If you ask me about one of the best times to visit Chopta and Tungnath, I usually recommend the months after the monsoon and before the proper winter begins.

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September, October and November each offer a different experience. September is greener, October generally brings clearer mountain views and pleasant trekking weather, while November starts giving you the feeling of Himalayan winter.

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If you are planning a trip to Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila, Deoria Tal or Sari Village in 2026, this guide will help you understand what to expect and how to plan your stay.

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Why Visit Chopta Between September and November?

The monsoon usually leaves the mountains beautifully green. As the season moves towards October, the skies often become clearer and the distant Himalayan peaks become easier to see.

By November, temperatures fall considerably and the landscape starts moving towards winter.

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For travellers, this period can offer a good combination of:

Green mountain landscapes
Clear Himalayan views
Pleasant daytime trekking conditions
Deoria Tal and Sari Village
Tungnath and Chandrashila trekking
Photography
Quieter mountain stays, especially away from holiday weekends

However, mountain weather can change quickly. Conditions should always be checked close to the travel date.

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Chopta in September 2026

September is the transition from monsoon towards autumn.

The biggest attraction during this period is greenery. The forests, meadows and mountains around Chopta and Sari are usually still fresh after the rains.

Early September can still receive rainfall, so I would always suggest keeping some flexibility in your itinerary.

What September Feels Like

Days can be comfortable, while mornings and evenings become cooler.

You may experience clouds, sunshine and rain on the same day. That's quite normal in the mountains during this period.

If you are trekking, carry a light rain jacket even when the morning looks clear.

Is September Good for Tungnath?

It can be a beautiful time for the trek, particularly once the heavier monsoon weather starts settling.

The trail can still be wet or slippery in places after rain, so proper trekking shoes are much better than regular sports shoes.

If Chandrashila is part of your plan, start early.

Mountain views are often at their best in the morning before clouds develop later in the day.

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Chopta in October 2026

For many travellers, October is one of the nicest months to visit this region.

The monsoon has generally moved away, temperatures are comfortable during the day, and the chances of getting clear views of the Himalayan ranges can be better.

The forests also begin changing character as autumn progresses.

Why I Like October for Chopta

If someone asks me for a month suitable for a first trip to Chopta, I often suggest October.

You can comfortably combine:

Sari Village → Deoria Tal → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila

without making the trip unnecessarily complicated.

October is also popular, especially around weekends and holidays. If your dates fall around a long weekend or festival, book your room and transport beforehand.

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Chopta in November 2026

November feels very different from September.

The air becomes colder and sharper, mornings are chilly, and evenings can become quite cold.

The big advantage is the winter-like atmosphere and clearer mountain scenery you can sometimes experience.

You should, however, prepare properly for the cold.

What to Carry in November

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Bring:

Warm jacket
Thermals
Woollen cap
Gloves
Good trekking shoes
Warm socks
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Personal medicines
Water bottle

Don't judge the temperature only by how it feels in the afternoon.

Once the sun goes down, temperatures in the mountains can fall quickly.

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September vs October vs November – Which Month Is Best?

There isn't one answer for everyone.

What to Expect
September	Green landscapes	Post-monsoon greenery, occasional rain
October	Trekking & views	Pleasant days and generally better visibility
November	Cold-weather experience	Colder conditions and early-winter feel

If greenery is your priority, choose September.

If you want a balance between trekking, weather and mountain views, I would choose October.

If you enjoy cold weather and quieter Himalayan surroundings, November can be excellent.

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Tungnath Trek – What You Should Know

Tungnath is reached by trekking from Chopta.

The trek is roughly 3.5 km one way, but don't underestimate it just because the distance sounds short. You gain altitude steadily.

Take your time.

This is especially important if you are travelling with children, older family members or anyone who isn't used to walking in the mountains.

You don't need to race to the temple.

Stop, drink water and enjoy the landscape.

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Best Time to Start the Tungnath Trek

I recommend an early morning start.

Early starts normally give you more time, cooler trekking conditions and a better buffer in case the weather changes.

