Chopta Uttarakhand – The Mini Switzerland of India

Way to Tungnath in Chopta
Chopta Uttarakhand

The Chopta Valley, in Uttarakhand” is a virgin Himalayan region of rolling hills; moreover, it boasts meadows, gurgling waterfalls, wildlife, and a friendly local population, all set against a panoramic Himalayan view. In winters, the Chopta valley, region is snow-clad; however, in springtime, it is adorned with the pink and red blossom of Rhododendron. The Chopta valley, especially in summer, is cooled by the pure wind blowing through the evergreen forest cover.

Whether you are a nature lover, a trekking enthusiast, or simply someone seeking peaceful moments, Chopta has something to offer. If you’re a family person looking for quality time with your brood, then Chopta is unequivocally the destination for you.

 

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.

Inspire Tourist in Chopta

GEOGRAPHY OF CHOPTA:-

The valley Chopta is about 200 km drive along with the rivers such as GANGA, ALAKNANDA, and MANDAKINI . A link road (recently declared national highway), at 2700 metre elevation, passes through Chopta region and connects Alaknanda (Badrinath) and Mandakini (Kedarnath) valleys. Chopta’s  accessibility is very easy from both valleys side but Mandakini side is nearer and is used by most of the tourists in all seasons. In snow fall season this link road remains closed from December to March so in snow season tourists arrive Chopta only via Mandakini (Kedar) valley. Now because of NH Government is planning to keep the road open from both valley sides in snow season as well.

SEASONS OF CHOPTA:-

Not only every season but every passing month has its incredible impact on Chopta region’s whole environment. Rain is essential part of Chopta region to fulfill Jungle’s huge water demand, since it might rain here at any time, any week and any month of the year. There are mainly 6 seasons in Chopta that anyone can observe easily like spring, summer, rainy, pre-winter, winter including snow fall. In Chopta, every season has its own colour, fragrance, feel, movement and beauty which keep changing month to month and season to season. In spring season fragrance of Rhododendron flowers fill the whole atmosphere of Chopta because 20% of the forest is occupied by Rhododendron trees. Summer season brings greenery, flowers and lots of tourists in Chopta valley. April, May and June are best time to visit Chopta for all age tourists because temperature remains gentle and weather mild. Dense fog envelopes the entire Chopta region in July and August for two months. Usually advent of snow fall season is expected after mid December and lasts up to mid March but sometimes it might extend its time period.

FLORA AND FAUNA IN CHOPTA:-

As Chopta is part of Kedarnath wild life sanctuary so it is obvious that there is abundance of plants and animals all around. There are more than 251 species of birds (migrant plus permanent), about 100 species of mammals, 45 species of giant trees and innumerable species of flowers and insects. Many species of plants and animals of them are in the verge of extinction like Musk dear, snow leopard, Monal, vultures, Thuner, Paapri, Ghinaroo etc. Many scientists and students come to Chopta to study its divers and unique flora-fauna. Once forest department had made a Musk dear sanctuary in Copta to protect and breed Musk dear but it was in vain.

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

ALSO VISIT CHOPTA TRAVEL PACKAGES 

  • 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 TIPS

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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