Dreamz

What to know

Popularly referred to as the ‘mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand, Chopta (at an approximate altitude of 2,608 m) is a slice of paradise tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by bugyals or velvety meadows and pristine snow-capped peaks, Chopta is an all-year holiday destination: pleasant in summer, rain-fresh in monsoon and a snow-clad fairyland in winter. Chopta is at the epicentre of the Panch Kedar – the five most sacred Shiva temples in the state. On its left are located Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines and on the right, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar, and just above it, the Tungnath temple. Chopta is a birding paradise and you can see over 240 species of birds here, including native and migratory species like Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and so on. Nearby places like Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath and the Tungnath trek route are the best sites for watching our feathered friends. Chopta has been declared as an important bird-watching site by national and international conservation and biodiversity organisations.

Best time to visit:

Chopta is ideal for vacations all over the year but November to May are the best months to visit.

What to do?

Trekking:

Chopta is known for several trekking routes that run through it and around it. One of the most popular routes is to the Chandrashila peak, a trek of around 9 km. En route falls the sacred Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva shrine in the world. This trek is best enjoyed between December and January. In winter, this route is covered in snow and the experience is exhilarating.

Mountain Biking:

Taking to the mountain roads in and around Chopta on a motored bike or a cycle is a must-try. The roads are smooth and surrounded by rolling green meadows and offer views of snow-capped peaks. There are cycling events organised here as well. Chopta to Ukhimath via Sari village, a distance of 30 km, is a popular cycling route.

How to reach?

By Flight

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Chopta situated at a distance of 221kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Chopta.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Chopta is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 202kms before Chopta on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh to Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and Chopta.

By Road

Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttrakhand state. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Chopta are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Gaurikund, Srinagar, Gopeshwar, etc. Chopta is situated on the road connecting Guptkashi with Gopeshwar.