Known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”, Chopta is a quiet mountain spot in Uttarakhand—not too crowded, not too fancy. Just clean air, green meadows, and pine forests all around. It’s the base for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek, so you get both peace and adventure in one trip. This Chopta Travel Guide covers everything—how to reach, what to see, where to stay, and some simple tips for families and senior citizens. If you’re tired of touristy places and just want a real mountain break, Chopta is a solid pick.
Why Visit Chopta?
Chopta isn’t about big resorts or flashy markets—it’s all about the quiet. Surrounded by thick forests and wide-open meadows, it’s the kind of place where you hear birds more than people. It’s also the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek, which gives amazing views without needing to be a hardcore trekker. If you’re planning a peaceful trip with your parents or just want to breathe fresh air and do nothing for a while, Chopta is that no-rush, no-crowd place that actually feels like a break.
Highlights:
- Start point of the famous Tungnath & Chandrashila trek
- Excellent for birdwatching and rare Himalayan flora
- Cooler climate, even in peak summer
- Peaceful stay options—perfect for digital detox
How to Reach Chopta
Chopta doesn’t have direct trains or airports nearby, so getting there takes a bit of planning. The nearest railhead is Haridwar or Rishikesh, around 200–230 km away. From there, you’ll need to drive or hire a taxi to reach Chopta. The roads are decent but winding, especially after Rudraprayag. Closest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun, about 220 km. If you’re coming with family or senior citizens, it’s best to break the journey with a night halt in places like Ukhimath or Rudraprayag to avoid long road fatigue.
By Road
Chopta is 35 km from Ukhimath and well-connected via roads from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag.
- Distance from Rishikesh: ~200 km (8–9 hours)
- Taxi or shared jeeps available from Ukhimath or Rudraprayag
By Train
- Nearest railway station: Haridwar (~225 km)
- From Haridwar, hire a cab or take a shared ride till Ukhimath
By Air
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~220 km)
- From the airport, book a direct cab to Chopta (8–10 hours drive)
Best Time to Visit Chopta
The best time to visit Chopta is from March to June. The weather is pleasant, and the skies are mostly clear, which makes it good for trekking and sightseeing. September to November is also a nice time if you prefer less crowd and cool mountain air. From December to February, Chopta gets snowfall. It looks beautiful but can be very cold and hard to reach. Monsoon months like July and August are not safe due to heavy rain and landslides. It’s better to plan your trip between March and November.
- March to May (Spring/Summer): Pleasant weather, blooming rhododendrons, great for treks and photography
- June to August (Monsoon): Lush greenery but frequent rains—roads can be slippery
- September to November (Autumn): Clear skies, cold nights, amazing views
- December to February (Winter): Heavy snowfall; Chopta gets cut off sometimes; only recommended for snow lovers and well-prepared travelers
Places to Visit in Chopta
Chopta is a small place, but there’s a lot to see around. The main highlight is Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Just above it is Chandrashila Peak, which gives you a wide view of the Himalayan ranges. You can also visit Deoria Tal, a peaceful lake about 20 km away, good for short walks and photos. Ukhimath is nearby too, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped during winter. The meadows and forest trails around Chopta itself are perfect for slow walks and bird watching.
1. Tungnath Temple
At 3,680 meters, it’s the highest Shiva temple in the world. A 3.5 km trek from Chopta base takes about 1.5–2 hours.
- Open: April to November
- Entry: Free
- Tip: Carry water, a stick, and wear proper shoes
2. Chandrashila Summit
Another 1.5 km from Tungnath, this peak gives panoramic Himalayan views.
- Total trek: ~5 km one way from Chopta
- Start early morning for sunrise views
3. Deoria Tal
A high-altitude lake near Sari Village (~20 km from Chopta). A short 2 km trek from the road.
- Great for camping, star-gazing
- Reflections of Chaukhamba peak in clear weather
4. Ukhimath
Visit this temple town if you’re staying nearby. During winter, idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are worshipped here.
5. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
Offbeat forest area with rare flora and a chance to spot musk deer.
Where to Stay in Chopta
Chopta has basic hotels, guesthouses, and camps—don’t expect luxury. Most stays are small family-run places with simple food and clean rooms. If you want better comfort, you can stay in Ukhimath or Sari Village, which have more options. Some travelers also stay in Rudraprayag or Gopeshwar and do a day trip to Chopta. During peak season (April–June), rooms get booked fast, so it’s better to reserve early. For seniors, pick a stay with attached bathrooms and easy vehicle access.
Budget
- Magpie Camp Chopta – Tents and cottages with mountain views
- Shivansh Home Stay – Family-run stay, local meals, hot water
Deluxe
- Snow View Camp – Wooden cottages, private toilets, close to trek base
- Himalayan Resort & Camps – Spacious rooms, great views, parking
Premium
- No luxury resorts in Chopta yet, but you can stay in Joshimath or Ukhimath for higher category rooms and drive in for the trek.
