Things to do in Chopta – Tungnath
The scorching heat of the Summer is here, and everyone is looking for a cooling escape. Summer is the perfect time to run away and visit one of the many hill stations that are lodged in India. The hills have their own beauty during this season. One such beautiful summer hill station is Chopta in Uttarakhand. This beautiful little town is the blend of the perfect Summer holiday. The dense green forest is perfectly complemented with the snow covered Himalayan peaks. Chopta is one of the best places to head over and make some great memories. With a surreal beauty and so much to do, it is hard not to fall in love with this place.
Things to do in Chopta
Trekking
Chopta is located at a steep height of 2680 metres and is considered as a base camp for several treks. It is often called a paradise for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The major two treks that commence from here are Tungnath-Chandrashila and Deoria Tal.
These treks are what redefines the idea of beauty. Mother Nature is at its best, as you embark on these musical treks and surrender yourself to the beauty that surrounds you. The memories of the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas will be etched in your minds forever, as you slowly start climbing on. The views throughout the treks are to die for, and it is topped with some amazing camping experiences at different bases. These bases are covered with a blanket of green grass rolled wonderfully under the blue sky. The clouds float away in peace, as the night sets in, and everything gets covered in the twinkling lights from the stars. The whole place turns into a magical haven. This is something to be live for.
Forests with plenty of variety
Chopta is also famous for its dense forests. The picturesque Deoriatal lake is encased within the serval forests that surround it. The whole area is miraculous. From the Deoriatal lake which reflects the famous Chaukhamba peak to the green forests that dance along with the winds. The red rhododendrons are spread from the Sari village to this place. It gives this place a different aura.
Here you can embark on a rejuvenating 8 km trek to the grasslands of Rohini Bughya. The trail is lovely and is covered with organised forests and tiny meadows. The whole area is peaceful, and only the whooshing sound of the wind rings through the ear and creates a wonderful melody.
Tungnath – Offer your prayers at the highest Shiva Temple in the world!
If you thought that Chopta is only brilliant for its radiating views, and the Himalayas, then you might want to reconsider. Chopta is also known for its architectural marvels and ancient past.
This tantalising abode to a number of hill stations is also home to the highest temple in the world. Located in Tungnath, this templed deduced to Lord Shiva is perched proudly at a height of 3680 metres. Above sea level.
There is also mythology attached to it.
According to the story, Ravanas used to perform penance here in order to please Lord Shiva.
This temple is an architectural wonder and resembles the shrines at Guptakashi, Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. There are smaller shrines inside the courtyard of this divine marvel, and the idols of Adi Shankaracharya, the Pandavas, Ved Vyasa and Kaal Bhairav have made this their abode.
Tungnath has the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, tucked at a mighty height of 3680
Nature at it’s surreal best
While many pilgrims come to visit this temple, Chopta is most famous for the exceptional beauty that it commands. It is paradise on earth. The beauty of this place is so unreal, that many have named it- Mini Switzerland. It is rich in flora and fauna and the biodiversity here is magnificent. Chopta offers the perfect place to actually rest and relax in the laps of Mother Nature.
Especially if you climb up to the peak Chandrashila, you will be absolutely bowled over by the beauty that lies ahead of you. While the climb to this peak is difficult, especially for the beginners, it is definitely worth it.
The peak is perched at a height of 4000 meters and gives surreal views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedar, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba
The wonder of the Nine-coloured bird
Chopta is flooded with such a diverse fauna, that it has become a hotspot for animal lovers. The place is a gold mine to spot unusual animals and birds. From the Rufous Woodpecker to the Hill Prinia, from the Lammergeier to the Golden Eagle, from the Speckled Wood Pigeon to the Snow Pigeon among many more that have graced this place.
Once in Chopta, you must expose the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary to actually be awed by the diversity that is present here. You can spot the Himalayan Thar or the Monal, which is the star bird of Uttarakhand. Monal is an extremely resplendent and unique bird. It has an iridescent plumage on the wings and neck, which makes the bird radiate different colours. It is been termed as the ‘nine coloured bird’. The bird has an interspersing mix of different metallic colours- like – green, purple, red and blue. This might actually end up being the highlight of your trip.
Activities are galore!
In Chopta you will never have a moment of boredom. There is always something to do here. From activities like hiking, photography or adventure sports like rappelling, skiing, tree climbing, etc. you can do so much under one roof.
