A Serene Meadow at 2680 Metres, Base for Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek
Chopta is a small, beautiful settlement at 2680 metres in Rudraprayag district, often called the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand" for its lush green meadows and stunning Himalayan backdrops. Surrounded by dense forests of rhododendron, oak and deodar, Chopta is the starting point for the renowned Tungnath–Chandrashila trek — one of the most popular short treks in the Himalayas.
Chopta itself is a tranquil meadow with very few permanent settlements, offering a peaceful escape from crowded hill stations. The 3.5 km trek from Chopta leads to Tungnath Temple (3680m, world's highest Shiva temple), and a further 1.5 km to Chandrashila summit (4130m) with a 360° Himalayan panorama. Chopta also serves as a base for exploring Deoria Tal, Rohini Bugyal and Bisurital.
March to June for rhododendron blooms and pleasant trekking. September to November for clear Himalayan views. December to February for snow (road may close).
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (205 km). Taxi to Chopta via Rudraprayag.
Bus to Ukhimath, then shared taxi/jeep to Chopta (30 km).
205 km from Rishikesh (7 hrs) via Rudraprayag–Ukhimath. Taxi recommended.