If you are planning a trek at a place that is going to give you maximum excitement and a thrilling adventure, you can choose the Chopta Trek without any second thoughts. It is a perfect spot for beginners to hone their climbing skills at ease. The most interesting part of this trek is that you get to visit the Tungnath Temple, which is a Shiva temple located higher than any other Shiva temple in the world, and the Chandrashila Peak which gives you an unobstructed view of the mesmerizing valleys. Among other treks, the level of difficulty for Chopta Trek is relatively easier. The tranquil and calm surrounding add to the beauty of the place which in the end gives you a wholesome trekking experience. You will, without a doubt have a wonderful experience here at the Chopra Trek.
Discover Chopta
Situated in Uttarakhand, at a height of two thousand six hundred metres, Chopta is a region that is quite compact. The lush green landscapes and drool-worthy blue skies turn this small region into a piece of paradise. It has been showered with green valleys and dense forests that are absolutely breath-taking. One cannot help but fall in love with this place helplessly. A small village named Duggalbitta falls when on the way while approaching the peak of Chandrashila. Interacting with the people residing in the village gives you an insight into their lifestyle and livelihood. They are usually quite welcoming and are always happy to assist the tourists who come to visit and get to know their place better.
Things that you need to know about Chopta Trekking
Best season for a trekking experience in Chopta
Most people believe that a good trekking experience in Chopta can be had throughout the year, be it winter, summer, spring or autumn. However, the very best time to visit Chopta for a trek would be summer. The breeze during this time is rejuvenating and the weather is perfectly pleasant. Mother Nature amazes you with its mesmerizing beauty in Chopta. Amazing pictures of the panoramic views can be captured. Trekking expedition in the month of March, April and May in this location would give you an experience worth cherishing.
Let’s see how the Chopta Trek treats you during different seasons:
Summer: Summers treats the tourists very well in Chopta Trek. The Himalayas are prominent from a distance and the breeze is so soothing that it make you drool in ecstasy, which makes it a perfect time for trekking. However, the tourists are advised to carry garments that will keep them warm.
Winter: During winter, the mountains are covered with thick snow. Trekkings during this season get cumbersome because of the snow and the extreme weather conditions. Visibility of the mountains is kind of disrupted due to the presence of fog in the atmosphere. It is advised to avoid this season a trek as there is a possibility that you may have to face difficulties coping with such weather conditions during your trek.
Monsoon: Landslides are a huge concern in Chopta during monsoon. The road is jammed and so this season is usually not chosen to go on a trek. But Chopra strange gets more beautiful during this season. Even if tourists plan to visit the place in monsoon, raincoats and umbrellas are kind of mandatory.
What is the way to arrive at Chopta Tungnath and Chandrashila?
Chopta is basically a village with a small population of people living there. It is situated at a distance of 36 km from a place named Gopeshwar. From Rishikesh, the distance of Chopta would be around 254 km and if one has to come from Delhi, it would require them to travel a distance of approximately 450 km. The trek starts at Chopta from where you proceed to Tungnath and from Tungnath you finally reach Chandrashila. If one travel from the capital of the country, i.e. Delhi, he would have to arrive at Haridwar from where they can travel to Rudraprayag to Ukhimath and finally begin the trek from Chopta to Tungnath and the Chandrashila. It is important to notes that private buses, cabs and taxis can be availed from Haridwar in order to reach Chopta and then proceed further gradually as the trek begins.
What is the level of difficulty of the Chopta Trek?
The Chopta Trek has an altitude of 4090 metres and the total trekking distance is going to be approximately 30 km. The difficulty level of this particular trek can be termed as easy to moderate. For climbers who are just starting off or the ones who require a place to hone their climbing skills in order to become efficient one day, the Chopta Trek is absolutely ideal for them. It does require some level of physical fitness because it requires you to put a good deal of effort to climb and it seems more difficult for the people who are not physically fit or are faint-hearted. For the experts, it is a fairly easy and fun-filled experience as it is quite easy for them to approach the peak, given their expertise and years of practice.
Where should one stay during the trek?
There are a lot of options for tourists who indulge in trekking to stay. Lodges, tents and a few guest houses can be chosen to spend the night hours to rest and get some sleep to rejuvenate before proceeding with the journey. Single, double and multiple occupancies are available. You can choose the option that suits you best. Tour operators take complete responsibility of your stay during the trek so there is nothing much to worry about. However, the ones who are travelling solo have to look for accommodation all by themselves. Carrying a tent and a sleeping bag, which are available online, can be your saviour in case you fail to find a suitable place for yourself. Make sure you know how to set up camp and be ready in case of an unforeseen circumstance like this.
What are the things that one should carry on Chopta Trek?
There are certain things that one should positively carry when going on a trek. They are important for your own safety and benefits and also to be ready in case any unforeseen emergencies take place. The occurrence of emergencies when on a trek is not that rare, so it is better to be prepared with the things you might require then. Also, it is important to note that unnecessary things should be carried on a trek. Following is the list of things that one needs to carry for their trek on Chopta:
Clothes
While packing clothes, make sure you put a t-shirt that is full-sleeve and has a collar, a muffler and a heavy jacket to protect yourself from catching a cold. It is important to carry a synthetic track pant and a raincoat. Do not forget to wear a thermal innerwear to keep yourself warm from the jittering cold. For shoes and socks, you must buy trekking shoes that won’t cause any hindrance while climbing and 4 pairs of woollen socks.
First-aid kit
There is a dire need to carry medicines in case of emergencies. It is important to note that a trek is not a child’s play and there may arise occasions when you may need medicines. Carry a disprin for massive headache and a crocin or any paracetamol for sudden fever. Put at least 5-6 Band-Aids in your kit. ORS for dehydration, antiseptic cream for bites or cuts and a Volini spray for sprains must be carried along with you.
Skin-care cosmetics
Carry a moisturizer and a cream to keep your skin from feeling dry, making you uncomfortable. Also, carrying a sunscreen could save your skin from the rays of the sun. Also, carry a few wet wipes to freshen up when you are tired of climbing.
Miscellaneous items
Carrying a torch and a few batteries to serve your purpose in darkness, is a smart idea. A fairly sized water bottle of good quality is a must. You can also carry a hot water bag for relief from pain. It is important to note that small injuries are not uncommon during a trek, so it is always nice to carry things that will help you when you are suffering from excruciating pain in the middle of your trek.
What are the points to be noted before or when on the Chopta Trek?
- It is highly dangerous to climb the mountains without a trekking pole. Make sure you have the trekking pole with you.
- When going for trekking, always try to put on clothes that you are comfortable in.
- Listen to the instructions that the guide provides. You should not wander alone.
- A good amount of water should be carried as you are going to feel thirsty very often due to the efforts you have to put in while climbing the mountains.
- Trekking shoes should be chosen wisely as they can largely determine how your trekking experience is going to be.
- Without consulting with the guide, do not intake any medicine no matter how urgent it is. Post-approval from the guide, you can take your medicine. This is to ensure your safety as some medicines can have after-effects which may not be wanted at that point in time.
- Make sure you always have a raincoat with you so that you can cover yourself up during rains or heavy snow.