Good Time
Chopta in March
Uttarakhand, India
March is the transition month at Chopta. Snow starts receding at the meadow level (2,680m) but remains thick above 3,200m and on the Chandrashila ridge. The road from Gopeshwar reopens more reliably, though morning black ice is common. Daytime temperatures hit 8-12°C at the meadow, dropping to -2°C at night. Tungnath temple remains closed â priests typically return in early April. A few dhabas at Chopta meadow begin setting up. BSNL signal returns sporadically. The first trekkers of the season start appearing in the second half of March.
The March story
Late March offers a genuinely compelling window: you get snow on the upper trail without the extreme conditions of deep winter. The trek to Tungnath is doable with basic snow gear (trekking poles, waterproof boots, gaiters) â you do not need crampons unless you are pushing to Chandrashila summit, where the final 300m can still be icy. The forests are transitioning â bare oaks beginning to bud, early rhododendrons showing color at lower elevations. Crowds are minimal because most people wait for April. The risk: weather remains unpredictable and a late-March snowstorm can dump 1-2 feet overnight, turning a moderate trek into a slog. Carry warm layers for -5°C conditions even if the forecast says otherwise. The nearest ATM is in Ukhimath (25km) and the nearest hospital is Gopeshwar (40km). March rewards trekkers who are comfortable with ambiguity â you might get perfect conditions or you might get weathered out.
Why March scores 4/5
Weather
Snow melting, rhododendrons starting
Roads & Access
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 3/5. rescue: SDRF Uttarakhand / Forest Department. helpline: 1077 (UK Disaster Helpline). ambulance: 108 (slow â remote area). police station: Gopeshwar Police Station 40km. nearest hospital: Gopeshwar District Hospital 40km
Network
JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, AIRTEL: No
Kids
Kid-friendly (3/5) â Easy meadow terrain, Nature experience, Camping possible
Elevation
2,680m â Moderate altitude
Who should go
- âFirst-time travelers
- âSenior citizens
- âIntermediate trekkers comfortable with snow patches and unpredictable weather
- âPhotographers wanting snow-capped peaks without deep winter hardship
- âCouples or small groups seeking solitude before April crowds arrive
- âBirders â Himalayan monal and koklass pheasant activity increases as snow recedes
Who should think twice
- âBeginners expecting a fully clear, well-marked trail
- âFamilies with children under 10 â trail conditions are still inconsistent
- âAnyone without waterproof boots and warm layers rated to -5°C
- âTravelers dependent on reliable phone connectivity
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | Snow-covered meadows, winter camping possible |
| February | 3/5 | Snow continues, winter wonderland |
| Marchviewing | 4/5 | Snow melting, rhododendrons starting |
| April | 5/5 | Rhododendron season explodes |
| May | 5/5 | Peak season, perfect weather |
| June | 4/5 | Pre-monsoon, still good |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon, heavy rain |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues |
| September | 5/5 | Post-monsoon, crystal clear |
| October | 5/5 | October is Chopta perfected. Zero rain, crystal-clear skies, post-monsoon visibility at its peak. |
| November | 4/5 | Late autumn, first snow possible |
| December | 3/5 | Early winter, snow setting in |
Practical Details
How to reach
Contact local transport
Elevation
2,680m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Uttarakhand scoring high in March
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