Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Chopta
Chopta sits at 2,680 metres in Rudraprayag district — a small hamlet in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary that serves as the base camp for two of Uttarakhand's most rewarding treks: Tungnath–Chandrashila and Deoria Tal. Minimal commercialisation makes it a true off-the-beaten-path destination.
| Place | Type | Distance from Chopta |
|---|---|---|
| Tungnath Temple | World's highest Shiva temple | 3.5 km trek (3,680m) |
| Chandrashila Peak | Summit / 360° viewpoint | 5 km trek (4,130m) |
| Deoria Tal | Glacial lake / reflection | 10 km by road + 2 km trek |
| Rohini Bugyal | Alpine meadow | 8 km trek from Chopta |
| Dugalbitta | Meadow / campsite | 8 km from Chopta |
| Baniyakund | Forest village / trail | 5 km from Chopta |
| Ukhimath (20 km) | Temple / Kedar winter seat | Kedarnath deity here in winter |
Best Time to Visit Chopta
- April – June: Rhododendrons in full bloom; Tungnath temple open; pleasant 5–15°C
- September – November: Post-monsoon; crystal clear views; Chandrashila best season
- December – March: Heavy snow (1–4 ft); Tungnath closed; winter trekking with snowshoes; magical landscape
- July – August: Monsoon; trail muddy; Deoria Tal reflections stunning but leech-prone
How to Reach Chopta
- From Rishikesh: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (210 km, ~7 hrs)
- From Haridwar: Similar route via Devprayag (220 km, ~8 hrs)
- By Bus: Rishikesh to Ukhimath (buses available); Ukhimath to Chopta by shared jeep (20 km)
- Nearest railway: Rishikesh (210 km); Haridwar (220 km)
Budget and Camping in Chopta
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse | Local dhabas with basic rooms | ₹400–₹800 |
| Camping tents | Camp Snow Valley, Nature Camp Chopta | ₹1,500–₹3,500 (with meals) |
| Eco resorts | Jungle Camp Chopta, Bugyal Camps | ₹4,000–₹8,000 |
2-night Chopta trip cost per person: ₹3,500–₹9,000 including travel from Rishikesh, camping and Tungnath trek.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Start the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek by 5 AM for summit sunrise and clear Himalayan views
- Carry your own food and water — shops in Chopta are minimal and close by evening
- Horses available at Chopta base for Tungnath trek (₹600–₹800 one way)
- Camping is allowed at Chopta meadow — carry warm sleeping bags (temperature drops to -5°C at night)
- Chopta is inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary — no plastic, no loud music
FAQ: Tungnath temple is open May–November. In winter, the deity shifts to Ukhimath (20 km below).