Chopta

History of Chandrashila Temple

Chopta is a serene and picturesque hamlet in Uttarakhand, often referred to as the Mini Switzerland of India. This peaceful destination serves as the base for the Tungnath Temple, the third temple in the sacred Panch Kedar Yatra. It holds special religious importance, as the doli of Lord Tungnath halts here for a night when it travels to Makkumath village during the winter months. The same doli returns to Tungnath after six months, marking the start of the Char Dham season.

Every year, hundreds of devotees and nature lovers book hotels and homestays in Chopta to witness this spiritual transition and explore the natural beauty of the region.

Chopta is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar, rhododendron, and other Himalayan flora, making it rich in biodiversity. It’s a perfect spot for birdwatching, nature walks, and peaceful stays amidst the lap of nature. Wake up to the soothing sounds of birds and fresh mountain air. The early mornings in Chopta are magical, as the first rays of the sun illuminate the snow-covered peaks, creating a truly energizing and divine atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a quiet, spiritual, and rejuvenating getaway, Chopta is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand.

Architecture of the Chopta

Chopta, a tiny area of meadows and evergreen forests in the Kedarnath Nature Reserve in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, serves as the starting point for hikes to Tungnath, the third of the Panch Kedar temples, 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) away. Chandrashila, a peak with an elevation of over 4,000 metres, is 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from Tungnath (13,000 ft).

Tungnath Temple Trek

The Tungnath Temple trek, which extends to Chandrashila Peak, is one of the most beautiful and spiritual treks in Uttarakhand. There are 2–3 popular itineraries for this trek, and your choice depends on where you want to stay and the facilities available. The most commonly used starting points are Kund Camp and Sari Village, each offering a unique trekking experience.

It’s important to note that there is no fixed order or route on the map, so don’t get confused while planning your journey. If you’re not comfortable reading maps, that’s completely okay! You can simply follow the route suggested by your tour guide or local hikers.

For the best trekking experience, especially if you want to enjoy scenic beauty and explore the natural landscape closely, we recommend the Sari Village to Chandrashila route. This route takes you through Deoriatal, Rohini Bugyal, and Tungnath Temple, finally reaching Chandrashila Peak, where you get breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, the Tungnath Chandrashila Trek offers a mix of spiritual connection, adventure, and unmatched natural beauty.

Tips for visiting Chopta :

Take warm clothes, even if you come in summer, as the temperature in Chopta is usually 2-5 degrees Celsius at night.
Book your resort or hotel in advance because most of the time all hotels are fully booked and most visitors cannot find a hotel near Chopta Sari.
If you want to charge your mobile phone or use your laptop, Sari is the best place because there is no electricity and no complete mobile network in Chopta.
Take some medicines with you like painkillers, fever and headache.
Do not drink when you are driving in the mountains.

Key notes

Please note that Chopta is completely covered with snow from December to mid-February. On these days, a motorist cannot drive his vehicle due to heavy snowfall.

Trekking itinerary:

Duration: 2 Nights / 3 Days

Best Time to Visit: March to June & September to November

Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Altitude: Chandrashila Peak – approx. 4,000 meters

Day 1

Arrival at Sari Village & Trek to Deoriatal (3 km trek)
Day 2

Day 2: Sari to Chopta by Road | Trek to Tungnath & Chandrashila | Return to Sari
- Early morning, drive from Sari Village to Chopta (approx. 30 - 40 Min by road, around 16-18 km).
- Start trek from Chopta to Tungnath Temple (3.5 km uphill, approx. 2–3 hours).
- Continue trek to Chandrashila Peak (1.5 km from Tungnath, steeper climb, around 45 minutes).
- Enjoy the breathtaking 360° view of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba.
- Spend some time at the summit and then begin your descent.
- Trek back down to Chopta (approx. 2–3 hours return).
- Drive back from Chopta to Sari Village.
- Overnight stay at Sari.
Day 3

Back to Rishikesh / haridwar

₹ 1500

/ pack

*Per Person

Breakfast & Dinner included

Gallery

Awesome Capture

What is the best time to visit Chopta?

The best time to visit Chopta is from mid-September to the end of June. It is basically a year-round destination, but too much rain in July and August makes it the least popular season for Chopta. Besides, the greenery here is in full bloom and there is a constant view of the panoramic Himalayas. Although the weather is pleasant all year round, the nights can be a little chilly. The coldest months are from December to February with temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius.

Which is the nearest airport to Chopta?

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is about 227 kilometres from Chopta and offers daily connections with New Delhi and other major cities.

Which is the nearest railway station to Chopta?

The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, which is 207 km from Chopta. There are numerous trains connecting Rishikesh with other major cities like Delhi, Amritsar and Kolkata etc. In addition, tourists also choose Haridwar railway station which has more trains as the frequency of trains to Haridwar is quite high as it is the gateway to the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Is it safe to travel to Chopta?

Unlike other crowded hill stations, Chopta is a picturesque hill station entirely established by the native Garhwali people of Uttarakhand who live in Chopta and its surrounding areas. The locals of Chopta are very humble and even ensure that all tourists are safe and sound. It is absolutely safe to travel to Chopta. But beware, the wildlife in the Chopta region is not very friendly and tourists should not hang around in the jungle after sunset! The Chopta region is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, so there are no villages in this sanctuary, only some private camps and lodges.

What are other places or activities in and around Chopta?

The Chopta region is home to some of the best hiking trails, beautiful meadows, hidden waterfalls and much more if you are willing to explore. From here, you can visit the world's tallest Shiva temple, Tungnath, which is just 4 km uphill from Chopta. You can also take a hike to Chandrashila peak for an unparalleled view of the Himalayan panorama. Devaria Tal is another picturesque lake just 30 km from Chopta. Ukhimath and Guptkashi are 42 km and 50 km away respectively. You can visit Mandal and trek to the Anusuya Devi temple. Chopta is also a birdwatcher's paradise.

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