Sometimes it is worth ditching those deadlines to get lost in the middle of the mysterious yet majestic Himalayas. Chopta is the perfect place for that! A land of picturesque meadows, lush green deodar forest, and the stunning views of the snow-capped Chaukhamba peak, Chopta offers the ultimate Himalayan experience. To confine this place to "Mini Switzerland" would be disrespectful, given its uniqueness and the spiritual journey it offers to the Tungnath temple. Yes, the Chopta-Chandrashila trek! A popular and rather easy trek in the Indian Himalayas, the Chopta trek, which spans from snow-capped peaks to the highest Shiva temple, Tungnath, is not just a walk, but a journey that tangles nature with devotion and expression.  

About Trekking in Chopta 

In the “Land of Lord Shiva”, Uttarakhand, in the Rudraprayag district, is the Chopta Chandrashila trek at an altitude of 13100 ft above sea level. The journey starts in a small village of Chopta, full of Pahadi magnificence and authenticity and ends at the Chandrashila summit point with snow-covered 360-degree views of the Himalaya peaks.  

Moderately easy, it is a one-day excursion with a total distance of approximately 5.5 km. The Chopta to Tungnath trek distance is 4 km, and the Tungnath to Chandrashila distance is 1.5 km. So, a rucksack is a choice, not a mandate. Also, it can take around 8 hours to trek from Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila and then back to basecamp. 

En route, you capture the beauty of meadows, dense forests, and snow-covered 360 views of Himalaya peaks like Mt Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Nanda Ghunti, and Chaukhamba. 

Time for an interesting bit of folklore: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Lakshman (the younger brother of Lord Ram) meditated at Chandrashila for years after Lord Ram defeated Ravan. Also, some say Chandra Dev, or the “Moon-God,” spent time at this place, thus the name Chandrashila. 

Trekking in Chopta: The Ultimate Itinerary 

Day Uno: Rishikesh to Chopta  

With months of planning and changes in plans, finally, the day comes for the Chopta trek. Start your trip from Rishikesh in the morning, and take the Srinagar-Rudraprayag-Ukhimath-Chopta route. Throughout the route, you will be followed by the lovely New Tehri Lake, and in the evening, you will reach the beautiful village of Chopta. Book a hotel or go camping in Chopta Tungnath for some stargazing and chill, and take some rest to gear up for the next day. 

Note: In case you are out of cash, ATMs are available in Srinagar/Rudraprayag/ Agastmuni/ Ukhimath. However, there are no ATM machines in Chopta; Ukhimath is the last ATM point. 

Day Two: Trekking in Chopta Begins! 

With a fresh, cold breeze, you wake up in Chopta and see the astonishing view of the Himalayas. Get done with your breakfast and backpack. Since it is a one-day Chopta trek to Tungnath, a water bottle, some munchies, juice, chocolates, bread, and, of course, Bluetooth speakers are enough.  

Start your Chopta trek to Tungnath at around 8 or 9 in the morning. The path is easy with the Oak, Deodar Forest, and Rhododendron, with wildflowers blooming. Take adequate rest in the Green alpine meadows while enjoying the spectacular view. Start again and cover the 4 km of distance in 3 hours to reach the Tungnath Temple.  

The iconic and captivating Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, with an altitude of 11385 ft above sea level. It is one of the Panch Kedar situated in the Rudraprayag district. Soak up all the positivity and courage to head towards Chandrashila. It is 1.5 km from Tungnath, and takes around 1 hour to reach. Crossing the alpine meadows, there is a steep climb of 500 m taking you to the altitude of 13100 ft at the summit point of the Chopta-Chandrashila trek.  

Panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges and snow-capped peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Mt Trishul, and Chaukhamba embrace the beauty of this point. 

There is another temple on this point, and the place is surrounded by lots of stone pebbled pyramids where the stones are lined in the shape of a pyramid, symbolising harmony, zen, and balance. 

Take some rest, enjoy the peace, and connect with nature. Around late noon, get ready to march back to the base camp in Chopta. Now, this is the inclining part of the trek, so you can cover 5.5 km of distance in 2 to 2.5 hours.  

In the evening, you can explore some local cafes in Chopta and devour some authentic pahadi food. With the mesmerising and stunning views of the Garhwal Himalayas, the Tungnath trek from Chopta is easy and is perfect for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.  

Chopta: A Year Around Delight 

A slice of paradise embraced by the Garhwal Himalayas, Chopta, as a tourist place, is an all-year destination: pleasant in summer, full of life in monsoon, and a snow-clad fairyland in winter. The best months to visit Chopta depend on the kind of experience you are seeking. The epicentre of the Panch Kedar–the five most sacred Shiva temples in the state, it has Kedarnath on the left, Madmaheshwar shrines and on the right, and the Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, and Tungnath temple just above it.  

Some Places to Visit in Chopta  

Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary 

Located about 7 km from Chopta is the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, a dense forest range over 6 sq km, where the rare musk deer can be spotted. It makes for a relaxing nature walk. 

Deoriatal 

Around 50 km from Chopta is this beautiful high-altitude lake (around 2,438 m), settled amidst mountains and forests, which makes for another refreshing trek. 

Ukhimath 

Located around 45 km from Chopta, Ukhimath is the winter home of Lord Kedarnath. There are several other renowned temples here, like the ones of Usha and Aniruddha. 

Chopta attractions are known for several trekking routes that run through it and around it. 

How to Reach Chopta 

By Air: You can take a flight to the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun. The distance from the airport to Rishikesh is 14 km, and you can cover the rest of the distance by bus or a cab.  

By Train: You can take a train to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Kathgodam. After reaching there, you can take a bus or a cab early in the morning. 

By Road: There are two routes by which you can reach Chopta. Either you can take the Rishikesh-Srinagar-Agastmuni-Ukhimath-Chopta route, which is about 256 km, and take 8-9 hours of driving, or you can take the Kathgodam-Ranikhet-Gairsain-Karnaprayag-Rudraprayag-Ukhimath-Chopta route with a distance of 261 km. 

A Chopta trek package by Veena World is the best way to explore what this region has to offer. The Chopta trek packages are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, and guided treks to key destinations like the Tungnath Temple and the Chandrashila peak.  

Auli, Chopta, and Rishikesh are the holy trinity of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. The scenic roads, rich culture, pleasant weather, and breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys make the exploration unforgettable. So, why wait? Pack your bags, book your Uttarakhand packages, and embark on a journey to explore, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in positivity and nature.  

FAQs 

Q1. Is Chopta only for experienced trekkers? 

No! Chopta offers trekking options for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. The most popular trek is the Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila Summit, which is moderate and doable for fit beginners with some stamina. 

Q2. Is there any wildlife around Chopta? 

Yes, Chopta is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, home to musk deer, Himalayan monal (state bird of Uttarakhand), and occasionally, elusive snow leopards and Himalayan black bears. 

Q3. How long is the trek from Chopta to Chandrashila? 

Typically, the trek from Chopta to Tungnath takes about 2 hours uphill, and from Tungnath to the Chandrashila summit, about 1 hour. The entire round trip can be completed in a day for experienced trekkers. 

Q4. What’s the local cuisine to try near Chopta? 

You can enjoy Garhwali delicacies such as Kafuli (spinach-based curry), Aloo Ke Gutke (spiced potatoes), and Bhatt ki Churdkani (black soybean curry). Don’t miss trying local honey and herbal teas too. 

Q5. Are guides mandatory for the Chopta trek? 

No, the trails are well-marked, so experienced trekkers can do it independently. However, hiring a guide is recommended if you want local insights, safety, or if you are unfamiliar with mountain trekking.