Chopta Uttarakhand – The Mini Switzerland of India

Chopta trekking
Chopta Uttarakhand

Welcome to Magpie Eco Tourism, your perfect getaway to the scenic beauty of Chopta, famously known as the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand. Surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, and spiritual travelers. Chopta trekking, which offers amazing paths through beautiful meadows and peaceful surroundings, is one of the region’s major tourist attractions. The region is home to the sacred Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva shrine in the world, located at an altitude of around 3,680 meters (Tungnath height). From Tungnath, a short but breathtaking trek leads to Chandrashila, offering panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks.

At Magpie Eco Tourism, we offer the best experience of camping in Chopta, combining comfort, hygiene, and a close connection with nature. Our eco-friendly camps are set amidst pine and rhododendron forests, perfect for bonfires, stargazing, and witnessing stunning sunrises. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or in groups, our Chopta camping packages ensure an unforgettable stay in the heart of the Himalayas.

Visitors can also explore nearby mandirs such as Rudranath, Kalpeshwar, and Madhyamaheshwar, part of the famous Panch Kedar circuit. Plan your stay with Magpie Eco Tourism and experience the charm of Chopta, where adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty come together for a truly memorable Himalayan escape.

 

Chopta - The base of Tungnath Chandrashila

It is the starting point for Tungnath trek and is the 3rd Kedar among 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand. Another 1.5 km trek from Tungnath head to Chandrashila(Altitude 4090 mts) which offers a panoramic view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The visible peaks are Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedar Dome and many more (more than 60 peaks). This  valley is part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary which is one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in flora, fauna, and biodiversity in the world.

 

 

Why Visit Chopta - A Beautiful Hill Station In India

It has been endowed with unparalleled amazing natural beauty all around. As far as your sight goes which is the main attraction among tourists worldwide.

Widespread lush green meadows and gentle slopes of huge mountains ornamented with Oak Pine and birch trees, innumerable species of rare flowers and herbs, chirping of birds, rushing and gushing of many water streams making beautiful water fountains on their way and the presence of the splendid Gangotri greater Himalayan range mix a overwhelming fragrance in the whole atmosphere of Chopta.

Sunrise and Sun set view from Chopta is an unforgettable event, especially from Chandrashila peak in winter. View of The Greater Himalaya from an ideal distance is one of major attractions which inspire tourists to visit Chopta frequently.

 

Attractions of Chopta

Tungnath Temple in Chopta – is not only famous for its religious significance, but also for its stunning location amidst the Himalayas.
Chopta is suitable for bird watching- as there are more than 221 species of birds in this region. Plus, ‘Monal’ is one of the main attractions.
Crystal Clear Lake in Chopta: Moreover, Deoriatal.
The snow-capped Himalayan Peaks from Chandrashila (Chopta) include Nanda Devi at 7,817 meters, Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,831 meters, Bandarpunch at 6,316 meters, and Chaukhamba at 7,138 meters.
Explore low-altitude trekking through cavernous gorges.
Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows, and Mountain Goats in Chopta create a picturesque scene.
Take a glimpse of the ancient culture of local people.
Possible sightings of some wildlife in Chopta’s Jungle include deer, monkeys, and various bird species. Additionally, there have been reports of elusive leopards and occasional sightings of bears.

Activities in Chopta

 

What to see in Chopta

The Chandrashila got its name for it is the rock where the moon rests It is extremely mesmerizing to climb Chandrashila peak above Tungnath temple because of the sudden change of terrain. It is above zero tree line yet has nature’s bounty of different Himalayan herbs which is the fodder for the Himalayan Goat during summers and is probable sighting place for Snow Leopard during snow season. Once you reach the top its gives a 360 degree view of the mountains including the peaks Nanda Devi, Nanda Koti, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, Trisuli etc.

ALSO VISIT CHOPTA TOUR PACKAGES

Inspire Tourist in Chopta

GEOGRAPHY OF CHOPTA:-

The valley Chopta, located approximately 200 km away, offers a scenic drive alongside renowned rivers such as the Ganga, Alaknanda, and Mandakini. A link road, recently designated as a national highway, winds its way through the Chopta region at an elevation of 2700 meters, connecting the Alaknanda (Badrinath) and Mandakini (Kedarnath) valleys.

Chopta’s accessibility is convenient from both valley sides, although the Mandakini side is closer and preferred by most tourists throughout the year. During the snowfall season, typically from December to March, the link road is closed, and tourists primarily access Chopta via the Mandakini (Kedar) valley. However, the government is now considering plans to keep the road open from both valley sides even during the snow season, thanks to the designation of the link road as a national highway.

