15 Tourist Places to Visit in Chopta in 2024 | Chopta Travel Guide 2024 | Things To Do in Chopta | Best Time to Visit in Chopta | Chopta Tourist Places | Chopta Tourism | Chopta Uttrakhand
About Chopta
Chopta is a small but beautiful hill station in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. Surrounded by alpine meadows and evergreen forests, Chopta is only 2680 meters (8793 ft) above sea level. In this small hill station of Uttarakhand, alpine meadows and evergreen forests, as well as huge trees of cedar and rhododendron can be seen in the surrounding areas.
Despite being a hill station, Chopta true identity is due to the Tungnath temple and the Chandrashila peak. Chopta is nothing less than a paradise for trekkers because of Tungnath and Chandrashila. Being a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is also home to rare species of wildlife, among which the name of musk deer and Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, comes to prominence.
The tracker is seen travelling to Chopta throughout the year to track Tungnath and Chandrashila. Chopta disconnects road connectivity due to excessive snowfall in January and February. These first two months of the year accumulate many feet of snow here, due to which it is very difficult to reach here.
During the rest of the year, you can reach Chopta very easily with the help of your vehicle or public transport.
15 Places to visit in Chopta
Tungnath
Located at a distance of 3.5 km from Chopta, Tungnath Temple is the most famous tourist and pilgrimage site here. The Tungnath Temple, which comes third in the Panch Kedar Temple of Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand, is also the tallest Shiva temple in the world.
The height of the Tungnath temple is 3680 meters (12073 ft) above sea level. This Shiva temple is more than a thousand years old and if you pay attention to the mythology associated with the construction of this temple, then this Shiva temple is more than about five thousand years old. It is believed that the Tungnath temple was built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva.
The Pandavas had not only built the Tungnath temple but had built a total of five Shiva temples to please Lord Shiva, which later came to be known as Panch Kedar (Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar Mahadev). The doors of the Tungnath temple are open for darshan for only 06 months a year.
There is a lot of snowfall in the winter season, so in the winter season, the shrines of the Tungnath temple are closed for six months. Click here for complete information on Tungnath Temple.
Deoriatal
Deoria Tal Lake is a very beautiful tourist spot located about 20 km from Chopta. Deoria Tal Lake, stable at an elevation of 2438 meters (7998 ft) above sea level, is located at a distance of about 3 kilometres from the village of Sari. The Deoria Tal Lake is mentioned in many religious texts associated with Hinduism and also, some important developments related to the Mahabharata period are associated with this ancient lake.
Apart from its mythological and religious significance, Deoria Tal Lake is also very famous because of its crystal clear water. Very unforgettable reflections of the Chaukhamba mountain range visible from Deoria Tal are seen in the water of this lake. This beautiful lake is considered one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand.
A trip to Deoria Tal Lake can prove to be very easy and memorable for any beginner tracker. Most of the trekkers start their trek from Deoria Tal Lake for the track of Tungnath and Chandrashila. Apart from all this, Deoria Tal is also considered a very famous tourist place for night camping.
Most of the trekkers trek to Deoria Tal and stop at the camp near the lake at night and return the next day. Click here to know more about Deoria Tal.
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple
When you start the trek from the village of Suri to Deoria Tal Lake, after walking for about half a kilometre, you reach the Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple. This ancient Shiva temple is also known as the Deoria Naga temple. The architecture of this ancient Shiva temple is very similar to that of Kedarnath and Tungnath temples.
There is also a copper coil on the Shivalinga installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple which looks like a snake. The most amazing thing associated with this Shivling is that when water is poured on this Shivling, that water flows in the form of a snake.
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple Timings
Any time of the day.
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple Entry Fee
Entry free.
Chandrashila Trek
After Tungnath, Chandrashila Shikhar is the second such place which is one of the most famous tourist place located near Chopta. The walking distance from Chopta to the Chandrashila peak is only 5.5 kilometres. In which there is a 3.5-kilometre stone-paved road that leads to the Tungnath temple, after that you can trek on the rough path of about 02 km to reach the summit of Chandrashila.
You can visit the Chandrashila peak at any time throughout the year, but in January and February, it gets snowy several feet here. In these 02 months of the year, the road from Chopta to Chandrashila is closed. In January and February, most trekkers can reach the Chandrashila peak via Deoria Tal.
The distance from Deoria Tal to Chandrashila peak is around 27 km (Deoria Tal to Chandrshila Distance). It takes you 03 days to complete this 27 km. The height of Chandrashila peak is 4130 meters (13549 ft) above sea level, this trek is counted in easy to medium range trek.
