Chamoli is one of the best spots to visit in Uttarakhand to get away from the harsh reality of metropolitan life. It is 1300 meters above sea level and spans the sacred banks of the Alaknanda River. It is renowned as the home of the revolutionary Chipko movement, and visitors have many options for pilgrimage and adventure. The city is full of heavenly beauty from nature and a peaceful environment that provides the ideal escape for guests. Along with the breathtaking places to visit in Chamoli, the alpine slopes and rumbling creeks are incredibly eye-catching and entice your senses with their beautiful beauty.
Top 8 Places to visit in Chamoli: A Unique Blend of Natural Beauty and Cultural Richness
Chamoli experiences pleasant weather throughout the year, but the best time to visit this place would be between November to March when the weather is a bit warmer than the other months. During summer, the temperature ranges between 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. During monsoon, it experiences constant showers making the region prone to landslides. Chamoli is a destination where you may experience the ethereal beauty of nature while also immersing yourself in fascinating culture. Below are some of the best places to visit in Chamoli:
- Tunganath Temple: Divinity at High Altitude
- Hemkund Sahib: Spiritual Journey Begins Here
- Auli: Winter Wonderland of India
- Roopkund Lake: Mystery Lake of the Himalayas
- Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Wild Beauty of the Himalayas
- Joshimath: Trekking Paradise Found
- Adi Badri Temple: Spiritual Bliss in the Himalayas
- Gopeshwar: Where Nature meets Adventure
1. Tunganath Temple: Divinity at High Altitude
Near the captivating hill station of Chopta is this one of the stunning places to visit in Chamoli, Tungnath. Lord Shiva's temple at the highest point in the world, Tungnath, is located 3680 meters above sea level. Anyone is in awe of the unparalleled Himalayan view from the temple's meadows in Tungnath. At the Tungnath Temple, one of Uttarakhand's five well-known Panch Kedar temples, the natural beauty is at its most breathtaking. It is strongly advised to pay a visit to Lord Shiva's residence at Tungnath. Typically, the journey to Tunganath is made as a component of the Panch Kedar trekking, which spans 170 km (road cum trek length) and begins in Rishikesh and visits all five temples in the following order: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheswar and Kalpeshwar.
Location: Located 4 Kms From Chopta, Uttarakhand 2 Km Below the Chandrashila Peak, Chamoli 246419 India
Best time to visit: April to November
How to reach: After a straightforward 4km hike on a well-maintained path, Tungnath is easily accessible from Chopta. The hike route is stone-paved, with rest areas along the way where you may sit and take in the stunning views of the peaks of Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath.
Travel Tips:
- The trek to Tunganath Temple is moderately difficult
- Carry sufficient water and snacks, as options are limited during the trek.
Highlights:
- Highest Shiva Temple in the Himalayas.
- Scenic trekking route with breathtaking views.
Suggested Read: Char Dham Yatra: A Complete Guide for a Union with the Divine
2. Hemkund Sahib: Spiritual Journey Begins Here
Every summer, millions of Sikh pilgrims go from all over the world to Sri Hemkunt Sahib, which is in the Chamoli area in the Himalayan ranges at an elevation of more than 15,000 feet above sea level. Snow cover prevents access to Hemkund from October through April.
Hemkund departs from the town of Govindghat, which is located roughly 275 kilometers from Rishikesh. The 13-kilometer journey to the village of Ghangaria is made on a trail that is comparatively well-maintained. Pilgrims might spend the night at another Gurudwara. There are also a few hotels and a campsite that has mattresses and tents. The best time to visit Chamoli Uttarakhand is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant there.
Location: Sri Hemkunt Langar Ghangaria, Gobindghat, Chamoli 246443 India
Best time to visit: May to October
How to reach: Hemkund is reached by a 6-kilometer stone-paved road that climbs 1,100 meters (3,600 feet).
Travel Tips:
- The trek to Hemkund Sahib is challenging
- Respect the sacredness of the gurudwara and follow the rules and regulations.
Highlights:
- Sacred Sikh pilgrimage site in Himalayas
- Stunning lake and surrounding mountains
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Rishikesh: Where Spirituality and Natural Beauty Meets
3. Auli: Winter Wonderland of India
The Indian state of Uttarakhand contains the hill station Auli in the Garhwal area as one of the must-visit Chamoli Tourist Places. Its topography is what gave rise to its name, Auli, which means meadows, appropriately. The hill station boasts expansive meadows that are visually appealing, on a slope. Auli is affectionately described as Skiing Capital of India. The hill station is covered in many trees, including pine, coniferous, deodar woods, and wildflowers. At a height of up to 9000 feet above sea level, the slopes here provide breathtaking views of the neighboring Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Kamet, and Dunagiri.
