Explore the Chopta & Tungnath Trek to experience the scenic mountain beauty of snow-capped Himalayas, rhododendron forests, lakes, and to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Chopta, a resplendent beauty cradled at an altitude of 9,000 feet and home to one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, remains a little-known hamlet to many avid travellers. Chopta village is the base for the two most popular treks, The Chandrashila and Chopta Tungnath trek. Tungnath, one of the major pilgrimages in Uttarakhand, is also the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Furthermore, Chandrashila is the highest point of Chopta, with an altitude of 12,100 feet (3690 m). Chandrashila offers an unobstructed view of almost all major summits of Uttarakhand from west to east, including Kedar Summit, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. Another major trek, the Deoriatal Trek, is a salubrious trek to a natural lake set in a deep forest of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a peaceful aura.
Along with plenty of treks, Chopta is associated with many legends and myths that enthral visitors to explore more. This, one of the exhilarating hill destinations of Uttarakhand tourism, serves a high ground for trekking, photography, camping, birdwatching, yoga, and meditation. Among all hill stations in Uttarakhand, Chopta stands out as a quintessential stop for travelling enthusiasts craving to discover real adventures.
The ancient temple of Lord Shiva, also known as Tungnath Mahadev Temple, is perched at the highest elevation among all the temples dedicated to Shiva. Situated in the Tungnath mountain range at an altitude of 12,073 feet (3,680 meters), Tungnath temple is one of the most popular Himalayan treks in India. The temple has high pilgrimage importance and is a major tourist destination with spiritual significance in Uttarakhand. It is part of the Panch Kedar, a pilgrimage circuit comprising five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva on mountains, including Kedarnath, Madmadeshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, and Kalpnath. However, being the highest in the Panch Kedar, the trek to Tungnath Temple is relatively short and moderately easy. This approximately 4-kilometer trek takes you through highland meadows, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes.
Although trekking to the beautiful location of Tungnath temple is emotionally overwhelming, the history of the temple is equally fascinating.
According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built at the exact location where the limbs of Lord Shiva fell after he disunited himself in the midst of the pursuit by the Pandavas, who were following him to seek redemption for their sins of killing their paternal family in the Mahabharat war. Long afterwards, the Tungnath Temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century CE. These intriguing insights develop more interest among history buffs, making Chopta Tungnath the best place to visit.
Tungnath Mahadev Temple is the third stop in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit after Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar. The architecture of the temple follows the North Indian style and houses a beautiful idol of Lord Shiva. The temple observes strict rituals, and the sacred idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Markandeshwar Temple in Makkumath village during winter, leading to the closure of the Tungnath temple in the winter months. However, you can still trek here in winter to see the snow-capped landscapes of the Himalayas.
Among all the treks in Chopta, Chandrashila is the star of the show. This summit offers an amazing 360° view of white peaks and a massive span of mountains and valleys from the top, and this trek makes the tourism journey in Chopta complete.
Chandrashila, which literally translates to 'Moon Rock,' is the summit of the Chandranath Parbat, which also houses the Tungnath Temple in its mid-stop. Thus, it is sometimes referred to as an extended part of the Chopta Tungnath trek. The place is coupled with many stories and legends. One says that the Moon God spent some time here in penance, while another, more widespread, states that Lord Ram meditated on Chandrashila after defeating the demon king Ravana. Apart from the interesting backstories, the spot offers an amazing site for trek lovers to witness at the end of its climb, making it a top tourist attraction in Chopta. You can see various sky-topping Himalayan peaks from Chandrasila Peak, including Kedarnath, Nanda Devi Peak, Gangotri, Yamunotri, Trisul, and Chaukhamba Peak.
The Chandrashila Peak is at the height of 12,100 feet (3,700 meters) and is a further extension of the Tungnath Mahadev Temple trek, adding 1.5 kilometres to the initial 3.5 km trek of Tungnath. However, the base for both Tungnath and Chandrashila is the same: Chopta village. The adorable sites throughout the trek make the trekkers fall in love with this tourist destination. The easiness and accessibility of this trek make it the most frequent trek in Uttarakhand. Also, the Chandrashila trek can be done throughout the year, but sometimes, in winter, the trek route gets covered in snow, making it difficult to climb.
