You haven't ever heard about Chopta. A destination nestled in the rhododendron and oak forests of the lower Garhwal Himalayan, Chopta is an alpine meadow straight out of a Swiss calendar. Away from the pilgrim highway, at a height of 2,500 m, Chopta is one of those little tucked-away places which many travellers pass by, simply because they don't know about it. Part of a protected sanctuary, the lone road which ran through it not long ago has since been shut down, leaving the deodars, pines, oaks and rhododendrons to flourish into a wilderness not found anywhere in the Himalayas.
Situated on the Gopeshwar - Ukhimath road, about 40 km. from Gopeshwar at an altitude of 2600 meters, Chopta is one of the most picturesque places in the entire Garhwal region. It provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding areas.
In winters, snow hides everything here - even the small track that leads to an ancient temple called Tungnath, from where you can view a staggering line-up of the Himalayan peaks. In the summer, Chopta transforms into a green, rolling meadow sheltered by a ridgeline of tall and dark deodars. As the meadow unrolls, one comes to a sun-lit patch that is Dugalbitta, a spur on which rests a whitewashed Raj bungalow, where a cane-chair in the tiny front lawn can be an ultimate vehicle to nirvana.
How to Reach
By Air :The nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
By Rail :Nearest Railhead is Rishikesh near about 300 kms. via Gopeshwar, Chamoli.
By Road :Well connected by motor able roads to all the major towns of the region.
Chopta Excursions
- Dogalbitta
- Gopeshwar
- Tungnath
- Chopta Valley
