INTRODUCTION:
Chopta Trek is a beautiful destination located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, alpine forests, and stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range. The Chopta trek is a popular trekking route that offers a unique and exhilarating experience for both beginners and experienced trekkers. In this guide, we will provide you with a complete guide of the Chopta trek, including information on the best time to visit, how to reach Chopta, the trek route, camping options, and other essential details.
Best Time to Visit Chopta Trek
The best time to visit Chopta for trekking is from April to November. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it ideal for trekking. However, the winter months of December to March bring heavy snowfall and can make the trek challenging and difficult.
How to Reach Chopta
Chopta is well-connected by road, and the nearest airport and railway station are in Dehradun, which is about 220 km away. From Dehradun, one can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Chopta. Rishikesh and Haridwar are also well-connected to Chopta by road and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Trek Route
The Chopta trek starts from the Sari village, which is located at a distance of around 7 km from Chopta. From Sari, the trek passes through dense forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, and offers scenic views of the Himalayan range. After trekking for around 4-5 hours, you will reach the Deoria Tal lake, which is a beautiful high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The trek then continues to Chopta, which is located at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level. The entire trek takes around 3-4 days to complete and covers a distance of approximately 14 km.
Camping Options
There are several camping options available for trekkers on the Chopta trek. One can choose to camp at Deoria Tal lake, which is an ideal location for camping and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Alternatively, one can also camp at Chopta, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding forests and mountains.
The Chopta trek is a beautiful and scenic trek that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Here’s a day-wise guide to help you plan your Chopta trek:
Day 1: Haridwar to Chopta
- Start early from Haridwar and drive to Chopta (approx. 200 km, 7-8 hours)
- On the way, you can stop for breakfast and lunch at restaurants on the highway
- Reach Chopta by late afternoon/early evening
- After completion of the check in process, take a rest in your hotel or home stay.
Day 2: Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila
- Wake up early and have breakfast
- Start your trek to Tungnath (approx. 3.5 km, 2-3 hours)
- Visit Tungnath Temple and take a short break
- Continue your trek to Chandrashila (approx. 1.5 km, 1-2 hours)
- Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas from the top and take some time to explore the area
- Trek back to Chopta (approx. 5 km, 2-3 hours)
- Have dinner and rest for the night
Day 3: Chopta to Deoria Tal
- Wake up early and have breakfast
- Drive to Sari village (approx. 30 km, 1-2 hours)
- Start your trek to Deoria Tal (approx. 2.5 km, 1-2 hours)
- Reach Deoria Tal and enjoy the beautiful lake surrounded by mountains
- Have a picnic lunch and spend some time exploring the area
- Trek back to Sari village and drive back to Chopta
- Have dinner and rest for the night
Day 4: Chopta to Haridwar
- Wake up early and have breakfast
- Check out of your accommodation and start your journey back to Haridwar
- On the way, you can stop for lunch at a restaurant on the highway
- Reach Haridwar by late afternoon/early evening
This is just a basic itinerary, and you can customize it according to your preferences and schedule. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated and carry enough water and snacks during the trek. Also, make sure you carry warm clothes and rain gear, as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.
Essential Details
Before embarking on the Chopta trek, it is essential to keep the following points in mind:
- Carry appropriate trekking gear, including sturdy shoes, warm clothes, raincoats, and sleeping bags.
- Carry enough water and food supplies for the entire trek.
- Acclimatize properly before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
- Carry all the necessary documents, including permits, ID proofs, and medical certificates.
- Respect the local culture and traditions and do not litter or harm the environment.
In conclusion, the Chopta trek is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. It offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan range and an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions. With proper preparation and planning, the Chopta trek can be an unforgettable experience that one will cherish for a lifetime
