Where is Chopta and Why is It Famous?
Where is Chopta located and why is it famous? As travelers increasingly search for unexplored mountain getaways, Chopta in Uttarakhand stands out as one of the best hidden destinations in the Indian Himalayas. Nestled in the Rudraprayag district at an altitude of 2,680 meters, Chopta is often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India.”
Where is Chopta Located?
Chopta lies in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s the base point for the iconic Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Trek, and it’s well-connected through scenic routes via Ukhimath and Mandal.
- From Rishikesh: 200 km | ~7 hours
- From Haridwar: 225 km | ~8 hours
- From Dehradun: 250 km | ~8.5 hours
- From Delhi: 450 km | ~12–13 hours
Where is Chopta Valley in Uttarakhand? Chopta Valley is located in the Rudraprayag district and is known for its alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and birdlife. It forms a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Why is Chopta Famous?
Chopta is becoming popular for a mix of adventure, spirituality, and nature:
- Tungnath Temple – the highest Shiva temple in the world.
- Chandrashila Trek – offering Himalayan views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
- Deoria Tal – a lake known for crystal-clear reflections of snowy peaks.
- Birdwatching – home to Himalayan Monal, Cheer Pheasant, Koklass.
- Snowfall and Meadows – offers amazing winter treks and summer escapes.
- Eco-Tourism – a quieter alternative to mainstream hill stations.
What is Chopta famous for?
Trekking, Himalayan views, snow, meadows, Shiva temples, rare birds, and serene nature escapes.
Scenic Drive and Peaceful Stays
Starting from Rishikesh, Chopta’s route passes through Devprayag (where Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form the Ganga), Karanprayag, Gopeshwar, and Mandal. Mandal and Chopta are often explored together in wildlife and birding tours.
Stay options in Chopta and Mandal are limited but charming—think cozy guesthouses and eco-camps rather than luxury resorts. These offbeat Himalayan stays offer hot meals, local hospitality, and unforgettable sunrise views.
Did You Know?
- Chopta is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, home to dense forests and rare Himalayan birds.
- Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand and national bird of Nepal, is commonly spotted here.
- Snowfall in Chopta occurs from December to February, ideal for winter treks and snow photography.
Why Visit Chopta in 2025?
2025 is a great year to explore Chopta thanks to rising eco-tourism and better road infrastructure. Whether you’re into bird photography, mountain treks, or peaceful holidays, Chopta promises unmatched views and serenity.
Is Chopta worth visiting in 2025? Yes! Lesser crowds, clean mountain air, and raw Himalayan charm make it a perfect nature and adventure escape.
Plan Your Trip with WOW
We at World of Wild (WOW) offer curated birding and trekking tours to Chopta and Mandal with expert guides and personal insights from years of experience.
👉 Explore Chopta & Mandal Tours
How to Reach Chopta – Quick Info
- From Rishikesh: ~200 km, 7 hours via Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath
- From Haridwar: ~225 km, 8 hours via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath
- From Dehradun: ~250 km, 8.5 hours via Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath
- From Delhi: ~450 km, 12–13 hours via Meerut, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ukhimath
Where is Chopta located? Chopta is in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
What is Chopta famous for? It’s known for Tungnath temple, the Chandrashila trek, birdwatching, snow treks, and peaceful eco-stays.
Is Chopta open now? Yes, Chopta is accessible year-round, though snowfall may affect road access in peak winter.
How to reach Chopta from Delhi by train? Take a train to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then travel by road to Chopta.
How far is Chopta from Rishikesh? Approximately 200 km, around 7 hours by road.
For detailed information about Chopta and top places in this region, you can read our article titled. Top 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Chopta in 2025
This guide is brought to you by World of Wild (WOW), India’s expert-led wildlife and birding tour company.