How to Reach Chopta from Delhi

Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a stunning hill station located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district. With its breathtaking meadows, mesmerizing Himalayan views, and serene trekking routes, Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual travelers alike.

If you’re planning a trip from Delhi to Chopta, this detailed guide will help you explore all possible routes, travel options, costs, and tips for a hassle-free journey.

In This Blog

Where is Chopta Located?

Chopta is a small but picturesque hill station situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 2,680 meters (8,790 feet). It serves as the base for the Tungnath Trek, which leads to the highest Shiva temple in the world and further extends to Chandrashila Peak (4,000 meters above sea level).

Distance from Delhi to Chopta

The total distance between Delhi and Chopta is approximately 450 kilometers. The journey can take 10 to 14 hours, depending on your mode of transportation and road conditions.

Best Time to Visit Chopta

Summer (April – June): Best for trekking, sightseeing, and camping. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Monsoon (July – September): Roads can be tricky due to landslides, but the valley looks lush and green.
Winter (October – March): Ideal for snow lovers. The entire region transforms into a winter wonderland, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10°C.

Now, let’s explore the different ways to reach Chopta from Delhi.

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Chopta is not directly connected by rail or air. The best way to reach Chopta from Delhi is through a combination of road, rail, and air travel. Below are the different ways to reach Chopta, along with a breakdown of costs and time taken for each.

Option 1: Delhi to Chopta by Road (Best for Adventure Seekers)

Route 1: Delhi → Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta

Total Distance: 450 km
Travel Time: 12–14 hours

This is the most commonly used route to reach Chopta. The roads are well-maintained up to Rishikesh, after which the journey becomes more mountainous.

Route Breakdown

Delhi to Rishikesh (250 km, 5-6 hours): Take NH 334 via Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar. The roads are in good condition, and several Dhabas and food stops are available along the way.
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag (140 km, 4-5 hours): From Rishikesh, take NH 7 towards Devprayag and Srinagar, then continue towards Rudraprayag.
Rudraprayag to Ukhimath (40 km, 1.5 hours): A scenic drive along the Mandakini River.
Ukhimath to Chopta (35 km, 1-2 hours): This stretch is steep and narrow, but the views are spectacular.

Best Way to Travel:

By Car: If you enjoy road trips, renting a self-drive car from Delhi is an excellent option.
By Taxi: Private taxis from Delhi to Chopta can cost between ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 (one way). Shared taxis are also available from Rishikesh and Rudraprayag.
By Bus: Direct buses from Delhi to Chopta are not available, but you can take a bus to Rishikesh or Rudraprayag, then switch to local taxis.

Estimated Cost (One Way):

Self-Drive Car: ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 (including fuel and tolls)
Private Taxi: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000
Bus + Shared Taxi: ₹800 – ₹1,500

Option 2: Delhi to Chopta by Train (Budget-Friendly Option)

Nearest Railway Station to Chopta:

Haridwar Railway Station (225 km from Chopta)
Rishikesh Railway Station (200 km from Chopta)

Recommended Trains from Delhi:

Shatabdi Express (12017) – Delhi to Haridwar (Fastest Option, 4.5 hours)
Mussoorie Express (14041) – Delhi to Haridwar (Overnight Journey, 8 hours)
Jan Shatabdi Express (12055) – Delhi to Dehradun, then take a taxi to Rishikesh

How to Reach Chopta from Rishikesh/Haridwar

Take a bus or taxi to Rudraprayag (₹500 – ₹1,000)
From Rudraprayag, take another taxi to Ukhimath and then to Chopta (₹800 – ₹1,500)

Total Cost: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 per person (one way)

Option 3: Delhi to Chopta by Flight (Fastest but Expensive Option)

Nearest Airport to Chopta:

Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km from Chopta)

Flight Options from Delhi to Dehradun:

IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate daily flights between Delhi and Dehradun.
Flight duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Airfare: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 (one way)

From Dehradun to Chopta:

Take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh (₹500 – ₹800)
From Rishikesh, follow the road route via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath

Total Cost: ₹4,000 – ₹7,500 per person (one way)

Alternative Routes to Chopta

If you’re looking for alternate scenic routes, consider:

Via Nainital and Gopeshwar

Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Gopeshwar → Chopta

Longer but less crowded route with beautiful landscapes.

Via Kedarnath Route

Delhi → Haridwar → Guptkashi → Chopta

Ideal if you’re also planning to visit Kedarnath Temple.

Tips for Traveling to Chopta

Fuel Up Before Ukhimath: Chopta has no petrol pumps, so refuel in Rudraprayag or Ukhimath.
Carry Cash: ATM facilities are limited, and digital payments may not work in remote areas.
Pack Warm Clothes: Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly at night.
Start Early: If traveling by road, leave Delhi by 4-5 AM to avoid traffic and reach Chopta before dark.
Check Weather Updates: Road conditions can change due to rain or snowfall, especially in monsoon and winter.

Conclusion

Reaching Chopta from Delhi is an adventure in itself, offering scenic drives, spiritual stopovers, and thrilling mountain roads. Whether you choose to drive, take a train, or fly, the journey is filled with breathtaking Himalayan landscapes.

Once you arrive, Chopta’s untouched beauty, peaceful trekking trails, and panoramic views make every effort worthwhile. So, pack your bags, plan your route, and get ready for an unforgettable Himalayan escape.

Are you ready to explore Chopta? Let us know your preferred route in the comments!

Pack Your Bags & Let’s Explore!

How to Reach Chopta from Delhi: A Complete Travel Guide

Where is Chopta Located?

Distance from Delhi to Chopta

Best Time to Visit Chopta