Chopta is a picturesque hill station located in the Rudraprayag district of the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas and is known for its stunning natural beauty, panoramic views, and trekking opportunities. Situated at an elevation of around 8,790 feet. Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India” because of its lush green meadows, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. The region is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and offers a rich variety of flora and fauna. It is also the starting point for the trek to the famous Tungnath Temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the World. Tungnath Temple is located at an altitude of around 12,073 feet and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The trek to Tungnath temple starts from Chopta and is a moderate-level trek that takes you through scenic trails, rhododendron forests, and beautiful meadows. Another popular trek from Chopta is the Chandrashila trek, which takes you to the Chandrashila peak at an altitude of 13,550 feet. Apart from trekking, Chopta is also a great place for camping, birdwatching, and photography. Overall, Chopta is a charming destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and spirituality.
Chopta, like many other regions in Uttarakhand, has a rich history intertwined with mythology and religious significance. While specific historical events related to Chopta might be scarce, the region holds immense cultural and spiritual importance. According to Hindu mythology, Chopta is believed to be the place where Lord Rama, accompanied by his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, stayed during their exile in the forests. The area is associated with the epic Ramayana and is considered sacred by devotees. Chopta is also closely linked to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, starting from Chopta, is believed to be part of the Pandavas’ journey to heaven, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. From a historical perspective, the region of Chopta falls under the Kedar Khand region of Uttarakhand, which has been a significant center of spirituality for centuries. The Kedar Khand region is home to numerous temples and religious sites, attracting pilgrims from all over the country. In more recent history, Chopta and its surrounding areas have gained popularity as a tourist destination due to its natural beauty and trekking opportunities. The region has seen an increase in tourism and infrastructure development to accommodate the growing number of visitors. It is important to note that Chopta and its history are closely intertwined with religious beliefs, mythology, and cultural significance.
Chopta and its surrounding region offer several beautiful places to visit. There are some popular tourist attractions in Chopta, such as- Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Deoriatal Lake, Ukhimath, Kartik Swami Temple, and Madmaheshwar.
Tungnath Temple is a significant religious site located in the Chopta region of Uttarakhand. It is renowned as the highest Shiva temple in the World and holds great importance for devotees and trekkers alike. The temple is situated at an altitude of 12,073 feet above sea level, amidst the stunning backdrop of the Himalayan ranges. It is a part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which consists of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, with Kedarnath being the most revered among them. Devotees believed that Tungnath is more than a thousand years old and has mythological connections to the epic Mahabharata. According to legend, after the Kurukshetra War, the Pandavas wanted to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the bloodshed. Tungnath is believed to be where Lord Shiva’s arms appeared. The trek to Tungnath Temple begins from Chopta and covers a distance of approximately 4 km. The temple itself is small and made of stone, with intricate carvings and a distinct Himalayan architectural style. It remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall in the region and reopens in the summer season, usually around May or June. Whether for spiritual reasons or the love of trekking, Tungnath Temple is a revered destination that attracts visitors seeking inner peace.
Chandrashila Peak is a stunning summit located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 13,550 feet, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan ranges. Chandrashila, which translates to “Moon Rock”, is a popular trekking destination that can be reached from Chopta. The trek to Chandrashila begins at Chopta and covers a distance of around 5 km. The trail winds through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees and as you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes. In addition to the stunning mountain vistas, Chandrashila is also known for its spiritual significance. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the demon king Ravana in the epic Ramayana. The trek to Chandrashila is considered moderately challenging and it usually takes a few hours to reach the summit from Chopta, depending on your pace. The best time to undertake the trek is during the summer and autumn months when the weather is generally pleasant and the trails are accessible. Overall, Chandrashila Peak offers a unique combination of adventure, natural beauty, and spirituality.
Deoriatal Lake is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the Uttarakhand region, near Chopta. Situated at an altitude of around 7,999 feet, it is known for its serene beauty and tranquil surroundings. The lake is nestled amidst dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees adding to its natural charm. One of the highlights of Deoriatal Lake is its crystal-clear waters, which reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks and create a mesmerizing mirror-like effect. The trek to Deoriatal Lake begins from Sari village, which is approximately 3 km away from the lake. The best time to visit Deoriatal Lake is during the summer and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the lake is accessible. Vising Deoriatal Lake offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Kartik Swami Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, also known as Lord Murugan, and is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is situated atop a hill at an altitude of approximately 10,170 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. The temple holds great significance among devotees and is believed to be the place where Lord Kartikeya meditated after leaving Kashi. The temple is also associated with the epic Mahabharata, as it is believed that the Pandavas, the heroes of Mahabharata, visited this temple during their exile. Upon reaching the temple, visitors are greeted by the sanctum housing the idol of Lord Kartikeya. The idol is adorned with ornaments and is believed to be Swayambhu. One of the main attractions of the Kartik Swami Temple is the 360-degree panoramic view it offers. The best time to visit the Kartik Swami Temple is during the summer months and the autumn months. The Kartik Swami Temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees and nature lovers alike.
