Here's why Chopta should be your next trip
166km from Rishikesh & 206km from Dehradun is Chopta or popularly known as Chopta Tungnath, my solace
COVID has hit us hard. The pandemic has paused everything; from business to romantic dates and everything in between. With COVID on the doors, one thing that people have missed the most is; Travelling.
As Monsoon was the coming season (before COVID), people had already drawn out maps of their next trek. They had planned their stay on the beach-side farmhouse with booze and those ultimate vibes. Well, everything crashed.
But for me, I started off the year on a good note. In mid-March, before COVID stepped in India, I made a trip to the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh. The trip does not end and after Rishikesh, my trip ventured on to the Heaven in India, the ultimate place for Solace, Chopta.
Chopta or Chopta Tungnath is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district. Uttarakhand Chopta, as people tend to call it, is known as the basecamp for the Highest Shiva Temple in the World, Chopta Tungnath. The town serves as the base for the Chopta trek that ultimately leads to the Chopta Tungnath trek.
Chopta trek does not end at the Chopta Tungnath trek, the Shiva Temple. There is a more adventurous and blissful place above the Tungnath temple. The path to the place is known as Chopta Chandrshila trek.
Chandrashila or the "Moon Rock" is the highest point of the Chopta trekking. From the top, which is located at a staggering height of 4000 metres, one could see some breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the peaks of Nanda Devi, Kedar, etc.
Camp in Chopta
For people who are venturing for a camping and trekking experience, Chopta is the place you should be looking for. Camp in Chopta are easy to found and they provide all the basic as well as a few more than basic amenities.
Most of the Camp in Chopta are on the road to the Chopta and they provide with some of the magnificent views of the Himalayas. I stayed in Sari Village and did not opt for a camping experience in Chopta. Sari village is around 30 km from Chopta and the road provides with some eye-catching views of the meadows, zig-zag roads and the mighty Himalayas.
Best time to visit Chopta
In the Summer season, Chopta is covered with meadows and the lush green forests. For people who do not want to feel the frost and iciness of Chopta, summer is the best time.
Monsoon would probably be a not so good time to summit the Chopta trek as you would not be able to enjoy the essence of the trek.
In my opinion, the best time to summit the Chopta Chandrashila trek or Chopta Tungnath trek is during the icy winters. With snow all-around and frequent snowfall, Chopta trekking becomes enjoyable and one of a hell of a trek.
How to reach Chopta?
To reach the Uttarakhand Chopta, you will have to travel by road. That is the only way. Big cities near Chopta are Rishikesh (166km) and Dehradun (206km) and I went to Chopta by Rishikesh via Sari village.
Chopta trek level
Chopta trekking is a moderate level of a trek with built-in paths. In some places, there are grills on the path which are helpful. Other than most of the path, only in some places, you would have to show your Bear Grylls.
Some places to visit near Chopta are:
- Deoria Tal
- Sari Village
Why Chopta?
Well, the answer is this.
Chopta and especially the peak of Chopta Tungnath is where I find myself. The vibe and the silence from the hits and bits of the world strike me in the soul. Chopta Tungnath is not just a place to visit or a trek to the summit, it is the destination where I find myself; I find my peace.
From the meandering roads to the icy peaks, the Chopta Chandrashila trek is my ultimate trek. Though you may not find the general amenities (mobile connectivity, proper washrooms) but what you will find on the roads of Chopta and on the summit of Chopta Tungnath is nowhere to be found.
Quarantine out; Chopta in
We are dying to get out of the concrete jungle and go to the places which we have planned. As winters come in, the beauty and the essence of Chopta is going to make you forget your time in Quarantine.
The frosty breeze, that hot cup of 'chai' and the mindfulness on the top of the Chopta Chandrashila trek is nowhere to be found. Uttarakhand Chopta is your go-to place.
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