Chopta Trek - A Complete Guide

Located at an altitude of 2603 meters Chopta is an erotically located small village which is heartening in Garhwal Himalayas. Called the ‘Mini Switzerland of India,’ Chopta is the starting point for the treks to Tungnath and further ahead Chandrashila. Read this complete guide to plan your trek to Chopta and enjoy your trek without any hustles.

Why Chopta?

Chopta, is an unspooted scenic beauty, offering spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayas such as Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. The region is endowed with a lot of biodiversity and hence would suffice for people who like adventures and especially bird watching. The trek to Tungnath, the world’s highest temple of lord Shiva, followed by Chandrashila is that it is a devotional, adventurous and visually appealing trek.

Best Time to Visit

The climatically favorable time to travel to Chopta is from the months of April to November. During these months the climatic condition is reasonably good and approaches to the treks are also feasible. March to June is a good time for rhododendrons to bloom, while from September to November it is the time to watch the clear blue sky with snowy peaks. Winter treks are also feasible, though they are comparatively difficult because of the regular snowfall.



How to Reach Chopta

By Air

One has to reach either Dehradun or Haridwar from any part of the country and then take a taxi to Chopta; the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun which is 220 km away. To get to Chopta, it’s possible to either hire a taxi directly from the airport or take a bus.

By Train

The nearest railway station which is about 200 km away from Chopta is Haridwar. All the famous cities are connected to Haridwar through regular trains such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Thus, after reaching Haridwar, you can take a taxi or board a bus to reach Chopta.

By Road

Well connected to all the other major towns in the region and state by road Chopta is a easily accessible place. One can self-drive their car or hire a taxi starting from cities such as Rishikesh which is 163 km, Haridwar, 200 km and Dehradun 220km. Intercity transport and public transport include those that are state-owned and private buses ply on the same routes.

Trekking Routes

Chopta to Tungnath

• Distance: 3. 5 km

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Difficulty: Those learning superiors, situated in the medium range of difficulty, fall under the easy to moderate level.

The way to Tungnath starts from Chopta and passes through greenery of the hills and dales. This trail is quite well demarcated and while on this path, several peaks can be seen around. Tungnath temple is the highest temple in world dedicated to lord Shiva, It is a brilliant example of architectural elegance.

Tungnath to Chandrashila

• Distance: 1. 5 km

• Duration: 1 hour

• Difficulty: Moderate

From the temple of Tungnath, the trek up to the summit of Chandrashila is comparatively more difficult but the vista which one gets to see from atop is simply breathtaking. Chandrashila is located at the height of 4,000 meters where one gets a clear view of the Himalayas and is ideal for photographers.

Accommodation

There is quite a variety of accommodations with Chopta as there are budget guesthouses and luxurious tents. Some popular choices include:

• Forest Rest Houses: Attendants at these rest houses are employed by the forest department and services provided are quite basic, and the locations are calm.

• Campsites: Many places provide good camping sites with good comfortable tents and meals and there are good places provided for having bonfire.

• Hotels and Guesthouses: The accommodation in and around Chopta is in small hotels and guest houses with amenities of a simple kind.

Essential Tips

1. Fitness: Cardio exercises should be a routine workout and to prepare the body for the trek, it’s best to simulate the incline of the treks.

2. Packing: Food etc: It is strongly recommended to take warm clothing because weather is usually cold especially at nights. If going for the trek do not forget trekking shoes, raincoats, a handy first aid box, and adequate snacks.

3. Permits: Confirm if you require any permission to conduct the trekking particularly if you are planning to sleep in the forested areas.

4. Guides and Porters: Acquiring the services of a guide from the region will make the walking experience even more fruitful as he or she will be able to organize the adventure as well as explain cultural features of the region to the clients besides protecting their lives which might be in danger from attackers.

Flora and Fauna

Chopta is situated in Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary that has many species of flora and fauna. Wildlife you may be able to see includes musk deer, the Himalayan monal and multiplicity of pheasants. The area is blessed with vibrant ecosystems hence suitable for nature lovers and bird watching.

Responsible Trekking

However, tourists and especially trekkers should only partake in responsible tourism while In Chopta. Do not throw litter, do not offend the people’s culture and try not to have a bad impact to the environment. Bring your own water bottles instead of using plastic water bottles.

Conclusion

Chopta Trek is something that one does not want to miss out in their lifetime, that is a combination of adventure and complete natural beauty with the spiritual. For the hardcore trekker or for the person interested in spending some time close to nature Chopta is a good option. So start exploring and plan your trip and prepare up to venture and to discover the untouched beauty of Garhwal Himalayas.