It also means you don't have to hurry while coming back.

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Should You Continue from Tungnath to Chandrashila?

If the weather is good and you are physically comfortable, Chandrashila is worth considering.

The climb after Tungnath is more demanding, but the views from the upper section can be spectacular on a clear day.

Don't force it, though.

Reaching Tungnath itself is a wonderful experience. If someone is tired, the weather starts changing, or daylight is running short, returning from Tungnath is the sensible decision.

The mountains will still be here for another trip.

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Don't Miss Deoria Tal

A common mistake is coming to Chopta, completing Tungnath and leaving the area.

If you have another day, Deoria Tal deserves it.

The trek starts from Sari Village and is approximately 2.5–3 km one way.

The forest trail itself is enjoyable, and on a clear morning the lake area offers beautiful views towards the Chaukhamba range.

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I recommend doing Deoria Tal in the morning rather than rushing there late in the day.

Spend some time around the lake. This isn't a place that needs to be treated like a checklist.

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Staying at Lake Haven Resort, Sari Village

Lake Haven Resort is located at Sari Village and works particularly well for travellers planning a combined Deoria Tal + Chopta + Tungnath trip.

Rather than changing hotels every night, you can stay in Sari and plan the two main excursions separately.

A comfortable plan is:

Day 1: Arrive at Sari Village → Check-in → Rest → Village walk

Day 2: Sari → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila (optional) → Return to Sari

Day 3: Morning Deoria Tal trek → Return to Sari → Continue onward

This gives both Tungnath and Deoria Tal enough time.

Trying to cover everything in a single day usually makes the trip tiring.

How to Reach Chopta and Sari Village

Most travellers coming from outside Uttarakhand first reach Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun.

A common road journey towards Sari takes you through the Garhwal hills towards Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.

If you have time, don't treat the drive only as transportation.

There are some wonderful places along the way.

Places Worth Stopping At

Devprayag

This is where the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet and the river continues as the Ganga.

Dhari Devi Temple

A popular stop along the Alaknanda valley.

Rudraprayag

Another important confluence, where the Mandakini meets the Alaknanda.

Ukhimath

A peaceful mountain town and home to Omkareshwar Temple.

These stops can turn the drive into part of your Uttarakhand experience.

A Good 3-Day Chopta & Deoria Tal Plan

For first-time visitors, I prefer this itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrival at Sari Village

Reach Sari, check into your hotel and rest.

Use the evening for a village walk, mountain views and an early dinner.

Don't plan a major trek immediately after a long road journey.

Day 2 – Chopta, Tungnath & Chandrashila

Leave early for Chopta.

Trek to Tungnath and continue to Chandrashila only if weather, fitness and time permit.

Return to Sari by evening.

Day 3 – Deoria Tal

Start the Deoria Tal trek in the morning.

Spend some time at the lake, return to Sari and then continue towards your next destination.

For most travellers, this is much more enjoyable than trying to squeeze Tungnath and Deoria Tal into the same day.

Travelling with Children or Parents

Families can definitely enjoy this region, but the itinerary should be planned according to the slowest member of the group.

You don't have to complete every trek.

Sari Village, Chopta and the surrounding viewpoints can still provide a wonderful mountain holiday even if someone doesn't trek all the way to Tungnath or Chandrashila.

For elderly travellers, pay particular attention to altitude, cold temperatures and walking ability.

Keep sufficient rest time between long drives and trekking days.

Plan Your Chopta & Tungnath Trip

The best way to experience this part of Uttarakhand is not to rush it.

Give Tungnath its own day, Deoria Tal its own morning, and leave some time simply to enjoy Sari Village and the mountains.

September brings greenery. October brings beautiful autumn conditions. November brings the beginning of the winter experience.

Whichever month you choose, check the latest weather and road conditions before starting your journey.

If you are planning to stay in Sari Village, Lake Haven Resort can help you plan your local stay around Deoria Tal, Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Lake Haven Resort

Sari Village, Chopta, Uttarakhand

Reservations: +91 8077155130