
Chopta Uttarakhand | Mini Switzerland | Best Time, Trekking & Nearby Attractions
Chopta, the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, is where nature shows its pure beauty. With green meadows, snowy winters, and treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila, it’s the perfect mix of peace and adventure.
Chopta - Uttarkhand,
If you dream of a place where green meadows touch the sky, birds sing in tall pine forests, and snowy peaks shine right in front of you, then Chopta is that place. Tucked away in Rudraprayag district, this small hill station is often called the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.
Chopta is not like big crowded hill stations. It is calm, simple, and very close to nature. At about 2,680 meters, the air is fresh and cool all year. In summer, the meadows turn bright green with flowers, while in winter, the whole place turns white with snow.
The biggest charm of Chopta is that it’s the starting point for the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, and Chandrashila peak is famous for its sunrise view. Imagine standing there and seeing the whole Himalayan range glowing in golden light - it’s an experience people never forget.
What makes Chopta even more special is the feeling of peace it gives. Here, you don’t just see nature, you feel it. From stargazing at night to listening to the sound of wind in the forests, every moment in Chopta stays in your memory.
Location from Major Cities:
- Rishikesh: 162 km (about 5–6 hours),
- Haridwar: 200 km (about 7–8 hours),
- Dehradun: 185 km (about 6–7 hours),
Best Time to Visit Chopta:
- March to May: Clear weather, green meadows, good for trekking. (10°C - 25°C),
- June to August: Rainy but very green. (15°C - 20°C),
- September to November: Crystal clear skies, best mountain views. (8°C - 18°C),
- December to February: Snowfall and winter treks. ( - 5°C -10°C),
Things to Do in Chopta:
- Walk up to Tungnath Temple and feel the spiritual energy.
- Continue to Chandrashila Peak for sunrise over the Himalayas.
- Camp under the stars and enjoy bonfire nights.
- Watch birds like the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand.
- Explore nearby villages and talk to friendly locals.
- Capture the snowy peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba on camera.
Top 10 Places to Visit Near Chopta (within 50 km):
1- Tungnath Temple (3.5 km trek) - world’s highest Shiva temple.
2- Chandrashila Peak (5 km trek) - 360° views of the Himalayas.
3- Deoria Tal (20 km) - a lake that mirrors the mountains.
4- Ukhimath (29 km) - winter home of Kedarnath deity.
5- Sari Village (20 km) - starting point for Deoria Tal trek.
6- Rudraprayag (30 km) - meeting point of Alaknanda & Mandakini rivers.
7- Guptkashi (39 km) - a pilgrimage town.
8- Kartik Swami Temple (40 km) - unique and peaceful shrine.
9- Madhyamaheshwar Temple (45 km) - another sacred Panch Kedar site.
10- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary - perfect for nature lovers.