Chopta

Situated at a height of 2,900 metres above sea level, Chopta, located in the district of Rudraprayag in the Uttarakhand state is truly an astounding destination replete with spectacular sceneries that really captivate the attention of the travelers. It lies about 450kms from New Delhi via Rishikesh, 40 kms from Gopeshwar and 30 km from Ukhimath, between Kedarnath and Badrinath. This picturesque and unspoilt hamlet also serve the needs of the tourists and pilgrims who come to worship at the Tungnath temple.

Perched on Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road, Chopta, offers a kaleidoscopic view of the Himalayas and the surrounding areas. Also known as “Mini Switzerland’, it is surrounded by alpine vegetation, orchids, and many high altitude vegetations. It is the base camp for a trek up to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Chopta also known as 'Cherrapunji' of Uttarakhand because as it receives heavy rainfall. Situated in the heart of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is densely covered with trees like, oak, pine, burans and many other Himalayan species. Many species of flowers and herbs are also found here. It is home to more than 551 species of birds and 121 species of mammals.

Although every season offers a spectacular and myriad view of the majestic Himalayas. The summer months March, April and May are particularly ideal, weather is pleasant, an ideal time to trek to this place. The months of June, July, August are the monsoon months in Chopta. The monsoon is also the best time for sightseeing. Flowers are in full bloom after the rains, i.e., in August/September thus making for a picturesque trip. During the winter months, November, December, January, and February, the weather is so rough and chilly with snow fall that even the locals migrate to the lower reaches of the Himalayas. Visiting Chopta during this time is not advisable.

Places to See in Chopta and Near Chopta

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple is located at a trekking distance of 3.5 kms from Chopta. It is the highest Hindu temple in the world, situated at a height of 3680 metres above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tungnath is the 3rd of the five Kedars, the others being Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Kalpeshwar and Rudranath. Tens of thousands of pilgrims visit this divinity year after year. The temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old.

Tungnath temple is one of the holiest Lord Shiva temples in the world where face of lord Shiva is worshipped.

Chandrashila

It is the highest point of the mountain situated at an altitude of 4,000mts above sea level on which Chopta and Tungnath temple is located. It can be reached about 1 km trek from Tungnath. From Chandrashila one can enjoy a 360 degree panoromic views of the great Himalayas including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

Gopeshwar

The district headquarters of Chamoli, it is situated 39kms from Chopta at an elevation of 1,500mts above sea level. Gopeshwar is a picturesque place with salubrious climate.

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary

It is situated 7km from Chopta on Chopta - Gopeshwar Road. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is known for its musk deer population. Spread over an area of 5 sq. m, it is an an ideal place for tourists to view Himalayan wildlife.

Ukhimath

Chopta is 17 kms from Ukhimath, on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road. The place is known as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. During winter, due to heavy snowfall, the Utsav Doli of Lord Kedarnath is brought from Kedarnath to this place.The temples of Usha and Anirudh, Shiva and Parvati are worth a visit.

Deoria Tal

Perched at an elevation of 2438mts above sea level, Deoria Tal is a lake situated at a distance about 2 Kms from Chopta-Ukhimath road. Surrounded entirely by forests on all sides, it offers reflections of the majestic view of Chaukhamba peaks, and further in the meadows of Chopta.