Himalaya is a heaven if you are interested in travelling. There are really well-known places in the valley of the Himalaya that are famous among tourists. There are actually popular gems which are present in this area, but then there are some obscure gems which are amazing to visit and can provide the experience of a lifetime. These gems include Tungnath and Chopta, and they are located in the state of Uttarakhand. These places are actually serene in the Indian Himalayas. The places are covered with the snow-capped mountains, the jungle here is really dense, and you can find some places of ancient shrines. These spots are the real treasures of the mountains.
The gateway to Tungnath
Chopta earned the nickname Mini Switzerland of India. This palace is situated 2680 meters high from sea level. This palace is also known as the starting point of a mountain hike to the Tungnath Temple. These roads are filled with beautiful views of open meadows and natural beauty. It serves as a tranquil haven for those craving quiet and communion with the wild.
The myth of Tungnath Temple
There is a legendary temple at the summit of the Tungnath. This spot is said to have the world’s highest Shiva temple at an elevation of approximately 3680 meters. This lovely temple has another name too, as it is one of the temples of the Panch Kedar, which are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to the legends, this temple was built after the war of the Mahabharata by the Pandav brothers to atone for the sins they had committed during the war. The literary translation of the word Tungnath means Lord of the Peaks. This shows the indication of the religious location of the temple, which is located in the mountains.
The religious flavour of the Himalayas
The whole area around Tungnath has a profound religious vibration. Trekkers and devotees experience a calm and religious feel while approaching the temple. Mantra chants and snow-clad peaks create the sattvic atmosphere. It is said that by prayers offered here, a person derives inner power and perception.
The hike from Tunganath Temple to Chopta
If you wish to access the hike to Tungnath, then you have to do a hike of about 3.5 kilometres. This is not a very tough hike, and anyone can do it. When you do this tracking, you will encounter many nice-looking landscapes that will fascinate you. Various kinds of flowers and different peaks of the surrounding mountains can be seen while doing this trek. If you want to see the full beauty of this place, visit during the spring season.
Chandrashila Peak: A trekker’s dream
If you somehow love to do trekking and want to challenge yourself. The trek to Chandrashila Peak is for those people. This trek needs to go 4000 meters beyond Tungnath. While doing this track, you can witness various beautiful places. Places that are covered with snow and are not seen anywhere. Looking at the rising sun from this place is a bliss to experience.
Flora und Fauna aus dem Gebiet
Chopta and its locale are highly rich in biodiversity. Musk deer, Himalayan monal and various pheasant species are the inhabitants of the forests. Summer summers the meadows are filled with alpine flowers. The nearby Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary safeguards the rare flora and fauna that are specific to the area.
The Climates of Chopta
Every season in Chopta has a distinct experience. Springtime wakes the forests from their slumber with blooming flowers. Summer has favourable weather for trekking and camping. Autumn is crisp and colourful. Winter gives a snowy wonderland perfection to Chopta for snow treks and photography.
Camping unter den Sternen
Camping in Chopta is a lifetime experience. The starry night sky is an experience at the campsite. Surrounding the area with snowy white mountains is a truly wonderful experience. Sometimes, travellers set up their tents on slopes facing the Himalayas. Hitting bonfires and home food make the rural experience complete. Travellers sometimes pitch their tents sideways, facing the Himalayas. Lighting bonfires and local cuisines complete the rural experience.
Local culture and traditions
The villagers of Chopta are from the Garhwali community, reputed for their good hospitality and rich tradition. Typical wooden huts are found all over the villages. Folk dances and songs sometimes tell tales of the gods’ nature and mountainous living. Travellers are able to witness the plain living and peace that is Himalayan.
How to reach Chopta
There are various ways to reach this place. It’s all different depending on which way you prepare and want to take it. If you want to visit via railways, the nearest station is Rishikesh this Flights can also land, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. While coming here, you can also experience various beautiful views. The trip offers stunning views, with terraced farmland and pine-covered hills along the Alaknanda River route.
The beauty of Tungnath’s architecture
Tungnath Temple is constructed in the North Indian Nagara style of architecture. Constructed of black stone, the temple remains ornate in its carving and plain but strong in its architecture. Withstanding a century of snow and storms, it has managed to remain firm. Its small sanctum and serene environment have a place of great spiritual power.
The relationship with Kedarnath
Tungnath is also counted amongst the five Kedars together with Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar. Pilgrims have the tendency to travel to these temples for the Panch Kedar Yatra. It is said that these shrines represent various extremities of Lord Shiva’s body. Tungnath stands for his arm, showing strength and security.
Winter treks and snow activities
It snows everywhere in winter and becomes a trekking and skiing destination. Snow trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila is a much-in-demand winter trek in India. The cool air and gleaming snow create a fairytale landscape that draws photographers and trekkers alike.
The best time to visit
If you want to experience this wonder at its best, then April-November is the best time to visit Tungnath and Chopta. If you love trekking, then the time of summer and spring is the best. During the wintertime, you can experience a snowy sanctuary.
Conclusion
The tourist attractions Chopta and Tungnath are really beautiful, but at the same time, these great places are the least visited tourist destinations from the Himalayas in today’s India. These places give you a really memorable experience, whether it be serenity in the old temple of Tungnath or at the time the beautiful trek to Chandrashila. The memories you will make at these places will remain forever in your soul. These unexplored corners of Uttarakhand teach us that the essence of the Himalaya lies in its altitude as much as its Quiet and Spirit.
