Trek Guide : Chopta , Ukhimath, Uttarakhand 2023
Why is chopta famous ?
Chopta is famous just because for its scenic beauty, Tungnath (highest shiva temple) and Chandrashilla. It has no. of tourists throughout the year . Chopta is always open for the tourist. The gates of Tungnath are closed during winters. You can visit the winter abode of Tungnath mahadev at Makkhumath.
Road map to Chopta from Dehradun!
Dehradun - Chamba - Srinagar - Ukhimath - Chopta
One has to take a bus from Dehradun,parade ground to chamba or jaagdhar. It is a long 5 hrs journey. Better to ask for a bus going to Ghansali. It will leave you at Jaagdhar.
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| Halt at peepaldali |
Wait for the bus , that bus will take you to srinagar. The distance between srinagar and jagdhar is 45kms.
Ask for bus service to ukhimath, at srinagar garhwal bus station. That bus will take you to ukhimath. The distance between ukhimath and srinagar garhwal is 78kms.
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| Exploring the beauty of srinagar garhwal |
Now, there is no bus service from ukhimath to chopta. One has to either book or share a taxi. The taxi driver wait until, the taxi is full or has at least 10 passengers. This is a time consuming process.
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| Famous Omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath |
Afterwards the taxi will take you through the majestic rhododendron forest and leave you at chopta valley. This will take somewhere around 1.5 hrs to reach chopta.
Faclilities in Chopta !
There are numbers of homestays and hotels in Chopta valley. As Chopta serves as a basecamp of Chandrashilla and Tungnath trek, therefore, there are numbers of tent camps available at Chopta valley. The prices in these camps are higher as compared to other stays. The price ranges somewhere between 1500-2500 depending upon the facility provided. You can also stay at other stays with affordable prices. The price ranges from somewhere between 700-1000 rupees.
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| Chopta - A mini Switzerland |
Chopta offers scenic view of beautiful sunrise and sunsets. It is also famous for its beautiful skyline sunset.
Problem during winters
If you're planning for Chandrashilla - Tungnath trek in winters. Here are few things to keep in mind.
1. Always carry thermals, jackets and good hiking shoes. As there is possibility of snow during the winters.
2. The water freezes during the winters, therefore fill your water bottles and buckets (when staying in hotels & other stays) whenever there is availability of water.
3. Battery drains at a faster rate at such altitude, solar power is the only medium of electricity. The solar power is available from 11:00am to 8:00pm. Make sure to charge your powerbanks and mobile phones within this duration. As the valley has less number of inverters.
4. The temperature of the valley is, in minus degrees, better to take warm clothes .
Best time to visit
November, December and January are the best month to visit. If want the clear view of different mountain ranges, one must visit chopta during these months. But remember that, during these month the doors of Tungnath Mahadev remains closed. You can only get a view from outside. Though these are the best months to visit Chandrashilla.
February - September
The valleys offers the beautiful view of Rhododendron flowers (also known as Bhurans) across the valley and the trail towards chandrashilla. The doors of Tungnath Mahadev are opened during these months. One can visit Tungnath as well as Chandrashilla. The rhododendron, pines and confiers are in abundance.
Nearby places to explore
1. Ukhimath :- Ukhimath is the winter abode of Kedarnath Mahadev. Omkareshwar Temple is well known here. One must visit this temple to the get blessings of kedarnath baba.
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| Famous omkareshwar temple at Ukhimath |
2. Tungnath & Chandrashilla :- These are the most popular treks of Uttarakhand. These are upwards treks from chopta valley, located at a distance of 5km away from Chopta.
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| Chandrashilla |
3. DeoriaTal :- Deoria Tal is located at Ukhimath village. It is 3km away from sari village. One must visit this beautiful lake when planning for chopta.
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| Deoria lake, sari village |
Activities in Chopta
Most popular activities in Chopta
1. Trekking : Chopta is an excellent choice for trekkers and adventure lovers. Chopta is basecamp for tungnath and Chandrashilla trek.
2. Camping : Chopta offers beautiful meadow for nature lovers. One cannot miss the opportunity of camping under such pleasant environment. Deoria tal and chopta are the best spot for camping.