TBD · Garhwal, Rudraprayag
Chopta Travel Guide — Mini Switzerland in Uttarakhand
Best months
Per-day budget
₹1,000–2,100/day
Getting there
Chopta is a small meadow settlement in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, often called Mini Switzerland for its open alpine fields and views of the high Himalaya. The main reason to come here is the Tungnath trek — a 3.5 km walk through rhododendron and oak forest to the highest Shiva temple in the world. A further kilometre up takes you to the Chandrashila summit, where the sunrise view over Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba and Trishul is among the best in Uttarakhand. Chopta is also one of the cheapest Himalayan trek destinations reachable from Delhi in a weekend. There are campsites and simple guesthouses at the trailhead, and the nearby Deoria Tal lake makes for a good side trip. The vibe is simple, outdoorsy and focused on the walk rather than the town.
Plan your trip to Chopta Travel Guide — Mini Switzerland in Uttarakhand
Search and compare prices — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Flights
Hotels & Hostels
Trains
Search train routes, schedules and fares across India.
Buses
Compare bus operators, schedules and prices.
Why go
The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila circuit is often recommended as a first Himalayan trek. The trail is well defined, moderate in gradient, and takes only 3-4 hours to reach the summit. You do not need a guide or technical gear. From the top, the Himalayan range stretches across the horizon in a 180-degree arc. If you have more time, the longer trek to the base of Chaukhamba peak or a camping night at Deoria Tal adds depth to the trip. In winter, the same trail becomes a snow trek and requires microspikes, which local shops rent for ₹200-300.
Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Shiva in the world, standing at 3,680 m. It is part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, alongside Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar and two other temples. The temple itself is small and ancient, built in the North Indian nagara style. Pilgrims visit throughout the year, but the temple is most active during the summer months. The Chandrashila summit above the temple has a small shrine dedicated to Lord Rama. The climb from Chopta to the temple is a short pilgrimage that even non-religious travellers find meaningful for its quiet beauty and physical challenge.
How to reach
The most practical route from Delhi is to take an overnight bus to Rishikesh (₹400-600, 6-7 hours), then a local bus or shared taxi from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (₹200-300, 4 hours), and another shared taxi from Rudraprayag to Chopta (₹300-400, 2 hours). Confirm current fares and frequency locally before setting out. Alternatively, a direct overnight bus from Delhi ISKT of ISBT to Rudraprayag costs ₹500-800 and takes 9-10 hours. From Rudraprayag, you can find shared vehicles to Chopta. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh, about 200 km away. The nearest airport is Dehradun (Jolly Grant), about 225 km away. Chopta itself is a small settlement with no transport hub — most people arrive by private or shared vehicle.
What a day costs
| Camp / dorm bed | ₹400–800 |
| Food (dal-rice / maggi) | ₹200–400 |
| Local transport (shared) | ₹300–600 |
| Trek gear rental / guide | ₹100–300 |
When to go
April to June is the main season. The snow has melted, the rhododendrons are in bloom, and the weather is warm enough for camping. July to September is monsoon — the trail gets slippery and leeches appear, though the landscape is at its greenest. October to November is the autumn window with clear skies and sharp mountain views. December to March is winter — the trail is covered in snow, temperatures drop well below freezing, and Chopta receives heavy snowfall. Winter treks to Tungnath require microspikes and warm gear but are rewarding for those prepared for the cold.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Chopta and Set Up Camp
Arrive in Chopta by afternoon. Check into a campsite or guesthouse. Take an easy evening walk around the meadow to acclimatise. The altitude is 2,700 m — mild, but noticeable if you have come directly from the plains. Have an early dinner and prepare for an early morning start.
Day 2: Tungnath and Chandrashila Summit
Start the trek by 6 AM. The trail to Tungnath temple is 3.5 km and takes about 2 hours at a steady pace. Visit the temple and continue another 1 km up to the Chandrashila summit. The view from the top covers Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul and the entire Gangotri range. Descend by midday and reach Chopta by early afternoon. Rest or take a short walk to a nearby viewpoint.
Day 3: Deoria Tal or Depart
If you have an extra day, take a shared taxi from Chopta to the Deoria Tal trailhead (₹200-300, 30 minutes). The lake is a 1-hour downhill walk through forest and offers a classic Himalayan reflection view. Return to Chopta and catch a shared vehicle back to Rudraprayag or Rishikesh. If departing, leave by morning to reach Rishikesh by evening.
Student hacks
- ▸Camps in Chopta start at ₹400 per person with meals included — book directly at the site rather than online for walk-in discounts.
- ▸Carry cash from Rudraprayag or Rishikesh — there are no ATMs in Chopta and no UPI coverage on the trail.
- ▸Join a group at your campsite to share taxi costs from Rudraprayag to Chopta — solo fares can be double.
- ▸Bring your own microspikes if trekking in winter — rental gear in Chopta is limited and may not fit well.
- ▸The Chandrashila sunrise is the highlight — start the trek by 5 AM in clear season to catch first light on the peaks.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Chopta, Tungnath or Chandrashila. The trail is safe and well travelled. The main risks are weather related — sudden cloud cover can reduce visibility on the summit, and the temperature drops quickly after sunset. Start your trek by 6-7 AM to be back down before afternoon cloud cover sets in. In winter, the trail can be icy — microspikes are available for rent at the Chopta campsites. There are no ATMs in Chopta; carry cash from Rudraprayag or Rishikesh. Mobile network is limited to BSNL; Jio and Airtel work in patches at the base but not on the trail.
FAQs
How do I reach Chopta from Delhi?
Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Rudraprayag (₹500-800, 9-10 hours), then a shared taxi from Rudraprayag to Chopta (₹300-400, 2 hours). The nearest railhead is Rishikesh.
Is the Tungnath trek suitable for beginners?
Yes. The trail is 3.5 km with a moderate gradient. Anyone with basic fitness can complete it in 2-3 hours. No guide or special gear is required in the summer season.
When is the best time for the Chopta trek?
April to June for clear trails and rhododendron bloom. October to November for autumn colours and sharp mountain views. December to March for a snow trek experience.
Do I need a permit for Tungnath and Chandrashila?
No. Indian nationals can trek freely. There is a small entry fee at the forest check-post near Chopta (about ₹50-100).
Is there mobile network in Chopta?
BSNL works at the Chopta base. Jio and Airtel are available in patches. On the trail to Tungnath, network drops completely. Most campsites do not have Wi-Fi.
Can I do Chopta in one day?
It is possible but not recommended. The trek takes 4-6 hours round trip from Chopta. Combined with travel from Rishikesh or Rudraprayag, you would be driving in the dark. Stay overnight.