Chopta is a small village located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Being a village, still untouched by the decading hands of industrialization and urbanization, the natural beauty of Chopta stands with its head tall. The picturesque view of the mighty humungous Himalayas amazes the beholder. Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba are the suburbs visible from here that intoxicates the visitors.
The lush green forest fills the breath of freshness. The trees of pine, deodar and rhododendron are the basic floral treasure of this region.
What to do in Chopta?
- Trekking and Camping- the Chopta- Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is a very famous trekking destination. This region has many treks and ridges that make their way through jungles and grasslands. The beauty of this place is a rejuvenating elixir for the visitors.
- People enjoy the camping experience even more because besides the majestic view of Himalayas, forests and grasslands, the serenity of this place is very unlike the hustle and bustle of other tourist spots that remain crowded throughout the year.
- Birds- Chopta is also a hub for different types of birds and thus bird watcher. The natural climate attracts many migratory and non-migratory birds to make it as their home. People who fancy watching birds, also like to come here and enjoy the view myriad of different birds. Snow partridge can be spotted here.
- Some other activities that people do in Chopta are Yoga, Survival Activity, Snow skiing, Rock Craft, Rock Climbing, Rappelling etc.
When and Why to visit Chopta?
This place is yet to be fully explored and is thus free from the hotchpotch that is common in other tourist places. Chopta is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those who are passionate for trekking. Chopta is a loved and highly-preferred destinations of love-birds (pun very much intended).
This lovely piece of land is covered in snow from November to March, making it even more beautiful and scintillating.
Summer sky in Chopta is misty and thus not very clear. In winters the sky is crystal clear and all the mountains are clearly visible. It amazingly offers a majestic, enthralling and hypnotizing view of snow-clad Himalayas from all the 360 degrees.Hypnotizing sites-
- Deorai Tal- It is a lake located about 3 km on an uphill trek on Ukhimath-Chopta road in Uttarakhand. At an altitude of 2387 m this lake offers a panoramic view of heavily wooded, lush green surroundings with snow covered mountains.
The lake offers magnanimous view of mountains like Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Yellow Tooth, Kedar Range, Kalanag etc. can be viesed from here. There exists another route from Deoria Tal to Tunganath, which is mainly preferred for Night camping, Jungle Trekking etc.
- Chandrashila- It is one of the most famous treks among Indian trekking enthusiasts. The trek to the peak is 5 km. The trek route starting from Chopta takes among Indian trekking enthusiasts, is a steep ridge, this makes the climbing rigorous.
It offers a lovely view of the night sky.
There are various mythological beliefs related to this place. Legend has it that this is the place where Lord Rama meditated after killing Ravan. Another legend says that Moon-God Chandra spent time here in penance.Besides these intriguing legends, the aura of this place is highly soothing and enchanting.
Chopta has a panoramic view. If you want to experience the bliss of nature and stay away from the hustle-bustle and hotchpotch of the famous hill stations and tourist spots, then chopta is the place for you! The nature’s beauty is awe-inspiring, divine and soul-stirring. Mini Switzerland in the suburbs of Himalaya, it is a place worthy of its name!
How to reach Chopta:-
By Road:-
Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with major towns of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand state. Follow NH58 until you reach Rudraprayag and after reaching Rudraprayag follow the route to Kedarnath and take right turn to Ukhimath. Chopta is situated 40 kms from Ukhimath. Chopta is also accessible from Gopeshwar. Buses and taxis to Chopta are available from major towns of Uttarakhand region.
By Rail: -
The nearest railhead to Chopta is Rishikesh situated 209kms away. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. Buses and Taxis to Chopta and Ukhimath are easily available from Rishikesh.
By Air:-
Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport of Chopta, situated 226kms away in Dehradun district of Uttarakhand state. The remaining journey has to be covered ether in a taxi or in a bus. Taxis are easily available to Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath and Chopta from Jolly Grant Airport.Accommodation at Chopta:- There are many hotels both budget and luxury class for all kinds of visitors. Visitors can enjoy nature, snowfall and mountain’s view from any part of city. Food is very affordable for all kinds of visitors.