About the Chopta Chandrashila trek
Chopta is a quaint hill station in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary located in Uttarakhand, India. It is located in the midst of rolling green meadows and pine-forested slopes, earning it the name 'the Switzerland of India'.
Chopta trek - An easy Himalayan trek for beginners
The Chopta trek is a short, easy trek that takes you up to a spectacular height of over 13,000 feet. It runs along the high Himalayas, offering you great views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and more. It is a good trek for beginners, but you should be prepared to do about 5-6 hours of walking each day.
The Chopta Chandrashila trek itinerary
You'll start from Haridwar, and enjoy a long drive to Sari, the start point of the Chopta trek. The next day, you'll begin trekking to Deoriatal. This is a short, scenic trek, and you'll end at a lakeside campsite. You'll proceed from here to Chopta, and will trek to Tungnath and onwards to Chandrashila. After that, most itineraries take you back to Chopta for the night. Your trek ends after that.
Chopta summer trek
In the summer, this is one of the Top 10 treks in Uttarakhand. Many families visit Chopta to escape the heat and enjoy the summer vacations with their children. Those who are looking for a bit more fun will take on the Tungnath and Deoriatal stretch too. The trek winds through forests of pine, oak and rhododendron. You will be camping beside crystal clear mountain lakes such as the Deoriatal Lake and eating under the stars. You can expect spectacular sunsets, vast green meadows, and gorgeous mountain views.
If you're visiting Uttarakhand in the summer, you should check out our list of Top Things to Do in Uttarakhand.
Chopta winter trek
This is one of the best snow treks in Uttarakhand. You will get a chance to explore Himalayan slopes carpeted in pure white snow, as well as enjoy camping and snow fun. The views from here, while always beautiful, are especially lovely in the winter, when all the peaks around are capped with white.
Trek to Deoriatal on the Chopta trek
The Chopta trek itinerary begins with a halt at Deoriatal. This is a beautiful emerald green lake with ample space for camping all around. One of the most unforgettable moments of your Chopta trek will be the morning you wake up here. After that, you'll proceed to Chopta.
Visit Tungnath on the Chopta trek
After a night of camping at Chopta, you'll see the trail becoming more mountainous as you approach Chandrashila Peak. Tungnath temple is where many people stop their trek. At 12,000 feet, this is the world's highest Shiva temple, and it can be a bit of a challenge to get here. The small temple is peaceful and has wonderful views of the mountains around, and you'll want to sit here for hours to soak it all in.
Trek to Chandrashila peak on the Chopta trek
The Chandrashila mountain peak is a summit of 13,123 feet, and can be difficult for children or first-timers who are not used to physical activity. However, many fit beginners enjoy the challenge of climbing to the peak. The 360-degree panorama of the mighty Himalayas from here is a stunning reward at the end of this climb.
Best time for the Chopta trek
Chopta is open almost all year round, but the best time to visit for an easy and pleasant trekking experience is in early summer, from April to June. During these months, the days are comfortable and nights are chilly, just perfect for bonfires and cosy camping.
The Chopta trek is also one of the most popular winter treks in Uttarakhand. Beginners will enjoy their snow trek experience here, with easy trails and lots of snowy views.
Find other snow treks for beginners in our blog post titled Top Easy Snow Treks in India.
Chopta Chandrashila Trek Summary
- State: Uttarakhand
- Nearest city: Dehradun
- Total days: 4-7 days
- Grade: Easy to moderate
- Max altitude: 13,123 feet
- Total trekking distance: 24-30 km
- Season: Summer and winter
- Avg temperature: -2 to 32 degree Celsius