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Chopta

2023-11-17T06:30:26Z

Etheasua:

{{more citations|date=October 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Chopta
| native_name =
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| settlement_type = Village
| image_skyline = Chopta, starting point for treks to Tungnath and Chandrashila.jpg
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| image_caption = Chopta, starting point for treks to [[Tungnath]] and [[Chandrashila]].
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Uttarakhand]]
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[[File:Snow covered path to Tungnath.JPG|250px|thumb|The route to ChandrashilaSnowfall at Chopta ]]

'''Chopta''' is a small region of meadows and evergreen forest area, a part of Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary located in [[Uttarakhand]] state, [[India]] and a base for trekking to [[Tungnath]], the third temple of [[Panch Kedar]] which lies {{convert|3.5|km}} away. Located at a distance of {{convert|1.5|km}} from Tungnath is [[Chandrashila]], a summit rising to over {{convert|4000|m}}. Chandrashila also known as Moon rock is belived to be a place where Lord Rama meditated after killing Ravan.

Chopta is an unspoiled natural destination lying in the lap of the Uttarakhand Himalayas and offers views of the imposing Himalayan range including Bandarpuch, Neelkanth, Trishul, [[Nanda Devi]] and [[Chaukhamba]]. It is located at an elevation of {{convert|2709|m}} above sea level. Chopta village is surrounded by forests of pine, [[Cedrus deodara|deodar]] and rhododendron and is rich in flora and fauna include rare species of birds and musk deer.

==Location==
This place is popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland'. It lies 45 km from [[Ukhimath]], {{convert|162|km}} from [[Rishikesh]] and approximately {{convert|450|km}} from the capital [[Delhi]]. The best time to visit this hillside is from April to November. Chopta is also a popular destination during the winter months due to the snowfall that the area experiences. Tungnath temple and Chandrashila are covered with snow from December to March. Chopta can be reached from Rishikesh via [[Rudraprayag]], Ukhimath, [[Karnaprayag|Karnprayag]], [[Chamoli]], [[Gopeshwar]], [[Mandal, Uttarakhand|Mandal]].

Chopta is simply accessible as it is situated on the road connecting Gopeshwar with Guptkashi. Wake up with cool healthy breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta. The morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of the sun kiss the snow-laden Himalayas.

==Activities==
The Chopta - Tungnath - Chandrashila trek is a destinations for trekkers. The Chopta region has many treks and trails cutting through jungles and grasslands. Chandrashilla, Tunganath and Devariyatal are the best known trekking routes in the Chopta region.<ref>[https://himalayandreamtreks.in/chopta-tungnath-trek/ What makes Chopta a trekking destination - Himalayan Dream Treks?] </ref> Because of an abundance of birds, Chopta is popular among birdwatchers.

Some activities in Chopta
* Camping and trekking, yoga, survival activity
* Snow trekking, snow skiing
* Rock craft, rock climbing, rappelling
* Photography of rare Himalayan species of [[Himalayan_monal|monal bird]], [[White-bellied_musk_deer|musk deer]] and pika mouse.

=== Trekking ===
The trek to Chopta, which can be extended to climbing the Chandrashila Peak, is a popular adventure trip among hiking lovers. Since the route lies in a protected area, the journey takes one through enchanting forests with panoramic views of the Himalayas, far from the maddening crowds. The best time to start a trek for Chandrashila peak is in the morning as around afternoon clouds and rain can smudge the beautiful 360 degrees view of the entire Himalayan valley from the peak. The town of Kund in Uttarakhand is the usual starting point and the entire tour can be done in 3-5 days, making it a preferred activity for city dwellers in India seeking a short getaway. The general pit stops are as follows:
* Kund to Deoriatal (3-5 hours trek) - start at Kund, a quaint town situated at 1,350 m, approximately 200 km away from the spiritual town of Haridwar.
* Deoriatal to Chopta (4-5 hours trek)
* Chopta to Chandrashila Peak (4,000 m), via Tungnath Temple and back (4-5 hours trek). The distance from Tungnath Temple to Chandrashila peak is only 1 km and serves as a highlight of the trip. Though the distance is less, it takes time as it is relatively steep.
[[File:Flag Hoisted on the way to Tungnath.png|thumb|Trekked to Tungnath, Hoisted Indian Flag to show respect to our Motherland & this peak which protects us from the cold Siberian waves.]]
The return journey from Chopta to Kund can be on foot by retracing the path or in a car.