Apart from this, Chandrashila trek is also the most preferred trekking destination in Uttarakhand. Click here for complete details of the Chandrashila trek.
Note:
01. From January to February and March, it is not considered safe to go to the peak of Chandrashila without a trained tracking guide.
02. If you want to trek Chandrashila in these 02-03 months of the year, then it is very important to have the necessary equipment for your trekking and along with a tracking guide to take you safely to the summit of Chandrashila.
03. Most tracking agencies do not track the track of Chandrashila peak during January and February due to security reasons.
Bisurital
Situated at a distance of about 30 km from Chopta, Bisurital Lake is nothing short of a treasure for trekkers. Situated at an altitude of 4100 m (13451 ft) above sea level, Bisurital Lake is one of the major trekking destinations in Uttarakhand. Bisurital lake is formed due to the melting of ice on the mountains during the summer season. Bisurital lake is not connected by road but you can reach this beautiful lake only by walking.
During the entire trek of Bisurital, you cross the narrow paths, dense forests, river-drains and waterfalls to reach Bisurital Lake. The majority of the Bisurital trek passes through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which makes the track even more beautiful and spectacular.
If you had good luck during the Bisurital trek, then during this trek you can see Himalayan Tehar, Musk Deer, Monal, Snow Leopard, Wild Cat which is also rare wildlife. It is not possible to reach Bisurital by road or any kind of traffic, you can reach here only by walking.
This is the reason why even today the tracks of Bisurital are done only by those who like the real thrill and they want to go away from the crowd to a place which is not crowded and noisy. So if you are planning to track Bisurital, then definitely take a local guide with you.
If you want, you can also track Bisurital with the help of a tracking organization. Click here for complete details of the Bisurital trek.
kanchula Korak Musk deer sanctuary
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, located at a distance of 07 km from Chopta, is considered to be one of the smallest yet major wildlife sanctuaries in Uttarakhand. The main reason for this is the rare musk deer found in this forest area, which is also the national animal of Uttarakhand.
For wildlife lovers, the Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a major scenic spot located near Chopta. Spread over just 05 square kilometres, in addition to musk deer, many other types of rare wildlife can also be seen in this wildlife sanctuary. Apart from wildlife, the flora of this wildlife sanctuary is also very dense and deep.
It is said that so many deer are found in this protected forest area, about which scientists have not yet been able to find out. The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is considered an ideal tourist destination for wildlife lovers and wildlife photographers.
Ukhimath
Ukhimath, located at a distance of about 45 km from Chopta, is a major pilgrimage site in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Ukhimath is considered to be one of the oldest cities in Uttarakhand.
The idols of Kedarnath, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar and Madhyameshwar are worshipped for 06 months during the winter season at Omkareshwar in Ukhimath, situated at an altitude of 1311 meters (4301 ft) above sea level.
According to a legend, the marriage of Lord Krishna’s grandson Anirudh and Banasura’s daughter Usha was also performed at this place. And after the name of Banasur’s daughter Usha, the place got its name Ukhimath.
In addition to the Panch Kedar temples, the worship of Lord Omkareshwar is also performed throughout the year in Ukhimath. Click here for complete information on Ukhimath.
Dugalbitta
When you leave for Chopta from Ukhimath, 07 km before Chopta comes to a very beautiful hill station named Dugalbitta. Dugalbitta has started making its mark in the field of tourism just some time ago. According to local people, Dugalbitta means a place between two mountains.
Sometime back this hill station used to be a stoppage for tourists visiting Chopta. But now when the road to Chopta is closed due to excessive snowfall in the winter season, tourists have started spending time in Duglabitta during the winter season.
Baniyakund
Those trekkers who start their trek from Deoria Tal to Tungnath and Chandrashila go camping in Baniyakund one night before completing the summit and start their next track from Baniyakund the next morning. During the Tungnath or Chandrashila trek, Baniyakund, which comes 04 km before Chopta, is a very beautiful small hill village.
The Alpine grasslands of Chopta begin at Baniyakund itself. If you are planning to go to Tungnath or Chandrashila via Chopta, then you can do night rest in some hotels and guest houses built in Baniyakund.
Panch Kedar Temple
I have already told you about the Tungnath temple in this blog. Tungnath Temple comes third in Panch Kedar.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath temple is the most prominent in Panch Kedar. Kedarnath is worshipped as the first Kedar in Panch Kedar. Kedarnath temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya.
