Chopta

Gateway to the Highest Shiva Temple

Chopta Tour Guide

Tucked away in the hills of Uttarakhand, Chopta is a quiet and beautiful place that feels like a small piece of heaven. Surrounded by tall mountains, green meadows, and fresh air, it’s perfect for nature lovers, trekkers, and anyone looking to relax. Many people also come here to visit the famous Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila trek. Let’s look at why Chopta is worth visiting, the best places to see, how to reach, when to go, and where to stay.

Why Visit Chopta?

Chopta, also known as the Mini Switzerland of India, is a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand ideal for nature lovers and trekkers. It offers majestic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. Whether you’re a beginner trekker or looking to escape the crowds of mainstream hill stations, Chopta delivers serene landscapes, fresh mountain air, and access to the famous Tungnath Chandrashila trek, all within a scenic drive of around 450 km from Delhi.

Scenic Beauty Like Nowhere Else
Chopta is surrounded by rhododendron and deodar forests, and on clear days, you can see majestic peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba right from your campsite or hotel balcony. The calm, crisp air and 360-degree views of the Himalayas create a picture-perfect escape.

Ideal for Beginners and Experienced Trekkers
The famous Tungnath Chandrashila trek starts from Chopta. It is one of the easiest yet most scenic treks in India, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, and from Chandrashila peak, you can witness panoramic views of over 40 Himalayan peaks!

A Peaceful Alternative to Crowded Hill Stations
Unlike popular hill stations, Chopta is not commercialized. This means fewer crowds, more peace, and a chance to reconnect with nature. It’s one of the best offbeat destinations in Uttarakhand, perfect for digital detox, solo travel, or family holidays.

Places to Visit in Chopta

Chopta boasts several must-visit attractions that make it a perfect destination for trekking and nature exploration. The 3.5 km trek to Tungnath Temple, the world’s highest Shiva temple, and the extended hike to Chandrashila Peak offer breathtaking views. Nearby spots like Deoria Tal, located 20 km away, and Ukhimath, just 30 km from Chopta, add spiritual and scenic value to your journey. Camping in meadows like Baniyakund also enhances your Chopta travel experience.

Tungnath Temple

Distance from Chopta: 3.5 km trek
Altitude: 3,680 meters
Tungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples and holds immense religious significance. The trek offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and lush green valleys.

Chandrashila Peak

Distance: 1.5 km from Tungnath (total 5 km from Chopta)
Altitude: 4,000 meters approx
A moderately challenging trek that rewards you with panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Kedar Dome, and Chaukhamba. Sunrise from Chandrashila is a must-see!

Deoria Tal

Distance from Chopta: Around 20 km
This crystal-clear lake is located near the village of Sari and offers reflections of surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for camping and bird-watching.

Ukhimath

Distance: 30 km
This is where the deity from Kedarnath is worshipped during winter. It’s a peaceful spiritual site with views of the snow-covered Himalayas.

Baniyakund

Just 4 km before Chopta
This meadow is great for camping and stargazing. Many travelers choose to stay here for its tranquility and beautiful setting.

How to Reach Chopta?

Reaching Chopta Uttarakhand requires a combination of road and rail or air travel. The hill station is about 450 km from Delhi and can be accessed by driving via Rishikesh or Rudraprayag. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar (225 km) and Rishikesh (200 km), while the closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, around 220 km away. From there, you can hire taxis or take buses to reach Chopta via Ukhimath.

By Road

From Delhi to Chopta: Approx. 450 km
It takes about 10-12 hours by car or bus via Rishikesh or Haridwar. From major towns like Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, or Ukhimath, shared taxis and private cabs are available.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Haridwar (225 km) or Rishikesh (200 km). From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chopta.

By Air

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 220 km)
From the airport, hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta via Rishikesh.

Tip: If you’re traveling from Delhi, a 2-day stopover in Rishikesh or Ukhimath helps break the journey and adds more adventure to your trip.

Best Time to Visit Chopta

Best time to visit Chopta is from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and skies are clear for trekking and sightseeing. Spring brings blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers crisp views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for snowfall lovers, though access may be limited. Avoid monsoons (July–August) due to landslides. Temperatures range from -5°C to 25°C depending on the season, making Chopta ideal year-round.

March to May (Spring-Summer)

This is the best time to visit Chopta for trekking and camping. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures between 10°C to 25°C. The trails are filled with blooming rhododendron flowers and lush greenery.

September to November (Autumn)

Clear skies and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks make autumn a popular time. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers.

December to February (Winter)

If you want to experience snowfall in Chopta, visit during winter. However, roads may be blocked due to heavy snow, and the trek to Tungnath may be challenging. Carry proper winter gear and check road conditions before traveling.

Avoid Monsoon (July-August)

Landslides and road closures are common during the rainy season. While the landscape turns lush green, travel is risky and not advisable.

Where to Stay in Chopta

Accommodation in Chopta Uttarakhand includes cozy camps, homestays, and budget hotels. You can camp at Baniyakund or Dugalbitta for as low as INR 1000 per night, or choose homestays in nearby villages starting at INR 500. For better amenities, eco-resorts and glamping sites near Sari or Ukhimath offer stays ranging from INR 3000–6000. Booking in advance is advised during peak trekking season, especially for travelers planning the Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila trek.

Camping in Chopta

Sleeping under the stars is a unique experience here. Many campsites offer tents with basic amenities like beds, warm blankets, and hot food. Prices start from INR 1000 per person per night.

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

You can find simple yet clean accommodations in Baniyakund, Dugalbitta, and Ukhimath. Rates start from INR 800 to INR 2000 depending on the season.

Homestays

Staying with locals gives you a real feel of the Garhwali culture. Many villagers rent out rooms with home-cooked meals, starting from INR 500.

Luxury Stays Near Chopta

While luxury options are limited, you can find eco-resorts and glamping tents in areas like Sari and Baniyakund with better facilities, priced around INR 3000 to INR 6000 per night.

Pro tip: Book your stay in advance during peak seasons (April–June & Sept–Nov) to avoid last-minute rush.

Travel Tips and Quick Facts

Altitude of Chopta: 2,680 meters above sea level
Mobile network: Limited; BSNL and Jio work in some areas
ATM availability: Nearest ATM is in Ukhimath, 30 km away
Petrol pumps: Available in Rudraprayag and Gopeshwar, not in Chopta
Local food: Try Garhwali dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Mandua roti, and Buransh juice

Places to Visit In Chopta

There are many beautiful places to visit in Chopta. The most popular is the Tungnath Temple trek, which is around 3.5 km long and offers stunning views. A little further is Chandrashila Peak, known for its sunrise views. You can also visit Deoria Tal, a peaceful lake 20 km from Chopta, and Ukhimath, a nearby temple town. Don’t miss the green meadows of Baniyakund and Dugalbitta, perfect for relaxing or camping.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is one of the most sacred places to visit in Chopta. Located at 3,680 meters, it is the highest Shiva temple in the world and part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage. The 3.5 km trek from Chopta to Tungnath offers amazing views of snow-covered peaks and lush forests. It’s perfect for both spiritual seekers and nature lovers, especially from April to November when the temple is open.

Chandrashila Peak

Chandrashila Peak is one of the top attractions near Chopta. Just 1.5 km above Tungnath, this summit offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. Many trekkers hike early morning to catch the sunrise from the top. The moderate trail from Chopta to Chandrashila is ideal for beginners looking for a rewarding Himalayan experience filled with beauty and adventure.

Deoria Tal

Located about 20 km from Chopta, Deoria Tal is a peaceful, high-altitude lake known for its crystal-clear reflections of nearby mountains. A short trek from Sari village leads you to this scenic spot, popular for camping, bird-watching, and photography. The quiet surroundings and natural charm make it a perfect day trip from Chopta. The lake is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

Ukhimath

Ukhimath is a holy town about 30 km from Chopta and holds great importance in Hindu mythology. During winters, when Kedarnath Temple closes due to snow, the deity is brought here and worshipped in the Omkareshwar Temple. Ukhimath is peaceful, spiritual, and surrounded by snow-clad peaks. It’s a great stop for those who want to explore the religious side of the Chopta region.

Top-Selling Chopta Tour Packages

Check out top-selling Chopta tour packages for a refreshing escape. These packages combine scenic treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, peaceful camping, and stunning Himalayan views, offering the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Ideal for nature lovers and trekkers, Chopta promises an unforgettable getaway close to nature.