Chopta, Rishikesh - Best Season to Visit, Weather, Things to Do

At a distance of 87 Km from Gaurikund, 101 Km from Kedarnath, and 169 Km from Rishikesh, Chopta is a small hill station located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand State. Situated on the Gopeshwar - Ukhimath road, Chopta is one of the most picturesque places in the entire Garhwal region, and among the must-include places in Uttarakhand tour packages.

Situated at an elevation of 2,700 meters, Chopta is often referred to as the 'mini Switzerland' of Uttarakhand and continues to gain popularity each year. This small hill town, characterized by meadows and evergreen forests, is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Chopta remains an untouched natural haven nestled within the Uttarakhand Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. The region is abundant in diverse flora and fauna, featuring numerous Rhododendron and Deodar trees.

Chopta serves as a year-round holiday destination, providing a pleasant atmosphere in summer, a refreshing ambiance during the monsoon, and a picturesque snow-covered landscape in winter. It is centrally located among the Panch Kedar, which comprises the five most revered Shiva temples in the state. To the left are the Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples, while to the right are Rudranath and Kalpeshwar, with the Tungnath temple situated above.

Additionally, Chopta is an exceptional trekking location in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by meadows and evergreen forests, it offers stunning views of the towering Himalayan ranges, attracting both domestic and international tourists and trekkers throughout the year. Chopta serves as the starting point for various trekking routes, including the Tungnath Mandir, the third temple of Panch Kedar located 3.5 kilometers away, as well as the Chandrashila Summit. Recognized as a significant bird-watching site by both national and international conservation organizations, Chopta is home to over 240 bird species, including both native and migratory varieties such as the Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, and hill partridge.

Chopta is perfect for vacations year-round, with the optimal visiting period being from November to May. Buses and taxis are readily available to Chopta from major locations in Uttarakhand, including Rishikesh, Pauri, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Gaurikund, Srinagar, and Gopeshwar.