Paradise for avid trekkers, Deoriatal is a serene lake situated in the middle of the forest at a height of 8,000 feet. If you are not yet obsessed with Uttarakhand, Deoriatal will make you. The place is perched, surrounded by lush greenery and offers a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks. The clear water reflects the scene of the Himadri mountains is an intriguing scene to capture. It is one of the most popular trekking destinations after the Chopta Tungnath tourism among adventure lovers due to its easy climb and mesmerising results. This place is also associated with Hindu mythologies. It is believed that the Pandavas visited this place and tried to drink water from the lake. Then, Yaksha (a demigod who guards treasures) asked them questions before allowing them to drink water. This lake is also believed to be the mighty 'Indra Sarovar,' mentioned in many Puranas. According to these mentions, this place was used by many gods to take baths. If one looks at the beauty in which this lake sits, it indeed looks like a place for God's bath.
The early morning is the best time to witness Deoriatal. The clear water reflecting the blue sky, added to the not-too-far-looking mountains, makes it a perfect location to weave some everlasting memories. The peaks visible from this location include Kedar Peaks, Kalang Peaks, Neelkantha, Chaukhamba, Banderpunch, and many unidentified ones. This popular tourist destination can be more thrilling if you obtain a permit to stay overnight, as it has some camping sites near the lake. Deoriatal also has an uncommon path leading to Rohini Bugyal and even extending to Tungnath and Chandrashila.
The souls of nature lovers are captured by the uncharted meadow of Rohini Bugyal, which lies at an elevation of 3000 meters. This peaceful meadow provides a peaceful getaway from the rush of daily life and serves as an excellent camping spot on the journey to Chandrashila Peak via Deoria Tal. Camping in the Garhwal Himalayas is among best things to do for a captivating experience between expansive views that spread before your eyes, showcasing magnificent peaks like Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Thaly Sagar, and Kedar Dome.
The hiking trail becomes covered in a scarlet carpet of Rhododendron blossoms in the charming months of March and April, which adds a pop of colour to the verdant surroundings. The only noises in the serene village of Rohini Bugyal are the melodious chirping of birds and the gentle flow of clear streams through the mountains.
The meadow is well-liked by bird enthusiasts and draws a wide variety of Himalayan and migratory birds. Visitors are in awe of Rohini Bugyal's breathtaking natural beauty from sunrise to dark. Located between 3300 and 4000 meters above sea level, this immaculate campsite guarantees a memorable experience for those looking for peace in the shadow of the Himalayas.
Ukhimath, the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, is a pilgrimage town nestled amidst the majestic Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Known for its cultural richness, religious sanctity, and natural beauty, Ukhimath is an ideal sightseeing tour destination in Uttarakhand that unveils a myriad of experiences for those seeking a harmonious blend of spirituality and adventure.
During the winter months, when the revered Kedarnath temple is closed, Ukhimath comes alive as the temporary abode for the idols of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. Pilgrims gather in this sacred town, immersing themselves in devotion and seeking blessings before embarking on their journey to the sacred Kedarnath temple.
Ukhimath's tranquillity sets the perfect tone for a spiritual sojourn. The ancient Omkareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Usha Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Usha, are architectural marvels that resonate with religious significance. The surrounding area of Ukhimath is a naturalist's dream come true, making it a popular tourist destination close to Chopta Tungnath. The majestic Garhwal Himalayas provide a breathtaking backdrop for moments of awe and serenity. Lush greenery, snow-capped peaks, and gurgling rivers create a picturesque panorama.
This gateway to the adventure and unparalleled sights of the Himalayas has the spiritual allure, natural beauty, and adventurous spirit that will leave you with un-dwindling memories.
Chopta is at the top of its beauty in the peak winter; thus, the best time to witness the radiant beauty of Chopta is between December to February. However, for adventure lovers, winter is not ideal, as Chopta sees high snowfall covering the trek routes under snow. So let us discuss the perfect time for you to visit Chopta according to your preferences.
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