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Chopta — host of Tungnath Temple Opening

Festival · UTTARAKHAND

Tungnath Temple Opening.

May (Akshaya Tritiya) · Chopta

The kapaat (doors) of the world's highest Shiva temple at 3,680m open with Vedic rituals,ثم the deity is carried in a palanquin procession from Makkumath winter seat.

Why it mattersTungnath is the highest of the Panch Kedar temples; the opening ceremony draws devotees who trek 3.5 km through rhododendron forests.

Going for this? Chopta in May

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May remains excellent at Chopta — the last of the rhododendrons fade at higher elevations while the meadows turn a vivid green. All snow has melted below Chandrashila summit. Temperatures peak for the season: 18-22°C daytime at the meadow, 5-8°C at night. Tungnath temple is fully operational with daily pujas. The trail is dry, well-marked, and at its most accessible. This is the busiest month — weekends see 100+ tre…

See the Chopta May guide

Getting there

Elevation
2680 m
Nearest airport
Dehradun (Jolly Grant)
Nearest railway
Rishikesh / Haridwar

Live in Chopta

Where to stay in Chopta

  • Green Valley Homestay

    Rs 1500-3000/night
    homestay · Chopta, near Tungnath trek base

    Eco-friendly homestay with yoga sessions, forest walks, and rooms with attached washrooms surrounded by lush greenery

  • Tirsuli Homestay

    Rs 800-1500/night
    homestay · Village Bhingi, 26km from Chopta

    Surrounded by lush greenery with breathtaking Himalayan views, ideal stopover for Chopta-Tungnath trek

  • Hotel Shivanandi River Lodge

    Rs 1500-2500/night
    guesthouse · On the banks of Alaknanda River, near Chopta

    Charming riverside location with stunning mountain backdrop and homely atmosphere

All stays in Chopta

Where to eat

  • The Meadows Chopta

    Baniyakund · ₹₹

    Signaturemaggi with masala chai

    Walk-in lunch (12-3pm) is doable but call first — the kitchen scales for in-house guests and a 20-person group lunch can swallow capacity. Maggi and chai stay on tap.

  • Magpie Jungle Camp Restaurant

    Duggalbitta · ₹₹

    Signaturegarhwali thali with mandua roti

    Walk-ins for meals are entertained only when the camp isn't full — call ahead on +91-9758667755. The restaurant tent's tea + bonfire combo at sunset is the picture trekkers come back for.

  • Shivansh Cafe Resto N Rooms

    Sari Village · ₹

    Signaturealoo paratha with masala chai

    Get the aloo paratha at breakfast before the 06:30 trek group leaves for Devariyatal — they fold mountain butter through the dough. Tea is brewed strong and refilled without asking.

  • Chopta House Hotel & Restaurant

    Chopta Valley · ₹₹

    Signaturemandua roti with seasonal pahadi sabzi

    Order ahead by phone if arriving past sunset — solar power throttles the kitchen after dark and they prep mutton dishes only on advance request.

All eateries in Chopta

What else to see in Chopta

  • Tungnath Trek from Chopta

    World's highest Shiva temple at 12,073 ft. 3.5 km trek through rhododendron forests from Chopta.

    viewpoint
    3-4 hours
  • Chandrashila Peak

    Summit at 13,000 ft above Tungnath with 360-degree Himalayan panorama including Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba.

    viewpoint
    5-6 hours
  • Deoria Tal

    Emerald lake at 7,841 ft reflecting Chaukhamba peaks. Popular camping and trekking destination from Sari village.

    lake
    3-4 hours

Other festivals in May, elsewhere

See every festival in May

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