Best 5 Places To Visit In Chopta

Table of Contents
Introduction:
The Majestic Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, the serene hill station of Chopta offers a perfect blend of spirituality, adventure, and breathtaking natural beauty. places to visit in Chopta– Often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” this unspoiled destination is a haven for trekkers, pilgrims, and nature. Here is places to visit in Chopta–
1. Tungnath Temple –
Perched at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), Tungnath is revered as the highest Shiva temple in the world. As one of the Panch Kedar shrines, it holds immense religious importance for Hindu devotees, attracting pilgrims who undertake the trek for spiritual solace.
Things to do in –
Camping under the stars, trek through meadows and hamlets, visit the holy temple.
Timing/Weather/Season –
Timing- 6:00 AM-7:00 PM/Aarti Timings: Morning and evening
Weather/Season- Autumn (Mid-September to End of October) – Highly Recommended / Summer (May to June) – Highly Recommended
2. Chandrashila Peak –
A further 1.5-kilometer trek from Tungnath leads to the majestic Chandrashila Peak, situated at an elevation of about 4,000 meters. The summit offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree view of the Himalayan panorama, including prominent peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The sunrise from Chandrashila is a particularly magical experience, painting the sky and the peaks in hues of orange and gold.
Things to do in –
Camping under the sky, 360° sunrise view, seen himalayan giants mountains, trek.
Timing/Weather/Season –
Timing- Sunrise -5:30 am – 6:15 am
Weather/season- post-monsoon season( mid-September to November) /summer season (May and June) for pleasant weather.
3. Deoria Tal –
A pristine high-altitude lake located at about 2,438 meters, Deoria Tal is renowned for its crystal-clear water that perfectly mirrors the Chaukhamba peaks on a clear day. A 2.3-kilometer uphill trek from the Sari village leads to this enchanting lake, surrounded by a dense forest of rhododendron and oak. Camping by the lakeside is a popular activity, offering a tranquil experience under a star-studded sky.
Things to do in –
Lakeside Camping,Photography,Trekking from Sari Village,Stargazing,Bird Watching and Wildlife Spotting.
Timing/Weather/Season –
Timing- Best timing around sunrise, 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
For Camping – The evening offers beautiful sunset hues, and the night provides a breathtaking canopy of stars for stargazing.
Weather/Season- Autumn (Mid-September to November Autumn/12°C and 18°C)
Summer (April to June/15°C to 22°C)
4.Ukhimath-
Ukhimath, a quaint town situated at an altitude of 1,311 meters, serves as the winter seat for the deity of the Kedarnath Temple. During the harsh winter months when Kedarnath is inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, the idol of Lord Shiva is brought down to the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath for worship. This town holds immense religious importance and offers a serene and spiritual ambiance.
Things to do in-
Visit the Omkareshwar Temple,Explore the Temple Complex,Enjoy Panoramic Himalayan Views,Use it as a Base for Treks and Excursions.
Timing/Weather/Season –
Opening Hours: The main Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath is generally open for devotees throughout the day.
Darshan Time: Approximately 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Aarti: Morning and evening aartis are performed daily.
Weather/Season-
Best season for visit– Autumn(Mid-September to November),Winter (December to March),Spring & Summer (April to June)
5.Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary-
The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is ,a renowned wildlife reserve located near Chopta on the Chopta-Gopeshwar road in Uttarakhand. Spanning a dense forested area of about 5 square kilometers, its primary purpose is the conservation and breeding of the endangered Himalayan Musk Deer.
Things to in-
Wildlife Spotting,Bird Watching,Nature Walk and Jungle Stroll,Nature Photography.
Timing/Season/Weather-
Timing- Approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Season/Weather- Autumn (Mid-September to November),Spring & Summer (April to June).
What is the best time of year to visit Chopta?
The best time to visit is during two main seasons:
Autumn (Mid-September to November)
Summer (April to June)
How difficult is the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila?
Chopta to Tungnath: An approximately 3.5 km trek on a well-paved trail. It takes about 2-3 hours.
Tungnath to Chandrashila: A steeper 1.5 km climb that takes about 1-1.5 hours. No prior trekking experience is required, but good physical fitness is recommended due to the high altitude.
What kind of accommodation is available in Chopta?
Accommodation is basic and rustic, aligning with the area’s natural charm. Options include:
Campsites (tents)
Small guesthouses and lodges
Homestays