Chopta
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.35°N, 79.22°E
📖 About Chopta
- ✦At 2,680 metres, Chopta stays cooler than Rishikesh - summer highs reach 20.7°C (69.3°F) in May
- ✦Base camp for Tungnath temple at 3,680m, the world's highest Shiva shrine accessible by trek
- ✦Chandrashila summit at 4,000m offers named Himalayan peaks - Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba clearly visible
- ✦Road closes January to March due to heavy snow - plan visits April onwards only
You reach Chopta at 2,680 metres (8,790 ft) after a 7-8 hour drive from Rishikesh covering 202 km through Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. The village spreads along a 3 km stretch of meadows with a few dhabas, GMVN guesthouse, and scattered campsites - no market or fuel station exists here. Most trekkers use Chopta as the starting point for Tungnath temple 3.5 km uphill and Chandrashila peak another 1.5 km beyond that. May temperatures reach 20.7°C (69.3°F) during the day but drop to 1.2°C (34.2°F) at night, so pack layers even in summer.
Tungnath belongs to the Panch Kedar circuit of five Shiva temples built by the Pandavas according to local tradition. The stone temple at 3,680 metres draws pilgrims during April to November, with priests performing daily puja at 6 AM and 7 PM. Beyond Tungnath, the Chandrashila summit at 4,000 metres gives you direct views of Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), and Chaukhamba (7,138m) on clear mornings. July receives 223mm of rain and August 183mm, turning the meadows bright green but making trails slippery and leeches common.
Chopta suits trekkers comfortable with basic facilities and altitude - some people feel breathless at 2,680m on arrival. The village has no ATM, limited mobile network (BSNL works better than private operators), and only basic dal-rice meals at dhabas. Nearest ATM sits 32 km away in Ukhimath, so carry enough cash for 2-3 days including trek guide fees.
🎯 Things to Do in Chopta
The paved stone trail to Tungnath starts right from Chopta village and climbs 3.5 km with 500 metre elevation gain to reach 3,680m altitude. The trek takes 2.5-3 hours uphill at a steady pace with rest spots every 500 metres, though some trekkers feel altitude effects above 3,000m - carry water and glucose. Temple opens 6 AM to 7 PM from April to November, closes during winter, and charges no entry fee but donations are customary (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
From Tungnath temple, the rocky trail continues 1.5 km uphill to Chandrashila peak at 4,000 metres, adding another hour of climbing with steeper sections near the top. Mornings between 5-7 AM offer the clearest views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath peaks before clouds roll in. The summit gets crowded during April-May weekends with 50-60 trekkers gathering for sunrise, but weekdays stay quieter.
Deoria Tal sits 14 km from Chopta via Ukhimath road - get off at Sari village and trek 2.5 km uphill through oak forests to reach the lake at 2,438 metres. The round lake reflects Chaukhamba peaks on calm mornings, with a small temple at the shore and forest department charges Rs 50 per person entry (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The trail stays easier than Tungnath with less elevation gain, making it suitable for families and first-time trekkers.
Multiple camps operate along the 3 km Chopta stretch offering tents with sleeping bags from Rs 800-1,500 per night including basic meals (confirm locally — rates vary by season). May and June nights drop to 1.2°C (34.2°F) so camps provide extra blankets, while September stays milder at 5.8°C (42.4°F) minimum. Camps fill up during long weekends and require advance booking 2-3 weeks ahead through their websites or phone numbers displayed on highway boards.
Rohini Bugyal meadows spread at 3,200 metres, reached by a 6 km forest trail branching off from the Tungnath route near the 2 km marker. The high-altitude grassland blooms with wildflowers during June-July monsoon, though rain makes the trail muddy and leeches appear in grass patches - wear full pants and gaiters. Local shepherds graze cattle here May to September, but the bugyal sees fewer trekkers than Tungnath, offering quieter meadow walks.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Chopta. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Chopta
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack woolens even in May - nights drop to 1.2°C (34.2°F) while days reach 20.7°C (69.3°F), so carry a down jacket, thermal innerwear, gloves, and a warm cap for early morning treks to Chandrashila summit.
Book GMVN guesthouse or private camps 2-3 weeks ahead during April-June and September-October peak seasons through their websites - walk-in availability becomes uncertain during weekends and holidays.
Carry your own vehicle or book shared taxis from Ukhimath as public buses stop at Ukhimath only, 32 km before Chopta - the final stretch has no scheduled local transport and shared taxis charge Rs 200-300 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
Nearest ATM sits in Ukhimath 32 km away and most dhabas in Chopta accept cash only - BSNL mobile network works better than Airtel or Jio which often lose signal, so carry enough cash for 2-3 days including meals, camping, and guide fees.
Most camps and the GMVN guesthouse cluster along the main Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road passing through Chopta with budget camping from Rs 800-1,500 and GMVN rooms from Rs 1,200-2,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
📍 More Places in Chamoli
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Chopta
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Chopta covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Chopta is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 1508 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.