From Delhi to the Mini Switzerland of India: My Journey to Chopta by Train
A few months ago, I was sitting in my Delhi room, tired of the traffic, noise, and never-ending heat. I wanted peace. I wanted mountains. I wanted a place where I could just breathe fresh air and feel alive again.
That’s when a friend told me about Chopta — a hidden gem in Uttarakhand. He called it “Mini Switzerland of India.” Snowy peaks, green meadows, and the famous Tungnath Temple (the world’s highest Shiva temple) — it all sounded like a dream. So, I decided to go. But here’s the twist: there’s no direct train to Chopta!
Still, I figured it out. And now, I’m here to share my journey — how I reached Chopta from Delhi by train.
Step 1: Train Booking – My Ride from Delhi to Haridwar
Since Chopta doesn’t have a railway station, I had to choose the nearest one. My options were:
-
Haridwar (250 km from Chopta)
-
Rishikesh (230 km)
-
Kotdwar (200 km)
I chose Haridwar because it has many trains and it’s well connected. I booked the Shatabdi Express which leaves Delhi early morning and reaches Haridwar in about 4–5 hours. It was fast, clean, and comfortable — perfect start to my journey.
Pro Tip: Book train tickets early using IRCTC or apps like ConfirmTkt. Trains get full quickly, especially during summer and holidays. If you want to food in train you can try zoopindia they will provide a food in your train seat.
Step 2: Road Trip Begins – Haridwar to Rudraprayag
After reaching Haridwar by 11 AM, I had a quick lunch — chole bhature and lassi (you know how tasty it is there!) — and headed to the bus stand. I found a local bus going towards Rudraprayag.
The road was winding, and the views were magical. River Ganga flowed beside us, and the cool breeze made me forget Delhi’s heat. It took around 7–8 hours to reach Rudraprayag, and I stayed at a small guesthouse for the night. Simple food, quiet town, starry night — what more do you need?
Step 3: Final Stretch – Rudraprayag to Chopta via Ukhimath
Next morning, I hopped into a shared taxi from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath — a small town and a base for many Himalayan treks. This ride took about 1.5 hours.
From Ukhimath, I hired a local jeep to Chopta. The final stretch of the journey was like stepping into a fairytale. Tall pine trees, fresh air, and zero pollution. I reached Chopta by afternoon — tired, but fully happy.
Chopta – Just Wow!
As I stepped out of the jeep, I was stunned. Snow-covered peaks in the distance, soft green meadows all around, and birds chirping non-stop. I felt like I had entered a movie scene.
I stayed in a small wooden homestay with basic rooms and home-cooked food. Dal, rice, sabzi, and hot tea never tasted this good before!
Bonus Adventure – Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
The next day, I started the Tungnath trek. It’s a 3.5 km trek from Chopta — a bit tiring, but every step felt worth it. The temple is ancient and magical. I even pushed myself further to reach Chandrashila peak (1.5 km more). At the top, the view was unbelievable — 360° Himalayan peaks. I just sat there in silence.
Things I Carried (and You Should Too)
-
Warm clothes (even in May, it gets chilly)
-
Trekking shoes
-
Water bottle & snacks
-
Power bank (network is weak here)
-
Raincoat (mountains love surprise showers)
-
Some basic medicine (in case of altitude sickness)
Learn from My Experience
If you’re planning your trip, here’s a simple way to reach Chopta from Delhi:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Delhi → Haridwar | By train (Shatabdi Express or Mussoorie Exp) |
| Haridwar → Rudraprayag | By bus or shared cab |
| Rudraprayag → Ukhimath | Shared cab (1.5 hrs) |
| Ukhimath → Chopta | Jeep or shared cab (1 hr) |
You can also go via Rishikesh or Kotdwar using the same plan. All roads lead to Chopta, literally!
Final Thoughts
Chopta is not just a place — it’s a feeling. The journey from Delhi may not be direct, but it’s totally worth it. If you love peace, mountains, and the sound of silence, go there once. You’ll return with stories, smiles, and a heart full of memories — just like I did.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that train, pack your bags, and say hello to Chopta — the Mini Switzerland calling your name from the hills!
- How to Reach Chopta from Delhi by Train | Travel Guide 2025
- Planning a trip to Chopta from Delhi? Here's a complete guide on how to reach Chopta by train, nearest stations, travel tips, and route details.
- chopta trip, food in train
Related posts:
Why Wedding Transportation in Charlottesville Can Make or Break Your Event Timeline
A Closer Look at the Azimut Grande 27 Metri: Space, Style, and Speed
Top 10 Travel Ad Networks Every Media Buyer Should Test in 2025
Spirit Airlines Headquarters: The Command Center of a Low-Cost Aviation Pioneer
Sun Country Airlines Cancun Office in mexico +1-888-839-0502
Is 96 Hours Enough to Explore Dubai? Transit Visa Tips for Travelers
Can you book multi-city with Turkish Airlines?Find out with lookflyfares
ATL West Parking Tips: Save Time and Money at Atlanta Airport
