Places to Visit Nearby Chopta

Before revealing the Top 10 places to visit near Chopta, let us know about Chopta city.
Chopta is a tiny stretch of meadows and evergreen forest that is part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand, India, and a starting point for trekking to Tungnath, Panch Kedar’s third temple, which is 3.5 kilometres distant.

1. Auli
2. Gopeshvar
3. Guptkashi
4. Rudranath
5. Kedarnath
6. Gaurikund
7. Joshimath
8. Kalpeshwar
9. Anusuya Devi Temle and Atri Muni Ashram
10. Kartik Swami

Chopta has so much to offer but do not miss the places to visit near Chopta otherwise your trip will be incomplete. 

1. Auli

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Auli, India’s leading ski resort destination, is a small but picture-perfect village. Auli’s skiing slopes, which were originally built as a paramilitary outpost, are popular with both visitors and pros. Auli conducts a number of snow adventure events during the winter. Ski lessons are also available (https://gmvnonline.com/skiing).

Auli, which stands at roughly 2,800 metres and is surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests, provides panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, the country’s second-highest mountain (7,816m). It also serves as a gateway to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, which include the Hemkund Sahib gurdwara, as well as prominent hiking locations including Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan. Aside from Auli, Uttarakhand boasts a number of other ski resorts.

2. Gopeshwar

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The gorgeous township of Gopeshwar is the district headquarter of Chamoli, located at a height of 1308 metres amidst stunning mountain ranges, terrace farms, and tiny lakes. The town’s major attraction is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Gopeshwar is becoming a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and fresh, peaceful atmosphere. This town is home to a number of well-known tourist attractions and religious centres. According to historians, the name Gopeshwar is related to Lord Krishna’s name.

3. Guptkashi

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Guptkashi is a well-known spiritual destination in Uttarakhand. It is located on the way to Kedarnath, hidden in the lush green Mandakini river valley, which is dotted with magnolia flowers (locally known as champak). When the flowers blossom in the early summer, the air is filled with their delicious scent. Guptkashi is a natural sanctuary set against the backdrop of lofty snow-capped hills like Chaukhamba. Guptkashi also has a number of important temples. Vishwanath Temple and Ardhnarishwar Temple are the most important of these. Legend has it that Lord Shiva hid in Guptkashi while the Pandavas were looking for him in the epic Mahabharata. As a result, Lord Shiva is honoured in the major temple. Manikarnika Kund is another popular tourist destination in this area.

4. Rudranath

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Rudranath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Panchkedars. The Rudranath temple, which is located at an elevation of 2290 metres above sea level, is surrounded by lush natural shade. Lord Shankar’s Ekanan indicates that the face is worshipped in the Rudranath temple, whereas the complete body is revered in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath. From the front of the Rudranath temple, the Nanda Devi and the snow-capped peaks of Trishul may be seen.

5. Kedarnath

Kedarnath village, located in the magnificent Garhwal Himalayas, is one of India’s most treasured temple attractions. The village, which is built around the famed Kedarnath temple, is situated at 3,580 metres above sea level, near the Chorabari glacier, which is the Mandakini river’s source. The ancient temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, boasts magnificent construction and is made out of extraordinarily huge but evenly cut grey stone slabs. Lord Shiva in his “Sadashiva” form is worshipped as a conical rock formation inside the temple. The Kedarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India and is part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. The Kedarnath mountain, Kedar Dome, and other Himalayan peaks are seen behind the Kedarnath temple.

The historical name for this location is “Kedar Khand,” and tradition has it that after defeating the Kauravas in the epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas felt sorry for killing so many people and sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. The Lord eluded them several times until taking refuge in the form of a bull at Kedarnath. At Kedarnath, the Lord dove into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. Lord Shiva’s leftover parts appeared in four different places and are revered as his incarnations. At Tungnath, the Lord’s arms appeared, his face appeared at Rudranath, his belly appeared at Madmaheshwar, and his locks (hair) appeared at Kalpeshwar.

6. Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the starting point for a 14-kilometre walk to Kedarnath. Another option for travelling to the temple is to hire a helicopter from the government’s ‘Pawan Hans’ helicopter service. This is the starting point for the hike to the temple. Gaurikund is linked to the legend of Gauri, Lord Shiva’s wife, who is said to have performed penance here in order to marry Shiva. Lord Shiva appeared after years of love and accepted Gauri’s request. They have married just a little distance away from this location. Before beginning their journey to Kedarnath, visitors visit Gaurikund’s thermal springs.

There are numerous additional attractions in and around Kedarnath, including Gandhi Sarovar and Gaurikund. There’s also Triyuginarayan, which is supposed to be the location of Lord Shiva and Parvati’s wedding, and where a flame is kept burning all the time. Mountain trekking is also popular in Kedarnath, and spectacular treks through virgin jungles and winding mountains are popular among adventure sports enthusiasts. Gaurikund is a good place to start trekking. The celestial Jyotirlingas are said to be endowed with supernatural power that can provide salvation to individuals who die in this holy area. Beyond the shrine, the road to heaven can be found at Mahapanth.

