Chopta

Chopta Tourism & Travel Guide

Home to the sacred Tungnath temple, Chopta is the kind of place in Uttarakhand which should not be missed by anyone, whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a lover of nature or a devotee of Hinduism. This place is known for its stunning meadows where camping is no less than a dream. However, what makes Chopta a popular place in Uttarakhand is the fact that it is the base point of the famous and sacred temple of Tungnath, the highest Shiva Temple in India.

Chopta offers trekkers an excellent opportunity of scaling to a height of more than 13,000 ft. to the Chandrashila Peak that offers a 360° view of the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul. Along with the enthralling trek, Chopta is ideal for camping under the starry sky. Pitch your own tent or rent one for a few nights, and enjoy one of the finest camping experiences in Uttarakhand. In a scenic place like Chopta, waking up in the morning and viewing the rising sun coming out of the mountains is something you must experience.

Popular Tourist Attractions in and around Chopta

• Deoria Tal : Deoria Tal is a popular tourist attraction in Chopta Valley. A 3 km trek from the Saari Village will lead you to this beautiful lake, situated at a height of 7,999 ft. The trek to the lake offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests as well the mighty Himalayan ranges of the Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedarnath, and the Kalanag. Deoria Tal is a top tourist attraction due to its clear waters and the serene atmosphere.
• Tungnath Temple : The Tungnath Temple is an important temple for the followers of Shiva and is the top place to visit for tourists in Chopta. The Temple is believed to be around 1000 years old and is elevated at a height of more than 12,000 ft. Tungnath Temple is considered one among the 5 important Shiva Temples in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas which are also known as the Panch Kedar. Since it is located at such a high altitude, the temple gets covered with snow during the winter months and remains closed from late October till April/May.
• Chandrashila Peak : At a distance of 1.5 km from the Tungnath Temple is the Chandrashila Peak, one of the best places to visit in Chopta. It is an upward trek from the temple complex with an elevation of 13,000 ft. on reaching the top, provides mesmerizing views of the mountains of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kamet, Chaukhamba, and the Thalay Sagar.
• Madhyamaheshwar Temple : The Madhyamaheshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is among the Panch Kedars of Uttarakhand. According to a legend, after the war at Kurukshetra, the Pandavas searched for Lord Shiva to attain forgiveness for the sins they committed during the war. Lord Shiva then took the form of a bull in order to avoid them since he was deeply disturbed by their deeds. While escaping from the Pandavas, Shiva turned into a bull form which emerged in the places where the Panch Kedar stands today. Tungnath Temple is where the limbs showed up and Madhyamaheshwar Temple is where the navel of the bull was seen, hence the navel form of Shiva is worshiped at this temple.
• Ukhimath Temple : At a height of 4301 ft. the Ukhimath Temple is located at a distance of around 30 km from the valley of Chopta. During the harsh winters, when the temple of Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar remain closed, the idols of Shiva are brought to this temple to be worshiped, and so the Ukhimath Temple holds prominence for the devotees of Hinduism.
• Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple : This temple is dedicated to the Nag Devta and is also called the Devariya Nag Temple. An interesting fact about the temple is that when water is poured over the lingam inside the temple, it flows down in waves in a snake-like shape. Located in the Saari Village near Chopta, the temple can be reached by a 1 km long uphill trek and stands facing the Tungnath Temple, which make it a popular place to visit on your Chopta tour.
• Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary : The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a conservation center for the Himalayan Musk Deer. It covers an area of 5 kilometers square and is located at a distance of 7 km from Chopta. The Musk Deer Sanctuary forms a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is situated among the lush forests of Chopta. Not only the deer, but you can also view the valley's flora as well as the native Himalayan birds. A visit to the sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Chopta.
• Rohini Bugyal : Rohini Bugyal is a beautiful meadow in Chopta, the trek to which starts from Chopta and takes around 6 to 7 hours. The trek is of a moderate level and will take you through dense forests of Oak trees, Rhododendron, and Deodar. On the way you might even get to watch the many bird species that reside in the valley. Rohini Bugyal, apart from being a trekker's paradise, is also the perfect place for camping. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the meadow during the summer months when the Rhododendron flowers are in full bloom.

Top Things to Do in Chopta

The beautiful hill station of Chopta has much to offer to its visitors. Whether you enjoy historic architecture, star gazing under the night sky or simply trekking along the dense forests of the valley, Chopta has something for everyone. The Temples at Chopta are a treat for followers of Hinduism and those interested in mythology, with their spiritual atmosphere and many legends. Trekking to these temples which are situated high above sea level, is a popular activity to do when in Chopta. You can also visit the conservation site of the Himalayan Musk Deer and walk through the sanctuary to spot some native birds as well. For the adventure enthusiasts out there, camping at the Rohini Bugyal just might be the perfect way to spend your time in the beautiful valley of Chopta. Mountain biking at Chopta with a motorized bike or a bicycle is also a popular activity that tourists like to take up during their visit. The 30 km long route of Chopta to Ukhimath is a popular track.