TREK TO CHOPTA

Chopta's high-altitude Bugiyal Meadows, which are lined by tall rhododendrons and deodars, have earned it the name of "India's Switzerland".

Tungnath is famous for its highest temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Beyond Tungnath, the trail continues to the summit called Chandrashila, which is a very beautiful vantage point to experience the Himalayas in a wide spectrum. One can see the entire range in almost 270 degrees of visibility, with offering prominent views of peaks like Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Trishul.

Afternoon rains shower Tungnath on a daily basis. This keeps the place sparkling green and clean. Strawberry runners grow in crevices, bright green, fresh and alive against the grave blue-grey, black-brown and beige rocks that make up the 4 ft wide track. The narrow path is higher than the surrounding ground level, neatly laid with jagged rocks which have lost their sharp edge after ages of use by pilgrims and nature-lovers.