Chopta

Chopta
Village
Chopta, starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand

Chopta is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area which is a part of kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state, India and a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar, which lies 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) away. Located at a distance of 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from Tungnath is Chandrashila, a rising to over 4,000 metres (13,000 ft).

Chopta is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas and offers views of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2,680 metres (8,790 ft) above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer.

This place is popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland'. It lies 29 km from Ukhimath, 254 kilometres (158 mi) from Rishikesh and approximately 450 kilometres (280 mi) from the capital Delhi. The best time to visit is from April to November. Chopta is also a popular destination during the winter months due to the snowfall that the area experiences. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila are covered with snow from December to March. Chopta can be reached from Rishikesh via rudrapriyag, kund , ukhimath OR via rudrapriyag , karnpriyag , chamoli , Gopeshwar.

Chopta is simply accessible as it is situated on the road connecting Gopeshwar with Guptkashi. Wake up with cool healthy breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta. The morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of sun kiss the snow laden Himalayas.

The Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila trek is a famous destinations for trekkers. The Chopta region has many treks and trails cutting through jungles and grasslands. Chandrashilla, Tunganath and Devariyatal are the best known trekking routes in the Chopta region. Because of an abundance of birds, Chopta is becoming popular among birdwatchers.

Some activities in Chopta

The trek to Chopta, that can be extended to climbing the Chandrashila Peak, is a popular adventure trip among hiking lovers. Since the route lies in a protected area, the journey takes one through enchanting forests with panoramic views of the Himalayas, far from the maddening crowds. The town of Kund in Uttarakhand is the usual starting point and the entire tour can be done in 3-5 days, making it a preferred activity for city dwellers in India seeking a short getaway. The general pit stops are as follows: