Uncover the unspoiled beauty of Chopta, a hidden gem in Uttarakhand. This trekker’s paradise offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayas, lush green forests, and serene meadows. Explore the best of Chopta’s natural treasures, from trekking routes to scenic viewpoints, and experience the tranquility of this untouched destination
With its beautiful landscape, meadows and snow-capped mountains, Chopta in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” Chopta is a peaceful and quiet destination, nestled in the towering Himalayas, yet to be explored by the hordes of tourists who visit India.

This hamlet located in the heart of Uttarakhand not only promises to offer her hospitality, breath-taking views of the mountains and meadows but is ideal for nature lovers or trekkers as well, adding some spirituality to the whole experience.
Chopta was so pristine and captivating that it became a certain favourite amongst adventure seekers or trekkers, so much so that it began to grow on the hearts of so many even looking for some untouched beauty of nature.
Chopta- Just Another Green Pasture in the Himalayan Range
Stretching over several regions, not so unknown Tungnath meadows are quite famous for being one of the most picturesque sights in all of Chopta. This particularly breathtaking view of green pastures also serves as the origin of many new trekking routes in the area surrounding Tungnath.

Throughout the year, from spring to the monsoon, Chopta blossoms like an ocean of colourful wildflowers, and during winters the farmland looks like a pristine white blanket of snow. Not only is the environment in and around Chopta peaceful and refreshing, but it is the perfect place for any photographer or an admirer of nature looking to escape bustling cities.
Tungnath Temple: A Pilgrimage Of A Lifetime
Chopta’s main attraction is the Tungnath Temple, which is also considered one of the highest Shiva temples in the world at an elevation of 3680 metres. The trek to the Tungnath temple is indeed beautiful and the whole journey on foot is nothing short of a spiritual awakening.

The route to reaching the temple comprises of thick jungles, small treks and gives the sight of the white-capped glaciers of the Garhwal range. As you go higher the temple can be sighted and this being surrounded by high mountains the respect and devotion towards the temple increases further. It is an important site for both devotees as well as trekkers, providing a perfect combination of exquisite beauty and spiritualism.
Chopta: A Trekker’s Paradise
The first word which comes to mind while hearing about Chopta is Trekking. No doubt Chopta stands for such a feast photographically and physically. Some of the outstanding features of this place are its inexplicably fascinating sights, the wilderness, the river/stream penetrating out of massif woods, and awesome camping sites. It is also the starting point of some well-known trekking routes like Chandrashila. The name itself indicates the height which means Fire Tower.

Chandrashila has many shrines at the top, one of them is of Lord Shiva. This trek takes you to the top of the Chandrashila fire tower, which is built at a height of approximately four thousand metres and grants broad and crystal-clear views of the entire stretch of the Himalayas. From there one can appreciate breathtaking sights of mountain ranges such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The stunning views on this trek make it a must-do for all avid trekkers. Being at this location, coupled with such a peaceful environment, is exhilarating and breathtaking in itself.
Incredible Flora and Fauna: For Wildlife Enthusiasts
Along with its picturesque landscapes and trekking possibilities, Chopta has a large variety of flora and fauna as well. Nature enthusiasts are in for a treat as this site is filled with numerous forest ecosystems. You might even encounter the musk deer and Himalayan tahr along with several other birds. For those who love to watch birds, Chopta is the place to be; spotting the Monal pheasant and Koklass pheasant, birds of the Himalayas, is an added bonus. For wildlife lovers and photographers, the region is interesting due to its sheer diversity.
Fun Activities: Stargazing and Camping
Chopta surely does not seem to be short on the adventure side of things, given how there are plenty of activities for outdoorsmen. Camping in Chopta is a marvellous experience as you can sleep under the stars in the grassy fields surrounding the area. The campsites available at Chopta are perfectly located for people wanting to explore the majestic beauty of the Chopta region.
At night, Chopta becomes a stargazer’s haven. The reasonable elevation and clean sky make the actual star watching experience amicable. Even if one is not a professional astronomer, the scenery of stars in Chopta is breathtaking and the memory will be cherished long after the trip.
Best Time to Visit Chopta

The best time to visit Chopta changes according to the period of the year, and where in the world one is situated. Because of its mild weather, summer (March to June) is perfect for trekking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Cut to, the monsoon season (July to September) and believe me, it is no less than a fairy tale. However, they also bring a few difficulties, such as slippery routes, so be sure to pack appropriately. Similarly, during winter (October to February), as the Chopta region turns to snow with frozen plants and that tar fitted adventure, Chopta becomes this ideal and beautiful sight which is perfect for people who enjoy playing with snow.
How to Get to Chopta
Reaching Chopta is relatively easy in the sense that it is connected by roads. Dehradun and Delhi are the two closest major cities that are connected to Chopta by rail, road and airways. From these cities, a taxi or a shared jeep can be hired to get to Chopta. The closest train station is in Haridwar whereas the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun. From these points, the distance to Chopta can easily be covered in about 5-6 hours, making the area suitable for lengthy or brief vacations.
A Pristine Paradise in the Himalayan Region
It is safe to argue that the Chopta region is the best area of Uttarakhand due to its unexplored terrain that encompasses a plethora of flora, fauna, spirituality and breathtaking views. If you are a trekker looking for an easy entry but hard to get through trek, or you are someone who sees beauty in peace, or you are an adventurer looking to go outdoors, there is something for everyone. Picturesque scenery, diverse wildlife, and a peaceful ambience make it a perfect spot for people who enjoy solitude and nature. So grab your belongings, wear your walking shoes, and travel to Chopta, where one can find an isolated paradise where the mountain blends in with the sky.
Chopta is not simply a place for a holiday. You get to enjoy the picturesque scenic view of the Himalayas and get back to nature.