Chopta trek: Best time to visit Chopta
About Chopta trek
Chopta trek is one of the most loved trekking places. Chopta, home to the holy Tungnath temple as well as an exciting trek, is one of those gorgeous locations in Uttrakhand. At an elevation of 2900 meters, Chopta is located in the Rudraprayag region of Uttarakhand, amid a lush green valley with a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks. Chopta trek is famous for its beautiful grasslands, where camping is a dream come true. However, what makes Chopta a famous tourist attraction in Uttarakhand is that it is the place to start for the ancient and holy temple of Tungnath, which is also the greatest Shiva Temple in India.
The third Panch Kedar temple is situated in Tugnanath, about 3.5 kilometers from Chopta. Camping in Chopta’s wide grassy meadows, which slowly slope ahead, among highlands, pines, deodar, and shrub, is soul-satisfying. The stunning views of Chopta are highlighted by the snow-covered mountains of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhambha.
Best time to visit the Chopta trek
The best time to visit the Chopta trek is a pleasure all year, but although many people come here to escape the summer heat, a winter trip here is a dream for travelers. Summers are pleasant, with a cool atmosphere and mild weather. In the winter, however, the temperature decreases to zero degrees, and the entire region is covered in snow.
Summer
During the summer, Chopta’s temperature varies from 15°C to 24°C. People will enjoy trekking and camping in the summer because of the mild temperatures and moderate weather.
Monsoon
The monsoon occurs in July, August, and September, as well as the rains, make the weather more enjoyable; sudden heavy rain can be a disadvantage. However, after rain, the charm of this location is so pure that it becomes perfectly beautiful.
Winter
During this season, the temperature varies between -15°C and 5°C. Most visitors avoid coming here because of the cooler temperatures. Many adventure lovers may be observed enjoying a snow trek across Chopta to Chandrashila.
Places to visit in Chopta trek
Tungnath temple
Tungnath, situated at a height of 3680 meters, is the highest Shiva temple. Tungnath, among the Panch Kedar, is a shrine dedicated to Shiva’s arm. This is a Hindu sacred location, but people who enjoy trekking can also visit here.
Tungnath can be reached by trekking, and the journey is pretty easy. It becomes tough whenever it passes the temple toward the Chandrashila peak or the mountain’s peak.
Chandrashila
Chandrashila is situated at a breathtaking elevation of 4020 m and may be reached after a 1 km journey via Tungnath. This location provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba.
Deoriatal
Deoriatal is located on the Ukhimath-Chopta route. It is an elevated lake that can only be visited via a 3-kilometer uphill trek from the hamlet of Mastura and Sari. Sleeping here at camping is an incredible experience.
Activities to do in Chopta trek
Trekking and Camping
Chopta trek is known for its high-altitude grasslands as well as the stunning Tungnath and Chandrashila trekking. It’s an easy trek both for beginners and intermediate and experienced trekkers. The path goes via deodar, pine, fir, and oak forests to the meditative spiritual locations at Tungnath and Chandrashila. The road is snow-covered in December, January, and February. If you love snow trekking, it provides a whole new dimension to the trip.
Meditation and Yoga
The mountains of Chopta, Tungnath, and Chandrashila have a religious atmosphere. The entire valley is infused with Lord Shiva’s yogic power. If you are religious, doing yoga and meditation in Lord Shiva’s temple will fill you with great positive energy.
Standing at Chandrashila peak is like standing on top of the world, and practicing meditation on the peak is an activity that will leave an indelible mark on your soul and personality.
Snow trekking
The trip is covered with snow during the months of December & January. If you wish to go snow trekking, the perfect months for it are December, January, and February.
How to reach Chopta trek?
By road, Chopta trek is attached to places including Rishikesh, Gopeshwar, & Haridwar. The easiest way to go to Chopta is to first go to Dehradun or Haridwar, then take a bus or cab to Chopta.
By Air
The closest airport to Chopta is situated 221 kilometers far in the city of Dehradun, where Jolly Grant Airport is situated. You can then catch the bus or taxi to Chopta.
By Rail
Rishikesh and Haridwar have the closest railway stations. Haridwar railway station, situated about 186 kilometers from Chopta, is the best of the two. To go to the location, one can take buses or cabs via Haridwar.
By Road
Chopta is easily reachable by road via Haridwar, Dehradun, Srinagar, and Rishikesh. From all these locations, there are government buses and decent cab services.