Carved into the Garhwal Himalaya, Chopta is often dubbed the “Mini Switzerland of India,” but its real magic lies in its quiet meadows, rhododendron forests, and the cliff-top panorama from Chandrashila. Just above, Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple, drawing trekkers and devotees across centuries. Pair it with a stop in Rishikesh, the “Yoga Capital of the World,” and you have an iconic North India long-weekend that balances adrenaline and calm.

This 3-day, solo-friendly itinerary takes you from Gurgaon to Rishikesh for riverside cafes and sunset aarti, then deep into the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary for the Tungnath–Chandrashila trek. You’ll travel scenic mountain roads along confluences revered since the Mahabharata, eat hearty pahadi meals, and watch first light set the snow peaks aflame.

Practical notes: Tungnath (3,680 m) and Chandrashila (~4,000 m) can bring cold, thin air—walk slow, hydrate, and carry layers. The Tungnath temple typically opens spring to autumn (roughly May–Nov), but the trail is accessible year-round; winter requires microspikes and a guide. ATMs and mobile signal are patchy beyond Ukhimath; carry cash and download offline maps.

Rishikesh

Gateway to the Garhwal Himalaya, Rishikesh blends riverside spirituality with a backpacker café culture. It’s where the Ganges leaves the mountains, and where sadhus, rafters, and yogis share the same sunrise. Ram Jhula’s views, classic thalis at legendary eateries, and the evening Ganga Aarti will set your trip’s tone.

Top sights include Ram Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, and Triveni Ghat’s aarti. For food, this is a vegetarian paradise: organic bowls, wood-fired pizzas, and masala chais poured all day. Cafés line Tapovan, while classic North Indian kitchens anchor the older town.

• Stay (browse and compare): VRBO Rishikesh stays | Hotels.com Rishikesh hotels. Look for riverside spots like EllBee Ganga View or Ganga Kinare for sunrise balcony views, or social hostels in Tapovan.
• Getting here from Gurgaon (choose one):
  • Flight: Delhi (DEL) to Dehradun (DED) 55–70 min; taxi 35–45 min to Rishikesh. Search and compare on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Typical fares INR 2,000–5,000 ($25–60) one-way.
  • Train: Morning Vande Bharat/Jan Shatabdi from New Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: 4–5 hrs; then 1 hr taxi. Browse on Trip.com Trains.
  • Bus/Car: Gurgaon to Rishikesh via NH334: 6–7 hrs. AC Volvo buses are ~INR 800–1,500 one-way; self-drive gives you flexibility for the mountains.

Day 1: Gurgaon → Rishikesh, River Walks and Aarti

Morning: Depart Gurgaon early. If flying, aim for a morning Delhi–Dehradun flight; if by train, board a morning service to Haridwar/Rishikesh. On arrival, taxi to your hotel and drop bags.

Afternoon: Lunch in Tapovan at Ira’s Kitchen & Tea Room (wholesome Indian plates, lemon ginger tea) or Pure Soul Café & Organic Kitchen (bowls, smoothies, river views). Walk to Ram Jhula for views of ashrams and the emerald Ganges; peek into Parmarth Niketan’s gardens. Coffee stop: The Little Buddha Café for balcony seating over the river.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat (~6–7 pm; arrive 30 min early). Dinner at Chotiwala (Old)—a Rishikesh institution—for ghee-laced dal makhani and aloo puri; or dine rooftop at The Sitting Elephant (Hotel EllBee) for tandoori plates with night views. Turn in early; tomorrow’s a mountain day.

Chopta

Chopta is a compact alpine base set amid the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, famous for bugyal meadows, Himalayan monals, and that bucket-list double: Tungnath temple and the Chandrashila summit. On clear days, the skyline strings together Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and more—peaks that light up at sunrise like a slow-motion fireworks show.

Food here is simple and comforting: steaming chai, aloo parathas, rajma-chawal, and winter-friendly soups. Most travelers dine at their camps or at roadside dhabas around Chopta, Baniyakund, and Dugalbitta; ask for local Kumaoni specialties like aloo ke gutke, jhangora ki kheer, and bhang ki chutney.

• Stay (browse and compare): VRBO Chopta stays | Hotels.com Chopta hotels. Look for stays in Chopta, Baniyakund, or Dugalbitta for easy trailhead access. Popular picks include tented camps and homestays; many bundle dinner and breakfast.
• Rishikesh → Chopta (road): 4.5–6 hrs (≈200 km) via Devprayag–Srinagar–Rudraprayag–Ukhimath. Private taxi one-way ~INR 4,000–6,000; shared jeeps/buses leave early morning (longer, budget-friendly). Scenic stop: Devprayag, the sacred confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda forming the Ganga.
• Trail snapshot: Chopta (≈2,600–2,700 m) to Tungnath (3,680 m) 3.5–4 km, 2–3.5 hrs; Tungnath to Chandrashila (~4,000 m) 1.3–1.6 km, 45–75 min. Expect stone-paved steps, steady gradients, and snow/ice in winter.

