The Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand: Places To Visit In Chopta With Family

Chopta can be a paradise for nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts situated in the state of Uttarakhand. Evergreen forests are the main important feature of the location. Serene meadows are perfect to spend some time relaxing in place. The proximity to the wildlife sanctuaries and adventure sites makes the place an all-inclusive location. Pilgrim sites are also nearby this small peaceful town. Since it is in the state of Uttarakhand, the geography of the place is at a higher elevation. 2608m is calculated as the altitude of the place. A lot of birds including domestic species and also several migratory species are also seen in the location of the place. Hence birdwatchers find enjoying the location in great numbers.

Academicians and scholars researching the different varieties of species are also seen in this place since the presence of around 240 bird species has been reported from the area. The snowy climate is the other peculiar feature of the place accompanied by a chilling low-temperature rate. Snowing gives space for several adventure activities possible in such an icy landscape. Since you can see a lot of green pastures and beautiful meadows in the region, tourists often refer to the place as “mini Switzerland”. Find out the places and destinations in Chopta that interests you from the list below. 

Deoria Taal

This is an enchanting lake in the territory of Chopta in Uttarakhand. The exact location of the lake is in the villages called, Sari and Mastura. 2438m is the average elevation of this high-altitude lake. Tourists visiting the Chopta region are usually seen in the location of the lake to enjoy the beauty and charm of its serene surroundings. The lake is part of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The woods and their majestic vibes surrounding the lake accentuate the pride and beauty of this destination.

Typical of the Chopta region, evergreen vegetation is also part of the lake and its surroundings. When you are indulging in the view of the lake from a distance, the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks and mountains would soak you in a wonderful feeling of nature. On this visit, you can also consider covering the Tungnath region. “Devaria” and “Deoriya” are the other pronunciation variants of the lake. You can also indulge in the royal view of the Chaukhamba peak from the location of the lake. When you are in the area of the lake, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view marking the peculiarity of its premises. 

Tungnath

As mentioned above, Tungnath is a destination that is quite close to Deoria Taal Lake. You can visit both of them on a go. This is one of the most popular pilgrim destinations for Hindus in the Chopta region. The main deity of worship in the temple is Lord Shiva. Considering the elevation of this Shiva temple is Chopta, which is the highest in the entire world. There are a total of 5 Panch Kedar temples situated in the district of Rudraprayag and the Tungnath Shiva temple is one among them.

Tungnath is also the highest when taking into consideration of these 5 temples. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated in the temple since the main deity is Lord Shiva. Trekking is required if you would like to visit this high-altitude Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. But as per the records, the trek would not be that much challenging. There are spots provided to rest when trekking to this temple. Spiritual enthusiasts visiting the Chopta region do not miss out on the visit to this pilgrim place. April-August would be the best time to visit the Tungnath temple on account of the friendly weather conditions. 

Chandrashila 

Chandrashila can also be regarded as a part of the Tungnath temple visit. But this location is situated above the region of the Tungnath Shiva temple. The translated meaning of the name “Chandrashila” is “the moon rock”. Even if you are not a believer, you can trek the mountains of the Tungnath temple to trek to the location of Chandrashila and enjoy the adventure vibes there. 3690m is the altitude of the place.

Many popular peaks of the Himalayas can be visible from this location. Some of them are Kedar Peak, Chaukhamba Peak, Nandadevi Peak, Bandarpunch Peak, Trisul Peak, and so on. The Chandrashila region is also part of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. After the location of the Tungnath temple, you are required to trek for an extra 1-1.5 hours to reach the destination of Chandrashila summit.

The difficulty levels of the trek are more probable to increase after the location of the Tungnath Shiva temple. There are also chances for a significant drop in the oxygen concentration levels after the temple. So if you are someone who faces breathing difficulties and diseases associated with it, it is better to avoid this trek in your Chopta vacation. The frequent fog that is present in the location also intensifies the beauty of your trekking experience. 

Kalimath Temple

Kalimath Temple is a Hindu pilgrimage location found in the village of Kalimath. This is situated in the district of Rudraprayag and the state of Uttarakhand. The location of this temple is one among the 108 Shakti Peeths that are found in the Indian subcontinent. On account of the difficult accessibility to the village, the population in the area is comparatively lower. The river Saraswati flows near the Kalimath temple.

The royal Kedarnath mountain ranges found in the backdrop and proximity to the temple provide an unparalleled aestheticism to the temple. The Hindu goddess, Kali is the main deity of worship in the temple. The temple is situated at an elevation of 1463 meters from sea level. Taking into consideration the Hindu pilgrim locations in Chopta, Tungnath and Kalimath Temple assume the topmost positions.

One of the peculiar features of the Kalimath temple is that the idol of worship in the temple has only got the lower portion of Goddess Kali. The upper portion of the Goddess is being worshipped from a different location in India. Apart from the main deity of Goddess Kali, Goddesses Parvathi and Sarasvati are also worshipped as sub-deities in the temple. 

Sari Village

This is one of the most picturesque villages you can visit during your Chopta vacation. 2000 meters is the elevation of the village from the sea level. You need to travel an average of 20km in order to reach this scenic hamlet from the town center of Chopta. Oak trees are one of the most prominent features marking the identity of this village. The spectacular lake of Deorial Tal is in proximity to the village. So if you have plans to trek to the high-altitude lake of Deorial Tal, the village of Sari would be the base camp for the trek to the location. On that account, a lot of adventure tourists are found in the place.