Location: Auli, Chamoli 246443 India
Best time to Visit: October to March
How to reach: To reach Auli, fly to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport) and take a taxi or bus to Joshimath (270 km, 9 hours). From Joshimath, take the cable car or trek to Auli (16 km, 4-5 hours). Alternatively, take a train to Haridwar and then a bus or taxi to Joshimath and further to Auli.
Travel Tips:
- Auli is a ski resort, so pack warm clothing and ski gear during winter
- Enjoy the scenic views of Nanda Devi peak and surrounding mountains
Highlights:
- India's premier skiing destination in winter
- Breathtaking views of Nanda Devi peak
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kausani: Where Nature's Canvas Hypnotizes with Perfect Scenery
4. Roopkund Lake: Mystery Lake of the Himalayas
Located in Uttarakhand, India, is the well-known glacial lake Roopkund, has made it position in Chamoli places to visit. The discovery of more than 500 human remains near the lake's edge has made this lake well-known. It is situated at a height of around 4,800 meters in the Himalayas. Roopkund is situated in Garhwal's Chamoli district. It is among the top locations in Garhwal for trekking. It is nearer highland towns like Kathgodam and Nainital. Situated 235 miles from Kathgodam and 217 km from Nainital, Roopkund is a popular adventure destination for both domestic and foreign visitors. Located in the foothills of the Trishul Massif, Roopkund is also referred to as Mystery Lake.
Location: Near Lohajung Chamoli (24 km trek from Wan village of Chamoli)
Best time to Visit: May-June and August-mid October
How to reach: To reach Roopkund Lake, take a train or bus to Kathgodam, then a taxi or bus to Lohajung (225 km, 8 hours). From Lohajung, trek to Didna Village (8 km, 4 hours), then to Bedni Bugyal (10 km, 5 hours), and finally to Roopkund Lake (15 km, 6-7 hours).
Travel Tips:
- The trek to Roopkund Lake is challenging
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions and carry necessary gear.
Highlights:
- Mysterious lake with ancient human skeletons.
- Challenging trek with scenic Himalayan views.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Nainital: A Place Where Nature’s Wonders Await You
5. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Wild Beauty of the Himalayas
Located in Chamoli hill station, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its magnificent flower species. It was called after the Kedarnath Temple, located on its northern boundary and spread across 975 square kilometers. The Western Himalayan region's largest protected area is Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is dubbed the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary because it is most famous for the endangered musk deer. The refuge has a magnificent natural setting. Amazing views of valleys, woodlands, grasslands, and glaciers may be seen, in addition to sights of vibrant flowers, butterflies, and other creatures.
Location: C7JX+FV4, Gopeshwar Mandal Rd, Bandwara, Uttarakhand 246401
Best to Visit: May to June and September to November
How to reach: To reach Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, take a train or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then a taxi or bus to Gaurikund (225 km, 8 hours). From Gaurikund, trek to Kedarnath Temple (14 km, 6-7 hours) and explore the surrounding sanctuary. Alternatively, take a helicopter from Phata or Guptkashi to Kedarnath.
Travel Tips:
- Respect the natural habitat and wildlife, and follow guidelines set by the sanctuary authorities.
- Carry binoculars and a camera to capture the beauty of flora and fauna.
Highlights:
- Home to diverse Himalayan flora
- Rare wildlife species in natural habitat
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In India In Summer: A Detailed Guide To A Perfect Holiday
6. Joshimath: Trekking Paradise Found
The well-known village of Joshimath is one of the famous places to visit in Uttarakhand. At 6150 meters (about 3.82 mi), or around 3.82 miles, above sea level, it serves as a starting point for numerous Himalayan Mountain climbing adventures, hiking routes, and pilgrimage sites, including Badrinath. For Hindus, it is a site of immense religious significance. Adi Shankara developed the four cardinal pithas in the eighth century, and this is one of them. Dwarka in Gujarat, Puri in Odisha, and Sringeri in Karnataka are the other three pithas. Several other significant temples, such as the Shankarcharya Math, the Vasudeva Temple, and the Narsingh Temple, are also located in Joshimath.
Location: TCP Market Joshimath, Chamoli 246443 India
Best time to Visit: April to November
How to reach: Take a train or bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh, then a taxi or bus to Joshimath (270 km, 9 hours). Alternatively, take a flight to Dehradun and then a taxi to Joshimath (285 km, 10 hours).