More than 200 idols of Lord Shiva have been installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Kedarnath Temple, in addition to Panch Kedar, is also considered to be the 11th Jyotirlinga of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
In Kedarnath, Lord Shiva’s back is worshipped. Due to heavy snowfall during the winter season, the doors of the Kedarnath temple remain closed for 06 months.
The gates of Kedarnath reopen for darshan on the day of Shravan Purnima. Click here to know in detail about Kedarnath.
Madhyamaheshwar
Madhyameshwar is worshipped in the second place in Panch Kedar. This ancient Shiva temple is built in Mansuna village in Uttarakhand. The stomach of Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple.
Like the Kedarnath temple, the shrines of this temple are closed for 06 months during the winter season. Madhyameshwar is also worshipped in the Omkareshwar temple of Ukhimath along with the idols of the remaining three Kedar temples for 06 months during the winter season.
Click here to know in detail about Madhyameshwar Temple.
Rudranath Temple
In Panch Kedar temple, Rudranath temple is worshipped as the fourth Kedar. The distance of Rudranath temple from Gopeshwar, Chamoli is just 14 kilometres.
The mouth of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Rudranath temple. Apart from this, Lord Shiva is also worshipped here as Neelkanth. The shrines of the Chaukhamba, Nandadevi and Dronagiri mountain ranges of the Himalayas are also visible from the Rudranath temple.
There are also many ancient kunds near the temple called Tarakund and Suryakund. The river Baitarani flows just behind the Rudranath temple. Click here to know in detail about Rudranath Temple.
Kalpeshwar Temple
Kalpeshwar is worshipped as the fifth and last Kedar in the Panch Kedar temple. Kalpeshwar in Panch Kedar Temple is the only such temple that is open all year round for the devotees’ darshan.
Apart from this, Kalpeshwar is also the lowest height temple in Panch Kedar Temple. Kalpeshwar is only 2134 meters (7001 ft) above sea level.
The Jata’s of Lord Shiva is worshipped in this temple. Click here to know more about Kalpeshwar Temple.
Best time to visit Chopta
By the way, you can go to Chopta for the whole year. But April to June is considered to be the best time to visit Chopta. Chopta season is very pleasant during these 3-4 months of the year.
At this time, the temperature here ranges from 2 degrees to 20 degrees. Apart from this, you can also visit Chopta after the monsoon from September to November.
If you like adventure, then you can also trek Chandrashila from Deoria Tal in the winter season. You should not go to Chopta in these 02 months of January and February year.
At this time there is a lot of snowfall due to which the road to Chopta gets buried under many feet of snow.
Hotels in Chopta
There are many small and big hotels in Chopta or its nearby village for tourists to stay. Apart from the hotel, many campsites and guest houses are also built around Chopta. With the help of Google, you can book a room for yourself in a hotel or guest house built in Chopta.
If you want to reach Chopta directly, you can also book a room for yourself. While coming to Chopta, you have to take special care that the electricity facility is very less available here. Most hotels and guest houses only give you mobile and laptop charging points during the night.
Therefore, when you come to roam here, it must be kept in mind that it is very important to have an extra battery for your mobile, laptop and camera.
Chopta local food
The local food of Chopta includes Potato Gutka, Jhingora Ka Kheer, Sasun Ka Saag, Kappa, Madve Roti and Cannabhi Chutney are very much liked by the tourists visiting here.
Apart from the local food of Chopta, you can also enjoy Nepali, Punjabi and North Indian food here.
How to reach Chopta
How to Reach Chopta By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport to Chopta. The distance from Dehradun Airport to Chopta is just 179 kilometres. (Dehradun to Chopta Distance) From Dehradun, you can reach Chopta very comfortably with the help of a taxi, cab and bus.
How to reach Chopta by train
Rishikesh railway station is the nearest railway station to Chopta. The distance of Chopta from Rishikesh railway station is only 162 kilometres.
(Rishikesh to Chopta Distance) From Rishikesh, you can reach Chopta via the route of Chamoli-Gopeshwar-Chopta. From Rishikesh, you can reach Chopta very easily with the help of a bus, taxi and cab.
How to reach Chopta by road
You can reach Chopta by way of Rudraprayag and Ukhimath with the help of your vehicle. You have to come to Rudraprayag from Rishikesh on NH 58.
After reaching Rudraprayag, you will have to take National Highway 109 which will take you to Ukhimath.
You can reach Rudraprayag and Ukhimath by the Uttarakhand transport buses running from Rishikesh and Dehradun and then you can reach Chopta with the help of taxis and cabs.
Tourist places near Chopta – Nearby Places to Visit Chopta
Tungnath, Chandrashila, Rudraprayag, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, Yamunotri.
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