Chopta Hill Station Uttarakhand: Mini Switzerland of India

Tourists can see a magnificent 360-degree view of the mountain ranges like Chaukhamba, Trishul and Nanda Devi from here.

This place is famous for the Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. The Tungnath Temple is built at an altitude of 3680 meters and is the highest among the Panch Kedars. The temple is believed to be 1,000 years old and Lord Shiva is worshipped here as one of the Panch Kedars.

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This temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas to please Lord Shiva, who became enraged with the Pandavas due to the massacre at Kurukshetra.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Ravana, makes atonement for his sins.

Tungnath Temple can be reached by hiking 3.5 km from Chopta

Major Attractions: Tungnath Temple, Deoria Tal, Ukhimath, Chandrashila, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, Anusuiya Devi temple, Atri Muni Cave Trek, Baniyakund

Activities in Chopta: Trekking, Photography, Bird Watching and Camping

Trekking: – The Tungnath and Chandrashila trek is one of the most popular among trekking enthusiasts in India. The walk to reach the top is 5 km. The route of the trek that starts in Chopta goes to Tungnath (the highest Shiva temple in the world), a one kilometre walk from here. The steep climb makes this hike more difficult.

Devariya Taal Trek: 2.5 km trek for Devariya Taal start from Sari Village

Anusuiya Devi Temple and Atri Muni Cave Trek – Anusuiya is a gradual uphill trek of 5 Kms. It’s the birthplace of Lord Dattatreya and Sage Durvasa, born to Saptarishi Atri and his wife Anusuiya.

Ukhimath: Home of Lord Kedarnath in Winters

Birding: Chopta is probably one of the best places for Himalayan birding, acting as a wonderful base for bird watchers who feel a nibble of delight at the sight of these flapping beauties. Birds that are seen in and around Chopta includes, the Grey Crested Tits, Chestnut Bellied Rock Thrush, Himalayan Vulture, White-collared bluebird, Rufous-Bellied Woodpecker, Himalayan woodpecker, Mistle thrush, White-throated laughing thrushes, Black-headed Jay, Black-faced Warbler, Pygmy Wren Babbler, Golden eagle, Fire capped tit, Bush Robin, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide and many more.

Camping: En-route to trekking destinations such as Chandrashila and Tungnath and offers breath-taking beauty and absolute comfort to mind and soul. It is one of the most original destinations in Uttarakhand for those looking for a lesser-known trekking trail and camping.

Photography: Chopta is nestled in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in the Himalayas, giving all nature lovers and photographers ample of opportunity to click the beauty of Himalayas, Flora, majestic snow-covered mountains endangered mammals such as Musk Deer, Himalayan Thar, Serow, Asiatic Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Yellow-throated Martin, Barking Deer, Flying Squirrel, Wild boar etc.

Staying in Chopta: There are few guest houses and homestays to stay at Chopta, Simple and Swiss Tents are also available. For friends, group, and family you can consider Rhododendron Forest Mud House

How to get here:

Rail: The nearest station to Chopta is Rishikesh (207kms). Coming from any part of India, the nearest rail heads are Haridwar and Dehradun. Haridwar is connected by Haridwar-Dehradun Express (3009 Up), Delhi-Dehradun Express (4041 Up), Mumbai-Dehradun Express (9019 Up) and Dehradun – Delhi Shatabdi Express.

Air: The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant (17 kms from Rishikesh, 26 kms from Dehradun and 223 kms from Chopta).

Road: State Transport and Union buses and shared jeeps ply regularly between Ukhimath/ Guptkashi and Rishikesh (212 kms)/ Haridwar (244 kms)/ Dehradun (290 kms) / Delhi (450 kms). During one bus plys between Ukhimath and Chopta and starts at 0700hrs from Ukhimath.

Altitude: 2850 meters ASL

Temperatures:

Spring: Between 4 to 20 Degree C (Mid Mar to June)

Summers: Between 15 to 25 Degree C (May and Jun)

Monsoons: Between 10 to 20 Degree C (Jul & Aug)

Autumn: Between 10 to 25 Degree C (Sep & Oct, Mid Nov)

Winters: Between -15 to 0 Degree C (Mid Nov to Mid Mar)

Essentials:

• Comfortable to carry Rucksack (50-70 ltrs)

• Loose synthetic track pants for trekking.

• Woollen caps/ mufflers/ gloves/ warm socks.

• Fleece jacket + Heavy Jacket.

• Raincoat.

• Thermal inners.

• Hat/ cap.

• Cotton and woollen socks.

• Good trekking shoes/ sneakers/ (floaters for rafting).

• Sunglasses.

• Cameras.

• Shorts/ swimming suits for swimming / showering under waterfalls.

• Water bottles.

• Toiletries. Toilet paper.

• Walking stick.

• Personal medical kit.

• Note: Torches are a must. Preferably Headlamp.

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