How to Reach Chopta from Delhi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar – Travel Guide 2025-26

Chopta is a paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and spiritual seekers. A clear understanding of how to reach Chopta from Delhi, Rishikesh, or Haridwar plays a crucial role in planning a memorable journey. Chopta itself is a stunning destination for a nature retreat and also serves as the basecamp for the Tungnath–Chandrashila trail, one of India’s most beloved short Himalayan treks. This trek is a perfect blend of ancient temples, lush meadows, snow-capped ridgelines, and the legendary Chandrashila sunrise and sunset. Another nearby gem is the Deoriatal Lake trek, ideal for those seeking a longer 2–4 day experience in Chopta.

However, the biggest confusion for most trekkers is: how to actually reach Chopta? Buses are limited, shared jeeps run on specific schedules, and snow conditions can affect drop-off points.

1 — Reaching Chopta Matters Before Starting the Trek

To complete the Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek, every traveller must first reach Chopta, which serves as the base camp and entry gate to both the Tungnath Temple trail and the Chandrashila summit climb.

Public transport to Chopta is limited, and the area has no direct rail or air connectivity. This makes understanding the road travel routes and transport options absolutely essential.

1.1- Nearest Airport to Chopta

• Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)
• Distance from Chopta: ≈ 220 km
• Travel time to Chopta from here: 7–8 hours by road

1.2- Nearest Railway Station to Chopta

• Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station (Rishikesh)
• Distance from Chopta: ≈ 205 km
• Travel time to reach Chopta from here: 7–8 hours by road

Both of these transport hubs are far from the Chopta base camp, which is why having complete road travel knowledge becomes crucial for planning.

Below is a detailed, step-by-step guide that explains how to reach Chopta using buses, trains, flights, shared taxis and private vehicles, starting first from Delhi and then from Haridwar/Rishikesh. This guide solves EVERYTHING — buses, fares, shared taxis, timings, return journey logistics and real-world trek execution.

2 — How to Reach Haridwar & Rishikesh From Delhi

Most travellers start their journey from Delhi. To reach Chopta by road, you must first reach Haridwar or Rishikesh, because all mountain-bound buses and shared jeeps originate from here.

You can reach Haridwar/Rishikesh from Delhi using bus, train, flight, or private vehicle.

2.1- Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh by Bus

You can book direct buses through:

Private Buses – RedBus or Laxmi Holidays

Multiple operators provide direct Delhi → Haridwar / Rishikesh buses including:

• Volvo AC Seater
• Non-AC Sleeper
• UPSRTC
• Private Deluxe
• Overnight Semi-Sleeper Coaches

UTC (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation)

You can board UTC buses from:

• Delhi Kashmere Gate ISBT
• Anand Vihar ISBT

Timings and fare range:

• Buses run every 30–60 minutes throughout the day and night (departures between 5:30 am and 11:30 pm)
• Travel time: 5–6 hours to Haridwar / 6–7 hours to Rishikesh
• ₹350–₹900 depending on bus type

2.2- Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh by Train

Both cities are extremely well connected by Indian Railways.

Popular trains include:

• Jan Shatabdi Express (Delhi → Haridwar)
• Dehradun Shatabdi
• Mussoorie Express
• Nanda Devi Express
• Vande Bharat (Delhi → Dehradun) → connect onward by road

Travel time: 4–6 hours
Tickets can be booked on IRCTC.

2.3- Delhi → Rishikesh/Dehradun by Flight

While there is no airport in Haridwar, travellers can fly to:

Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun)

• Distance to Rishikesh: 15 km
• Distance to Haridwar: 38 km

From the airport:

• Taxi to Haridwar: ₹1,000–₹1,400
• Taxi to Rishikesh: ₹600–₹800

Flights available from:

• Delhi
• Mumbai
• Bangalore
• Hyderabad
• Jaipur
• Lucknow
• Kolkata, etc.

2.4- Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh by Self-Drive

Take NH-334 (Delhi → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar).

Travel time:

• 5–6 hours (Haridwar)
• 6–7 hours (Rishikesh)

Road quality: Excellent highway throughout.

