Chopta is a small meadow stop on the road between Ukhimath and Gopeshwar. From here a paved path climbs 3.5 km to Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar temples, and another 1.5 km to Chandrashila at about 4,000 m, with views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Chaukhamba. It is one of the easiest high-Himalayan walks in India.
Highlights
- The walk to Tungnath temple
- Sunrise from Chandrashila peak
- Deoria Tal lake and its Chaukhamba reflection
- Rhododendrons in bloom in March and April
- Ukhimath, the winter seat of the Kedarnath deity
What to eat
- Maggi and chai at the trailhead stalls
- Garhwali thali in Ukhimath
Where to stay
Camps and basic lodges at Chopta; more choice at Ukhimath and Sari village (for Deoria Tal).
Getting there
Drive from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath (about 8 hours). Buses go to Ukhimath; take a taxi from there.
Tips
- Tungnath temple closes in winter (usually from around Diwali to April) but the trail stays open when snow allows.
- Start the Chandrashila walk before dawn for the clearest views.
- There is no ATM at Chopta.
Best time to visit
Sep-Nov, Apr-Jun. See what else is good in September and our best time to visit India guide.
Temples and shrines near Chopta and Tungnath
- Hemkund Sahib A high-altitude gurdwara by a glacial lake
- Kedarnath Shiva; one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and the Char Dham
- Badrinath Vishnu as Badrinarayan; one of the Char Dham
- Tungnath Shiva; one of the Panch Kedar
Places to see in and around Chopta and Tungnath
19 places within 40 km. Tap I’ve been to add them to your India passport.
- Kedarnath Temple Temple, 30 km
- Badrinath Temple Temple, 39 km
- Tungnath Temple, 1 km
- Triyuginarayan Temple Temple, 28 km
- Rudranath Temple, 13 km
- Chandrashila and Tungnath trek Trek, 1 km
- Gauri Kund Temple, 25 km
- Kalpeshwar Temple, 24 km
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple, 16 km
- Deoria Tal Lake, 9 km
- Sapta Badri Temple, 35 km
- Jyotir Math Temple, 35 km
- Gopinath Mandir Temple, 13 km
- Satopanth Tal Lake, 31 km
- Umra Narayan Temple, 32 km
- Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, 32 km
- Adi Badri temples Temple, 37 km
- Chorabari Lake Lake, 32 km
- Chopta Valley Valley, 0 km
Food to try in and around Chopta and Tungnath
Uttarakhand favourites to look out for.
- Kapa
- Chudkani
- Dubuk
- Jholi
- Bal mithai
- Singodi
- Malai laddu
- Daarim ki khatai
- Munsyari Rajma GI: rice or grain
The full food passport, state by state.
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