Madmaheshwar is a significant pilgrimage site and one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of approximately 10,794 feet above sea level. According to Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra epic, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings and forgiveness for their sins. Madmaheshwar is the fourth temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, with Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpeshwar being the other four temples. The temple of Madmaheshwar is an ancient stone structure, beautifully adorned with intricate carvings. The main deity is a Shiva lingam that is worshipped as Madmaheshwar or Madhyamaheshwar. One of the unique features of Madmaheshwar is the navel-shaped lingam. The area around Madmaheshwar is known for its natural beauty and serene environment, making it a favorite destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Ukhimath is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It serves as a significant religious and pilgrimage center, particularly during the winter months when the Kedarnath temple is closed due to heavy snowfall. Ukhimath is considered the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and acts as a temporary residence for the deity during the winter season. The idols of Lord Kedarnath and Goddess Parvati are brought down from the Kedarnath temple and kept in Ukhimath’s Omkareshwar Temple until the main temple reopens in the following summer. The Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important place of worship. The temple features intricate stone carvings and architectural elements that reflect the region’s cultural heritage. During the winter months, the temple becomes a hub of religious activities. Ukhimath is a significant religious destination that provides a glimpse into the religious customs and traditions of Uttarakhand.
There are some nearest places in Chopta, such as- Sari Village, Gopeshwar, Rudraprayag, Rudranath, etc.
Sari Village is a scenic hamlet located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It serves as the base camp for the popular trek to Deoriatal. Sari Village is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,100 meters above sea level, amidst the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas. It is about 14 km from Ukhimath and around 220 km from the state capital, Dehradun. Sari Village is the starting point for the trek to Deoriatal. The trek is relatively easy and takes around 1.5 to 2hrs to reach the lake. Sari Village provides an opportunity to experience the local culture. It is known for its peaceful environment, pristine natural beauty, and the tranquillity it offers to visitors seeking to break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Gopeshwar is a town located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an elevation of around 4,760 feet above sea level. Gopeshwar serves as the administrative headquarters of the Chamoli district and is known for its religious and cultural significance. The town is named after Lord Krishna, who is also known as Gopeshwar, meaning “Lord of the Gopis” or “Lord of the cowherds”. The Gopinath Temple is an ancient temple located in Gopeshwar. It is believed to have been built by the revered Hindu philosopher and saint, Adi Shankaracharya. The main market area of Gopeshwar offers a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle of the region. The town is also known for its annual fair called “Gopinath Temple Mela”, which attracts a large number of devotees and tourists. Overall, Gopeshwar is a serene and picturesque town nestled in the Himalayas, offering a peaceful retreat.
Rudraprayag is a town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers, which are two tributaries of the Ganges River. The town is situated at an elevation of about 2,986 feet above sea level. Rudraprayag is named after Lord Shiva, with “Rudra” meaning Shiva and “Prayag” referring to the confluence of rivers, as it is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva appeared to bless Narada Muni. The town is of great religious significance and is part of the Chardham Yatra, which includes four major pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand; Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Rudraprayag serves as an important transit point for pilgrims visiting these destinations. This district is also rich in biodiversity and is home to various flora and fauna. The region is known for its diverse bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Overall, Rudraprayag is a place of religious significance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. It attracts a significant number of pilgrims.
Rudranath is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at an elevation of about 11,800 feet above sea level. Rudranath Temple is the place where Lord Shiva’s face is worshipped. According to Hindu mythology, after the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve themselves of the sin of killing their own relatives. The temple was built around the natural rock formation that represents Lord Shiva’s face. The area around the temple is also dotted with several kinds that are considered holy and are believed to possess medicinal properties. Rudranath is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, which includes four other temples dedicated to Lord Shiva: Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, Tungnath, and Kalpeshwar. Pilgrims often visit all five temples as a part of their spiritual journey in Uttarakhand. Overall, Rudranath is a significant pilgrimage site that offers a blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and adventure.
The best time to visit Chopta is during the months of April to June and September to November.
During the summer season from April to June is the peak tourist season in Chopta. The weather during these months is mild and pleasant. It is a great time for trekking, camping, and enjoying the beautiful meadows.
Autumn season from September to November is another ideal time to visit Chopta. The skies are clear, offering excellent visibility of the snow-capped peaks.
The road distance between Delhi to Chopta is 400 km and takes around 10 to 11 hrs via NH58. You can travel to Chopta by road.
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh railway station. You can reach Rishikesh from New Delhi station by Yoga Express or Kalinga Utkal Express. Then you can take a car or taxi and reach Chopta. The road distance between Rishikesh to Chopta is 161 km and takes around 5 to 6 hrs.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport. You can reach Jolly Grant Airport from Delhi international airport by Indigo. Then you can hire a car or taxi and reach Chopta. The distance between Jolly Grant airport to Chopta is 175 km and takes around 6 to 7 hrs.
Ans: Chopta is a birding paradise, you can see over 240 bird species of birds.
Ans: April to June and September to October is the best time to visit Chopta.
Ans: 1 to 2 days are enough for Chopta.
Ans: Tungnath is near in Chopta.
Ans: Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station in Chopta.
Ans: Jolly Grant airport is near Chopta.
DMC Uttarakhand is started by highly experienced & travel professionals from Uttarakhand. Our main aim is to provide best travel services in Uttarakhand and we can offer you the best Luxury B2B high-quality service which focused on the satisfaction of the clients' requirements.
DMC Uttarakhand is Unit of "Trip Rega". Trip Rega is Uttarakhand Tourism Department approved tour operator. We are member of :IATO, ETAA, ATOAI, UTPA, UTOA, TOA, IATTE, TEN & Many More
Follow us:
