Introduction

Chopta is situated in the lap of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, India. It is also widely known as the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand”. It offers an amazing and majestic view in the winter season of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand. The trek of Chopta-Tungnath is a really famous trek in the Garhwal area of Uttarakhand. People are so fond of it because it’s really beautiful with lots of green fields and amazing vistas. There lies a special temple called “Tungnath Temple”, which is the highest Shiva Temple anywhere in the world. The temple is super important because it is one of the five special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand. Not only is the trek stunning but it is also spiritually significant. 

Chopta Trek

• Duration of the Trek: The Chopta Tungnath trek usually lasts for about 4 to 5 days.
• Difficulty Level of the Trek: The trek isn’t too hard or too easy, rather it’s just right for both newbies and those who have done trekking before, in simple words this trek falls in the Moderate level treks category.
• Permits: Before embarking on the trek you will have to get permission from the Forest Department. They oversee entry into the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, where the trek goes through.
• Brief Itinerary for the trek

1. The Journey starts by driving from Rishikesh to Haridwar to Chopta. The night is to be spent there.
2. Trekking from Chopta to Tungnath Temple. Take in the sights at Chandrashila peak and then head back to Chopta to stay overnight.
3. Drive back to Rishikesh from Haridwar, completing your adventure-filled trip. 

• Best time :  The top season for this trek is from April to November, especially in summer and autumn. Winter isn’t a good idea because there’s lots of snow, which can make it hard to get there.

The Chopta adventure trek is perfect for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trek starts from a quaint village called Sari, which is easily accessible by road. From Sari, trekkers embark on a journey through dense forests, meandering trails, and picture-perfect meadows.

Major Attractions Around Chopta 

1. Tungnath 

• Distance: 4 kilometers 
• Time required: 2 hours

2. Chandrashila Trek

• Distance: 5 kilometers 

3. Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev

• Distance: 20 kilometers 

4. Sari Village

• Distance: 19.6 Kilometers
• Time Required: 49 minutes 

5. Deorital

• Distance: 22 kilometers

6. Ukhimath

• Distance : 29 kilometers
• Time Required: 1 hour

Things to Carry

• Tents and sleeping gear are a must for embarking on a camping trip. Make sure to pack a string tent, a cozy sleeping bag and a mat for a good night’s sleep.
• Clothing: You must bring suitable clothes as per the weather, including warm layers for chilly nights and comfy outdoor activities.
• Food and Water: Bring plenty of food and water to last your whole trip. Don’t forget cooking gear if you plan to prepare your own meals on the campsite.
• First Aid Kit: Be prepared for any small injuries if it happens with a first aid kit in hand which must be stocked with bandages, wipes and pain relief sprays and tablets.
• Bring flashlights or headlamps to help you navigate in the darkness and you must carry spare batteries and chargers.
• In case you are planning to visit remote areas then you must make sure that you have a map, compass and GPS to help you find the correct way.
• Bring personal toiletries and essentials such as sunscreen, bug spray, wipes, and any medicine you might need.

Things to Know before Visiting

1. Weather up in the mountains is different from down in the plains, so give yourself enough time to get used to the high altitude.
2. Talk to a doctor before you start the trek. Bring along simple medicines and a first-aid kit.
3. The trek goes through a place that’s kind to nature, so please don’t leave any trash around. People who litter might have to pay a fine.

How To Reach 

• By Roadways: Chopta is easy to reach by road from the main towns in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal area. But there’s no bus or public transport straight to Chopta. If you are coming from Haridwar or Rishikesh, you will need to take a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhinmath, then catch a taxi from there.
• By Railways: The closest train station to Chopta is Haridwar, about 226 kilometers away. Haridwar is linked to many big cities across India by train. From Rishikesh, you can easily find buses and taxis to Chopta and Ukhimath.
• By Airways: The closest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport, located 219 kilometers away in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. After reaching the airport, you’ll need to continue your journey by taxi or bus. Taxis are readily accessible from Jolly Grant Airport to Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath, and Chopta.