Chopta & Tungnath Temple Winter Trek 2023

19 Jan
2022

Chopta & Tungnath Temple Winter Trek 2023

About Chopta

Popularly referred to as the ‘mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand, Chopta (at an approximate altitude of 2,608 m) is a slice of paradise tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas. Surrounded by bugyals or velvety meadows and pristine snow-capped peaks, Chopta is an all-year holiday destination: pleasant in summer, rain-fresh in monsoon and a snow-clad fairyland in winter. Chopta is at the epicentre of the Panch Kedar – the five most sacred Shiva temples in the state. On its left are located Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines and on the right, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar, and just above it, the Tungnath temple. Chopta is a birding paradise and you can see over 240 species of birds here, including native and migratory species like Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and so on. Nearby places like Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath and the Tungnath trek route are the best sites for watching our feathered friends. Chopta has been declared as an important bird-watching site by national and international conservation and biodiversity organisations.

When to visit

Chopta is ideal for vacations all over the year but November to May are the best months to visit.

Popular as mini-Switzerland
Serene hill-station with lush valleys
Haven for bird watching and camping
Popular for trekking
Surrounded by revered Shiva temples

Chopta Tungnath ( With Chandrashila & Deoria tal ) Trek 2023

Day 01 – Haridwar – Ukhimath (225 kms/7 hrs)

In the morning from Delhi railway station take a train for Haridwar at 06:50 hrs. After arriving in Haridwar meet Global Path Holidays guide and transfer to Ukhimath via Devprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi and Rudraprayag (Confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini River). Arrival at Ukhimath by evening. Check into hotel, dinner and overnight stay.

Ukhimath (1370 mts / 4500 ft) is on the other side of the Mandakini River Valley from Guptkashi a relatively short steep walk. Ukhimath is the winter seat of Kedarnath, as well as the winter home of the priest who is appointed for the worship. After the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, a movable image of Kedarnath is brought in procession to Ukhimath, where it resides until the Kedarnath temple reopens in late April or early May.

Day 02 – Ukhimath – Deoria Tal (2438 mts / 7998 ft)

In the morning you can see snow capped Himalayan ranges. After breakfast start your trek to Deoria Tal through the dense forest of Rhododendron along with wild flowers and ferns. The trek will take 3- 4 hrs. Upon arrival at Deoria Tal set out the tents for overnight stay.

Day 03 – Deoria Tal – Chopta

In the morning trek to Chopta through dense forest and meadows. It’s a 12km trek. Upon arrival at Chopta set out your tents for overnight stay. In the evening explore the magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Day 04 – Chopta – Tungnath (3680 ft / 12070 ft) – Chandrashila (4090 mts / 13415 ft) – Chopta

After an early breakfast trek to Tungnath with packed lunch. Tungnath is situated at the height of 3680mts above the sea level. The trek is 3kms upward and en route you will find lush green meadows. You can witness a wide range of snow capped Himalayas. Upon arriving, pay a visit to Tungnath Temple. After resting for a while, you can head out for Chandrashila peak, which is a kilometer away from Tungnath. Later trek back to Chopta for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 05 – Chopta – Haridwar – Delhi

After an early breakfast, drive to Haridwar and from here catch train for Delhi at 18:05 hrs. Arrival Delhi by 22:45 hrs.

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