stakes for you to test yourself in unfamiliar territory. On a deeper level, trekking is a bridge between ancient lifestyles: the fixed vision of a settler counter balanced by the transient motion of a nomad. As an evolution from a simple walk into a more self sufficient venture, trekking requires simplification, a reduction to portable basics, and implicit trust in your ability to define what you need to live.

¤ Chopta Under Four Feet of Snow
Distance from Delhi : 510km
Distance from Chamoli: 42km
Altitude: 1100 ft.

¤ The Charming Beauty of Chopta
Chopta trekking has lot in its store for its trekkers. Watch the rising sun in its many hue, Grey first, it slowly transforms into orange from pale yellow. It’s time to wake up and so the bird king of the high Himalayas, Monaal, takes a swift flight from the rocky outcrop into the valley. While doing so, it greets its friends below with a continuos shrill call. and friends it has plenty – Musk deer, muntjac, gorals.

Cautiously, they tread over the virgin snow, leaving behind an endless trail of footprints. Occasionally, they stop, lift their heads to catch a sign of the predator- Man or tiger. and once assured they are safe, they carry on.

On another side of the mountain, a few cottages stand half immersed in snow. Chopta trekking during winter is experience in itself, one comes across magnificent sites of snow cottage, getting the warmth of the snow and soon the golden sun will melt the snow. Drop by drop, the water will trickle down from the green tin roofs of the cottage housing the forest department, to form beautiful icicles. Hidden under three feet of snow are thousands of grasses, shrubs and cold-blooded organisms. They will return to life once nature runs a soothing hand over them. But for now, it’s the snow that shrouds the landscape.

¤ Chopta Trekkign In Snow
Preparing for treks in the snow entails much more planning and foresight than for a normal trek. The biggest problem about trekking in the snow in Chopta is that you don’t find human settlements en route. Villagers in high-altitude areas relocate to low-lying areas during the months of snowfall.

Not just that, hostile climatic conditions force even the army and forest department to temporarily move away from places of lesser strategic importance. Given the circumstances, once you leave your base camp, you realise that you are entirely on your own. Everything, right from matchsticks and candles to a pair of well-fitting shoes, has to be looked into. You have to carry alternate fuel, food and medicines. A small mistake or oversight when you plan can be fatal. In the areas where there is no electricity or means of communication, problems could intensify.

¤ Caution
Chopta is just this kind of a place during the months of snowfall. There is no electricity, wireless or vehicle. One has to arrange for everything, from proper rations, kerosene, firewood (yes firewood also, because most of the firewood in the jungle is damp during this season, and gives off a lot of smoke, causing tears), batteries, clothing, bedding, to our heavy and cumbersome equipment. This apart, to be on the right side of caution, one has to carry an extra bit of everything during a trek in the snow. As a thumb rule, about 50-70% of extra rations and life-saving implements should be carried for snow treks.

Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila
Chopta is an undiscovered and yet unexploited excursion point for the trekking enthusiasts. Situated at an altitude of about 2500 mtrs, Chopta gives a picturesque view of the Himalayas.

The 3.4 km trekking route to Tungnath temple (3500 mts) through dense alpine forest gives a breathtaking view of the natures’ beauty. A 2 km straight climb to Chandrashila is worth exploring as you can have a 360 degree view of the Himalayas from the ChandraShila point at an altitude of about 4000 mtrs.

Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila are covered with snow during winters. If you visit the place during Dec-Feb, you may encounter snowfall and enjoy trekking with snow. Click here for trekking pictures in snow towards Tungnath.

Tungnath temple
According to Hindu mythology, lord Shiva and Parvati both have been associated with the Himalayas which is believed to be the abode of Gods. Shiva is believed to reside at Mount Kailash while Parvati (Shail Putri) is mythologically regarded as the daughter of hills.

The temple of Tungnath is considered to be more than 1000 years old. The temple is magnificent in its style and architecture. The Tungnath temple compound contains the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, temple dedicated to Godess Parvati and few other smaller temples can be seen in the close vicinity.

Tungnath, the highest shrine of lord Shiva among the Panch Kedar is at an elevation of about 3600 mts. Enroute exotic varieties of rhododendrons, white flowers and shrub like trees can be seen in abundance. It is at a four kilometer trek from Chopta which is situated on the Gopeshwar - Ukhimath road about 40 kms from Gopeshwar at an altitude of 2900 mts. Chopta itself provided a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding areas.

Chandrashila
From Tungnath another 2 kms trek takes you to the top Chandrashila which gives a 360 degree view of the Himalayas. All major peaks like Chokhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi etc. are visible at very short distances from Chandrashila. The altitude of Chandrashila is about 4000 mts.

Accessibility
Tungnath temple can be reached through a 3.5 km trek from Chopta between the dense Rhododendron forests. As you climb towards Tungnath, a wider Himalayan view approaches you and accompanies throughout the trek. Chopta can be reached through a motorable road from Okhimath.

Best Time to Visit
Tungnath is covered with snow between Dec-Feb and this is could be the best time to approach Tungnath but beware of heavy snowfall which may block the road accessibility to Chopta.

Most of the tourists flock to Chopta, Tungnath during summers April-June.

TREKKING TIPS

1. Well fitting strong shoes with a couple of woolen socks. The shoes should be used before treks to avoid blisters.

2. First aid set for minor accidents and sickness.

3. A raincoat is necessary to meet uncertainties of weather.

4. Chocolates, lozenges, candies, glucose and dry fruits provide extra pep and energy.

5. It is advisable not to exhaust energy by walking fast, as otherwise the trek will be not enjoyable.
The Mountaineering And Trekking Division of Dev Adventures has well maintained stock of equipment, alpine tents, hollow filled sleeping bags, hollow filled jackets, wind-proof jactets, wind-proof trousers, ground sheets / mattresses, Snow goggles and rucksacks.

Trekking is very often confused with mountaineering, whilst mountaineering is a preplanned affair, trekking does not require as much preparation. Mountaineering is more technical in nature and is quite hazardous and this is not so in the case of trekking.

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