Top Things to Do in Chopta: Tungnath, Chandrashila Summit & Deoriatal

Introduction to Chopta: The Alpine Meadow Haven of Garhwal

Nestled in the lush wilderness of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 2,680 metres (8,790 feet), Chopta is often affectionately referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand." Characterised by undulating alpine grasslands (bugyals), dense old-growth canopies of scarlet rhododendron, silver birch, and deodar cedar, and awe-inspiring views of the glaciated Greater Himalayas, Chopta remains one of India's most pristine high-altitude eco-destinations.

Unlike commercial hill resorts, Chopta retains an off-grid, tranquil charm where electricity is primarily solar-powered and construction is strictly regulated to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems. Serving as the primary launchpad for the world's highest Shiva temple and the legendary Chandrashila summit, Chopta is easily accessible by road from Rishikesh and Haridwar—detailed in our guide on how to reach Chopta Tungnath from Delhi and Rishikesh. Here is the definitive guide to the top things to do in and around Chopta.

1. Trek to Tungnath Temple: The Highest Shiva Temple on Earth

The crowning spiritual highlight of Chopta is the sacred pilgrimage to Tungnath Temple, situated at an extraordinary altitude of 3,680 metres (12,073 feet). Revered as the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world, Tungnath is the Tritiya Kedar (third temple) in the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. According to Hindu epic lore from the Mahabharata, the Pandavas built this stone shrine to seek Lord Shiva's pardon; when Shiva took the form of a celestial bull (Nandi), his hands and arms (bahu) materialized at this exact mountain knoll.

The trek to Tungnath begins directly from Chopta market and covers 3.5 kilometres along a well-defined, stone-paved switchback trail that ascends through dwarf rhododendron shrublands and alpine meadows. The ancient stone temple, built in the North Indian Nagara style of architecture with dark granite slabs, houses a black rock lingam and bronze idols of Shiva, Parvati, and the Pandava brothers. For a detailed breakdown of trail incline and physical preparation, consult our Chopta Tungnath trek difficulty guide and Tungnath trek guide.

2. Summit Chandrashila Peak (4,000m) for a 360-Degree Himalayan Panorama

Continuing 1.5 kilometres beyond and 320 metres above Tungnath Temple lies the dramatic peak of Chandrashila, standing proudly at 4,000 metres (13,123 feet). Translated poetically as the "Moon Rock," local mythology holds that this was where Lord Rama performed deep penance after defeating the demon king Ravana, and where the Moon God Chandra spent years in meditation.

The final push from Tungnath to Chandrashila summit is a steep, rocky ridge climb over scree and alpine turf. Reaching the summit temple of Ganga Devi at dawn rewards trekkers with one of the most comprehensive, jaw-dropping 360-degree Himalayan panoramas anywhere in India. As the morning sun rises, you can gaze upon a majestic amphitheatre of towering peaks: Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), Chaukhamba I-IV (7,138m), Kedar Dome (6,831m), Bandarpunch (6,316m), Dunagiri (7,066m), and Thalaysagar. Learn more in our dedicated Chopta Chandrashila trek guide.

3. Witness the Chaukhamba Reflection at Emerald Deoriatal Lake

Located approximately 20 kilometres from Chopta near the scenic hamlet of Sari, Deoriatal (Deoriya Tal) is a tranquil, crystal-clear alpine lake situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres. Cradled amidst dense forests of ban oak, pine, and blooming rhododendron, the lake is celebrated for the flawless, mirror-like reflection of the multi-peaked Chaukhamba massif cast upon its emerald waters in the calm early morning light.

The trek to Deoriatal is a gentle 2.5-kilometre paved trail starting from Sari village, taking roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. In Hindu mythology, Deoriatal is believed to be the sacred lake where the celestial gods (Devas) bathed, and the site of the legendary Yaksha Prashna episode in the Mahabharata, where the wise prince Yudhishthira answered the mystical riddles of the crane-god Yaksha. Spending time along the perimeter of the lake or camping at designated eco-sites is an unforgettable experience; read our Deoriatal lake camping and reflection guide.

4. Go Birdwatching for the Himalayan Monal and Koklass Pheasant

Thanks to its protected status within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, the Chopta-Mandal-Kanchula Korak corridor is an internationally acclaimed hotspot for Himalayan ornithology. The sanctuary encompasses diverse altitudinal vegetation zones, providing a sanctuary for over 240 species of resident and migratory mountain birds.

The undisputed star of Chopta's birding trails is the iridescent Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus), the state bird of Uttarakhand, whose metallic rainbow-coloured plumage sparkles brilliantly as it forages along alpine slopes and rhododendron thickets. Other prized sightings for bird photographers include the Koklass Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon vulture, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Spotted Laughingthrush, and Fire-tailed Sunbird.

5. Experience Alpine Meadow Camping in Baniyakund

Staying overnight in the rolling meadows of Baniyakund (located 4 km before Chopta) or the buffer zones of Chopta offers an authentic back-to-nature retreat. Nestled in alpine pastures beneath soaring deodar and pine ridges, local eco-camps and swiss-tent resorts operate with minimal environmental footprint.

As darkness falls, Chopta's high elevation and complete absence of urban light pollution reveal a breathtaking cosmic canopy where the Milky Way galactic core spans overhead in vivid detail. Gathering around an eco-friendly campfire, listening to the nocturnal calls of mountain owls, and waking up to crisp frosty mornings with hot ginger tea make meadow camping a bucket-list experience.

6. Experience Spring Rhododendron Blooms and Winter Snow

Chopta transforms dramatically with the turning of the seasons, offering two distinctly magical travel windows:

• Spring Rhododendron Season (March to April): The entire forest belt between Duggalbitta, Chopta, and Tungnath erupts into a vivid canvas of crimson, scarlet, and pink rhododendron (Buransh) blossoms, creating a fairytale landscape. Freshly extracted rhododendron juice is served at local dhabas as a refreshing antioxidant drink.
• Winter Wonderland Snow Trekking (December to February): Chopta receives heavy winter snowfall, transforming the meadows into pristine white ski and snowshoe slopes. Trekking to snowbound Tungnath with microspikes and gaiters offers a thrilling sub-zero Garhwal expedition.

For combined route planning, explore our comprehensive Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila travel guide.

Conclusion

Whether you are seeking the divine spiritual vibrations of Tungnath at 3,680m, standing at the summit of Chandrashila as morning alpenglow illuminates Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba, watching the rainbow feathers of a Himalayan Monal in spring bloom, or admiring the glassy reflection of Deoriatal, Chopta is truly one of the most rewarding mountain destinations in the Indian Himalayas.