Apart from that this offbeat village can be seen as crowded when there is heavy snowfall in the Chopta town center region. During this time, the homestays and hotels in the village of Sari would become active and happening to receive their guests. This is also the ideal location to select your stay in Chopta if you are more interested to explore some rustic vibes in your vacation and also interacting with the locals. You can also visit the fruity orchards and plantations that are seen plenty in the surroundings of the village. 

Dugalbitta 

This is one of the sensational tourist attractions you must visit during your Chopta holiday. It is an “organic Himalayan village” you can find in the area of Chopta in Uttarakhand. Char Dham tourists are also found in the location of this scenic village. 2600m is measured as the elevation of the hamlet. The vibes and moods created by the village and its surroundings attract a lot of peace seekers to this location. The village is also a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, an important landmark in the Chopta region. That is why the rustic authenticity and richness of the village are matchlessly wonderful. You can locate this village on the road that reaches the town of Guptkashi from the town of Gopeshwar.

The mesmerizing natural beauty of this village is accredited to its geographical location between two mountains. People who are visiting Chopta for its richness and diversity in the bird populace are mostly found in the village of Dugalbitta. A lot of streams flowing with crystal clear water and a transparent stream bed can be found in the location of this village. You can also relax enough in the serene meadows and green pastures found abundantly in the location. You need to travel around 7km to reach the location from the town center of Chopta. 

Ukhimath

Another village magnificence you can find in the town of Chopta in Uttarakhand. This is also a Hindu pilgrimage destination you can visit in the state. 1311m is calculated as the elevation of the region. Char Dham tourism and the tourists visiting the place are seen in plenty in the location. The idol worshipped in the Kedarnath temple will be brought to the Omkareshwar temple situated in the village of Ukhimath. Hence a greater crowd is found in the location of the village during the winter months of the year for pilgrimage purposes. The inhabitants of the village are mostly the chief priests engaged in the worship of the Kedarnath temple.

Ukhimath is also a location of environmental splendidness and beauty so the views from the village are also remarkable. Neelkanth Peak, Chaukhamba Peak, and the peak of Kedarnath are visible from this scenic village in Chopta. Apart from the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Usha, there are also temples worshipping Aniruddha and Mandhata. The locations like Madhyamaheshwar, Deoria Tal Lake, and Tungnath can be reached easily from the village of Ukhimath. Utsav Doli is something that you should not miss out on if you are traveling to the location during the winter months of the year. 

Rohini Bugyal 

A paradise for hiking and trekking enthusiasts visiting the location of Chopta during their vacation. Picturesque green meadows are the prominent feature of this region. Even if you are not into any adventure, you can take some rest in these beautiful meadows and spend some meditative time in solitude in the location. If you have plans to trek to the locations like Chandrashila peak and Deoria Tal, a lot of camps are found in the location of Rohini Bugyal. You can also get the chance to see the spectacular views of the peaks such as Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Kedar Dome, and Thaly Sagar from the location.

When you start hiking from the place, nature will embrace you with the vibrant mood and feel of Rhododendron trees and their enchanting flowers. A lot of beautiful and exotic bird species are also found in the location of the hiking trail in Rohini Bugyal. Himalayan and migratory birds are the major attraction of the place calling nature lovers and biodiversity enthusiasts to visit the location. During the golden hours of the day, the surroundings of Rohini Bugyal are the most magnificent thing to watch in the Chopta region. 

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Yet another Hindu pilgrim destination in the Chopta region. Madmaheshwar Marg is the exact location where you can spot this popular temple in Chopta. As the name hints, Lord Shiva is the main deity of worship in the temple. The Winter months of the year are the most auspicious for the temple. The surroundings of the Gaundhar village in which the temple is located also accentuate the beauty of the temple. The region in which the temple is located is part of the Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3497m from sea level. When you are engaged in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, this is also a location belonging to the circuit.

Since the location is at a higher altitude, trekking to the location is mandatory if you wish to do a pilgrimage to the temple. But trekking is not gonna challenge you since the difficulty levels of the same are reported as easy to moderate. However, the steep ascents would make you awe for sure. It might take an average of 6 days and 5 days to complete the trek to the temple. Ukhimath village is usually the starting point of the trek to Madhyamaheshwar. 

Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev 

This is also a Hindu temple dedicated to Nag Devta. The temple is situated in the Chopta region in the state of Uttarakhand. You do not need to spare a whole day to visit the temple. If you are visiting the Deoria Tal Lake from the location of the Saari village, the temple can be visited on the same route. You only need to trek a distance of 1km from the village of Saari to reach the destination of Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev. The architecture of the temple is the most prominent when it comes to tourism of the temple. It resembles the magnificent styles that can be seen in the temples like Tungnath and Kedarnath.

The styles can be evidently seen in the “garbhgriha” and “mandap” regions of the temple. The copper-coiled lingam of the deity is also quite special about the temple. The idol of the temple has also got many mythical specialties. Geographically, the temple faces the Tungnath temple which is also a remarkable feature of the divine construction. The spectacular views and the natural ambiance of the temple are also quite popular among tourists. Spirituality and nature intertwine in the place in the most beautiful forms. 

How to reach Chopta?

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest railway station: Haridwar Railway Station (HW)

Conclusion

An amazing North Indian destination for Hindu pilgrimage, nature indulgence, and bird watching. Backpackers and peace seekers would also fall in love with the Chopta vacation. The Best time to visit Chopta is April-June.

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