Fair
Gopeshwar in February
Uttarakhand, India
February keeps Gopeshwar cold but the days start stretching. Temperatures range 3-12°C, and the snow line creeps higher on surrounding peaks. Chopta remains snowbound — don't plan the Tungnath trek yet. The Gopinath Temple complex, dating to the 9th century, is worth a slow morning visit. Local shops sell hand-knitted woolens at prices that make city boutiques look absurd. The Alaknanda River valley below town runs a deep winter blue. Few tourists, fewer vehicles, mostly silence.
The February story
The Vaitarni Kund, a natural spring pool 2 km from town, is worth the walk — believed to wash away sins, it's genuinely beautiful surrounded by pine forest. The Gopinath Temple's stone carvings are best photographed in February's soft, diffused light. If you're a birder, the forest between Gopeshwar and Chopta holds Himalayan monals, koklass pheasants, and kalij pheasants — winter concentrates them at lower elevations. Dhabas in the main bazaar serve excellent pahadi dal with rice for under ₹100. Accommodation stays cheap at ₹600-1200 per night. The road to Chopta (26 km) may have patchy snow above 2500m — check with locals before driving up. This is a planning month: come, scout the Tungnath trail access, and return in April prepared.
Why February scores 3/5
Weather
Cold -2 to 8°C. Snow at higher elevations. Town quiet. Gopinath temple's ancient iron trident visible in clear air. Good base for winter Chopta trek.
Roads & Access
self drive: Moderate hill roads from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag.. road condition: NH7 to Rudraprayag good, then state road fair.. public transport: Buses from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Joshimath. No rail. Jolly Grant airport 220km.. from nearest city: Rudraprayag→Gopeshwar: 70km 2.5hrs. Rishikesh→Gopeshwar: 210km 8hrs.. last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. rescue: SDRF Uttarakhand. helpline: Uttarakhand Tourism: 0135-2559898. ambulance: 108 (slow). police station: Gopeshwar police station. nearest hospital: District Hospital Gopeshwar — reasonable
Network
VI: No, JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Fair 4G in town. Drops towards Chopta.
Kids
Kid-friendly (3/5) — Ancient Shiva temple is interesting, Gateway to Chopta trek, Chipko movement history
Elevation
1,488m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Birdwatchers — winter concentrates Himalayan monals and pheasants at lower elevations
- ✓Budget travellers wanting rock-bottom accommodation rates in the Garhwal hills
- ✓Temple architecture enthusiasts who prefer soft winter light for photography
Who should think twice
- ✗Trekkers set on Chopta-Tungnath — still snowbound and not safely accessible
- ✗Anyone who needs reliable mobile connectivity or online payments
- ✗Travellers expecting restaurant variety — it is dal-chawal season and nothing else
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3/5 | Cold 0-10°C. Gopinath temple peaceful in winter. Gateway to snow-covered Chopta. Clear Himalayan views on sunny days. Few tourists. Pack heavy woolens. |
| Februaryviewing | 3/5 | Cold -2 to 8°C. Snow at higher elevations. Town quiet. Gopinath temple's ancient iron trident visible in clear air. Good base for winter Chopta trek. |
| March | 4/5 | Spring arriving, 5-16°C. Snow melting on trails. Gopinath temple gardens greening. Rhododendrons beginning on Chopta route. Pleasant transition. |
| April | 5/5 | Best month, 10-22°C. Perfect base for Chopta-Tungnath trek. Rhododendrons in full bloom. All trails accessible. District HQ has good facilities. |
| May | 5/5 | Peak season, 14-26°C. Ideal Chopta/Tungnath trekking weather. Wildflower meadows. Town facilities running well. Weekend trekkers from plains arrive. |
| June | 3/5 | Pre-monsoon 16-28°C. Thunder builds afternoon. Chopta still doable first half. Views hazier. Last window before monsoon shuts down trekking. |
| July | 2/5 | Heavy monsoon. Chopta road prone to landslides. Trails waterlogged. Town itself accessible but all trekking routes dangerous. Leeches everywhere. |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon continues. Road closures common between Gopeshwar and Chopta. Fog and rain constant. No trekking possible. Town damp and grey. |
| September | 5/5 | Post-monsoon magic, 10-20°C. Trails clearing. Chopta road reopening. Crystal clear Himalayan views returning. Meadows emerald green. Superb month. |
| October | 5/5 | Excellent autumn, 8-18°C. Golden bugyals, snow peaks, clean air. Best month for Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila circuit from Gopeshwar base. Book ahead. |
| November | 3/5 | Cold 2-12°C. Chopta getting first snow. Town still accessible. Gopinath temple in autumn light. Last month before winter closes higher routes. |
| December | 3/5 | Cold -2 to 8°C. Chopta under snow — winter trek only. Town itself accessible but cold. Short days. Good base for experienced snow trekkers. |
Practical Details
How to reach
Rudraprayag→Gopeshwar: 70km 2.5hrs. Rishikesh→Gopeshwar: 210km 8hrs.. Roads: NH7 to Rudraprayag good, then state road fair.. Self-drive: Moderate hill roads from Rishikesh via Rudraprayag.. Public transport: Buses from Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Joshimath. No rail. Jolly Grant airport 220km.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
1,488m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Uttarakhand scoring high in February
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