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Are you ready to embark on a trekking journey to one of Uttarakhand’s most magnificent and serene trekking trails for your next vacation? Well then get ready to discover that Chopta is not just a village in the mountains of the Himalayas but also a holy grail to nature, spiritual temples, and stunning views. Chopta in December has so many attractions, all accessible by road so it becomes easier for those who do not prefer longer routes for travelling. Embark on a journey to Uttarakhand’s gems, hidden and famous and make wonderful memories with your friends, family, loved ones, or travel companions.

Chopta In December: A Guide To Paradise

View of Chopta camping site with the Himalayan mountains in the background

Image Credit: Vaibhav78545 for Wikipedia
Chopta is a hill station in Uttarakhand’s hilly terrains and is well-known as a trekker’s paradise. With long, twisting, and turning roads and trails, It is a wonderful place to become one with nature. The trails are considered intermediate, so if trekkers would like to revisit a proper trekking method, this is the best place to do so. The experience is even more amazing if you go there during the Winter season. The wilderness in general has a stunning beauty, and the months from October to February are the best to visit the valley. Chopta in December is absolutely magnificent. Here is a list of things you can do when you are in Chopta Valley in December.

1. Tungnath

View of the Highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath

Image Source: Shutterstock
Tungnath is a temple honouring the Hindu god, Shiva. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, at an altitude of 3680 metres. At such a height, you can see the Himalayan mountains in all directions and at all heights. In Uttarakhand, there are five famous Panch Kedar shrines and Tungnath is one of them. Many people around the world travel to Uttarakhand specifically to experience the holiness of this temple and the stunning views it offers to them. Despite being at such a height, it is considered one of the easiest treks in Uttarakhand so beginners or inexperienced people can have a great experience in a safe and pretty environment. Tungnath is absolutely stunning and makes Chopta in December a stunning masterpiece to visit.
Location: Rudrcaprayag, Uttarakhand
Things To Do: Camping, trekking through villages and hilly terrains, visit the temple.

Must Read: Waterfalls In Uttarakhand

2. Chandrashila

View of the Chadrashila temple at the top of the mountain peak

Image Source: Shutterstock

Chandrashila means ‘moon rock’. It is the highest point of the mountain where you can find the temple of Lord Shiva, and the Chopta valley itself. Chandrashilla is located a little higher than the Tungnath Temple at 4000 metres above sea level. If one wishes to sightsee, this point in the mountain is the perfect place to do so. You can view all the mountains from all four directions and be engulfed in the scenery of clouds and other mountain peaks like Kedar, Nandadevi, Trishul, and Chaukamba. A historical story, there point is where Lord Ram came to and meditated after he defeated Ravan, and many other stories related to the Ramayana.
Location: Uttarakhand, India
Things To Do: Trekking, Photography, temple darshan, enjoy the views

3. Sari Village

Aerial view of Sari Village in the daylight

Image Source: Shutterstock

Sari Village is one of the popular and serene places to visit in Chopta. It is also a small hamlet in the Himalayan mountains and the camp where you can find the Deorial Lake about 3 kilometres away. It is located on a mountain peak which stands at an altitude of 7800 metres, higher than the other peaks and so, the air pressure also drops but then you find the most heaven-like views. Many couples find this quaint village a romantic spot because of the views, the ability to get time for themselves, and because of its easily connected roads to other parts of Chopta it’s popular amongst all.
Location: Sari, Uttarakhand
Things To Do: Trekking, Hiking

Suggested Read: Haunted Places In Uttarakhand

4. Ukhimath

An image of a temple in Ukhimath in Rudraprayag district

Image Source: Shutterstock
Ukhimath is a small village a few kilometres from Chopta and rich in its cultural heritage. Many people find this village a perfect place to learn more about the local people’s history traditions and culture. It is also called the ‘Winter seat of Kedarnath’ for its location right in the centre of the mountains and snow often decorating the environment. Many temples in the area, for example, Madhameshwar Mela take visitors deep into their traditions and the culture of the local people. They do so by the traditional dances, songs, and folklore. There is a famous Pandava dance which depicts many episodes from Mahabharat. During the winter, we can see the celebrated migration of the deities from the Kedarnath temple to the Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath.
Location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India
Things To Do: Witness cultural performances, explore the spirituality of the village

5. Deoria Tal

The Deoria Tal Lake in the Chopta region

Image Source: Shutterstock
Chopta in December has a stunning attraction called the Deoria Tal, a lake located in the mountains of Chopta. It is called the ‘Emerald Lake’ because of its reflections of the trees and nature onto its clear waters. The lake provides a type of scenery you wish you witness first-hand. During the trek in Chopta, the lake is an attraction you’ll definitely cross and it is a sight to behold with the way the Chaukhamba Peak is reflecting. Many people visiting the lake attraction find joy, mesmerization, and utter bliss in its quiet environment. Chopta in December is truly a beauty and the lake is one of the main reasons why.
Location: Chopta, Uttarakhand
Things To Do: Sightseeing, pictures

Further Read: Water Sports In Uttarakhand

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Cover Image Credit: Vvnataraj for Wikimedia Commons

Here are some useful tips and recommended stays for making your trip to Himachal Pradesh as memorable as possible. Do not hesitate to book your stay in this pretty town of Himachal Pradesh and enjoy your vacation that will be filled with warm, cordial and comforting service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chopta In December

When does it snow in Chopta?

Around November and lasts till February. Winter times start in October, which is the best time for people to visit Chopta.

How long are all the Chopta treks?

They are around 5 kilometres long. The way to the peak has a lot of attractions like lakes, other villages, and scenic views of other mountains.

When is the best time to visit Chopta?

Chopta is a wonderful place to visit year-round. For those wishing to see snow covering all the houses, ground, trees, etc., they can visit between the months of October and December. For others wishing for a warmer environment, the

How can I reach Chopta?

You can start your journey by going to the Dehradun Airport which is the closest to the area. This should be around 97 kilometres. Or you can go using the route to Rishikesh Railway station which will be 100 kilometres away. But once you reach here, you can then hire a taxi to get to the village.

In order to get the full experience of Chopta, how many days seem sufficient enough?

Around 3 - 4 days is the perfect time span to explore all the major attraction points in Chopta. With the amount of trekking that takes place and the number of summits and views worth the energy and time, these many days are perfect to reach each place.

How long is the Tungnath trek supposed to be?

The trekking starts from Chopta and is about 4 kilometres away from here. Since you’ll be trekking, that should take up to 3 hours if you are walking on a consistent speed. Of course, this time will vary depending on person to person and their speed.

How can I get to the Chandrashila peak?

Start from Chopta and trek up to 3.5 kilometres in the direction of Tungnath and from there, it’s another 1.5 kilometres till you reach the Chandrashila peak, a fascinating peak at an altitude of 4000 metres.

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