Introduction
Chopta is an absolute offbeat and exciting trek with a captivating hill station in Uttarakhand. It is still comparatively unknown to many backpackers and therefore is considered unexplored with a lot to uncover. Cuddled by the snow-capped peaks and splendid meadows, Chopta offers a serene and cosy vibe that is ideal for a getaway from the hustling life. It acts as a door to the vibrant shades of the Himalayas with the rich red colour of the rhododendron flowers in summers or late spring, and the sparkling white snow of the winters. The trek ends at the peak of Chandrashila, from where one can capture the exceptional vistas of nearby peaks such as Kedar, Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and Trishul. Chopta Chandrashila is an exciting 6-day long trek that begins from Sari. It is cherished for its pleasing clearing and campsites, thick and beautiful views of pines, oaks and rhododendron forests to Chopta, wonderful sunsets and rewarding summit climb. Chopta also operates as a base for trekking places like Tungnath temple and the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary.
The best recommended time for this exciting Chopta trek is during summers from April to June and the best months to trek in winters are between December and March.
The ascent of the Chopta trek is rated as moderately easy. However, it submits a challenging track for the Chandrashila peak, quite engaging, with an astounding summit of 13,123 feet. Chandrashila is also the abode to Tungnath, which is the highest Lord Shiva temple not just in India but in the world.
Quick Itinerary
- Day 01: Journey will start from Delhi, connecting to Haridwar and then to Ukhimath, covering a distance of 225 km in 7 hours.
- Day 02: A 3-4 km long trek day from Ukhimath to Deoria Tal, 7998 feet, crossing the thick forest of Rhododendron along with eye-catching wildflowers along the trail.
- Day 03. A morning trek from Deoria Tal to Chopta stretching for 12km, through dense forest and rich meadows.
- Day 04. Trekking day starts from Chopta at 3,680 ft to Tungnath at 12070 feet, then finally reaching the top Chandrashila at 13415 feet and ending back at Chopta. This trek is 3km upward and en route, done along the lush meadows and the snow-capped Himalayas.
- Day 05. Tracing the steps and journey back from Chopta to Haridwar and then Delhi.
How To Reach
From Delhi, the Chopta Chandrashila trek is feasibly available by airways, railways and roadways.
Airways: The nearest airport in Dehradun is the Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 225km away from Chopta. From the airport onwards, hire a taxi or a cab or consider the private and state-run buses.
Railways: To Chopta, Haridwar railway station is the nearest and is about 225 kilometres from Delhi. Get a bus or taxi from the railway station to reach Chopta by the Kund-Gopeshwar Road.
Roadways: By road, Chopta is at 408km of distance from Delhi. Travel by a self-driven vehicle, bus, or taxi.
Most Exciting Places For Chopta Trek
Sari Village: This beautiful village possesses oak and rhododendron trees and offers serenity while being bounded by the mighty Himalayas.
Sari village or Gaon also serves as the base camp for the destinations like Deoria Tal, which is perched only 2.5km from this hamlet. Times, whenever the hotels in Chopta are closed due to the snowfall, hotels and homestays in Sari Region welcome travellers for a warm stay. Delicious looking apple and peach orchards are spread across the rich meadows of Sari Village. Despite being a pure beauty and a very peaceful hamlet, Sari remains fairly untouched and free from the large crowd.
Deoria Tal: A mesmerizing lake, rested on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road at an exciting 2 km trek from the Sari Village. This lake takes pride as one of the main attractions of Chopta, embracing countless visitors during the peak season. The journey to the Deoria Tal is not less than a wholesome experience that merges with crossing the village, simply observing the daily life of inhabitants, indulging with them and capturing beautiful memories to look back at.
The Deori Tal is surrounded by pines. This lake precisely mirrors these pines along with the handsome Chaukhamba peaks, once still.
Kanchula Kharak Musk Deer Sanctuary: Distinguished for breeding musk deer and distinct species of fauna, the Kanchula Kharak Musk Deer sanctuary presents a perfect adobe for musk deer accompanied by some of the Himalayan wildlife and wilderness. Rested over an area of 5 sq. km, it calls you to consume your favourite time of the day here with a pair of binoculars to quietly explore the place. Yes, quite a homely place with pleasing vibes!
