Planning your route around the Best Places to Visit in Chopta helps you use every hour well. Chopta sits at about 2,608 metres in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. From this small meadow, temples, peaks, lakes and villages lie within easy reach. Start with our complete Chopta Travel Guide for travel basics.
1. Tungnath Temple
Tungnath tops almost every list, and for good reason. At 3,680 metres, it ranks as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Moreover, it forms the third temple of the Panch Kedar circuit. A paved trail of about 3.5 km leads from Chopta to the shrine.
The temple opens around late April or early May and closes around Diwali. After that, priests carry the deity to Markandeshwar Temple in Makkumath for winter worship. For route details, read our Tungnath Trek Complete Guide.
2. Chandrashila Summit
Chandrashila lies 1.5 km above Tungnath and reaches around 4,000 metres. As a result, it offers a 360-degree view of the Himalaya. On clear mornings, you can spot Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth. A small temple also stands at the summit.
3. Deoria Tal
Deoria Tal sits at 2,438 metres near Sari village. A 2.5 km forest trail leads to the lake, and most walkers take about 1.5 hours one way. On still mornings, the lake reflects Chaukhamba peak beautifully. However, camping at the lake is no longer allowed, so plan a day visit.
4. Ukhimath
Ukhimath lies at about 1,317 metres, roughly 28 km before Chopta. It serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath when snow closes the Kedarnath temple. In addition, the town offers fuel, shops and an ATM, so most travellers stop here on the way up.
5. Makkumath
Makkumath village sits below the Chopta road near Duggalbitta. Its Markandeshwar Temple becomes the winter home of Tungnath’s deity. Therefore, winter visitors come here for darshan when the high temple stays closed under snow.
6. Duggalbitta and Baniyakund
Duggalbitta and Baniyakund lie on the final stretch of road before Chopta. Both spots feature forest camps, meadows and quiet viewpoints. Similarly, they make good alternatives when Chopta’s small stays fill up on busy weekends.
7. Sari Village
Sari serves as the gateway to Deoria Tal. Traditional houses, terraced fields and homestays give it a calm village feel. Many trekkers stay here the night before the lake walk. Also, jeeps connect Sari with Ukhimath via Mastura village.
How to Plan These Places
First, keep one full day for Tungnath and Chandrashila. Next, give Deoria Tal and Sari a half day. Finally, visit Ukhimath and Makkumath on your drive in or out. You can find more ideas in our guide to the best things to do in Chopta and on the WanderlustTrail homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous place in Chopta?
Tungnath Temple remains the most famous place near Chopta. At 3,680 metres, it ranks as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Most visitors combine it with Chandrashila summit, which lies just 1.5 km further up the same mountain trail.
How far is Deoria Tal from Chopta?
Deoria Tal lies near Sari village, a short drive from Chopta via Ukhimath and Mastura. From Sari, a forest trail of about 2.5 km leads to the lake. Most walkers take around 1.5 hours one way at a steady pace.
Can I visit Tungnath Temple in winter?
The Tungnath temple closes around Diwali every year because of heavy snow. You can still trek the route in winter with proper gear. However, the doors stay locked, so visit Markandeshwar Temple in Makkumath for darshan during the winter months.
Which peaks can I see from Chandrashila?
Chandrashila offers a wide Himalayan panorama on clear days. You can see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth and Banderpoonch. Sunrise usually brings the clearest views, so many trekkers start the climb before dawn with torches and warm layers.
Is Ukhimath worth visiting?
Yes, Ukhimath deserves a stop on your Chopta trip. It serves as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, so pilgrims visit throughout the cold months. The town also offers fuel, shops and an ATM, which helps before the final climb to Chopta.
Where can I stay near Chopta?
You can find camps and small stays in Chopta, Duggalbitta and Baniyakund. Sari village also offers homestays near the Deoria Tal trail. Book early for weekends and holidays, because the number of rooms stays limited in this protected forest region.
How many places can I cover in two days?
In two days, you can cover Tungnath, Chandrashila and Deoria Tal comfortably. Spend the first morning on the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek. Then, use the second morning for Deoria Tal and visit Ukhimath on your way back down.