, famous for its flat terrain and camping spots.
- 🔦 Ideal Base Camp: For treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila
6️⃣ Rohini Bugyal – The Undiscovered Meadow 🌿
Trek through dense forests to find this hidden paradise. Offers solitude and raw nature.
🥾 Top Treks from Chopta – For the Adventure Junkies 🚶♀️
🔹 Chopta to Tungnath Trek
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Level: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 2–3 hours
🔹 Tungnath to Chandrashila Trek
- Distance: 1.5 km
- Level: Moderate
- Duration: 1 hour
🔹 Deoria Tal Trek (via Sari Village)
- Distance: 2.5 km
- Level: Easy
- Duration: 1.5 hours
🐦 Wildlife & Bird Watching in Chopta – A Paradise for Nature Lovers 🌳
Chopta is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, making it ideal for:
- 🐤 Bird Watching – Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, Laughing Thrush
- 🐿️ Wildlife Spotting – Musk deer, Leopard, Fox, and Barking Deer
- 📸 Photography Opportunities – Sunrise, forests, meadows, and fauna
🍲 Local Cuisine to Try in Chopta – Taste of Uttarakhand 🥘
You’ll find simple yet flavorful food served with love.
- Aloo Ke Gutke – Spiced boiled potatoes
- Mandua Roti – Made from finger millet flour
- Jhangora Ki Kheer – Sweet pudding made from millet
- Chainsoo & Kafuli – Traditional Garhwali curries
Don’t miss sipping hot masala chai at a roadside dhaba with a mountain view! ☕🏞️
🛌 Where to Stay in Chopta – Homely Comforts in the Hills 🏕
Whether you’re on a budget trip or seeking eco-luxury, Chopta has options:
🏕️ Budget Camping Options
- Magpie Eco Retreat
- Snow View Camps
- Chopta Meadows Camps
These camps offer a raw experience close to nature.
🏡 Homestays & Guesthouses
- Himalayan Eco Lodge (Sari)
- Tungnath Guest House
- Neelkanth Guest House
Warm hosts, home-cooked meals, and panoramic views are guaranteed!
📝 Essential Travel Tips for Chopta – Be Prepared! 🎒
- Cash is king! – No ATMs in Chopta, so carry enough cash 💰
- No mobile network – Airtel & Jio work partially; perfect for a digital detox 📵
- Pack warm clothes – Even in summer, nights are cold 🧣
- Travel responsibly – Don’t litter, respect nature and locals ♻️
- Carry medical supplies – No big hospitals nearby 🚑
📌 Nearby Places to Visit from Chopta – Add These to Your Itinerary 📍
- Kedarnath Temple – A spiritual extension to your trip
- Rudraprayag – Confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini
- Gopeshwar – Known for ancient temples and scenic beauty
🌟 Why Chopta Should Be on Your Bucket List?
Chopta is not just a destination, it’s a soulful escape into the lap of nature. Whether it’s the call of the Tungnath bells, the sunrise at Chandrashila, or the silent nights at Deoria Tal, Chopta delivers peace, beauty, and adventure in one perfect package.
So if you’re hunting for an offbeat Himalayan travel destination, away from crowded hill stations, Chopta is your answer. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and let the Himalayas heal your soul. 🌄🙏
❓ FAQs – Chopta Tourist Places of Uttarakhand
1. Is Chopta suitable for family trips?
👉 Yes! Chopta is safe, peaceful, and offers activities for all age groups, including light treks and temple visits.
2. What are the best treks in Chopta for beginners?
👉 The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is ideal for beginners. Deoria Tal trek is also easy and beginner-friendly.
3. Can I see snowfall in Chopta?
👉 Absolutely! Visit between December and February to enjoy heavy snowfall and snow trekking.
4. Is it possible to visit Chopta in a self-drive car?
👉 Yes, the roads are drivable, but 4×4 or high-clearance vehicles are recommended in winter due to snow.
5. Are there any ATMs or petrol pumps in Chopta?
👉 No. The nearest ATMs and petrol pumps are at Ukhimath or Gopeshwar, so fuel up and withdraw cash in advance.