SEASONS OF CHOPTA:-

Not only does every passing season but every month also leaves its incredible impact on the Chopta region’s entire environment. Rain is an essential part of the Chopta region, fulfilling the jungle’s significant water demand. It can rain here at any time, any week, and any month of the year. There are mainly six seasons in Chopta that anyone can easily observe: spring, summer, rainy, pre-winter, winter, including snowfall. In Chopta, every season has its own color, fragrance, feel, movement, and beauty, which keep changing month to month and season to season.

Spring Season:

In the spring season, the fragrance of Rhododendron flowers fills the whole atmosphere of Chopta because 20% of the forest is occupied by Rhododendron trees.

Summer Season:

Summer brings greenery, flowers, and lots of tourists to the Chopta valley. April, May, and June are the best times to visit Chopta for tourists of all ages because the temperature remains gentle and the weather mild.

Rainy Season:

Dense fog envelopes the entire Chopta region in July and August for two months. Usually, the advent of the snowfall season is expected after mid-December and lasts up to mid-March, but sometimes it might extend its time.

FLORA AND FAUNA IN CHOPTA:-

As Chopta is part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, it is evident that there is an abundance of plants and animals in the area. With over 251 species of birds (both migrant and permanent), approximately 100 species of mammals, and 45 species of giant trees, along with countless varieties of flowers and insects, the biodiversity of Chopta is remarkable. Among these species, many are on the verge of extinction, such as the Musk deer, snow leopard, Monal, vultures, Thuner, Paapri, and Ghinaroo.

Furthermore, Chopta attracts many scientists and students who come to study its diverse and unique flora and fauna. At one point, the forest department even established a Musk deer sanctuary in Chopta with the aim of protecting and breeding Musk deer, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.

Local Population Chopta
Topography of Chopta-
Hotel /camps in Chopta-
Chopta Distance Chart-

ALSO VISIT CHOPTA TRAVEL PACKAGES 

ENQUIRY NOW

  • FEATURES OF CHOPTA
  • Chopta Valley has unparalleled amazing natural beauty All around.
  • The Chotpa Valley is world-renowned for its unique and untouched biodiversity.
  • Lush Green Meadows all around.
  • Famous Tungnath-Chandrashila & Deoriatal Trek.
  • paradise for birdwatchers-More than 200 birds spices.
  • Best place for yoga and meditation.
  • Best for Snow trek in India.

CHOPTA – VITAL INFORMATIONS

  •   TEMP –May- June-22℃/Min-10℃
  •   Best time to visit Chopta.-(Sep-Jan)/(Feb-Jun)
  •   Chopta Situated in – Ukhimath
  •   Recommended days in Chopta –2 D & 3N
  •   Nearest Railways Station from Chopta – Rishikesh
  •   Nearest Airport from Chopta- Jolly Grant
  •   Chopta is Famous for- Natural Beauty,Tungnath Temple, Deoriatal, K.W.S., Ukhimath.

CHOPTA TRAVEL GUIDE

CHOPTA TRAVEL TIPS

  • Chopta Map Direction Tip

  • We highly suggest that while exploring Chopta on Google map, please do mention Magpie Jungle Camp, Chopta to get the location accuracy. There is one more Chopta village in the same region, and often travelers get misguided because of the same.

  • Tungnath- Chandrashila Trek Tips

  • The trek to Chandrashila from Chopta is about 5 km one way; moreover, it is easy to moderate and can easily be done with kids (Pony is available except in winter to trek up to Tungnath Temple).
  • Due to heavy snow in winter at Chopta and Tungnath, the trek tends to get quite difficult but the views are mesmerizing. One is recommended to carry heavy woolens and good shoes. Sunscreen lotions and moisturizer is a must carry stuff along with dark chocolates to maintain the body temperature and energy level.

  • Chopta Tour Transport Tip

  • No direct bus/cab services to Chopta but one can hire a Local taxi from Ukhimath. It is recommended to hire a cab from Rishikesh/Haridwar/Dehradun as the local cab charges are high and even the availability of the same is difficult sometimes.

  • Chopta ATM’s Tip

  • It’s advisable to carry cash when traveling to Chopta, as there are no ATMs in the immediate vicinity. However, there are banks available in Ukhimath, located just 25 km away, where you can withdraw cash through ATMs.

  • Chopta Market Tip

  • The nearest market is Ukhimath; therefore, one can collect essentials on the way to Chopta if traveling via Rudraprayag.
  • And the nearest market is Gopeshwar if one is traveling from Joshimath/Auli.
  • Best Hotel of Chopta – Chopta Resort

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