Chopta & Deoria Tal Scenic Escape
Where rhododendron forests meet Himalayan reflections — Uttarakhand's most serene meadow.
About This Tour
If there is one destination in Uttarakhand that consistently leaves travellers speechless, it is the pairing of Chopta and Deoria Tal. Called the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand', Chopta is a high-altitude meadow sitting at roughly 2,680 metres on the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary ridge, surrounded by forests of oak, rhododendron, and silver birch that blaze with colour in spring and autumn alike.
But the undisputed highlight of this route is Deoria Tal — a pristine glacial lake at 2,438 metres that produces one of the most photographed reflections in the Indian Himalaya. On still mornings, the snow-capped Chaukhamba peaks (part of the Gangotri group) mirror perfectly in the turquoise water, framed by a ring of dense forest. The 2 km trek to reach the lake passes through enchanting rhododendron groves and rarely feels crowded, as Deoria Tal remains off the radar for mass tourism.
From the lake, you descend to Ukhimath — a significant Garhwali town where the idols of Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and other Panch Kedar shrines are brought for winter worship, keeping religious traditions alive through the snow-bound months. Staying here offers a genuine window into the devotional rhythm of life in the high Garhwal Himalayas.
On Day 2, you ascend to Chopta and have the option of a full day hike to Tungnath — the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680 metres — and onwards to Chandrashila peak at 4,000 metres, for arguably the finest panoramic views of the Garhwal range accessible by a single-day trek. Even if you skip the higher reaches, the Chopta meadow itself is a destination: spread a blanket, watch Himalayan monal pheasants strut through the grass, and let the silence do its work.
This package is perfect for photographers, nature lovers, trekkers at an early-intermediate level, and anyone who wants to experience authentic Uttarakhand without crowds.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
✓ Included
✗ Not Included
Package Pricing
All prices in Indian Rupees (INR) · International visitors see converted price above
| Group Size | Standard | Deluxe | Super deluxe | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Pax (Sedan) | ₹8,500 | ₹11,500 | ₹14,000 | — |
| 4 Pax (Sedan) | ₹7,000 | ₹9,500 | ₹12,000 | — |
| 6 Pax (Tempo Traveller) | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 | ₹10,500 | — |
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Chopta & Deoria Tal: The Complete Travel Guide
In a state blessed with an embarrassment of Himalayan riches, Chopta and Deoria Tal occupy a unique and precious position. They are places that travellers rarely discover by accident — and those who do find them almost always return. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your visit wisely.
Deoria Tal: Uttarakhand's Most Magical Lake
Deoria Tal sits at an elevation of 2,438 metres above sea level in the Rudraprayag district, reached via a 2 km forest trail from the hamlet of Sari. The lake itself is modest in size — roughly circular, perhaps 200 metres across — but its impact on visitors is anything but. On still, windless mornings (which are common) the Chaukhamba massif, part of the Gangotri group of peaks, reflects perfectly in the lake's glassy surface. This is considered one of the most beautiful natural reflections in the Indian Himalaya. The surrounding forest of oak, rhododendron, and mixed broadleaf species creates a rich habitat, and the lake is sacred in Hindu tradition — mentioned in the Mahabharata as the site where the Yaksha posed riddles to the Pandavas.
Ukhimath: The Winter Abode of the Gods
Ukhimath, sitting at 1,317 metres in the Mandakini valley, is far more than a transit point. This ancient town is the winter base for the idols of Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, and other deities from the Panch Kedar shrine circuit. When the high-altitude temples close for winter (usually November), elaborate processions bring the deities down to Ukhimath for six months of worship. The temple complex here is architecturally beautiful and deeply atmospheric, and staying overnight allows you to witness the morning aarti — a genuinely moving experience.
Chopta: The Meadow at the Top of the World
Chopta itself is less a village and more a high-altitude clearing in the forest on the road between Ukhimath and Mandal. At 2,680 metres, the meadow sits just below the treeline and offers sweeping views of the Kedar range. The settlement is tiny — just a handful of tea stalls, camps, and basic dhabas — which is precisely its charm. The forest around Chopta is protected as part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, covering 975 square kilometres of some of the finest Himalayan habitat in Uttarakhand. Birding here is world-class, and the sanctuary protects important populations of musk deer and Himalayan black bear.
Tungnath and Chandrashila: The High Ridge Option
From Chopta, the trail to Tungnath Temple climbs steadily through forest and then alpine meadow for 3.5 km, gaining about 1,000 metres in elevation. Tungnath, at 3,680 metres, is the highest Shiva temple in the world and the third of the Panch Kedar circuit. The stone temple, believed to be over 1,000 years old, sits in a dramatic setting. For those with energy to continue, Chandrashila peak (4,000 m) lies 1.5 km beyond — a steep but manageable ascent rewarded by a view that encompasses Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Bandarpoonch, Neelkanth, Trishul, and Chaukhamba simultaneously on clear days. This is genuinely one of the finest summit panoramas accessible by a single-day trek in the Indian Himalaya.
Getting There
The base for this tour is Haridwar, from where Chopta is approximately 225 km by road. The route via Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudraprayag follows the Ganga and then Alaknanda river valleys before turning east at Rudraprayag along the Mandakini. The driving is slow on mountain roads beyond Rudraprayag — budget 7–8 hours for the full journey and start early. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (connected to Haridwar); the nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun.
Responsible Travel Notes
Chopta and Deoria Tal are ecologically sensitive areas. Please follow Leave No Trace principles: carry all rubbish out, do not pick wildflowers or disturb wildlife, stay on marked trails, and avoid single-use plastics. The Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary has strict rules about camping — use only designated sites. Campfires are permitted only in designated zones; never light fires in the forest. Your patronage of local homestays and guides directly supports the communities of Ukhimath and Sari in protecting this landscape for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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