Best Photo Spots in Chopta
Chopta's best pictures are made before breakfast. Clouds usually rise from the valleys by late morning, so the peaks belong to the people who started walking in the dark.
Medium crowdEntry Free
Chandrashila Peak
- Best timeSunrise, when the first light turns the snow peaks gold and the air is at its clearest; early morning after the monsoon for the longest views.
- ColorsRedBlackWhite
Medium crowdEntry Free
Chopta Meadows
- Best timeEarly morning, when the peaks are clear and mist lies in the forest; late afternoon in autumn for gold light on the grass.
- ColorsRedForest greenCream
Medium crowdEntry Nominal
Deoria Tal
- Best timeDawn, when the water is still and Chaukhamba is reflected clearly; early morning in October and November for the clearest skies.
- ColorsRedWhiteForest green
Low crowdEntry Nominal
Kanchula Korak
- Best timeEarly morning, when mist hangs between the trees and the forest is quiet; overcast days for soft, even light on the moss.
- ColorsForest greenRustCream
Medium crowdEntry Free
Tungnath Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, when the peaks behind the temple are clear and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the grey stone.
- ColorsSaffronRedCream
Start early, finish early
The snow peaks around Chopta are clearest in the first hours after dawn. On most days in spring and autumn, cloud climbs from the valleys by late morning and hides them. After the monsoon, from late September into November, the air is at its cleanest and the views last longer. Plan every shot here around sunrise.
Chandrashila at sunrise
The summit of Chandrashila is the shot most people come for. To be there for sunrise, leave Chopta around 3.30 to 4 am with a head torch and a guide or someone who knows the path. A wide lens takes in the arc of peaks from Chaukhamba to Nanda Devi. It is cold and windy at the top, so keep spare batteries in an inside pocket.
Tungnath temple
The grey stone temple of Tungnath sits in a small courtyard of shrines, with the ridge rising behind it. The best pictures are from the path just below the gate, looking up. Do not photograph inside the sanctum, and ask before taking pictures of priests or pilgrims at prayer.
Deoria Tal reflections
Deoria Tal needs still water and a clear sky. Both are most likely at first light. Since camping at the lake is banned, sleep in Sari and walk up early, about an hour on a steady path. Stand on the far side of the lake to get Chaukhamba mirrored in the water.
Meadows and forest
The Chopta meadows are best in March and April, when the rhododendrons are in flower, and again under fresh snow in winter. The dark, mossy forest at Kanchula Korak suits soft light on overcast days. Look for the Himalayan monal, Uttarakhand's state bird, on the grassy slopes near Tungnath early in the morning.
Practical notes
There is nowhere to charge batteries on the trail, and power is unreliable at Chopta itself. Carry a power bank. Drones in a wildlife sanctuary need forest department permission, so leave yours at home unless you have it in writing.
Questions
Chopta — FAQ
What time should I leave Chopta for sunrise on Chandrashila?
Usually between 3.30 and 4 am, depending on your pace and the season. Allow three to four hours for the full climb, and check the sunrise time the night before.
Can I see Nanda Devi from Chandrashila?
On a clear morning, yes, along with Trishul, Chaukhamba and the Kedarnath peaks. Haze and cloud hide them on many days, especially in summer and the monsoon.
Can I fly a drone at Chopta?
Chopta is inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and flying a drone there needs forest department permission. Without it, do not fly.
When do the rhododendrons bloom around Chopta?
Usually from March into April, depending on height and the winter's snow. The lower forests flower first.