Chopta – The Mini Switzerland of India
Chopta of Uttarakhand is virgin Himalayan region of rolling hills, meadows, gurgling waterfalls, wildlife and friendly local population with panoramic Himalayan view. In winters Chopta region is snow clad while springtime covers it with pink and red blossom of Rhododendron. The valley of Chopta in summer is cooled by the pure wind blowing through the evergreen forest cover.
You may be a Nature lover, trekking enthusiast or someone looking for peaceful time. A family person looking for quality time with his brood then Chopta is the destination for you.
Base Chopta 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). The valley is part of Kedarnath Wildlife sanctuary which is one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in flora, fauna and biodiversity in the world.
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WHY VISIT CHOPTA– A BEAUTIFUL HILL STATION ON INDIA
The Chopta valley has been endowed with unparalleled amazing natural beauty all around. As far as your sight goes which is the main attraction among tourists worldwide.
Wide spread lush green meadows and gentles 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 presence of the splendid Gangotri greater Himalayan range mix a overwhelming fragrance in the whole atmosphere of Chopta.
Sun rise and Sun set view from Chopta is an unforgettable event especially from Chandrashila peak in winters. View of The Greater Himalaya from an ideal distance is one of major attractions which inspire tourists to visit Chopta frequently.
- Tungnath Temple in Chopta – The Highest Shiva Temple
- Chopta is suitable for bird watching – There are more than 221 species of birds in this region. ‘Monal’ is one of the main attractions.
- Crystal Clear Lake in Chopta: Deoriatal
- Snow capped Himalayan Peaks from Chandrashila (Chopta) : 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.
- Low altitude trek with cavernous gorges.
- Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows & Mountain Goats in Chopta.
- Glimpse of an ancient culture of local people.
- Possible sightings of some wildlife in Chopta’s Jungle .
Activities in Chopta
Prime Attraction of 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-