==Places of interest==
* Dense forest of [[Kedarnath_Wildlife_Sanctuary|Kedarnath Wild Life Sanctuary]]; where temperate and alpine trees are found in abundance. Trees like, oak, pine, burans and other himalayan species occupy major land part of Chopta, Uttarakhand region.
* Flora and fauna with high diversity
* Grass land patches (Bugyal/ Meadows)
* Chandrashilla peak 4090 m
* Tungnath temple at 3680 m
* [[Deoria Tal]] (lake) at 2350 m
* Atrimuni falls
* Visibility of 41 Himalayan peaks - Meru, Sumeru, Ganesh Parwat, [[Chaukhamba]], [[Bandarpunch]], [[Nilkantha (mountain)|Nilkantha]], [[Tirsuli]], [[Nanda Devi]] etc. and Panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range.

==Seasons to visit==
It is a place that is yet to be fully explored and one of the best hill stations in India. Chopta is a must visit destination for nature lovers and those who are passionate for trekking. Chopta has a very cool and pleasant climate from March to May with the temperature between 10 °C and 30 °C. After that comes monsoon season that starts from July and ends in October. Chopta witnesses snowfall from November to March and the temperature is between a minimum of −15 °C and a maximum of 15 °C. It starts snowing in the month of November and increases significantly day by day. By January it is a 4- to 7-foot-thick layer of snowfall. It is fully covered with snow during winters and during the same time, some of the routes going to Chopta are blocked. An alternative route to Chopta is from Deoria Tal, which is 10–12 km trek that starts from Deorial Tal. Deoria Tal can be approached from Saari Village. It can be taken during winter season. So, trekkers must visit the place during winters if they want to see snowfields.

Summertime in Chopta does not offer clear view of Himalayas due to cloudy weather from June to August. All the peaks are covered in clouds and the view is unclear. During winters, the sky is crystal clear and all the mountains are clearly visible. It amazingly offers a 360-degree view of snow-clad mountains.

==Sanitation==
In September 2020, the Uttarakhand state's tourism department, as part of an initiative, decided to provide mobile toilets in tourist spots lacking this facility. One such toilet is to be built in Chopta-Tungnath.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maharaj sends mobile toilets to Mussoorie |url=https://www.dailypioneer.com/2020/state-editions/maharaj-sends-mobile-toilets-to-mussoorie.html|accessdate=18 October 2020 |work=The Pioneer |date=26 September 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery heights="144" widths="192">
Image:Chopta-bugyal2.jpg|Snow-capped mountains view from Chopta-Tungnath Trek
Image:Chandra (Moon) shining over Chandrashila and Tungnath.JPG|Chandra (Moon) shining over Chandrashila and Tungnath, near Chopta
Image:Monal on the way to Tungnath.JPG|[[Snow partridge]] near Chopta
Image:Bugyals enroute Tungnath.jpg|[[Bugyals]] (pastures) en route Tungnath from Chopta in evening light
Image:Approaching Tungnath on a winter morning.JPG|Approaching Tungnath on a winter morning
File:Chopta-Bugyal1.jpg|Chopta Bugyal
Image:Bugyal.jpg|Bugyal on the way to Tungnath
File:Snow Capped Mountains .jpg|Snow Capped mountains en route to Chopta
</gallery>

