Rishikesh to Chopta and Tungnath: Bus Timings for 2025-2026

Discover the beauty of Uttarakhand, India on a journey from Rishikesh to Chopta. This scenic route takes you through stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range. Explore the biodiversity of the area, hike to nearby attractions like Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, and experience the unique culture of each town along the way.

With a variety of accommodation options available, this journey is perfect for nature and adventure enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience in the Himalayas.

Chopta Uttarakhand
Chopta Uttarakhand

Rishikesh to Chopta distance by Road

Rishikesh to Chopta distance by road is 206 km  via   Byasi – Kaudiyala – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Augustumuni – Ukhimath – Chopta.

Rishikesh to Chopta Tungnath distance

  • The road from Rishikesh to Chopta, Mini Switzerland  is a mix of smooth highways and narrow winding roads that pass through lush green forests and mountain valleys. As you climb higher, the air gets cooler, and the views become more and more spectacular.
  • Rishikesh to Chopta Tungnath distance is 206 km via Rudraprayg and  Ukhimath  which  takes around 6-7 hours, from Rishikesh.
Chopta Tungnath Weekend Trip
Chopta Tungnath Weekend Trip

Rishikesh: Yoga Capital

  • It is a small town situated on the banks of the Ganges River, is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” It’s a popular destination for spiritual seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
  • Rishikesh offering a variety of activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and hiking.
  • From here, you can start your journey towards Chopta, a small hill station located at an altitude of 2,680 meters above sea level.
Suggested Read:  Panch Kedar: All about 5 secret shiva temples in the Himalayas 
The Five Holy Confluxes - Panch Prayag
The Five Holy Confluxes – Panch Prayag

Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque towns like Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath, each with its own unique charm and culture. Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, is a particularly beautiful spot and a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Chopta: Mini Switzerland

As you approach Chopta, you’ll start to see snow-capped peaks rising up in the distance. Chopta is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan range, including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. It’s a great place to go hiking, with trails leading to nearby attractions like Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak.

Chopta is also known for its biodiversity, with a variety of flora and fauna found in the surrounding forests. You might spot rare birds like the Himalayan Monal or animals like musk deer, foxes, and langurs.

Rishikesh to Chopta Bus Timings

There is no direct bus from Rishikesh to Tungnath; the common route involves taking buses or shared transport in segments. You typically need to:

  • Take a bus from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag or Rishikesh to Ukhimath. The Rishikesh to Guptkashi route also serves as the primary leg, with buses departing between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM, taking around 6 to 7 hours and costing ₹650-₹800.

  • From Rudraprayag/Ukhimath, continue to Chopta (the base for the Tungnath trek) by shared jeep or private taxi. Direct public transport from Ukhimath or Rudraprayag to Chopta is limited and not always available; typically, jeeps or occasional shared vehicles leave in the morning around 9:30 AM, but you might need to hire a cab

Key details:

  • No direct bus operates all the way to Chopta/Tungnath from Rishikesh.
  • Buses to Ukhimath/Rudraprayag leave early morning (first at 5:00 AM, with several until around 11:00 AM). Later transport is rare.
  • It’s recommended to start your journey as early as possible due to lengthy travel and last-mile connectivity constraints.
  • Typical total travel time is 9-10 hours for the whole stretch including transfers and waiting.
  • From Chopta, allow 1-2 hours for the trek up to Tungnath.

For comfortable travel or groups, many prefer to book a private taxi from Rishikesh (costs from ₹9900 one-way; covers door-to-door in 6-7 hours). However, this is significantly more expensive.

Important Info

  • Buses beyond Guptkashi/Ukhimath are infrequent, so you may face delays or need to wait for shared jeeps, especially during off-season.
  • If you miss the early buses, shared jeeps or private taxis are the only options, and these can be expensive.
  • There are regular buses as far as Rudraprayag and Guptkashi, but onward public connections become scarce

Accommodation

Accommodation options in Chopta range from basic guesthouses to luxury campsites, depending on your budget and preferences. You can also choose to stay in nearby towns like Gopeshwar or Ukhimath if you prefer more amenities.

Conclusion

Overall, a trip from Rishikesh to Chopta is a must-do for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and stunning views. It’s a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

FAQ

  • Q. Rishikesh to Chopta Taxi
  • Ans. From Rishikesh taxis are available during day time.
  • Q. Rishikesh to Chopta distance by road?
  • Ans. By road around 180 km
Author

Namaste! I am Om. I am a licensed Tourist Guide ( Approved by Ministry of Tourism, Government of India), I’m originally from Varanasi. Now, I am living in Rishikesh. I set up this blog to share my tips and experiences for traveling to inspire and help you to travel more. Hari Om

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