Chopta is a small stop of meadows and dhabas on the road between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand Tourism calls it the “mini Switzerland” of the state. Most people come for one walk: the climb to Tungnath, described as the highest Shiva temple in the world, and on to Chandrashila peak for a wide view of the Garhwal Himalaya. Add Deoria Tal, a lake that mirrors Chaukhamba on a still morning, and you have a good three or four day trip from Rishikesh.
Know before you go
- Where: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, on the road linking Guptkashi and Ukhimath with Gopeshwar.
- Altitude: about 2,608 m per Uttarakhand Tourism (the district site says about 2,900 m).
- Tungnath: around 3.5 km from Chopta on foot.
- Chandrashila: a steep 1.5 km beyond Tungnath, at about 4,000 m.
- Nearest airport: Jolly Grant, Dehradun, about 221 km.
- Nearest railhead: Rishikesh, about 202 km.
- Best months: November to May, according to Uttarakhand Tourism; it is open all year.
- Last checked: 2 November 2026.
In this Article
Why go to Chopta
Uttarakhand Tourism describes Chopta as surrounded by bugyals, the high grassy meadows of Garhwal, with snow peaks behind. It sits at the centre of the Panch Kedar: Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar on one side, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar on the other, and Tungnath right above. It is also a birding area. The state tourism site lists over 240 species, including the Himalayan monal, Himalayan griffon and scarlet finch.
There is not much at Chopta itself beyond a row of dhabas, camps and simple stays. That is part of the appeal. You come to walk, look at mountains and get away from phones for a bit.
The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila
The walk starts at a gate by the road at Chopta. Uttarakhand Tourism gives Tungnath as around 3.5 km from Chopta, then a steep 1.5 km more to the top of Chandrashila. So the return trip comes to roughly 10 km. The trail to Tungnath is paved and climbs steadily through meadow and rhododendron forest. The last stretch to Chandrashila is rougher and steeper.
Tungnath temple
Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples and sits on the slope of Chandranath Parvat. The stone temple with its tall shikhara is small, and you may have to wait in a short line on busy days. The temple doors close for the winter months, when worship moves down the valley. Check the opening and closing dates announced each year by the Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee before you plan a visit around darshan.
For more on the walk and the temple, read our guide to the hike to Tungnath temple.
Chandrashila peak
Chandrashila means “moon rock”. A small stone temple on the summit is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Uttarakhand Tourism lists views of Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba and Kedar peak from the top. One legend says Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana; another says the moon god Chandra did penance here.
Many trekkers start in the dark to reach the summit for sunrise. If you do, carry a head torch, warm layers and water, and turn back if the weather closes in.
The trek in winter
Uttarakhand Tourism says the Chandrashila trek is at its best between December and January, when the route is under snow. Snow makes the trail harder and colder, so go with a local guide if you have no winter trekking experience, and check that the road to Chopta is open.
Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal is a lake at about 2,438 m set in forest, with Chaukhamba often reflected in it on clear mornings. Uttarakhand Tourism lists it among the places near Chopta. Most people walk up from Sari village, which is on the road between Chopta and Ukhimath. It pairs well with Chopta on the way in or out.
Other things to do near Chopta
| Place | What it is | Distance from Chopta (Uttarakhand Tourism) |
|---|---|---|
| Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary | Forest of about 6 sq km where musk deer can be seen | about 7 km |
| Ukhimath | Winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, with Usha and Aniruddha temples | about 45 km |
| Chopta to Ukhimath via Sari | Popular cycling route of about 30 km | starts at Chopta |
| Dugalbitta, Mandal, Makkumath | Good spots for birding | nearby |
How to reach Chopta
Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the closest airport, about 221 km away, and taxis run from there. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, about 202 km away, with taxis and buses towards Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath and Chopta. From Delhi, buses leave ISBT Kashmiri Gate for Rishikesh and Srinagar, and you change there for buses or taxis on via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
The drive from Rishikesh is long and winding, so most people break it overnight on the way.
When to visit Chopta
Uttarakhand Tourism calls Chopta an all-year place: pleasant in summer, green in the monsoon and snowy in winter. It names November to May as the best months. Spring brings rhododendron flowers on the trail. In the monsoon, landslides can block the roads, so leave spare days. In winter, nights are very cold and snow can close the road.
Plan the rest of your trip
Chopta is close to the Char Dham routes. If you are combining it with a pilgrimage, see our Kedarnath yatra guide, the wider Char Dham yatra guide and our Badrinath trip guide.
FAQ
### How long is the Chopta to Tungnath trek? Uttarakhand Tourism gives Tungnath as about 3.5 km from Chopta. Chandrashila is a further 1.5 km.
### What is the best time to visit Chopta? The state tourism site names November to May as the best months, although Chopta is open all year.
### Can beginners do the Chandrashila trek? The trail to Tungnath is paved and steady. The last part to Chandrashila is steep, so take it slowly. In snow, go with a guide.
### Is Chopta valley in Sikkim the same place? No. This guide covers Chopta in Uttarakhand. There is a different Chopta valley in North Sikkim.
### How far is Deoria Tal from Chopta? Uttarakhand Tourism lists it among the nearby places. The walk usually starts from Sari village, on the road between Chopta and Ukhimath.
Official resources: Uttarakhand Tourism: Chopta; Rudraprayag district: Chopta
Photo credits
Featured image: Alok Prasad / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila: Alok / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila: Varun Shiv Kapur from New Delhi, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; Tungnath temple: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; Tungnath temple: Royroydeb / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Chandrashila peak: Rahul upreti / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Chandrashila peak: Vjupadhyay24 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; The trek in winter: Vvnataraj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; The trek in winter: Shubhsrt7 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Deoria Tal: Senthilnath G T, XS. Gtsenthilnath at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Deoria Tal: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons, CC0.