==See also==
*[[Chandrashila]]
*[[Deoria Tal]]
*[[Tungnath]]
*[[Ukhimath]]
*[[Mandal, Uttarakhand|Mandal]]
*[[Gopeshwar]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{commons category}}
{{Rudraprayag district}}
{{coord|29|57|N|79|05|E|display=title|region:IN_type:city_source:GNS-enwiki}}

[[Category:Hiking trails in Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Villages in Rudraprayag district]]

Gomukh

2023-11-15T10:29:42Z

Etheasua:

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox glacier
| name = Gomukh
| other_name = ''Gaumukh'' or ''Gomukhi''
| photo = View of Gaumukh.jpg
| photo_caption = Gomukh, "Face of a Cow", the pout of the glacier along the river
| location = [[Uttarkashi district]], [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]]
| coords =
| area =
| length =
| thickness =
| terminus =
| status = Retreating
}}
'''Gomukh''', also known as "Gaumukh" or "Gomukhi" ([[Hindi]]: गौमुख or गौमुखी ''';''' [[Assamese language|Assamese]] and [[Bengali language|Bengali]]: গোমুখ or গোমুখী), is the [[Glacier terminus|terminus]] or pout of the [[Gangotri Glacier]] and the source of the [[Bhagirathi River]], one of the primary headstreams of the [[Ganga River]]. The word ''Gomukh/Gaumukh'' (''go/gau''=cow, ''mukh''= face) literally means "Face of a Cow."

The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft (4,023 m) in [[Uttarkashi district]] in the state of [[Uttarakhand]], [[India]]. It is one of the largest in the Himalayas with an estimated volume of over 27 cubic kilometers.

It is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site, along with [[Gangotri]], as well as trekking destination.<ref name="Malhotra1983">{{cite book|author=S. S. L. Malhotra|title=Gangotri and Gaumukh: a trek to the holy source|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2TNuAAAAMAAJ|page=139|year=1983|publisher=Allied Publishers}}</ref><ref name="Bisht1994">{{cite book|author=Harshwanti Bisht|title=Tourism in Garhwal Himalaya: With Special Reference to Mountaineering and Trekking in Uttarkashi and Chamoli Districts|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6C6DGU73WzsC&pg=PA83|year=1994|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=978-81-7387-006-4|pages=83–}}</ref>

In 1972, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam the then Prime Minister of [[Mauritius]], brought the holy [[Ganga]] water from Gomukh and mixed it with the water of [[Ganga Talao|Grand Bassin]] in Mauritius and renamed it as Ganga Talao for the [[Hinduism in Mauritius|Mauritian Hindus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.defimedia.info/how-lake-became-sacred-ganga-talao|title=How a lake became the sacred Ganga Talao|access-date=5 March 2020}}</ref>

In 2013, due to [[cloudburst]] in Uttarakhand, huge cracks had emerged on the glacier. On 26 July 2016, following heavy rains in Uttarakhand, it was reported that the front end of Gomukh was no more, as a large chunk of the glacier had collapsed and was washed away.

==In ancient times==
[[File:Gaumukh Gangotri glacier.jpg|200px|thumb|A small shrine at [[Gaumukh]], Gangotri glacier.]]
Gomukh is mentioned in the [[Puranas]]. It is said there that, searching a lost sheep, a boy reached near a glacier in [[Gangotri]], the snout of which exactly looked like the face of a [[Cow]], and thus it got its name 'Gomukh'. From then many holy saints, sages, sadhus, hermits, adventure seekers, as well as religious people and adventure seekers also went there to worship the place. It is also rumored that, if anyone visits Gomukh/ Gawmukh with evil intentions or polluted body or mind, his ancestors fall in Burning Hell and that person experiences grave horrors and deep melancholy surrounds him.

== Geography ==
[[File:Gomukh the source of Ganga.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Gomukh, [[Glacier terminus|terminus]] of the Gangotri glacier. The Bhagirathi peaks rise in the background.]]
Gomukh is 18 km from Gangotri in the foothills of Bhagirathi at a height of 4255m. It is the snout of the Gangotri Glacier. The Bhagirathi river here is pretty speedy.