After You Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh…

Once you arrive in either Haridwar or Rishikesh, simply follow the detailed Chopta travel guide given below (buses, shared taxis, fares, timings, snow travel, return journey etc.)

3 — Understanding the Route (Haridwar/Rishikesh → Chopta)

No matter which starting city you choose, the approach to Chopta follows the same mountain corridor:

Main Route: Haridwar / Rishikesh → Devprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Bhagirathi) → Srinagar (Garhwal) → Dhari Devi (a divine temple of Bhagwati Kali) → Rudraprayag (confluence of Alaknanda & Mandakini) → Kund Bridge → Ukhimath (last point of regular buses) → Chopta.

• All buses and shared jeeps follow this path
• Roads are paved but become narrow and winding after Rudraprayag
• Total travel: 235 km; 7–9 hours (Haridwar Bus Stand to Chopta)

Kund Bridge is the major split point.

• Left goes to Kedarnath (Guptkashi/Gaurikund)
• Right goes to Ukhimath → Chopta

If you are travelling in a bus (Vishwanath Sewa) that is destined for Guptkashi or Gaurikund, you must get down at Kund Bridge to switch towards Ukhimath and Chopta.

4 — Haridwar to Ukhimath (Bus Timings, Prices & Reality Check)

4.1- Haridwar → Ukhimath Direct Buses

• Last bus from Haridwar leaves around 9:00 AM
• Drops you at Ukhimath by ~6:00–7:00 PM
• Fare: around ₹450 per person
• Boarding Point: Bus stand near Haridwar Railway Station
• Common buses:
  • Himgiri Express
  • Garhwal Express
  • Vishwanath Sewa

4.2- Why aim for Ukhimath instead of Chopta?

Since there are no direct daily buses to Chopta, Ukhimath serves as the last dependable transport hub in the region. The journey itself is long, and trying to reach Chopta the same day by combining buses and shared taxis often becomes tiring and inconvenient.

5 — Rishikesh to Ukhimath (Earliest & Most Reliable Bus Options)

Rishikesh offers more morning departures than Haridwar, as both UTC and private buses operate from here.

5.1- Rishikesh → Ukhimath Direct Buses

• UTC & private buses start at 5:00 AM
• Last bus leaves around 7:00 AM
• Fare: ₹400–450 per person

These are the most reliable connections to reach Ukhimath on the same day without taxi dependency.

5.2- What if you miss the direct buses?

You still have two choices:

1) Take a bus going toward Guptkashi / Gaurikund

• Number of bus departures depend on the Char Dham season
• During season, there are more departures toward Gaurikund compared to Ukhimath
• These buses drop you at Kund Bridge
• From Kund Bridge → Ukhimath is just 10 km

Shared Jeep Cost: ₹30 per person from Kund to Ukhimath (the fare may increase if the jeep has fewer passengers).

2) Take bus to Karnaprayag

• Several buses from Rishikesh & Haridwar go here
• But you need to drop at Rudraprayag then get shared texi to Kund Bridge
• From Kund, get another shared taxi for Ukhimath
• Another option is to direct book Bolero or Tata Sumo from Rudraprayag to Ukhimath
  • Typical fare: ₹2000 (Bolero/Tata Sumo)

Conclusion of this section: ALWAYS choose the direct Ukhimath bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh if possible. It saves the most time and money.

6 — Ukhimath to Chopta Drive (Morning Travel Guide)

Once you reach Ukhimath by evening (typical scenario), stay overnight and continue to Chopta next morning.

6.1- Shared Taxis from Ukhimath → Chopta

• Start early morning (7 AM onward)
• Fare: ₹200 per person
• Distance: ~30 km
• Travel time: 1–1.5 hr

6.2- Winter / Heavy Snow Travel Adjustments

During heavy snowfall, shared taxis do not go all the way to Chopta.

They drop passengers at:

• Makku Math, or
• Baniyakund

These are 4–5 km below Chopta depending on snow conditions.

6.3- Snow Season Vehicle Charges

During the heavy snow season, only snow-chain vehicles (vehicles with chain tyres) operate from Ukhimath, Makku Math, or Baniyakund onwards.

