The Chopta Chandrashila in Uttarakhand offers a captivating experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. The Chopta Chandrashila trek, nestled in the scenic Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India, offers a captivating journey through lush forests, alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring mountain vistas. Starting from the charming hill station of Chopta, often dubbed as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’, the trek gradually ascends through verdant trails adorned with rhododendron, oak, and deodar trees. Along the way, trekkers are treated to breathtaking panoramas of towering Himalayan peaks, including the majestic Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The highlight of the trek is reaching the sacred Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, followed by the exhilarating ascent to Chandrashila Peak, standing proudly at 4,000 meters above sea level.
Here, amidst the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, one can experience a profound sense of serenity and spiritual connection. With its moderate difficulty level and profound natural beauty, the Chopta Chandrashila trek beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to embark on an unforgettable journey of exploration and discovery.
Overview
Region: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India.
Base Camp: Chopta, a picturesque hill station known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand’.
Highlights:
Trek Difficulty: Moderate.
Duration: Typically 4-5 days round trip.
Altitude: Chopta sits at around 2,680 meters (8,790 feet) above sea level, while Chandrashila Peak rises to 4,000 meters (13,000 feet).
Best Time to Visit: Ideal time is from April to November, with the peak season being during spring and autumn.
Scenic Beauty: The trek offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and others.
Flora and Fauna: The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and deodar, providing glimpses of Himalayan wildlife like musk deer and various bird species.
Spiritual Significance: Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, is a major attraction along the route.
How To Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rishikesh or Haridwar. From Rishikesh or Haridwar, you can further proceed by road to Chopta.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Haridwar and Rishikesh. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.
- By Road: Chopta is well-connected by road to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh. You can drive directly to Chopta or take a bus from nearby towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Shared taxis and private cabs are also available from these towns to Chopta. Once you reach Chopta, you can begin your trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak from there. It's advisable to reach Chopta a day prior to the trek to acclimatize and prepare for the journey. Additionally, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation, the routes and travel times may vary, so it's recommended to check the current transportation options and schedules before planning your trip.