Day 2: Rishikesh → Chopta, Tungnath Trek

Morning: Depart Rishikesh by 6:00 am to beat traffic. Breakfast en route at a highway dhaba near Byasi or Srinagar—order aloo parathas with curd and sweet chai. Pause at Devprayag for confluence photos, then continue via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath to Chopta.

Afternoon: Check in at your camp/homestay and have a light lunch (keep it simple for altitude). Start the Tungnath trek by 1:30–2:00 pm if weather’s clear. Pace yourself: sip water often, take 2–3 breathers per km, and carry a windproof layer. Temple darshan if open (seasonal); otherwise enjoy the ridge views and prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Evening: If skies are stable and you’re comfortable with your pace, continue 45–60 min to Chandrashila for late golden-hour views—start descending no later than 4:30–5:00 pm (earlier in winter) to avoid hiking in the dark. Back in Chopta, warm up by the bonfire at your camp. Typical dinners: hot soup, chapatis, dal, seasonal sabzi. If passing Dugalbitta, Mayadeep is a reliable stop for homestyle curries.

Day 3: Deoria Tal Detour, Then Return

Morning: Optional sunrise push: Drive 45–60 min to Sari Village and hike 2.3 km (1–1.5 hrs) to Deoria Tal. On windless mornings, the lake mirrors Chaukhamba—a photographer’s dream. Eat a simple mountain breakfast at a trail teashop (maggi, omelet, chai), or back at your stay.

Afternoon: Return to Chopta/Sari by 10:30–11:00 am, freshen up, and begin your journey back. If self-driving, plan a steady 5–6 hrs to Rishikesh (or 10–12 hrs to Gurgaon with breaks). For a relaxed return, aim to reach Rishikesh/Haridwar by late afternoon and continue by evening train or bus, or overnight in Rishikesh and fly out next morning from Dehradun.

Evening: If you’re overnighting en route, celebrate with a comforting dinner: in Rishikesh, try Beatles Café (global veggie fare with river views) or Ganga View Restaurant (classic North Indian). For onward tickets, compare Trip.com Trains or check Trip.com Flights / Kiwi.com for Dehradun–Delhi.

Local Tips for a Smooth Solo Trip

• Best time: Spring (Mar–Apr) and post-monsoon (Oct–Nov) for clear skies. Dec–Feb brings snow; hire a local guide and ask your stay for microspikes/poles.
• Permits: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary entry is sometimes collected near Chopta; carry cash and a photo ID.
• Packing: Daypack, 2L water, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, headlamp, rain shell, down/fleece, gloves, basic meds, and snacks (dry fruits, energy bars).
• Connectivity & cash: Jio/BSNL work intermittently; load offline maps. ATMs are in Ukhimath and larger towns; withdraw before climbing higher.
• Safety: Start treks early, turn back if weather turns, and avoid late descents when solo. Inform your host about your route and ETA.

Food & Coffee Shortlist

• Rishikesh (breakfast/coffee): Pure Soul Café (smoothie bowls, great espresso), Devraj Coffee Corner (Pumpernickel German Bakery; croissants, apple pie), Café Karma (cozy, strong coffee).
• Rishikesh (lunch/dinner): Chotiwala (old-school veg thali), The Sitting Elephant (river views, tandoor), Little Buddha Café (global veg), A Tavola Con Te (wood-fired pizzas).
• Chopta belt: Camp kitchens (ask for Kumaoni dishes), roadside dhabas in Baniyakund/Chopta for parathas, maggi, rajma-chawal; Mayadeep (Dugalbitta) for hot curries and rotis.

Where to book stays: For flexibility and deals, compare options on VRBO Rishikesh, Hotels.com Rishikesh, VRBO Chopta, and Hotels.com Chopta. For travel, check schedules and fares on Trip.com Flights, Trip.com Trains, and Kiwi.com.

In three days, you’ll witness the serene ritual of the Ganga, climb to one of Hinduism’s highest shrines, and watch an unforgettable Himalayan sunrise. This Gurgaon-to-Chopta loop packs adventure, solitude, and plenty of scenic stops—ideal for a solo traveler who wants both clarity and challenge.