What to Eat in Chopta
Food in Chopta is simple and local. Most hotels and dhabas serve basic North Indian meals—rice, dal, roti, sabzi, and sometimes maggi or paratha. Don’t expect fancy restaurants or cafes here. If you have elders or kids with you, carry some snacks or dry fruits. During off-season or snow time, food options can be limited, so it’s safer to eat at your hotel. If you stay in nearby villages like Sari or Ukhimath, you might also get fresh home-cooked meals.
- Aloo jeera, rajma chawal, maggi, and parathas are common
- Try Mandua roti (millet bread), local dal, and herbal tea
- Most camps and homestays serve fixed breakfast and dinner
How to Commute Within Chopta
Chopta is a small village, so there’s no local transport like autos or taxis inside the area. Most places are close by and can be reached on foot. You’ll need to walk to spots like Tungnath and Chandrashila—there’s no vehicle route beyond Chopta base. If you’re coming with family or elders, hire a private cab from Rudraprayag or Ukhimath for the full trip. For short distances, walking is the only way, so carry good shoes and walk slowly if you’re with senior citizens.
- The main road connects to key spots like Duggalbitta, Baniyakund, and trek base
- No local taxis—use your own vehicle or walk
- Pony and porters are available at the base for Tungnath trek
- Tip: Avoid driving after sunset—no streetlights, and roads are narrow
Things to Do in Chopta
Chopta is best for slow travel and outdoor activities. The most popular thing to do is the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek, which starts from Chopta and takes about 4–5 hours (up and down). You can also go for morning nature walks, short hikes through forest trails, or just relax in the meadows. Bird watching is big here—especially early morning. At night, the sky is super clear, perfect for stargazing. If you’re not trekking, just sitting outside and enjoying the peace is also a great way to spend time here.
- Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila
- Photography and birdwatching (Himalayan Monal, woodpeckers, etc.)
- Camping under the stars
- Visit Deoria Tal and enjoy forest trails
- Meditation or yoga near the Tungnath temple during sunrise
Chopta for Senior Citizens & Families
Chopta is peaceful and not too commercial, which makes it nice for families and older travellers. But keep in mind, it’s a bit remote and needs some walking. If you’re travelling with senior citizens, avoid peak winter and monsoon—roads can be tough. Choose a stay that has parking nearby and rooms with attached toilets. You can skip the trek and still enjoy the forests, fresh air, and quiet surroundings. Carry medicines, warm clothes, and snacks, as shops are limited. It’s a slow place, good for rest—not rush.
- Pick stays near the road; avoid long walks to reach camps
- Hire pony services for Tungnath trek if walking is difficult
- Carry medicines and layers—weather changes fast
- Avoid winter months for older travelers due to slippery snow
- Pre-book your hotel with attached toilet, as some budget camps have shared washrooms
Weather in Chopta – Month-wise Breakdown
Chopta has cool weather all year. From March to June, temperatures stay between 10°C and 25°C—perfect for sightseeing and trekking. July and August bring monsoon rains with 12°C to 20°C, but landslides can block roads. September to November is pleasant and dry, with 5°C to 18°C. Winter months (Dec–Feb) see heavy snowfall, and temperatures drop to -5°C at night—beautiful but tough for travel.
| Month | Temperature | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–April | 5°C to 18°C | Clear skies, flowers bloom | Best time for photography |
| May–June | 10°C to 22°C | Pleasant and green | Ideal for all age groups |
| July–August | 12°C to 18°C | Rains and fog | Avoid due to landslide risks |
| Sept–Oct | 5°C to 15°C | Post-monsoon clear skies | Trek season peak |
| Nov–Feb | -5°C to 10°C | Snowfall, very cold | Only for snow lovers |
Nearby Places to Explore from Chopta
There are a few nice spots near Chopta worth visiting. Deoria Tal is just 20 km away—a peaceful lake with mountain views. Ukhimath, around 30 km, is where Kedarnath idols are kept in winter. Sari Village is a good base for Deoria Tal. If you’re okay with longer drives, visit Rudraprayag or Gopeshwar. These places add variety to your Chopta trip without rushing too much.
- Gopeshwar: A quiet town, 40 km from Chopta
- Kalimath: A Shaktipeeth, ideal for spiritual travelers
- Madhyamaheshwar: Another Panch Kedar temple, harder trek
- Rudranath: High-altitude temple, best for experienced trekkers
- Auli or Joshimath: If continuing further into Garhwal
Travel Tips for Chopta
Book your stay in advance, especially in peak season—rooms are limited. Carry cash, as there are no ATMs in Chopta. Pack warm clothes even in summer; mornings and evenings get cold. Good shoes are a must if you plan to trek. For senior citizens, avoid winters and monsoon. Mobile networks are weak, so let family know in advance. Keep basic medicines and snacks with you.
- Network is patchy, BSNL works best; keep offline maps
- Carry cash – No ATMs or digital payments in most camps
- Warm layers needed even in summer
- No luxury food or facilities – Be okay with basic living
- Avoid plastic – It’s an eco-zone; bring your own water bottles
