Chopta - The base of Tungnath Chandrashila

It is the starting point for Tungnath trek and is the 3rd Kedar among 5 Kedar in Uttarakhand. Another 1.5 km trek from Tungnath head to Chandrashila (Altitude 4090 mts) which offers a panoramic view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks. The visible peaks are Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedar Dome, and many more (more than 60 peaks). This valley is part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the richest wildlife sanctuaries in flora, fauna, and biodiversity in the world.

Why Visit Chopta - A Beautiful Hill Station In India

It has been endowed with unparalleled amazing natural beauty all around. As far as your sight goes which is the main attraction among tourists worldwide.

Widespread lush green meadows and gentle slopes of huge mountains ornamented with Oak, Pine, and birch trees, innumerable species of rare flowers and herbs, chirping of birds, rushing and gushing of many water streams making beautiful water fountains on their way, and the presence of the splendid Gangotri greater Himalayan range mix an overwhelming fragrance in the whole atmosphere of Chopta.

Sunrise and sunset view from Chopta is an unforgettable event, especially from Chandrashila peak in winter. The view of The Greater Himalaya from an ideal distance is one of the major attractions which inspire tourists to visit Chopta frequently.

Attractions of Chopta

  • Tungnath Temple in Chopta – is not only famous for its religious significance but also for its stunning location amidst the Himalayas.
  • Chopta is suitable for bird watching – there are more than 221 species of birds in this region. Plus, ‘Monal’ is one of the main attractions.
  • Crystal Clear Lake in Chopta: Moreover, Deoriatal.
  • The snow-capped Himalayan Peaks from Chandrashila (Chopta) include Nanda Devi at 7,817 meters, Trishul at 7,120 meters, Kedarnath at 6,831 meters, Bandarpunch at 6,316 meters, and Chaukhamba at 7,138 meters.
  • Explore low-altitude trekking through cavernous gorges.
  • Murmuring Waterfalls, lush green meadows, and Mountain Goats in Chopta create a picturesque scene.
  • Take a glimpse of the ancient culture of local people.
  • Possible sightings of some wildlife in Chopta’s Jungle include deer, monkeys, and various bird species. Additionally, there have been reports of elusive leopards and occasional sightings of bears.

Activities in Chopta

What to see in Chopta

The Chandrashila got its name because it is the rock where the moon rests. It is extremely mesmerizing to climb Chandrashila peak above Tungnath temple because of the sudden change of terrain. It is above the zero tree line yet has nature’s bounty of different Himalayan herbs which is the fodder for the Himalayan Goat during summers and is a probable sighting place for the Snow Leopard during snow season. Once you reach the top, it gives a 360-degree view of the mountains including peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Koti, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and Trisuli.

Inspire Tourist in Chopta

GEOGRAPHY OF CHOPTA:

The valley Chopta, located approximately 200 km away, offers a scenic drive alongside renowned rivers such as the Ganga, Alaknanda, and Mandakini. A link road, recently designated as a national highway, winds its way through the Chopta region at an elevation of 2700 meters, connecting the Alaknanda (Badrinath) and Mandakini (Kedarnath) valleys.

Chopta’s accessibility is convenient from both valley sides, although the Mandakini side is closer and preferred by most tourists throughout the year. During the snowfall season, typically from December to March, the link road is closed, and tourists primarily access Chopta via the Mandakini (Kedar) valley. However, the government is now considering plans to keep the road open from both valley sides even during the snow season, thanks to the designation of the link road as a national highway.

SEASONS OF CHOPTA:-

Not only does every passing season but every month also leaves its incredible impact on the Chopta region’s entire environment. Rain is an essential part of the Chopta region, fulfilling the jungle’s significant water demand. It can rain here at any time, any week, and any month of the year. There are mainly six seasons in Chopta that anyone can easily observe: spring, summer, rainy, pre-winter, winter, including snowfall. In Chopta, every season has its own color, fragrance, feel, movement, and beauty, which keep changing month to month and season to season.

Spring Season:

In the spring season, the fragrance of Rhododendron flowers fills the whole atmosphere of Chopta because 20% of the forest is occupied by Rhododendron trees.

Summer Season:

Summer brings greenery, flowers, and lots of tourists to the Chopta valley. April, May, and June are the best times to visit Chopta for tourists of all ages because the temperature remains gentle and the weather mild.

Rainy Season:

Dense fog envelopes the entire Chopta region in July and August for two months. Usually, the advent of the snowfall season is expected after mid-December and lasts up to mid-March, but sometimes it might extend its time.

FLORA AND FAUNA IN CHOPTA:-

As Chopta is part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, it is evident that there is an abundance of plants and animals in the area. With over 251 species of birds (both migrant and permanent), approximately 100 species of mammals, and 45 species of giant trees, along with countless varieties of flowers and insects, the biodiversity of Chopta is remarkable. Among these species, many are on the verge of extinction, such as the Musk deer, snow leopard, Monal, vultures, Thuner, Paapri, and Ghinaroo.

Furthermore, Chopta attracts many scientists and students who come to study its diverse and unique flora and fauna. At one point, the forest department even established a Musk deer sanctuary in Chopta with the aim of protecting and breeding Musk deer, but unfortunately, it was unsuccessful.

Local Population Chopta
Topography of Chopta
Hotel /camps in Chopta
Chopta Distance Chart

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