Chopta Trek, Uttarakhand: Mini Switzerland in India
Chopta is a valley surrounded by woods and mountains with evergreen trees. The area also features large swaths of lush terrain known as Bugyals. It is located in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand and is regarded as one of the greatest hill stations in India, not just Uttarakhand. The Chopta valley is part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary and is near the Kanchula Kharak Deer Sanctuary, which is home to the famed Musk deer. The valley is also known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” because of its beautiful green meadows and pine and oak trees. Chopta is located at a height of 2600 metres above sea level, making it exceptionally cool and comfortable even in the heat.
This location is a must-see for nature and bird enthusiasts since it is home to several rare Himalayan bird species. Chopta is particularly well-known for its trekking and camping opportunities. There are several popular hiking trails in and near Chopta trek, including the Tungnath shrine and the Deorital trip. Locals provide several camping alternatives beneath the open sky and verdant meadows with spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Why is Chopta becoming more well-known by the day?
Even in the height of summer, Chopta (“Uttarakhand’s Mini Switzerland”) remains cool and lovely. It’s green everywhere, and there’s a pleasant wind, especially at night. During the months of February and March, the entire valley is covered in red Rhododendron or Burans blossoms. It’s a stunning sight to see the full blossoming crimson blossoms all over the trees. During the winter months, it regularly snows, covering the whole valley in a white blanket of snow. During the monsoons, the area receives heavy rains, which wash the land and make it appear incredibly lovely. Chopta is easily accessible by road from Uttarakhand’s major towns.
Chopta is located on the main route leading from Ukhimath to Gopeshwar. It is also a popular and well-known halt on the Char Dham pilgrimage path, as it is located on the road connecting Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. Chopta also serves as the starting point for the treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Tungnath is the world’s tallest Shiva Temple and a popular trekking destination. Because the trip to Tungnath is classed as simple, it is popular among novices and families. Chandrashila, roughly 3600 metres above Tungnath, is another 1 kilometre away. From the top, it provides 360-degree views of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi and Gangotri, as well as the broad green meadows of the Chopta valley.
How to Get to Chopta?
Chopta is located on the main route between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar and is easily accessible by car or by State buses and taxis. The following are the distances from Chopta to significant cities.
Taxi Service in Chopta
Himalaya Resort also offers Chopta cab services from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Delhi. You may go to any place in the hills in our brand new Innova Crysta G(7+1) and Dzire (4+1) driven by friendly drivers, at low prices, and with the assurance of Himalaya Resort’s service excellence. Book one-way or round-trip tickets, plan ahead of time, or just book for your next trip. We also provide Char Dham Yatra tour packages and customised sightseeing tour packages in Uttarakhand at very reasonable costs. With us, travelling has gotten even more convenient.
Chopta lodging possibilities
Permanent development is prohibited in Chopta valley (“Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”) to protect the region’s delicate natural balance. As a result, the majority of the available lodging alternatives are tents and camps. There are a handful of good places to stay that provide excellent service and extremely clean and sanitary tents. Himalaya Resort is one such excellent lodging choice, with excellent overall ratings and positive client feedback. Camping in the verdant meadows is also an option, with tents provided by the local camp owners. The experience of camping in camps is fantastic and something that everyone should attempt while in Chopta.
Activities in Chopta
When in Chopta (“Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”), there are several attractions to see. Aside from trekking to the Tungnath temple and Chandrashila, a day excursion to Deoriatal is also possible. It is a magnificent lake about 22 kilometres from Chopta, and one must travel the remaining 2.5 kilometres from Sari village to get there. Chopta Bugyal and Rohini Bugyal, the valley’s two most popular camping spots, may also be visited. At a distance of 30 kilometres, the temple of Ukhimath, which is the winter residence of Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madmaheshwar, may also be visited.
Makkumath, the next village to Chopta and Lord Tungnath’s winter residence, is 25 kilometres away. With much grandeur and passion, Lord Shiva’s Doli is carried from the main temple to their individual winter seats. People may also visit the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, which surrounds the Chopta valley, to see the many bird species. The Himalayan Musk deer may be spotted at the Kanchula Kharak Deer Sanctuary.
Tungnath temple
The Tungnath temple, which translates to “Lord of the Peaks,” is the world’s tallest Shiva temple, standing around 3500 metres above sea level. One of the five Panch Kedars is Tungnath Temple. It is claimed that the Pandavas erected the temple to worship Shiva in order to seek forgiveness for murdering their relatives and Guru in the Mahabharata conflict. The temple has an immense spiritual value, and people come here to seek blessings and to have their desires granted. The trip to Tungnath begins at Chopta valley and takes around 3-4 hours to finish.
It’s a short hike with spectacular views of the Chopta Valley and the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains all around. It is a popular trip for those travelling with children and families, as well as first-time trekkers. Tungnath temple is normally open from the middle of April until the middle of November. Due to excessive snowfall, it is closed during the winter months. However, the trekking trails are available even during the winter and are chosen by those who want to experience a snow-covered walk.
Chandrashila Peak
The Chandrashila summit is located one kilometre above Tungnath. Chandrashila translates as Moon Rock. The Moon God is said to have meditated there. At 4000 metres above sea level, the summit provides panoramic views of the whole Himalayan range in all directions. On a clear day, the peaks of Nanda Devi and Chaukhambha may be seen from the summit. The views of the dawn and sunset from Chandrashila are particularly spectacular and should not be missed. People also come here to meditate in order to experience spiritual joy and admire the natural beauty of the summit.
Deoria Lake
Deoria Lake, also known as Deoria Tal, is 22 kilometres from Chopta. It is thought that God came here to bathe. Forests and snow-capped hills surround the lake. The Chaukhamba mountain may be seen reflected in the lake’s crystal pure water. The lake is located at an elevation of 2430 metres and may be accessed by walking 3.5 kilometres from Sari village. Sari hamlet is easily accessible by shared taxis from Chopta or Ukhimath. Deoriatal’s weather is comparable to that of Chopta, and the lake entirely freezes over during the winter months.
Rohini Bugyal
Rohini Bugyal is a verdant meadow plain bordered by heavy woods and snow-capped mountains. It’s a popular camping spot in Chopta. From Rohini Bugyal, you can see Himalayan peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, and others. It is a very calm and pleasant location where individuals may appreciate privacy.
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