Travel Tips:
- Joshimath is a gateway to Badrinath and Hemkund treks, so plan your itinerary accordingly
- Explore the local market and try local cuisine
Highlights:
- Gateway to Badrinath and Hemkund treks.
- Ancient temple and cultural heritage site.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Almora: Astound Gem in Uttarakhand's Crown
7. Adi Badri Temple: Spiritual Bliss in the Himalayas
The Adi Badri Temple is an important pilgrimage place in the scenic Indian state of Uttarakhand. Adi Badri is an ancient temple complex near the confluence of Alaknanda and Pindar. It bears tremendous religious importance among devotees. The temple complex comprises of 16 tiny temples, each dedicated to a different deity. The primary temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, specifically in the form of Narayana. The complex's other temples honor numerous Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Lord Ganesha. The Adi Badri Temple is one of the Sapta Badri temples, a collection of seven shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu. Chamoli being one of the offbeat places to visit in Uttarakhand, has varioius hidden gems to be explored.
Location: 564G+FHQ, NH109, Aadibadri, Syalkot, Uttarakhand 246440
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Sep, Oct and Nov
How to reach: Take a train or bus to Karnaprayag, then a taxi or bus to Adi Badri Temple (20 km, 1 hour). Alternatively, take a taxi or bus from Joshimath (45 km, 2 hours) or Rishikesh (200 km, 6 hours).
Travel Tips:
- Adi Badri Temple is one of the Panch Badri temples, so plan your itinerary to visit all five temples.
- Respect the spiritual ambiance and follow temple rules.
Highlights:
- One of Panch Badri temples in Uttarakhand.
- Serene surroundings and spiritual ambiance.
Suggested Read: Place to Visit in Uttarkashi: A Scenic and Surreal Hill Station
8. Gopeshwar: Where Nature Meets Adventure
Gopeshwar is a small, picturesque town in Uttarakhand's Chamoli district. It serves as the district seat for Chamoli, which is recognized for its scenic beauty and historic Hindu temples. Perched at an elevation of 1,400 meters above sea level, you may enjoy spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas, which are adorned with rich vegetation of deodar and pine trees that surround this small hamlet. The natives believe that Gopeshwar was named after Lord Krishna. Gopeshwar is best known for its Shiva Temple, Anusuya Devi Temple, Chandika Devi Temple, and Gopinath Temple.
Location: C84F+RGJ, Gopeshwar Chamoli Rd, Ghursal, Gopeshwar, Uttarakhand 246401
Best time to Visit: April-June, September-November
How to reach: Take a train or bus to Rishikesh, then a taxi or bus to Gopeshwar (220 km, 7 hours). Alternatively, take a taxi or bus from Joshimath (120 km, 4 hours) or Chamoli (30 km, 1 hour).
Travel Tips:
- Gopeshwar is an ancient town, so explore the local culture and history.
- Visit the ancient Shiva temple and enjoy the picturesque surroundings along with other things to do in Uttarakhand
Highlights:
- Ancient Shiva temple and historic significance
- Picturesque town with natural beauty
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Lansdowne: Discover the Perfect Blend of Nature, Adventure, and History
Chamoli, a hidden gem in the Garhwal Himalayas, offers a unique and unspoiled experience for travelers. From majestic temples to breathtaking valleys, and from thrilling treks to serene landscapes, Chamoli has something for everyone. Despite a plethora of places to visit in Chamoli, it remains an unexplored destination, waiting to be discovered. Its untainted natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality make it ideal for those seeking a genuine experience. Come and discover the secrets of Chamoli, a place that will leave you enchanted, inspired, and yearning for more. Pack your bags and get ready to uncover the magic of Chamoli with our Uttarakhand Tour Packages.
Places to visit in Chamoli FAQ’s
The best time to visit Chamoli is from April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
Must-visit places in Chamoli include Badrinath Temple, Joshimath, Auli, Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib, and Roopkund Lake.
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and the nearest railway station is Rishikesh. Regular bus services connect Chamoli to nearby cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar.
Joshimath and Auli are approximately 16 km apart, and the journey takes around 1 hour by road.
Badrinath Temple is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The best way to explore Valley of Flowers National Park is on foot, as it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and flora.
Roopkund Lake is situated at an altitude of 5,029 meters above sea level.
The trek to Hemkund Sahib typically takes 2-3 days, depending on your fitness level and pace.
Yes, Chamoli offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, lodges, and campsites, to suit all budgets.
Yes, Chamoli is generally a safe destination for solo travelers, but it's always advisable to take necessary precautions and stay informed about local conditions.
