Chopta is a picturesque hamlet which is still unexplored by travelers, is also famous as "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand". Wake up with cool salubrious breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta which is a far cry from the blaring horns of the cities and other hill stations, morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of sun kisses the snow-laden Himalayas. This hushed abode is enclosed by the dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons and other conifers that can be found in this region, which makes Chopta rich in flora and fauna.
Beautifully garnered amidst the quintessential velvety meadows, Chopta serves as the base for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashilla, the third holiest temple among the (Five)Panch Kedars. This unspoiled destination is snuggled in the lap of the Himalayas, offering an unobstructed view of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba peaks. Chopta has become the hotspot for the solitude seekers, the avid trekkers, and nature lovers as it is blessed with a scenic yet peaceful aura. The resplendent beauty of this place is accentuated by the evergreen forests which is a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. One can see the diverse Himalayan flora-fauna along with the various species of birds and musk deer. The perk of visiting this quaint hamlet is that you can commence the Tungnath (about 3.5 km from Chopta) and Chandrashila Trek (about 1.5 km from Tungnath) altogether. If you want to explore further then you can also head to Deoria Tal.
Tungnath peacefully adorned on the Chandranath Parvat is the highest Shiva temple in the world and the highest Panch Kedar temple of Uttarakhand. It is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is perched at an elevation of 3, 680 metres above sea level and is considered to be more than 1,000 years old. This highest temple of Lord Shiva is an ironically easiest one to achieve. Tungnath Temple can be reached by a moderately easy trek of 3.5km commencing from Chopta(2700mts). The region receives heavy snowfall during winters making Tungnath temple tough to access. The altitude of Tungnath Temple is approx 3600 mts. Tungnath trek is well laid and doesn't necessarily require a guide except during peak winters when the area is covered with snow.
Magnificent in its architecture and artistic structure, Tungnath Temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and few other idols of Goddess Parvati and other gods can be seen in the vicinity. This sacred temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya and now the priest of this temple is a local Brahmins of Makku village. The symbolic image of Lord Shiva is moved to Mukunath during winters, situated 19kms away. The trek goes through rocky terrains, green meadows and rhododendron bushes showering us with visual vistas of nature. The invigorating views of the imposing Himalayas boosts with confidence in the heart of the trekkers. Several named and unnamed peaks of the Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Tungnath.
Trekking: The trek route to Chandrashila commences at Chopta and involves easy to medium grade trekking. The enthralling treks take some through enchanting meadows, hushed hamlets, and conifers and oak forests. In winter, the trekking route is covered in snow. You can also trek to Devariyatal, Bisurital or indulge in 4-5 days trekking expedition in Chopta as well.
Camping in Chopta: Being situated en-route to Tungnath, Chopta is an ideal place to camp and enjoy the beauty of nature. Camping is an amazing experience to have with family and friends when you are surrounded in the lap of nature.
Bird Watching in Chopta: Chopta has a great forest line which has hundreds of different species of bird. Bird watchers from all around the globe can visit Chopta and explore. Ideal season for bird watching is from Feb to April.
Photography: Chopta offers mesmerizing views of the undulating valleys and one cannot resist capturing the majestic snow-covered peak with their camera. The 360-degree panorama one witnesses form the Chandrashila summit is one of the reasons to make Chandrashila one of the best spots to capture snow-capped mountains.
Yoga and Meditation: Peaceful environment, lush greed meadows, majestic Himalayan views in Chopta enhance the meditation and yoga activities in Chopta. Many foreigners come to Chopta for medidation as Rishikesh gets crowded sometimes.
Pilgrimage: Perched at a height of 3,600 meters, Tungnath shrine is one of the revered Panch Kedar dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand and large number of pilgrims visits the shrine. The shrine sleeps under a thick blanket of snow during winters.
It's just Awesome Experience. One of the best trekking experience with 360 degree view of Himalayan range . we group of 6 friends started from chopta. Stayed there enjoyed evening rain with chai pakoda. Next day we moved to trekking point to tungnath temple. After 4 hours of trek we reached to tungnath temple where we took rest for 1 hour. Then moved to chandrashila trek. Ohhh god it was really thrilling trek till chandrashila you can't look down during trek. After reaching at the top view was breathtaking. It's a must trek one should do in lifetime.
The 360 degree view from the Chandrashila Peak is a dream come true and we had an amazing time. The view is simply amazing and we saw several other beautiful peaks from Chopta.
Tungnath is the highest temple of Garhwal. While I was on this trekking, I witnessed the pristine clear view of majestic peaks like the Panchchuli, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and even Kedarnath. Chopta is too underrated. It even gives a beautiful and picturesque view of the whole Himalayas. I guess the early spring season is the right season to trek. The Rhododendron forest actually glows red as the flowers bloom during the spring. It was a very nice trek. It starts and ends in Haridwar. I had a great time. WOW, is an understatement to explain how awesome this trek was.
Tungnath Temple is a very peaceful place, away from the noisy life. I had a very nice time there with my wife. We both love going for hiking and treks. And this one was everything we could ask for. We are planning for another trip now. Hope it will be as good and fulfilling as this one.
Joining this trek, I realized why the Himalayas are the most sought after ranges in the world. The view was just way too beautiful. There are so many secrets and mysteries to reveal in this trek. And with the expert and his experience, it was really an exciting experience over all!
Chopta Tungnath Trek was one memorable experience; I was just awe-struck throughout the trekking expedition. The best part about the trek is that you get to see Himalayas from so close - no doubt the trek is challenging at times but the entire views that you get to experience is something that will make the effort worth the effort.
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