How to go chopta tungnath by bike? Chopta is a small village in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, that serves as the base camp for the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, located at an altitude of 3680 meters, and Chandrashila is the summit of the mountain, offering stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Chopta is also known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, due to its scenic beauty and lush green meadows.
If you are looking for an adventurous and spiritual trip, then going to Chopta Tungnath by bike is a great option. You can enjoy the thrill of riding on the winding roads, the freshness of the mountain air, and the serenity of the temple and the peak. In this blog article, I will share with you the best route, the best time, the things to carry, and the things to do for this amazing bike trip.
The Best Route To Reach Chopta Tungnath By Bike
There are two main routes to reach Chopta from Delhi by bike. The first one is via Haridwar and Rishikesh, and the second one is via Meerut and Muzaffarnagar. Both routes are about 450 kilometers long and take about 12 to 14 hours to cover. Here are the details of each route:
- Delhi ➞ Haridwar ➞ Rishikesh ➞ Devprayag ➞ Srinagar ➞ Rudraprayag ➞ Agastamuni ➞ Ukhimath ➞ Duggalbitta ➞ Chopta. This is the most commonly used route to reach Chopta by bike. It passes through the holy cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh, where you can take a dip in the Ganga river and visit the famous temples and ashrams. You can also enjoy the adventure sports like river rafting, bungee jumping, and camping in Rishikesh. The route then follows the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers, crossing the confluence points of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag. You can witness the scenic beauty of the Himalayan foothills and the lush green valleys along the way. The road condition is good for most of the part, except for some patches of construction work and traffic jams. You can find many hotels, restaurants, and petrol pumps on this route.
- Delhi ➞ Meerut ➞ Khatauli ➞Muzaffarnagar ➞ Roorkee ➞ Haridwar ➞ Rishikesh ➞ Devprayag ➞ Srinagar ➞ Rudraprayag ➞ Agastamuni ➞ Ukhimath ➞ Duggalbitta ➞ Chopta. This is an alternative route to reach Chopta by bike, which bypasses the congested areas of Ghaziabad and Modinagar. It passes through the towns of Meerut, Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, and Roorkee, where you can find many eateries and fuel stations. The route then joins the first route at Haridwar and follows the same path till Chopta. The road condition is better on this route, as there is less traffic and construction work. However, you may miss the charm of the riverside views and the holy places on this route.
You can choose any of these routes according to your convenience and preference. You can also take a break at any of the places on the way and explore the local attractions. However, make sure to start early in the morning and reach Chopta before sunset, as the roads get dark and risky at night.
The Best Time To Go To Chopta Tungnath By Bike
The best time to go to Chopta Tungnath by bike is from March to June and from September to November. These are the months when the weather is pleasant and clear, and the views are spectacular. You can see the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath from Chandrashila. You can also witness the blooming of rhododendron and alpine flowers in the meadows of Chopta. The temperature ranges from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius during these months, and the chances of rainfall are low.
You can also go to Chopta Tungnath by bike in the winter months of December to February if you are looking for a snow adventure. The entire region gets covered with a thick layer of snow, and the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius. The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila becomes more challenging and rewarding in the snow. However, you need to be well prepared and equipped for the cold and slippery conditions. You also need to check the road status and weather forecast before planning your trip, as there may be roadblocks and snowstorms.
You should avoid going to chopta tungnath by bike in the monsoon months of July and August, as the region receives heavy rainfall and landslides. The roads become muddy and slippery, and the visibility becomes poor. The trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila also becomes risky and difficult in the rain. The temperature ranges from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during these months, and the chances of rainfall are high.
The Things To Carry
Going to chopta tungnath by bike is an exciting and exhilarating experience, but it also requires proper planning and preparation. You need to carry the following things for a safe and comfortable trip:
- A well-maintained and serviced bike with a full tank of fuel and a spare tire
- A valid driving license, bike registration, insurance, and pollution certificate
- A helmet, gloves, jacket, and boots for riding protection
- A backpack with a rain cover and a waterproof bag for your valuables
- A good quality tent, sleeping bag, and mat for camping
- A warm and waterproof jacket, sweater, cap, and socks for the cold weather
- A pair of trekking shoes, pants, and shirt for the trek
- A sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm for the sun protection
- A torch, lighter, knife, rope, and whistle for emergency
- A first-aid kit, medicines, and bandages for any injuries or illnesses
- A water bottle, energy bars, dry fruits, and chocolates for hydration and nutrition
- A camera, power bank, and charger for capturing and sharing your memories
- A map, compass, GPS, and phone for navigation and communication
- A toiletry kit, towel, and tissue paper for personal hygiene
- A book, music, or game for entertainment
You can also carry some extra clothes, snacks, and water according to your preferences and requirements. However, try to keep your luggage light and minimal, as you will have to carry it on your bike and on your trek.
The Things To Do
Going to chopta tungnath by bike is not just a journey, but a destination in itself. There are many things to do and see in this beautiful region, apart from the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila. Here are some of the things that you can do and enjoy in your trip:
- Enjoy the scenic ride on the mountain roads, passing through the forests, rivers, valleys, and villages
- Stop at the confluence points of Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karnaprayag, and witness the merging of the holy rivers
- Visit the ancient temples of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ukhimath, and Guptkashi, and seek the blessings of the gods
- Experience the thrill of river rafting, bungee jumping, and camping in Rishikesh, the adventure capital of India
- Explore the wildlife and birdlife of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and spot the rare species like musk deer, Himalayan monal, and snow leopard
- Camp at the meadows of Chopta, and enjoy the starry night and the bonfire
- Trek to the Tungnath temple, and pay your respects to the highest Shiva shrine in the world
- Climb to Chandrashila Peak, and witness the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks
- Take a detour to the Deoriatal Lake, and admire the reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks in the water
- Interact with the local people, and learn about their culture, cuisine, and lifestyle
These are some of the things that you can do and enjoy on your trip to Chopta Tungnath by bike. However, you can also customize your trip according to your interests and time. You can spend more or less time at any of the places, or skip or add any of the activities. The choice is yours, as long as you have fun and make memories.
