If there’s one place in Uttarakhand that genuinely earns the title “Mini Switzerland of India” — it’s Chopta. Tucked at an altitude of around 2,680 metres in the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Chopta is the base for the famous Tungnath and Chandrashila trek, and one of the most beautiful camping destinations in the entire Himalayas.
But unlike Rishikesh or Nainital, Chopta hasn’t been overrun yet. The roads are rough, the crowds are thin, and the sky at night is the kind of dark that city people forget exists.
Once I rode to chopta with a friend with a mad plan in mind where we decided to ride from dehradun to Chopta and trek to chandrashila and come back to dehradun on the same day. This sounded insane but we actually did it in within 18 hours. Chopta has always been attracting me whenever I come up with a plan for a short ride within 2-3 days and chopta becomes my first priority. You enter into a totally different realm as soon as you enter chopta, the fog rolling over the bugyal at dusk is unlike anything I’d seen before.
Here is the the vedio where I captured the entire journey through my camera :
Whether you’re a trekker, a motorcyclist, or just someone who wants to sleep under stars without the tourist circus — this guide covers the best camping sites near Chopta in 2025.
Why Camp Near Chopta?
Altitude: 2,680m — cool even in summer, magical in winter
Base for Tungnath — highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680m
Chandrashila Peak — 360° Himalayan panorama at 4,000m
Bugyal (alpine meadows) — covered in snow November to March
Low commercialisation — still raw, still real
Ideal for motorcyclists — on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar circuit
Best Camping Sites Near Chopta (2025)
1. Chopta Base Camp (Tungnath Road)
The most accessible campsite, just off the main road before the Tungnath trail starts. Several operators run fixed tent camps here with basic meals included.
Altitude: ~2,600m
Price: ₹800–1,500 per person per night (meals included)
Best for: First-time campers, families, weekend trippers
What to expect: Dome tents, sleeping bags, bonfire, basic washrooms
Book via: Local operators on-site or MakeMyTrip/Booking.com
2. Deoria Tal Campsite
About 14km before Chopta (near Sari village), Deoria Tal is a high-altitude lake at 2,438m that reflects the Chaukhamba peaks on clear mornings. Camping here is a completely different experience — quieter, more remote, fewer people.
Altitude: 2,438m
Distance from Chopta: ~14km (Sari village trailhead)
Trek to lake: 2km uphill from Sari
Price: ₹1,000–2,000 per person per night
Best for: Photographers, solitude seekers, serious trekkers
Permit needed: Forest department permit required (₹150 approx)
3. Rohini Bugyal Camp
One of the lesser-known gems near Chopta, Rohini Bugyal is an open alpine meadow that most tourists skip entirely. If you want a campsite where you might genuinely be the only tent for miles — this is it.
Altitude: ~3,000m
Access: 4km trek from Chopta base
Price: ₹1,500–2,500 per person (with guide + meals)
Best for: Experienced campers, offbeat riders, photographers
Season: May–June and September–November
4. Chandrashila Summit Camp
For the serious ones — camping at or near the Chandrashila summit (4,000m) is a bucket-list experience. You need a guide, proper gear, and acclimatisation, but waking up above the clouds with Nanda Devi and Trishul in full view is something no hotel can replicate.
Altitude: ~3,800–4,000m
Price: ₹2,500–4,000 per person (guided, full gear)
Best for: Experienced trekkers, adventure seekers
Season: May–June only (avoid monsoon and winter storms)
Important: Only go with a certified guide. Altitude sickness is real at this height.
5. Dugalbitta Campsite
Located about 9km from Chopta on the Ukhimath road, Dugalbitta is a flat forest clearing that’s popular with overlanders and motorcyclists doing the Kedarnath circuit.
Altitude: ~2,400m
Price: ₹600–1,200 per person
Best for: Motorcyclists, budget campers, overlanders
Facilities: Basic — bring your own sleeping bag if possible
Best Time to Visit Chopta for Camping
Season
Months
Experience
Summer
April – June
Green bugyals, clear skies, best for trekking
Monsoon
July – August
Avoid — landslides, leeches, poor visibility
Autumn
September – November
Best overall — clear views, fewer crowds
Winter
December – March
Snow camping — magical but needs serious gear
It’s advised to avoid travelling to chopta during monsoon as the mountains become too fragile due to heavy rain and the landslides on the way could be dangerous and may get you stuck for days. The best time according to me would be September to November. I could’ve suggested April to June but that’s the peak time of mass tourism and pilgrim movement would be at max. September to November the weather remains beautiful, calm, less chaotic and clean.
How to Reach Chopta
By Road (Recommended — especially for riders):
From Dehradun: Dehradun → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (~230km, 7–8 hrs)
From Haridwar: Similar route via Rishikesh, ~220km
From Delhi: Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Chopta (~450km, 10–12 hrs)
Road Condition Note: The Ukhimath to Chopta stretch (last 25km) is narrow and partly unpaved in sections. A motorcycle or 4×4 is ideal. Regular cars can manage in dry conditions but struggle post-monsoon.
By Bus: Buses run from Rishikesh to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, shared jeeps go to Chopta.
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~220km) Nearest Railway Station: Haridwar (~200km) or Rishikesh (~210km)
What to Pack for Camping Near Chopta
Warm layers — temperature drops sharply after sunset even in summer (can go to 5–8°C)
Rain jacket — weather changes fast in the mountains
Trekking shoes — trails to Tungnath and Chandrashila are uneven
Headlamp + extra batteries
Power bank — no reliable electricity at most camps
Cash — no ATMs near Chopta. Nearest ATM is in Ukhimath
Chopta falls inside Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary — no campfires inside the sanctuary boundary (only designated zones)
Deoria Tal requires a forest department camping permit
No plastic — carry your waste out. The bugyal ecosystem is fragileNo loud music — this is a wildlife zone. Leopards and musk deer are regularly spotted
Where to Eat Near Chopta
Options are limited but authentic:
Local dhabas on the Chopta main stretch — Maggi, dal chawal, parathas
Camp meals — most operators include dinner + breakfast
Ukhimath town — last point for a proper meal before Chopta. Stock up here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed in Chopta without a permit?
Camping in the open bugyal areas falls under Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary rules. Most established campsites operate with necessary permissions. Solo wild camping without permissions is not recommended.
What is the temperature at Chopta at night?
In summer (May–June), night temperatures range from 5–12°C. In autumn (Sept–Nov), it drops to 0–8°C. In winter, it regularly falls below -10°C.
Is Chopta safe for solo travellers? Yes, Chopta is generally safe. However, always inform someone of your itinerary, especially if trekking solo to Chandrashila.
Can I ride a motorcycle to Chopta?
Absolutely — and it’s one of the best motorcycle routes in Uttarakhand. The Ukhimath–Chopta road is manageable on a 350cc+ bike. A Royal Enfield Himalayan handles it comfortably.
What is the distance from Rishikesh to Chopta?
Approximately 200–210km via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. Allow 6–7 hours of riding time.
Final Thoughts
Chopta is one of those places that rewards people who make the effort. The road isn’t easy, the facilities aren’t fancy, and that’s exactly the point. If you’re looking for a camping experience that still feels like a real Himalayan adventure — not a glamping Instagram setup — Chopta delivers every single time.
Personally I love chopta not only for its beauty but also how approachable it is, and then with one destination you have plenty to experience. You can trek, relax explore and even camp.
Have questions about camping near Chopta or planning a motorcycle trip to this region? Drop a comment below or reach out — we’re happy to help you plan.
