It was my first time with my friends. It was a wonderful experience that i can't forget for the rest of my life. After completing my college, we decided to go for a short trip.We packed our bag and planned to leave by night to Uttarakhand.We left for the place called Chopta.
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Chopta Meadow
 | Tungnath Trek
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About
Chopta is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area which is a part of kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in Uttarakhand state, India and a base for trekking to Tungnath, third temple of Panch Kedar, which lies 3.5 kilometres away.
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| Tungnath Trek |
Most people stay at Chopta, do a day hike to Tungnath and Chandrashila and come back the same day. It is possible to do.
How to reach Chopta?
Chopta is well-connected to places like Rishikesh, Gopeshwar, and Haridwar by road. In fact, the best way to reach Chopta is to first reach Haridwar and from there take a bus/cab to Chopta.
We booked bus ticket From Kashmiri Gate to Ukhimath. You can take a bus to Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun from Delhi ISBT. From there you can take a bus to Ukhimath. From Ukhimat you have to take a taxi to reach Chopta.
Stay in Chopta?
There are many simple guest houses and home stays to stay at Chopta, ranging from as little as 100/- per person to 1000 Rupees for a four bed room with attached bathroom.
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| Tungeshwar Hotel |
We took one room in 1500rs which were having two beds for 3 days. the mobile signals in Chopta are very weak. So please inform your near and dear ones well before time.We reached Chopta at 10 AM. After having breakfast We slept around 1 pm dreaming about the next day trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila.  |
Chopta
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Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple in the world located at an altitude of 3680m and is one among the Panch Kedar Shrines. It is believed to be more than 1000 years old.
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Starting Point Of Trek
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We started the trek at 6 am after having a breakfast. locals told us that it took around 5-6 hours on both sides for Tungnath. Then we started the trek, The trekking path to Chopta begins right on the road and is surrounded by many dhabas and guest houses. We were having breaks after every 30 minutes to gather some more oxygen and click pictures and enjoy the views.somehow we reached the Tungnath temple by 1 pm.
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Tungnath Trek
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The entire trek from Chopta to Tungnath and to Chandrashila is fairly easy and does not require the services of a guide.The trekking distance between Chopta to Tungnath is 4 kms and usually takes around 2 and a half hours to cover.Dhabas and cluster of buildings just before reaching Tungnath Temple. Tea, coffee and food is available here and basic accommodation options too for a small price. The dhabas also double up as basic shelters in the night.
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| View from Tungnath Temple |
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| Tungnath Temple |
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Chandrashila
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The path to Chandrashila starts from Tungnath temple itself. Distance of Chandrashila Peak Top from Tungnath is approx. 1.5 kms and distance can be easily covered in 1 hour. There is a small temple at Chandrashila and from the top one can savour grand 360 degree panoramic views of the Kumaon & Garhwal ranges.
Back to Chopta
The downhill journey will be easy as the time taken will be roughly around half the time taken. So one can come down from Chandrashila to Tungnath in hardly 20 minutes. From Tungnath to Chopta will take around an hour and a half.It took us only one and a half hour to reach back to Chopta. It was a memorable trekking both ways.
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| Tungnath Trek |
Next morning We took cab from Chopta to tilwara then took a bus from Tilwara to Haridwar and post reaching Haridwar another bus to Delhi.we came back from a three day trip with lots of memory.
Best Time to visit Chopta
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| Tungnath Trek |
Chopta is a joy to visit throughout the year, but yes people choose to come here to beat the heat, however for an adventure lover, a winter trek here, is a dream. Summers are very pleasant with a cool breeze and moderate weather.
But when it comes to winter, the temperature falls to negative and the entire place gets covered in snow.Due to this chilly weather, most of the tourists avoid venturing here. But still, there are a lot of adventure enthusiasts who you can spot enjoy a snow trek from Chopta to Chandrashila
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| Tungnath Trek |
Most travellers believe that Chopta is the ideal trekking destination all year round.The months of July, August, and September experiences the monsoon and the showers make the weather more pleasant and favourable, however, sometimes an unexpected heavy rain can be a spoiler. But then on the other hand after a shower, the beauty of this place is so much purified that it becomes picture perfect.
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Tungnath Trek
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However, I recommend you to engage in this amazing experience between the months of March and May, when the weather is pleasant with crisp picturesque views
Things to Carry- I'd proof
- Boots/ Shoes
- A pair of thick woolen socks , Winter jacket and a woolen cap never hurt when trekking in the Himalayas
- Trekking Pants are a must for scaling the peaks
- Snack- Dried fruit ,Nuts,Chocolate and biscuit
- Water bottle
- A first aid box
Please try to keep it as clean as possible.
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