7. Joshimath

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Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is Lord Badri’s winter residence and is consequently considered a sacred site in Uttarakhand. Joshimath is located in the Chamoli District and is home to one of the four ‘Maths’ founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The sacred Kalpvriksha, which is reported to be 1200 years old, may also be seen in Joshimath. The city also has a number of temples, such as Narsimha and Gaurishankar, that attract a large number of devotees. As a result, this city in Uttarakhand is unquestionably one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations.

For those who desire to live life on the edge, Joshimath is also known as the starting point for mountain climbing adventures, trekking, and a variety of other exhilarating sports. From here, one must travel to the Valley of Flowers, a popular trekking area in Uttarakhand. Visitors to the sacred sanctuary of Hemkund Sahib must also pass via Joshimath. The city also serves as a base/relaxation site for visitors travelling to Auli, India’s most famous ski resort, as well as a gateway to Malari and Niti Valleys, which have landscapes similar to Ladakh. The city offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Range as well as opportunities to see a diverse range of flora and animals.

Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath, is Lord Badri’s winter residence and is consequently considered a sacred site in Uttarakhand. Joshimath is located in the Chamoli District and is home to one of the four ‘Maths’ founded by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The sacred Kalpvriksha, which is reported to be 1200 years old, may also be seen in Joshimath. The city also has a number of temples, such as Narsimha and Gaurishankar, that attract a large number of devotees. As a result, this city in Uttarakhand is unquestionably one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations.

For those who desire to live life on the edge, Joshimath is also known as the starting point for mountain climbing adventures, trekking, and a variety of other exhilarating sports. From here, one must travel to the Valley of Flowers, a popular trekking area in Uttarakhand. Visitors to the sacred sanctuary of Hemkund Sahib must also pass via Joshimath. The city also serves as a base/relaxation site for visitors travelling to Auli, India’s most famous ski resort, as well as a gateway to Malari and Niti Valleys, which have landscapes similar to Ladakh. The city offers breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan Range as well as opportunities to see a diverse range of flora and animals.

8. Kalpeshwar

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The Kalpeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a height of 2200 metres in the scenic Urgam valley in Uttarakhand, India. It’s part of the well-known Panch Kedar. The matted tress (jata) of Lord Shiva is worshipped at this little stone temple, which is accessible through a cave passage.

As a result, Lord Shiva is known as Jatadhar or Jateshwar. It’s simply a 12-kilometre hike from the nearest road head in Helong on the Rishikesh-Badrinath highway. The Pandavas, heroes of the epic Mahabharata, are associated with the Kalpeshwar temple, which is the fifth of the Panch Kedar (five temples) of Shiva’s five physical holy forms; the other four temples are Kedarnath, Rudranath, Tungnath, and Madhyamaheshwar temples in the sequence of their adoration.

9. Anusuya Devi Temple & Atri Muni Ashram

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The Anusuya Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Sati, is one of Chamoli’s most well-known pilgrim destinations. Atri Muni, a famous sage and one of the Sapta Rishis, married Anusuya Devi (Sapta means seven and rishis mean sages in Sanskrit). Devi Anusuya is known to be completely devoted to her husband. It is situated near Chamoli, in the Himalayan foothills, and attracts pilgrims. This is a short hike that takes you into a dense forest of Oke trees.

The temple Anusuya Mata, which reflects India’s religious nature, is located in the lovely backdrop of nature. On the occasion of Dattatreya Jayanti, which occurs every year in December, a large fair is held, attracting both pilgrims and tourists. People travel from all over the world to view the Atrimuni Ashram and its 70-meter-high waterfall.

This location’s setting is incredibly pious and calming to the eyes, attracting pilgrims and travellers. The trail leading to this temple runs through the Himalayan foothills, providing a lovely view of nature.

10. Kartik Swami

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Kartik Swami, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s elder son Kartikeya, is a temple with a mystic aura and breathtaking views. The famed Hindu temple is located near Kanak Chauri Village on the Rudraprayag-Pokhari highway in the district of Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, at an elevation of 3050 metres. To get to the temple, one must first complete a 3 km exhilarating journey that begins in Kanak Chauri Village. The trek’s terrain is hard, but it guarantees incredible verdure to enjoy nature’s splendour. The sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Kartikeya in the Garhwal Himalayas has a long and illustrious history.

Lord Shiva challenged his sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya in Hindu mythology, saying that whoever completed the seven circles of the universe first would be revered first. When Lord Kartikeya heard this, he set out on his vehicle to circle the globe, while Lord Ganesha took seven rounds of his parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva was so impressed by Ganesha that he granted him the honour of being worshipped first. As a result, Lord Kartikeya expressed his displeasure with the decision and paid homage to his father by sacrificing his body and bones.