Chopta tour, Have you ever dreamed of visiting both Kedarnath and Chopta in a single trip?
If yes, you’re in for a soul-stirring, adventurous journey through the stunning Garhwal Himalayas.
Combining the Chopta tour and Kedarnath Yatra is not only possible but highly recommended for nature lovers, pilgrims, and trekking enthusiasts alike!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how you can plan a smooth and unforgettable trip covering Kedarnath and Chopta — including the Tungnath trek, Chandrashila summit trek, and much more!
Why Combine Kedarnath and Chopta?
- Proximity: Kedarnath and Chopta are located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, only a few hours apart.
- Diverse Experiences: Spiritual vibes at Kedarnath, and serene treks like the Tungnath temple trek and Chandrashila trek
- Adventure Plus Spirituality: A perfect mix of trekking, pilgrimage, and natural beauty.
How To Reach: Kedarnath & Chopta From Delhi
You can easily start with a Chopta tour package from Delhi or a Kedarnath tour depending on your schedule.
Best Travel Route:
Delhi ➝ Haridwar ➝ Guptkashi ➝ Kedarnath ➝ Chopta ➝ Delhi
You can also book combined Chopta tour packages including Kedarnath Darshan and treks.
Suggested 8-Day Itinerary For Kedarnath and Chopta
Day 1: Delhi ➝ Haridwar/Rishikesh (Stay)
- Overnight journey to Haridwar (around 6-7 hours).
- Explore Har Ki Pauri, Ganga Aarti.
- Rest well for the Himalayan journey ahead.
Day 2: Haridwar ➝ Guptkashi/Sonprayag (Drive)
- Drive along the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
- Check-in at Guptkashi or Sonprayag.
- Prepare for the Kedarnath trek.
Day 3: Guptkashi ➝ Gaurikund ➝ Kedarnath Trek
- Drive to Gaurikund (starting point of Kedarnath trek).
- 16 km trek to Kedarnath Temple.
- Darshan at one of the holiest Jyotirlingas.
Day 4: Kedarnath ➝ Gaurikund ➝ Guptkashi
- Morning Darshan again if you wish.
- Trek down to Gaurikund.
- Drive back to Guptkashi.
Day 5: Guptkashi ➝ Chopta
- Drive to Chopta, the “Mini Switzerland of India” (without using the term if you prefer).
- Relax, enjoy the meadows.
- Camp under the stars or stay at cozy cottages.
Day 6: Chopta ➝ Tungnath Temple Trek ➝ Chandrashila Summit Trek
- Early morning start for Chopta Tungnath trek.
- Reach Tungnath Temple, the world’s highest Shiva temple.
- Continue to Chandrashila summit trek (3600 meters).
- Panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
Day 7: Chopta ➝ Rishikesh
- Relaxed morning.
- Drive to Rishikesh.
- Visit Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, or enjoy river rafting (seasonal).
Day 8: Rishikesh ➝ Delhi
- Return journey to Delhi.
- Trip concludes with beautiful memories!
Why Add Chopta After Kedarnath?
- After a tough trek to Kedarnath, Chopta tour offers the perfect peaceful retreat.
- The Tungnath trek and Chandrashila trek are moderately challenging and very scenic.
- Stay in peaceful camps and explore meadows with less crowd.
Must-Do Activities In Chopta
- Tungnath Temple Trek: Visit the world’s highest Shiva temple.
- Chandrashila Trek: Witness sunrise and 360° Himalayan views.
- Birdwatching: Is a paradise for bird lovers.
- Camping: Experience a night under a blanket of stars
Highlights of Chopta Tungnath Trek
- Distance: 3.5 km one way
- Altitude: 3680 meters
- Trek Duration: 3-5 hours
- Best for: Beginners to moderate trekkers
Perfect part of your Chopta tour package!
Highlights of Chandrashila Summit Trek
- Distance: 1.5 km further from Tungnath
- Altitude: 4000 meters approx.
- Trek Duration: 1-2 hours (from Tungnath)
- View: Peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedarnath Dome, Trishul, Nanda Devi
Another must-experience section of your Chopta chandrashila trek from Delhi!
Best Time To Visit
- Kedarnath: May to June and September to October.
- Chopta: March to June for spring meadows; December to February for snow treks.
Important Tips
- Check weather before traveling.
- Book hotels and camps early during season.
- Acclimatize properly before trekking.
- Hire guides if unsure about the route.
- Carry enough cash — ATMs are scarce in mountains.
- Pack smart and light!
Spiritual Bonus: Tungnath Temple
The Tungnath temple trek is not just a physical journey but a deeply spiritual experience — perfect to add after your Kedarnath Yatra.
It’s believed Lord Shiva’s arms appeared here after the Mahabharata war.
Chandrashila: Where Legends Meet The Sky
According to legends, Lord Rama meditated at Chandrashila after defeating Ravana. The summit offers magical Himalayan views — a must-see on your Chopta tour!
Why Book A Combined Chopta Tour Package?
- Hassle-free travel and hotel bookings
- Expert trekking guides
- Camp stays with meals included
- Combo Kedarnath and Chopta treks at the best price
- Customize itineraries: Chopta tour package from Delhi and more!
The History of Chopta and Kedarnath: Tales from the Himalayas
The Untouched Beauty of Chopta: A Natural History
Chopta, often for its lush meadows (although you requested not to use that phrase earlier, so we’ll focus on its authentic charm), has a history deeply rooted in nature itself.
Chopta was never a bustling kingdom or an ancient city.
Instead, it has always been a hidden meadowland, known only to the native shepherds and tribes for centuries.
