Chopta
Meadows and forest — the base for Tungnath.
- Altitude
- 2,680 m
- Getting there
- By road
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time needed
- Base for day treks
- Best months
- Mar–Nov
Why go
Chopta is a green saddle of meadow and rhododendron forest, often called the mini-Switzerland of Uttarakhand. It is the launch point for Tungnath, Chandrashila and Deoria Tal.
Quiet outside peak weekends, it is a fine place to slow down, walk the meadows and watch the Himalaya change colour at dusk.
Getting there
About 165 km from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, a 6–7 hour drive. The last 20 km from Ukhimath climbs slowly through forest.
Tungnath and Chandrashila start right here; Deoria Tal starts at Sari village, about 30 minutes' drive down the road.
Roads can close after heavy snow in winter. Carry warm layers year-round — nights are cold even in summer at this altitude.
FAQ
Plan at least one night. Arrive in the afternoon, climb Tungnath and Chandrashila the next morning, and add a second night if you want Deoria Tal too.
Not easily. Chopta is on the other side of the valley, about 3 hours by road from Sonprayag via Ukhimath, so most pilgrims visit it before or after the Kedarnath yatra rather than on the same day.
Not for Chopta itself or the marked path to Tungnath. In winter, or for anything beyond Chandrashila, go with a local guide.
More places to explore
- Chopta sideTungnath & ChandrashilaSunrise above the clouds at 4,000 metres.
- Kedarnath sideVasuki TalA glacial lake beyond Kedarnath, at 4,135 metres.
- Chopta sideDeoria TalAn emerald lake mirroring the Chaukhamba peaks.
- Kedarnath sideTriyuginarayanThe eternal flame where Shiva and Parvati wed.
- Kedarnath sideGaurikundThe trailhead where the walk to Kedarnath begins.
- Chopta sideMadhyamaheshwarThe second of the Panch Kedar, deep in the forest.