Every time you watch Shahrukh Khan romancing Kajol in DDLJ in the meadows of the tinsel town in Switzerland, we understand how you wish to visit such a place once in a lifetime. Well, we know that might cost you three or four months of your earnings, isn’t it? What if we told you there was a mini-Switzerland in the state of Uttarakhand?
Just pay a visit to Chopta and you’ll know why it is a sought-after tourist destination. That’s where your dream can come true and that too, within your monthly budget. Yes, you can mate! By visiting Chopta,
Chopta is one of those magnificent sites in Uttrakhand that action and environmental aficionados, as well as worshippers, cannot miss. It is home to the ancient Tungnath temple and an ecstatic hike.
Location
Chopta is renowned as Mini-Switzerland and is becoming increasingly attractive every year. It is situated at a height of approximately 2710 metres in the Rudraprayag district in Uttrakhand. Chopta is covered with thick foliage and offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and verdant green pastures. It’s also where the famous Panch Kedar and Chandrashila Summit treks begin. The ecology and wildlife of the Chopta region are diverse, with abundant Deodar, Rhododendron and pine trees.
Places to Visit in and around Chopta
Chopta has everything a traveller could ask for. From peaceful leisure activities to heart-pumping adventure treks, you can try anything you wish for. Let me share with you some hotspots you can visit in and around Tinseltown.
1. Tungnath
At the world’s highest Mahadev temple, Uttarakhand’s tallest Panch Kedar shrine is quietly ornamented atop the Chandranath Parvat. In the Panch Kedars’ hierarchical order, it is the Tritiya Kedar. Tungnath is located at an altitude of 3,685 metres above sea level and is thought to be over 1,100 years old.
2. Chandrashila Trek
The peak of the Chandranath mountain, on which the Panch Kedar’s Tungnath temple is located, is known as Chandrashila, which translates to “Moon Rock.” The magnificent Chandrashila peak serves as a trailhead for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas.
3. Sari village
Sari Village is a picturesque hamlet located at a height of 2100 metres. It is around 19 kilometres from Chopta hill station. The settlement is surrounded by pine and rhododendron bushes and stands peacefully in the Himalayan foothills. Seeking peace and solitude? Sari awaits you.
4. Deoria Tal
Deoriatal is a beautiful turquoise lake sitting at 2441 metres above sea level. Deoria Tal greets travellers with stunning projections of the Chaukhamba mountains on its crystal blue water during the early morning. Deoriatal is a beginner-friendly weekend hike.
5. Kalimath
Kalimath is a holy site located on the shores of the Saraswati River. At an elevation of 1798 metres, Kalimath is one of India’s 108 Shakti Peethas. Kalimath is located in the midst of the wilderness, providing a healthy and holy atmosphere. Kalimath is home to the Kali Mandir.
6. Duggalbitta
Dugalbitta is a little hamlet nestled in the fascinating terrain of Chopta that serves as a rest stop for visitors to Chopta. It is a natural treasure trove.
7. Bisurital
Bisurital is an alpine lake in the Mandakini Valley, perched at a height of 4100 metres. This elevated lake in Chopta is among Uttarakhand’s lesser-known hiking sites. Bisudi Tal is somewhat obscure among travellers because of its remote location.
8. Kanchula Kharak Musk Deer Sanctuary
Kanchula Kharak Musk Deer Sanctuary is a well-known sanctuary known for rearing musk deer and other wildlife. The refuge provides a tranquil haven for musk deer and other Himalayan animals.
9. Rohini Bugyal
Rohini Bugyal is a tranquil grassland tucked away amid Chopta Valley’s deep forest. Rohini Bugyal is a great place to camp on the way to Deoria Tal.
10. BaniyaKund
Baniya Kund, a tinsel hamlet where the meadow lines of Chopta hill station begin, is where the meadow lines of Chopta hill station begin. There are a few small, comfortable hotels and campers available for visitors to Chopta.
How to Reach
You can visit Chopta via rail, road and air.
Air– The Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is around 220 kilometres away from Chopta and is connected with flights across prominent metros in India.
Rail– Rishikesh Railway Station, about 168 km from Chopta is the nearest railway station. It receives passengers round the clock and round the year from all major city centres across India.
Road– Chopta has good motorable road connectivity. You can opt for state-run UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) buses or private buses and cabs to reach Chopta. The roads are a blessing for a wonderful road trip with your friends and family.
Hotels
Chopta offers an extensive range of hotels, guest houses, and resorts to suit every pocket. Some good options include:
| Hotels | Price range (in INR) | Google Rating |
| Devdarshan Hotel | 1200-1500 | 4.9/5 |
| Verdant Valley Kund | 2000-2400 | 4.0/5 |
| Hotel Mountain View | 1200-1600 | 4.7/5 |
| The Meadows Resort | 1600-1900 | 4.8/5 |
| Nirvana Resort Chopta | 1600-1800 | 4.9/5 |
Food
Chopta is a place where you can enjoy authentic Garhwali local dishes. Being in the remote area, the food options are amazing and you can binge on some authentic local dishes like baadi, Bhawani, and Bhatt ki churni, among many others.
Best time to visit
The summers and early winters are the best times to visit Chopta. The cool and pleasant weather makes it enjoyable for trekking and camping. Winters are harsh and the monsoon’s heavy showers can be a spoiler for your trip. As a result, it is best to visit the mini-Switzerland in the spring, summer, and early winter.
Conclusion
We hope you now have enough reasons to go to the booking page for your next trip to Chopta and shoot your next reel for your Instagram or Facebook page. Pack your belongings, get in your vehicle, and head to Chopta town, where paradise awaits you.
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