Chopta, Uttarakhand’s “Mini Switzerland,” is a charming village that is still relatively unknown to tourists. The morning view from Chopta is energizing, as the sun’s crimson rays kiss the snow-capped Himalayas, a far cry from the towns and other hill stations’ loud horns.
Chopta is rich in flora and wildlife thanks to the declining pines, deodars, rhododendrons, and other conifers that can be found in this region.
Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Trishul are among the snow-capped Himalayan peaks visible from Chandrashila Peak. In addition to the thrilling voyage, Chopta is ideal for camping under the stars. Enjoy one of Uttarakhand’s best camping experiences by pitching your own tent or renting one for a few nights. Aah! Getting up in the morning in a gorgeous spot and seeing the red sun rise over the mountains from the comfort of your tent is a must-do experience.
The route’s first big stop is Deoriatal. It is situated at a height of 7,800 feet above sea level. The lake is surrounded on all sides by forests. The Chaukhamba massif shimmers in the distance, its reflection catching in the crystal clear lakes. The end product is stunning. This place is full of legends. Legend has it that the five brothers of the Mahabharata epic poetry were once thirsty and were drawn to the water of Deoriatal, where they were subjected to an intelligence test. It was the first night they’d spent here under the stars, and it was one of the most relaxing memories they’d ever had on a trip.
The next beautiful sight is the meadows, which change into snowfields on the way to Chopta. Beautiful mountains such as Bandarppoonch Kedar and Chaukhamba become evident as one walks farther down the trail. From the summit of Chandrashila, these spectacular elements of the Garhwal Himalayas will be better appreciated, and the reason will remain consistent till the summit section ends at the Tunganath temple.
Summit climbs, as well as long hikes up mountains in the early hours of the morning, are both enjoyable. The summit is reached just as the sun’s rays light the sky. Clouds, hills, and a few shards of civilization make up everything below you. Hiking in the Himalayas usually involves seeing mountains from afar.
Damru Tourist Places To Explore
Tungnath Temple
The world’s tallest Shiva temple, Tungnath Temple, is located at an altitude of 3680 meters among the majestic mountains of Tungnath is the Rudraprayag District. It’s one of the Panch Kedar, and it’s said to be over 1000 years old. The foundation for this temple was laid by Arjuna, the third Pandava brother. It is surrounded by a dozen shrines devoted to various Gods and was built in the North Indian architectural style. There are several traditions about the area, including one in which Lord Ram meditated to be freed from Brahmahatya’s curse for killing Ravana.
Timings to visit the site- 06:00am to 07:00pm
Time required to visit the site- 2 to 3 hours
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal is located on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar highway and may be reached via a 2-kilometer trek through Sari Village. Walking through the town and catching parts of its daily life with your camera, as well as mingling with the inhabitants, is a complete experience in and of itself when visiting the Deoria Tal.
When the lake is quiet, it reflects the Chaukhamba peaks and the dense grove of pines that surrounds it. Thousands of people visit the lake, which is one of Chopta’s most popular attractions, during peak season.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek
The legendary Chopta Chadrashila Trek, which begins in Uttarakhand, starts at Tungnath. At a height of 2680 meters, this town is surrounded by evergreen forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendron. This hike is one of the easiest in the Himalayan region, making it perfect for beginners. The journey, which begins in Haridwar and ends in Chandrashila, spans a large territory.
The journey starts in Haridwar and ends in Devarivatal Lake, at an elevation of 2440 meters. From here, you may get a great view of the Chaukhamba ranges. Chopta, a 3000m peak, will be reached as one advance. The next highest mountain is Tungnath, which stands at 3680 meters. At 4130 meters, one arrives at the breath-taking Chadrashila Top. The Chandrashila peak and the Tungnath temple offer a stunning 360-degree view of the valleys below. The peaks of Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Nilkanth, and Kedarnath may all be observed throughout the walk.
Time required to visit the site- 3 days
Entry Fees: Required entry fees at specified checkpoints, trek permits, and necessary forest camping fees based on length of stay in the region.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
The Kanchula Korak Deer Musk Sanctuary is home to the famous Musk Deer, as well as a plethora of lush green plants, many of which are reported by locals to be unclassified.
You could easily spend a large chunk of the day here, lounging around with a pair of binoculars and exploring the 5 square kilometer region.
Timings to visit the site- Throughout the week
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Ukhimath
Ukhimath, also known as winter Kedarnath, is well-known for Lord Shiva Temple, which houses the Lord while Kedarnath is closed during the winter months. Ukhimath is also a charming hill station with breath-taking Himalayan vistas. At a height of 1300 meters, the hill station is found in the lower hills of Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag region. It draws visitors and enthusiasts from across the state and country.
Ukhimath is a strongly religious village where spirituality and devotion pervade the streets. In the winters, when Kedarnath is inaccessible due to severe snowfall, it is home to Lord Kedarnath and Lord Madhyamaheswar. Ukhimath also offers breath-taking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, which are clad with snow. It’s a place where you may spend some time in the community while being surrounded by the spirituality of a major religious center.
Timings to visit the site- Before Sunset
Entry fees- Absolutely free
Best Hotels at Chopta
- Forest Eco Resort
- Himalayan Resort Chopta
- The Village Retreat Resort
- Himrab Resort Chopta
- The Meadows Chopta, Resort and Camp
Frequently Asked Question
The best time to visit Chopta Valley from October to February.
The weather at Chopta Valley is mostly winters. The temperature there is between 15°Celsius to 21°Celsius.
The average budget for Chopta Valley trip ranges from 15K to 20K.
Have an amazing visit to India’s Mini Switzerland.
Image Source: Google