Plan your trip · Chopta
Best time to visit Chopta
The best months for Chopta are April to June and September to November. Winter is for snow lovers with a guide, and the monsoon is best avoided.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
October and November are clear, crisp and dry — the best mountain views of the year; December to February turns cold, with snow on the higher ground, enough in places to close roads.
Pack: warm layers and a jacket for October–November; thermals, gloves and a woollen cap from December.
Shines now: Chandrashila Peak
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
RecommendedApr – Jun
The prime window — comfortable days and the higher roads open again, though pre-monsoon haze can hide the far peaks by May and June.
Pack: light layers by day and a warm jacket for cool evenings and altitude.
Shines now: Chandrashila Peak
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Lush and green but wet, with a real risk of landslides and roadblocks on mountain routes.
Pack: a waterproof shell, quick-dry layers and sturdy, grippy footwear.
Shines now: Deoria Tal
Plan a monsoon day →Spring and early summer: April to June
The snow melts from the meadows in April, and the rhododendrons flower red and pink in the forests, usually in March and April. Tungnath's doors open in late April or early May, and the path fills with pilgrims and walkers, especially at weekends and in the school holidays of May and June. Days are mild and nights cool. Haze and afternoon cloud often hide the peaks by midday, so start early.
Monsoon: July to mid-September
The grass is green and the forest is full of flowers, but the views are mostly lost in cloud. Heavy rain brings landslides on the roads from Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, and a journey can stop for hours or days. The stone path gets slippery, and there are leeches lower down. If you go, keep your plans loose and check road news daily.
Autumn: late September to November
This is the clearest season. The rain has washed the air, and the long line of peaks from Chandrashila is visible most mornings. The grass turns gold and the nights get cold. The temple closes in early November, a couple of weeks after Diwali in most years, on a date announced each year. October is the pick of the year for views.
Winter: December to March
Snow covers Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila, and the walk becomes a snow trek. The temple is shut, and its deity is worshipped at Makkumath. Heavy snow can close the road below Chopta, and vehicles then stop at Dugalbitta or Baniyakund. Go with a local guide, carry proper winter gear, and add a spare day to your plans. Many dhabas and stalls close.
So when should you go?
For clear peaks, go in October. For rhododendrons and an open temple, go from late April to May. For snow, go in January or February with a guide. Avoid July and August unless you are happy to sit out the rain. See what's on in Chopta for the temple dates.
Questions
Chopta — FAQ
When does it snow in Chopta?
Usually from December to March, with the heaviest cover in January and February. Snow can also fall in late November or early April.
Is Chopta good in July?
Only for the green meadows. Views are usually lost in cloud, and landslides can block the roads for hours or days.
Is the road to Chopta open in winter?
Usually, but heavy snow can close the stretch below Chopta for a day or more. Vehicles then stop at Dugalbitta or Baniyakund, and you walk the rest.
When does Tungnath close for the year?
In early November, usually a couple of weeks after Diwali. The exact date is announced each year; in 2025 the doors closed on 6 November.