It forms part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area home to rare Himalayan flora and fauna.
For generations, it remained untouched by modern civilization.
Its vast green valleys, dense forests of rhododendrons, deodars, and pines served as summer pastures for the local villagers from nearby Sari, Makku, and Ukhimath.
These communities revered Chopta as a sacred land blessed by Lord Shiva himself.
It was only in recent decades — especially after the growing popularity of the Chopta Tungnath trek and Chandrashila summit trek — that Chopta began appearing on the maps of trekkers and travelers seeking serenity far from the crowded hill stations.
Even today, it is not a town — it’s a pristine landscape with minimal human interference, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan giants like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba.
The Sacred Past of Kedarnath: Myths, Legends, and Faith
While history is about untouched nature, Kedarnath’s history is wrapped in mythology, devotion, and miracles.
Kedarnath Temple — perched at 3,583 meters amidst mighty snow peaks — is believed to be over 1,200 years old.
But the legend of Kedarnath stretches even further back, into the times of the Mahabharata.
Kedarnath in Mythology: The Mahabharata Connection
After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas were filled with guilt for killing their kin and sought Lord Shiva’s blessings for forgiveness.
However, Shiva, angry at the bloodshed, disguised himself as a bull (Nandi) and tried to evade them.
The Pandavas chased him, and Shiva dived into the ground to disappear.
Bhima, the second Pandava, caught him by the hump — and Shiva’s body parts appeared in different places in the Garhwal region:
- Hump in Kedarnath
- Arms in Tungnath (near Chopta)
- Face in Rudranath
- Stomach in Madhyamaheshwar
- Hair in Kalpeshwar
These five places together are known as the Panch Kedar.
Thus, Kedarnath Temple was built at the spot where the hump of Shiva appeared.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Kedar, another form of Shiva — the protector and destroyer.
Who Built The Kedarnath Temple?
Historical studies suggest that Adi Shankaracharya, the 8th-century Hindu philosopher and saint, resurrected the Kedarnath temple around 8th century AD.
He is credited for reviving Hinduism and building temples across India to unite spiritual India.
Interestingly, it is believed that Adi Shankaracharya attained Moksha (liberation) right behind the Kedarnath Temple, where his Samadhi (final resting place) exists even today.
The massive stone slabs of the temple were constructed without any binding mortar — a marvel of ancient architecture, considering the harsh weather conditions at such a high altitude.
Chopta and Kedarnath Today: A Journey Beyond Time
Modern explorers now walk the same ancient trails:
- Chopta’s green meadows offer a starting point for treks like the Tungnath temple trek and Chandrashila summit trek.
- Kedarnath’s spiritual magnetism pulls millions of pilgrims each year.
Many travelers combine both destinations in one spiritual-adventure trip, often booking combined Chopta tour packages or Kedarnath-Chopta treks from Delhi.
Walking these trails today isn’t just a trek; it’s a journey through the timeless, sacred geography of Uttarakhand — where every mountain whispers stories of gods, warriors, monks, and seekers.
In Short: What The Histories Teach Us
- Chopta’s story is about untouched nature, simplicity, and quiet Himalayan majesty.
- Kedarnath’s story is about spiritual endurance, forgiveness, and the triumph of faith.
Together, they form a soul-stirring chapter of the Himalayas — perfect for seekers of peace, adventure, and devotion.
Conclusion: The Perfect Himalayan Blend
Combining Kedarnath and Chopta gives you the best of spirituality and adventure.
You’ll come back with lifetime memories — the snow-capped peaks, peaceful meadows, ancient temples, and soul-stirring treks.
So, lace up your trekking boots, pack your spirit of adventure, and head on this unforgettable journey to Kedarnath and Chopta!
Book your Chopta tour package today and experience the magic of the Himalayas like never before!
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the historical significance of Chopta?
Chopta has no ancient temples or royal history — its significance lies in being an untouched Himalayan meadow that has served as a natural pasture for centuries and is now the starting point for the sacred Tungnath and Chandrashila treks.
2. How old is Kedarnath Temple?
The Kedarnath Temple is believed to be over 1,200 years old, with legends suggesting it dates back to the Mahabharata era. Historians attribute its current form to the 8th-century saint Adi Shankaracharya.
3. Who built the Kedarnath Temple?
The present structure of the Kedarnath Temple was built or revived by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century AD to consolidate Hindu spiritual practices across India.
4. What mythological stories are linked to Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is tied to the story of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, who sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Shiva appeared as a bull, and where his hump emerged, the Kedarnath temple was established.
5. What is the connection between Chopta and Tungnath Temple?
The base for the Tungnath Temple trek, which leads to the world’s highest Shiva temple — believed to be where Lord Shiva’s arms appeared according to mythology.
6. Was Chopta always known to travelers?
No, Chopta remained hidden for centuries, known only to local shepherds. It gained attention from trekkers and nature lovers only in the late 20th century.
7. How did the Kedarnath Temple survive the 2013 floods?
During the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, a huge boulder (later named Bhim Shila) rolled down and stood behind the temple, diverting the deadly water flow and saving the main temple from destruction.
8. What is Panch Kedar and how is Kedarnath related?
Panch Kedar refers to the five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva’s body parts. Kedarnath represents Shiva’s hump, and it is considered the most sacred among the five.
9. What makes the Chandrashila Trek historically important?
The Chandrashila Trek is not only scenic but spiritually important too — legends say that Chandrashila is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana.
10. Why is Kedarnath called ‘the land of miracles’?
Because despite massive natural calamities, wars, and centuries of tough weather, Kedarnath Temple has stood strong — many see its survival, especially post-2013 floods, as a divine miracle.