[jyotirmoy]

Chopta is situated on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath Road about 40 kms. from Gopeshwar at an altitude of about 2,900 m above sea level. One of the most picturesque spots in the entire Garhwal region, in fact one of the most mesmerizing Alpine meadows in Garhwal Himalayas. You turn left from Chamoli on the road to Badrinath, about 200 Kms from Rishikesh towards Gopeshwar. In my opinion Chopta is one of the most scenic places in Uttaranchal.

Excursions from Chopta:
Tungnath Shiva Temple
(3Km.)
Located at height of 3680m above sea level, the Tungnath Temple is the highest of the Panch Kedar. The climb is steep but the views are stupendous. Tungnath peak towers above many & once I had taken 6 bright coloured Frisbees & launched these from the peak, they seemed to cruise for eternity!
Chandrasheela Summit is a rock face above the temple of Tungnath, the highest of all the temples in the Himalayas. It is a short but rigorous hike beyond the temple. The Chandrasheela Summit affords the most beautiful view of the Nandadevi, Trishul, Kedarpeak and Chaukhamba peaks. If the sky is clear you feel that you are sitting in a sea of mountains. The oak forest through which you trek to the summit abounds in wild life especially foxes, pheasants, musk-deer and leopards.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
(7Km.)
On the Chopta-Gopeshwar road, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is famous for breeding musk deers. This sanctuary covers an area of 5 sq. m and is an ideal place for tourists to view rare Himalayan wildlife. This place is also popular for its dense forests and aromatic flowers.
From Chopta you can move to Ukhimath (31Km.) which is the winter seat of lord Kedarnath and worship is done here during the winters when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed. The temples of Usha and Anirudh, Shiva and Parvati are worth a visit. From here you can return back to Rishikesh taking the Kedarnath – Rishikesh road.

[Leith]

Some photos I found; they take a while to download but well worth it....http://almoraboy.blogspot.com/2006/07/chopta-tungnath-chandrashila-deoriya.html

Leith