Around the snout, nature presents a wild topography. There are boulders scattered here and there with some pieces of broken snow, along with the hard clayey snow of the glacier.

The Gomukh snout is rapidly moving backwards. According to the modern research the snout has moved 1 km in 70 years.<ref>[https://www.thethirdpole.net/en/climate/ganga-gangotri-glacier/#:~:text=Rate%20of%20Gangotri%20glacier%20retreat,Sharma%20of%20Jawaharlal%20Nehru%20University. Rate of Gangotri glacier retreat]</ref>

== Trek route ==


The first and foremost thing for Gomukh trek is that you must have permission from (D.F.O.) District forest officer, Uttarkashi. Only 150 permits are issued per day, permission can be taken via fax also.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.shivprasad.in/gangotri-and-gomukh/|title=Gangotri and Gomukh - D Shiv Prasad Blog|date=2016-08-18|newspaper=D Shiv Prasad Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2016-10-11}}</ref> The trail to Gomukh begins from Gangotri, about {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on|1}} from Gomukh. It was heavily damaged by rockslides by the [[2013 North Indian Floods]] as was road access to Gangotri.

9 km ahead of Gangotri is Chirbasa, the abode of Chir trees. After 3 km of Chirbasa comes the dangerous Gila Pahar, the place well known for its [[landslide]]s even prior to the 2013 destruction of much of the trail here; near-sheer cliffs down to the river must now be traversed. Here the Bharals, a type of mountain antelope are sometimes seen. The Bharals are found above the altitude of 10,000 ft. Only 4 km from here is Bhujbasa, the only night halting place on the way with buildings. One can stay at the GMVN Bungalow, or at the Lalbaba's Ashram or at Ram Baba's ashram.<ref>both ashram charge Rs 350 for a day that includes lodging and food.</ref> After trekking 41/2km from Bhujbasa, one reaches Gomukh, the snout of the Gangotri Glacier.A little before Gomukh, the majestic view of [[Shivling (Garhwal Himalaya)|Mt. Shivling]] welcomes the trekkers to the place.

On the trail no [[horse]]s are allowed, so one must take preparations to walk on foot.
The trek to Tapovan and Nandanvan starts from here.
[[File:Terminus of Gongotri Glacier in 2014, Gomukh Trek.jpg|thumb|Snout point of Gongotri Glacier, Gomukh]]

The route after 'Bhojbasa' can be quite difficult, more so since the 2013 floods. One has to cross a boulder zone to reach the Gomukh snout.
The trek beyond Gomukh is quite difficult. Crossing the glacier & going towards Tapovan has become quite dangerous nowadays (because of the landslides). There is no track and one must have a guide and should be prepared to face any type of accident which can even be a life-threatening one. The last climb to reach [[Tapovan]] is very stiff, within 2 km a climb of around 1500 foot and is quite a challenging experience.

You may apply for an online permit,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.swsuttarkashi.com/Home/DashBoard |title=Office Of District Magistrate Uttarkashi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102064446/http://www.swsuttarkashi.com/Home/DashBoard |archive-date=2 January 2019}}</ref> even with an online permit you would still need to get it verified at the district magistrate Uttrakasi office.

In October 2023, Himalayan Dream Treks organized the Gaumukh Marathon, with 60 participants. The marathon began at Gaumukh Glacier and concluded at Gangotri Temple, spanning a distance of 18 kilometers.<ref>[https://himalayandreamtreks.in/blog/the-gaumukh-marathon-by-himalayan-dream-treks/ The Gaumukh Marathon 2023 by Himalayan Dream Treks]</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{commons category}}

{{Hydrography of Uttarakhand}}

{{coord|30.92678|N|79.08079|E|region:IN-UL_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}}

{{Uttarakhand}}

[[Category:Glaciers of Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Geography of Uttarkashi district]]
[[Category:Hindu pilgrimage sites in India]]