CHOPTA, UTTARAKHAND – A SERENE RETREAT AMIDST THE HIMALAYAS

Chopta is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of deodar, pine and rhododendron trees. Chopta is known for its scenic beauty, serene environment, and as a base camp for trekking to Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak.
Chopta is also popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’ due to its picturesque beauty and snow-covered peaks. The town offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Apart from trekking, Chopta offers a range of activities for adventure enthusiasts such as camping, rock climbing, and rappelling. The region is also a popular destination for bird watching and wildlife sighting, with rare species like the Himalayan Monal and musk deer being found here.
Chopta is accessible by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun, and the nearest airport and railway station are located in Dehradun. The best time to visit Chopta is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.
Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
Chopta offers a range of activities for tourists to enjoy. Some popular activities include:
1. Trekking: Chopta is a base camp for trekking to Tungnath temple and Chandrashila peak. The trek to Tungnath temple is a 3.5 km moderate trek, and the trek to Chandrashila peak is a 1.5 km steep climb from Tungnath.
2. Camping: Chopta offers numerous camping sites, which provide a unique experience of staying in the lap of nature.
3. Bird Watching: Chopta is home to a variety of bird species, including the Himalayan Monal, which is a popular bird-watching activity.
4. Wildlife Sighting: The region is also known for its wildlife sightings, including rare species such as musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), and Himalayan black bear.
5. Photography: Chopta is a photographer’s paradise, offering stunning views of the Himalayan ranges and the surrounding forests.
6. Yoga and Meditation: Chopta’s serene environment makes it an ideal place for yoga and meditation, with several yoga and meditation retreats located in the region.
7. Rock Climbing and Rappelling: Chopta offers rock climbing and rappelling activities for adventure enthusiasts.
8. Sightseeing: The town of Chopta is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and is a popular destination for sightseeing, including the Tungnath temple, Deoria Tal lake, and the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary.
Top Attractions and Must See Places
Chopta and its surrounding areas are home to several attractions and must-see places. Some of the top attractions include:
1. Tungnath Temple: The Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters. It is a popular destination for trekking and is open for darshan (worship) from April to November.
2. Chandrashila Peak: The Chandrashila peak is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters and is a popular trekking destination. It offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges and is especially popular during the winter months when it is covered in snow.
3. Deoria Tal Lake: The Deoria Tal lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located at an altitude of 2,438 meters. It is a popular destination for camping and trekking, and offers stunning views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
4. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Rudraprayag district. It is home to several rare species of flora and fauna, including the musk deer, bharal (blue sheep), and Himalayan black bear.
5. Ukhimath: Ukhimath is a town located near Chopta and is known for its ancient temples, including the Omkareshwar temple and the Kedarnath temple. It is also a popular destination for skiing during the winter months.
6. Gopeshwar: Gopeshwar is a town located near Chopta and is known for its ancient temples, including the Gopinath temple and the Tungnath temple. It is also a popular destination for trekking and camping.
7. Kalimath: Kalimath is a small town located near Chopta and is known for its ancient Kali temple. It is a popular destination for pilgrims and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
8. Guptkashi: Guptkashi is a town located near Chopta and is known for its ancient Vishwanath temple. It is also a popular destination for trekking and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
How to Reach
Chopta is well connected by road and can be easily accessed from nearby cities in Uttarakhand. Here are the various ways to reach Chopta:
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Chopta is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 225 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Chopta is the Rishikesh railway station, which is approximately 202 km away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.
3. By Road: Chopta is well connected by road and can be accessed from nearby cities like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from these cities to reach Chopta.
4. Self-Drive: If you are traveling from nearby cities, you can also opt for a self-drive option. The roads are well maintained, and the drive offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
It is recommended to check weather and road conditions before planning a trip to Chopta, especially during the monsoon season.
Weather
Chopta experiences pleasant summers and cold winters. The weather in Chopta varies according to the season, as follows:
1. Summers: The summer season in Chopta is mild, with temperatures ranging between 10°C to 25°C. This is an ideal time for trekking and camping, and the weather is generally pleasant.
2. Monsoon: The monsoon season in Chopta is characterized by heavy rainfall, which can cause landslides and disrupt travel plans. It is recommended to check weather conditions before planning a trip during this season.
3. Autumn: The autumn season in Chopta is mild, with temperatures ranging between 5°C to 15°C. This is an ideal time for trekking and sightseeing, as the weather is clear and the skies are blue.
4. Winter: The winter season in Chopta is cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C. This is an ideal time for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, and the region is covered in a blanket of snow, making it a winter wonderland. It is recommended to carry warm clothing and check weather conditions before planning a trip during this season.