Chopta
Chopta is a small settlement and valley that is located in Uttarakhand, which is very popular among tourists, mainly because of the number of options it provides for exploring, adventure buffs and trekking enthusiasts. The entire region is a haven of beauty, specially for the ones who are looking for a good place to relax, without the hustle and bustle of a typical tourist hotspot. One can visit Chopta valley and gaze in awe at the many peaks located a short distance away from the valley.
Chopta is also a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar, which lies 3.5 kilometres uphill.
This unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of Himalayas, offers vistas of the imposing Himalayan range including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2,680 metres (8,790 ft) above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, deodar and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer. Chopta also popularly known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, lies 29 km from Ukhimath and 162 kms from Rishikesh on the road from Gopeshwar to Guptkashi.
The Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila trek is a famous destinations for trekkers. The Chopta region has many treks and trails cutting through jungles and grasslands. Chandrashilla, Tunganath and Devariyatal are the best known trekking routes in the Chopta region. Because of an abundance of birds, Chopta is becoming popular among birdwatchers.
Hotspots of Chopta
Tungnath is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples.
Chandrashila is summit of the Tungnath. It literally means "Moon Rock". It is located at a height of about 4,000 metres above sea level.
Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev temple in Sari village, a prominent trekker’s base camp, and the weekend gateway destination.
Located at an elevation of 2000 mts, Sari Village is a scenic hamlet at a distance of about 20 kms before Chopta hill station.
Deoria Tal also spelled as ‘Devaria’ or ‘Deoriya’ is a pristine lake located about 3 km atop a hill from the villages of Mastura .
Cocooned in the fascinated land of Chopta, Dugalbitta or Duggalbitta is a small hamlet which is an halt for travelers coming to Chopta .
Bisuri Tal is a high-altitude lake perched at a height of around 12,000 feet and is located in Mandakini Valley near Chopta. .
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a dense forest, situated around 7 km from Chopta. The sanctuary is spread over 6 square kilometres.
Rohini Bugyal is a serene meadow hidden in the dense forest of Chopta Valley.