Chopta, Uttarakhand, (North India)
Chopta is a small hill station situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is often referred to as "Mini Switzerland" due to its breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
Unlock the beauty of Chopta with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Chopta has it all
Wildlife
The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary in Chopta is dedicated to the conservation of musk deer. Visitors can explore the sanctuary, observe wildlife, and learn about the efforts to protect these endangered species.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Follow wildlife viewing guidelines; maintain a safe distance from animals.
Experiences
Dugalbitta is a hidden hamlet in Chopta known for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a break from the hustle and ...
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Check if there are any restrictions on exploring the hamlet; respect the privacy of locals.
Camping
There are various camping sites in and around Chopta where you can enjoy a night under the stars.
Best Time to Visit: March - June, September - November
Timings: 14:00-10:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Weather conditions may affect camping.
Religious Visit
Ukhimath is an ancient town located a short drive away from Chopta, and is home to the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Waterfalls
The waterfall is close to Chopta and makes for a good excursion. The route is scenic and the waterfall itself is a beautiful sight.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
The Kartik Swami Temple, dedicated to the son of Lord Shiva, is located near Kanak Chauri village and offers splendid views of the snow-clad Himalayan range.
Best Time to Visit: May - June, September - November
Timings: 05:00-21:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Madhyamaheshwar Mandir is a sacred Hindu temple in Chopta dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pilgrims and tourists visit the temple to seek blessings and admire the spiritual significance of the site.
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Timings: 08:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Respect the religious significance of the temple; follow any dress code or rules.
Religious Visit
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev is a sacred temple in Chopta dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees and tourists visit the temple to experience spirituality and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Respect the religious site; be aware of any customs or rituals.
Wildlife
Chopta is a haven for bird watchers, with numerous species of birds found in the region.
Best Time to Visit: March - June
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 250.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Binoculars and cameras are allowed.
Trekking
This is the most popular activity in Chopta. Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples. From Tungnath, you can trek further up ...
Best Time to Visit: March - June, September - November
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Chopta to Tungnath trek is of 5 km & the difficulty level is moderate
Sightseeing
Deoria Tal is a serene lake surrounded by forests and offering stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks. The trek starts from Sari village, which is a short drive from Chopta.
Best Time to Visit: March - June, September - November
Timings: 07:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Deoria Tal trek starts from sari village & is of 2.5 km
Stargazing
Due to its high altitude and low light pollution, Chopta offers excellent conditions for stargazing, especially on clear nights.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 19:00-01:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Clear nights are best.
Religious Visit
A trek to the Rudranath temple, one of the Panch Kedar, is quite an adventure. The temple is believed to house the face of Lord Shiva.
Best Time to Visit: May - October
Timings: 06:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Long and challenging trek involved.
Travel Guidelines for Chopta, Uttarakhand (North India) For Indian Travellers Only
1. Place Information
Chopta is a picturesque hamlet nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Often referred to as the 'Mini Switzerland of India', Chopta is known for its verdant meadows, dense forests, and breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. It's a gateway to the Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, making it a popular trekking destination.
2. Travel Related Information
By Road: Chopta is well-connected by road. It's approximately 450 km from Delhi and about 210 km from Rishikesh.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is roughly 226 km away.
By Railway: The closest major railway station is Haridwar, approximately 200 km from Chopta.
3. Visa Related Information
Indian citizens don't require a visa to travel within India. For any ID or travel-related concerns, refer to local administrative offices or the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
Major telecom providers in Chopta include Jio, Airtel, and BSNL. Given its high-altitude location, network connectivity can be inconsistent in certain areas.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Chopta is a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, travelers should be cautious during the monsoon due to potential landslides and always stay updated about local weather conditions. The Uttarakhand Police website provides safety advisories and other relevant information.
6. Internal Transport Related Information
Local taxis are available for sightseeing in and around Chopta. Due to its mountainous terrain, certain attractions might require trekking.
7. Special Mentions
Tungnath Temple: Situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters, it's one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and part of the Panch Kedar.
Chandrashila Peak: Located at a height of 4,000 meters, this peak offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Deoria Tal: A pristine lake surrounded by forests, offering majestic views of the Chaukhamba peak.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: Spanning over 5 sq. km, this sanctuary is home to the musk deer and a variety of other species.