About Chopta
Chopta is a pristine alpine meadow at ~2,680 m in the Rudraprayag district, often called the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand for its rolling green slopes, rhododendron forests, and 360-degree Himalayan views. Its main draw is the 3 km trek to Tungnath Mahadev - the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 m and one of the Panch Kedar - and the further 1 km push to Chandrashila summit (4,090 m) for sunrise views over Nanda Devi, Trishul, Bandarpunch, and Kedardome. Chopta is reached via a 4-5 hour drive from Rudraprayag and serves as both a quick getaway and a base for longer Garhwal explorations.
Tungnath Mahadev - the Highest Shiva Temple
Tungnath sits at 3,680 m, 3 km uphill from Chopta. It is the highest temple in the Panch Kedar circuit (the five Shiva temples scattered across Garhwal), reputedly built by the Pandavas after the Mahabharata war and restored multiple times since. The 3 km trail is well-marked and gentle for the first 2 km before climbing steeply to the temple. Pilgrims and trekkers visit year-round, but the temple kapat closes in November and reopens after Akshaya Tritiya. From Tungnath, a further 1 km steep trail reaches Chandrashila summit at 4,090 m for the best sunrise views in Garhwal.
Deoria Tal - the Reflection Lake
Deoria Tal is a small high-altitude lake at 2,438 m, 3 km uphill from Sari village (which is itself ~14 km from Chopta). The trek is a gentle climb through oak and rhododendron forest. The lake mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks on a still morning - one of the most photographed reflections in Uttarakhand. Many Chopta itineraries include Deoria Tal as an alternative or additional trek to Tungnath. Camping at Deoria Tal is permitted in season.
Climate, Season, and What to Carry
Chopta is open year-round but the best windows are April-June (clear views, wildflower bloom) and September-November (post-monsoon clarity, golden grasslands). Monsoon (July-August) brings heavy rain and slippery trails - avoid for trekking. Winter (December-March) brings snow; the road can close after heavy snowfall but the Tungnath trek becomes a magical snow walk for fit trekkers. Carry layers (mornings drop below freezing year-round), trekking shoes with grip, a windproof jacket, and sun protection - the UV at 2,680 m is intense.
How to Reach Chopta
- By road from Rishikesh: 210 km via Rudraprayag (~7-8 hrs)
- By road from Haridwar: 235 km
- By rail: Rishikesh / Haridwar railway, then taxi
- By air: Jolly Grant, Dehradun (210 km)
- Local: 4WD or sturdy SUV for the final 30 km from Ukhimath - hill driver recommended
Nearby Attractions
- Tungnath Mahadev (3 km trek - highest Shiva temple)
- Chandrashila Summit (4 km trek - panoramic sunrise views)
- Deoria Tal (14 km drive + 3 km trek - reflection lake)
- Ukhimath (29 km - winter seat of Kedarnath, Omkareshwar Temple)
- Rudraprayag (70 km - Panch Prayag confluence)
Related Reading
- Chopta + Auli + Rishikesh 5N/6D - sightseeing tour with the Tungnath trek
- Mussoorie + Chopta + Auli + Rudraprayag + Rishikesh 8N/9D
- Tungnath Mahadev destination guide - the temple this trek leads to
- Panch Kedar - the five Shiva temples Tungnath belongs to
Char Dham Helicopter Connection
Chopta sits on the alternative Panch Kedar route in the Char Dham area. Many pilgrims who complete Char Dham by helicopter add a 2-night Chopta extension on the way down to do the Tungnath trek - one of the easier Shiva pilgrimage walks. Our Chopta + Auli + Rishikesh 5N/6D and Mussoorie + Chopta + Auli + Rudraprayag + Rishikesh 8N/9D packages bundle Chopta into a longer sightseeing arc.
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