Chopta, also known as Uttarakhand’s “mini Switzerland,” is a slice of paradise nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Chopta is an all-year holiday destination, surrounded by velvety meadows and pristine snow-capped peaks: pleasant in summer, rain-fresh in the monsoon, and a snow-clad fairyland in winter.
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Things to Do in Chopta
Here are some things to do in Chopta to make your trip unforgettable:
- Trekking in Chopta – Go for the Tungnath trek or the Chandrashila trek to enjoy flora and fauna of the region and visit the highest Lord Shiva Temple in the world.
- Camping – Baniyakund is a popular spot for camping and is perfect for bird watching or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air.
- Visit the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary and encounter the rare Himalayan wildlife.
- Indulge in Yoga and Meditation and get in sync with your inner self.
- If you are travelling during the winters, then you can try your hands at skiing and other adventure sports.
- Rock climbing and rappelling are also popular in this region.
- With near-zero pollution, stargazing has a different meaning here. If the skies fascinate you, don’t forget to carry your portable telescope.
Places to Visit in Chopta
Here is a quick look at some tourist attractions:
- Panch Kedar (Tungnath Temple) – This place is the epicentre of the Panch Kedar or the famous Lord Shiva Temples, namely, Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, and the highest Shiva Temple in the world at Tungnath. Of these, Tungnath is accessible from the hamlet via a trek. The Tungnath temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and constructed by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War.
- Chandrashila Temple – Standing tall at an altitude of around 4130 meters, the Chandrashila Peak offers some unforgettable views of the surrounding regions. It is a steep trek from the Tungnath temple and should be covered during summer to avoid the snow.
- Deori Tal – This is a pristine lake at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. It is famous for its amazing reflections of the Chaukhamba Range in crystal clear water. It is nestled in the valley and surrounded by green forests all around.
Popular Places to Visit Near Chopta
Here are some places to visit nearby:
- Ukhimath – Located at a distance of around 45 km, Ukhimath is the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, and worship is done here during the winters when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed.
- Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary – Dedicated to the famous Musk Deer, this sanctuary is a place where you can witness this rare animal and diverse species of flora and fauna.
- Auli – Located at a distance of around 350 km via NH 7, Auli is known as the ski resort of India. It is the perfect replica of a European village with mountain views, vast meadows, wooden huts, and snowy slopes.
- New Tehri – Located at a distance of around 140 km from the place, New Tehri is a modern town developed at an altitude of 1550-1950 meters above sea level.
- Sari Village – Located at a distance of around 55 km, Sari Village is a scenic hamlet enclosed by oak and rhododendron trees and residing calmly in the lap of the Himalayas.
Places to Eat in Chopta
Here are some places to eat:
- Buransh Hotel – Lunch and snacks
- Shivansh Café and Restaurant – Lunch and snacks
- Muskan – A Family Resturant, Pokhari Rudraprayag Road – Lunch and snacks
- Appetizer Restaurant and Café, Tilwara – Indian, Chinese, and fast food
- Rudraksh, The Chris Gayle Restaurant, Agastmuni – Snacks and main course
- Rawat Deep Fast Food & Restaurant, Chamoli Gopeshwar – Indian and Chinese Food
- DHABA@NH 107, Kedarnath Road, Guptkashi – Dhaba-style Indian and Chinese food
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About Chopta
An all-year travel destination, Chopta, the mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, has pleasant weather during summers, is rain-fresh in monsoon, and turns into a snow-clad fairyland during winters. It is the epicentre of the five most sacred temples of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, called the Panch Kedar. It is also an important bird-watching site and is recognized by various national and international conservation and biodiversity organizations.
History
Chopta, nestled in the lap of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is associated with various mythological stories and legends. It is believed to be a part of the mystical land of Kedar Khand, where Lord Shiva meditated. Chopta also falls on the route of the famous Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage that covers four holy shrines in Uttarakhand. Historically, Chopta served as a trading route between Tibet and India, and its strategic location made it an important transit point.
Facts
Over the years, Chopta has evolved into a popular tourist destination, attracting nature lovers, trekkers, and spiritual seekers with its pristine beauty, lush meadows, and majestic views of snow-capped peaks. Today, it stands as a testament to its historical and cultural significance, inviting visitors to explore its natural wonders and experience its tranquil atmosphere. These fascinating facts make Chopta a captivating destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking solace in the lap of the Himalayas.
- Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India” due to its picturesque landscapes, lush meadows, and panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Chopta serves as the gateway to the famous Tungnath Temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sites.
- Chopta is located in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity. The region is home to several rare and endangered species, including musk deer, snow leopard, and Himalayan monal.
- Birdwatcher’s Delight: Chopta is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 species of birds found in the region. Bird enthusiasts can spot Himalayan Monal, Koklass Pheasant, and a variety of other avian species. You can learn more about bird watching in India by visiting our blog.
- Winter Wonderland: Chopta transforms into a winter wonderland during the snowy months, attracting adventure seekers for activities like snow trekking, skiing, and snowboarding.
- Stargazer’s Paradise: With minimal light pollution, Chopta offers pristine night skies, making it an ideal destination for stargazing and astrophotography. To learn about more stargazing spots near you, visit this link.
- Adventure Activities: Apart from trekking, Chopta offers opportunities for camping, rock climbing, rappelling, and nature walks, catering to adventure enthusiasts who visit the region.
How to Plan a Trip to Chopta
This hill station is preferred by different types of travellers for different reasons. Its landscape with lush green meadows, surrounded by Rhododendron and Deodar trees, and picturesque views of the mountains have earned it the nickname Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand. It is also home to the highest Lord Shiva Temple in the world. Further, it attracts many trekking enthusiasts and bird watchers too. Every season attracts different types of travellers. While summers are ideal for treks and visiting the Tungnath temple, winters are preferred by travellers wanting to enjoy the snow-clad surroundings. Post-monsoon, bird watchers tend to flock to this place to sight rare birds.
How to Reach
Here are some ways to reach Chopta:
By Train
There is no railway station here. The nearest railway station is at Rishikesh. There are many trains to Rishikesh from different parts of the country. You can book a Rishikesh to Chopta taxi and reach there within five hours.
By Road
Chopta is well-connected by a road network from most neighbouring cities. The easiest way to travel to Chopta on the road is by booking a Savaari from the nearest city, which comes with a chauffeured driver to cater to all your needs.
By Flight
Chopta does not have an airport either. The nearest airport is at Dehradun. You can hire a Dehradun airport taxi to comfortably reach Chopta.
Best Time to Visit Chopta
This is one of the few destinations that can be visited at any time of the year. Summer (April to June) is considered to be the best time to travel to Chopta since the Himalayas are clearly visible, and the weather is pleasant and salubrious. The temperature during summer ranges from 10 to 32 degrees Celsius. Winters (October to February) can get very cold, with the Uttarakhand temperature dropping to -15 degrees Celsius. However, the snow-clad region looks like a fairyland. During the monsoon (June to September), the weather is very pleasant, and the region turns green. However, landslides and heavy rain can put a dampener on your travel plans. Hence, ensure that you plan your trip according to your preference.
Places to Stay in Chopta
Here is a quick look at hotels and other places that you can stay:
- Meraki Mayadeep Resort, Duggalbitta
- Swiss Camps, Ukhimath-Gopeshwar Road
- Himalayan Mountain Homestay, Ukhimath
- SnowPod, Baniyakund
- Nirvana Resort, Baniyakund
- Forest Eco Resort, Hudu Road
Savaari customer verified: Highest road trips taken from Chopta
Embark on an unforgettable road trip from this picturesque hill station nestled in the breathtaking Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Book a Savaari to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the surrounding landscapes as you venture towards various destinations. Chopta serves as an excellent starting point, offering easy access to nearby towns and scenic routes that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.
| Destination | Distance |
| Chopta to Rudraprayag | 23 KM |
| Chopta to Srinagar | 54 KM |
| Chopta to Gaurikund | 73 KM |
| Chopta to Rudraprayag | 198 KM |
Throughout this road trip, you’ll witness the ever-changing panoramas, from verdant valleys to towering mountains, from cascading waterfalls to serene riverbanks. The region’s natural beauty combined with the cultural heritage of each destination makes this road trip an enriching experience.
So, gear up, hit the road, and let the stunning vistas of Uttarakhand unfold before your eyes as you embark on an unforgettable road trip from Chopta. Be prepared for an adventure filled with scenic marvels, spiritual encounters, and a deep connection with nature.
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Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by