Pricing logic:

• If you are a group of 8–9 people → ₹200–300 per person
• If you are fewer → cost gets divided → per person cost increases

These vehicles are mandatory for safe winter travel.

7 — Returning From Chopta / Ukhimath to Haridwar or Rishikesh

This is where many travellers get stuck — return buses are very time-specific.

7.1- Ukhimath → Haridwar

• Daily bus at 5:30 AM
• Fare: ₹500 per person
• Reaches Haridwar by 1:00–2:00 PM

7.2- Ukhimath → Rishikesh

• Daily bus at 7:00 AM
• Fare: ₹500 per person

If you miss these buses, you must:

1. Take a shared taxi to Kund Bridge, Guptkashi, or Rudraprayag
2. Catch connecting buses or book a private taxi

Private taxis (Ukhimath → Haridwar) cost ₹4,000–₹8,000 depending on season.

8 — Why Staying in Ukhimath Is Better Than Staying in Chopta

8.1- Chopta accommodation:

• More expensive
• Limited rooms
• Gets fully booked in summer & snowfall days
• Food availability limited at night
• Electricity may fluctuate

8.2- Ukhimath accommodation:

• Cheaper by 30–40%
• Plenty of lodges & homestays
• Better market area for food & essentials
• Guaranteed early morning bus & taxi access
• Ideal logistics base

8.3- The Smart Trekker Plan:

1. Reach Ukhimath by evening
2. Stay overnight
3. Early morning jeep to Chopta
4. Trek Tungnath → Chandrashila
5. Return to Ukhimath the same day
6. Catch early morning bus next day

This saves:

• Money
• Time
• Accommodation headache

9 — Step-by-Step Itinerary (A Practical Travel Plan)

Day 0: Drive from Delhi to Rishikesh or Haridwar

• Reach Haridwar or Rishikesh from Delhi or other cities
• Stay overnight

Day 1: Rishikesh/Haridwar to Ukhimath

• Catch early bus to Ukhimath
• Reach by evening
• Overnight stay (budget-friendly)

Day 2: Short Drive to Chopta, and Day-hike to Tungnath Chandrashila

• Early drive to Chopta
• Trek to Tungnath-Chandrashila
  • 3.5 km trek to Tungnath + 1 km trek to Chandrashila Peak
  • 3–4 hrs gradual ascending to Tungnath and then 30 min steep climb to Chandrashila Peak
• Back to Chopta
  • 1-2 hrs desceding
• Then return to Ukhimath
• Dinner + sleep

Why return to Ukhimath the same day?

• Easy 1–1.5 hr drive back
• Easier to catch return early morning bus
• Cheaper stay
• Easier mobile connectivity
• Warm food & shops
• Better comfort

Day 3: Drive from Ukhimath to Rishikesh/Haridwar

• Take morning bus
  • 5:30 AM → Haridwar
  • 7:00 AM → Rishikesh

Perfectly optimized for budget, weather and transport connections. There is another different itinerary of Chopta Chandrashila trek that includes Deoriatal visit.

10 — Cost Summary (Per Person Estimate)

Segment	Cost
Haridwar/Rishikesh → Ukhimath bus	₹400–₹500
Stay at Ukhimath	₹500–₹800
Ukhimath → Chopta shared jeep	₹200
Chopta → Ukhimath return	₹200
Snow chain vehicle (if required)	₹200–₹300
Ukhimath → Haridwar/Rishikesh bus	₹500
Total (non-snow season)	₹1,300–₹1,700
Total (snow season)	₹1,500–₹2,000

Super budget-friendly compared to private cab costs.

11 — Practical Tips Only Locals Know

• Always sit near the front of the bus to avoid motion sickness on mountain roads.
• At Kund Bridge, shared taxis fill fast as it’s a major junction.
• During snow, do NOT attempt to walk on the road — vehicles with chains are safer.
• Start trek early (7–8 AM) to return before afternoon cloud cover.
• Carry enough cash — ATMs are not guaranteed beyond Rudraprayag.

Final Words

With accurate bus timings, shared taxi costs, route logic, snow-season tips, and return strategy — this is now the most detailed and accurate 2025-26 guide for reaching Chopta from Haridwar or Rishikesh.