7 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Chopta–Tungnath Monsoon Trip
Published on August 02, 2025
Chopta Tungnath Tour in the rainy season is a very special and beautiful experience, but it also has its own set of problems. The whole area becomes a bright green paradise, with water flowing down the hills and clouds moving around the mountains. But this lovely view can also hide some mistakes that travelers often make. To make sure your trip is safe, fun, and something you will remember, it's a good idea to know what to avoid. By getting ready and being a bit careful, you can enjoy all the good parts of the monsoon without any stress. This guide will help you stay away from the most common mistakes people make, so you can just focus on the amazing views, the quiet feeling, and the happiness of a great rainy season trip in the big mountains. Enjoy your time here without any worries.
Best Itinerary for Chopta–Tungnath During Monsoon Season
Day 0: Delhi to Rishikesh to Sari Village
- Departure: Start your journey from Botanical Garden Metro Station at 10:00 PM.
- Overnight Journey: Travel overnight towards Sari Village via Rishikesh.
- Stop at Devprayag: Witness the mesmerizing confluence of the Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers along the way.
Day 1: Sari Village to Deoriatal
- Arrival at Sari Village: Check into your homestay and take some time to freshen up.
- Trek to Deoriatal: Begin your trek to Deoriatal (2.5 km, approximately 1.5–2 hours).
- Enjoy Deoriatal: Soak in the serene beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscapes.
- Return to Sari Village: Head back to Sari Village and enjoy a peaceful evening.
Day 2: Sari Village to Tungnath & Chandrashila
- Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your homestay.
- Drive to Chopta: A scenic drive of about 1 hour from Sari Village.
- Trek to Tungnath Temple: Embark on a 3.5 km trek to the sacred Tungnath Temple.
- Summit Chandrashila: Extend your trek by 1.5 km to reach the breathtaking Chandrashila summit.
- Return to Chopta/Sari: After the trek, return to Chopta or Sari for an overnight stay at the campsite.
Day 3: Chopta to Delhi
- Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast at your campsite in Chopta.
- Departure: Begin your journey back to Delhi in the early morning.
- Visit Dhari Devi Temple: Stop by the revered Dhari Devi Temple en route.
- Arrival in Delhi: A long drive of approximately 10–12 hours marks the end of your adventure.
Inclusion
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One Night Accommodation In Sari Village.
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One Night Accommodation In Chopta/Sari Village.
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4 Meals Will Be Provided Throughtout The Trip.
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AC Transportation.
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Guide While trekking.
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Experienced Trip Captain Throught The Trip.
Exclusion
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5% GST
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Extra Drinks, Food, Tea and Snacks.
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Tickets for any sightseeing or extra activity outside the camp area.
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Travel Insurance and other benefits.
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Anything which is not mentioned in inclusions.
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Cost escalation due to any unforeseen reason like weather, road condition, landslide etc.
Here are 7 mistakes to avoid to make sure your journey is safe, comfortable, and unforgettable.
1. Ignoring the Weather Forecast
Going on a Chopta tour in the rainy season is a beautiful experience, but you must remember that the mountains can be very unpredictable. One of the biggest mistakes people make is not checking the weather forecast. Heavy and sudden rain is very common in the hills, and it can cause big problems like landslides and roads getting blocked. A fun trip can quickly turn into a long and stressful wait if a road is closed. Not knowing about the weather can get you stuck for many hours, which can completely ruin your plans and your entire Chopta trip. Thinking ahead about the weather is the best way to have a smooth and enjoyable adventure.
What to do instead:
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Check the weather news often before and during your trip. Don't just look at the weather a week before you go. It's smart to check the weather every day before you leave and every morning while you are there. You can use your phone apps or local TV news to stay informed. This simple step can help you make good choices about your travel each day.
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Don't travel when there are red or orange alerts. These alerts are serious warnings from weather experts. A red alert means there is a very high chance of heavy rain and dangerous conditions. An orange alert also means a high chance of heavy rain. It is not safe to travel during these times. It is much better to wait in a safe place until the weather gets better. Your safety is always the most important thing.
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Plan for extra days in case you get stuck. When you plan your trip, add one or two extra days to your schedule. This gives you some flexibility. If a road gets blocked because of a landslide, you won't have to worry about missing your train or flight. You can relax and wait for the road to open again. If you don't get stuck, you'll just have more time to explore and make your Chopta tour even more fun.
Not Carrying Proper Rain Gear
One of the most common mistakes people make on a monsoon Chopta trip is not bringing the right rain clothes. A small umbrella just won't be enough. The rain in Chopta during this season can be very heavy and last for a long time. It often comes with wind, which makes an umbrella useless. Getting wet and staying wet is not only very uncomfortable, but it can also make you sick, which is the last thing you want on your holiday. Packing smart and bringing the right waterproof gear is the key to enjoying your Chopta tour and staying healthy and happy throughout your trip.
What to do instead:
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Pack a waterproof jacket or a poncho. A good waterproof jacket will keep your body dry, which is very important. A poncho is also a great choice because it can cover you and your backpack at the same time. These items are much better than an umbrella because they protect you from the rain and the wind, and they leave your hands free for walking.
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Use a rain cover for your backpack. Your backpack holds all your clothes, electronics, and important papers. If it gets wet, everything inside will get wet too. A simple rain cover is an easy way to protect your bag from getting soaked. Many trekking backpacks already have a rain cover. If yours doesn't, you should buy one before you go.
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Wear quick-dry clothes and socks. When you are in the mountains in the rain, your clothes might get a little wet no matter what. That's why it's a good idea to wear clothes made from materials that dry fast. Avoid wearing cotton clothes, because they take a very long time to dry and can make you feel cold. It's also smart to bring a few extra pairs of socks so you always have a dry pair to change into.
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Bring an extra pair of sturdy shoes or waterproof boots. The walking paths in Chopta can get very slippery and muddy in the rain. Your regular shoes might not have a good enough grip. An extra pair of strong shoes or waterproof boots is a must-have. They will keep your feet dry and warm, and they will give you a better grip, which helps you avoid slipping. Staying dry is not just about feeling comfortable; it's about staying safe and healthy.
Underestimating Road Conditions
Even if you are a very good driver, you must be extra careful on hilly roads during the rainy season. Not thinking enough about the road conditions is a big mistake. Heavy rain can make roads very risky. You might find big holes in the road, slippery hills, and even rocks falling from above. Also, the rain and fog can make it hard to see clearly, which is very dangerous. Your Chopta trip can become stressful and unsafe if you are not ready for these road conditions. It is important to know that driving in the mountains during the monsoon is not the time to drive fast or take risks. It's the time to be careful and safe.
Tips for Safe Travel:
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Do not drive after dark. Driving at night in the mountains is always hard, but it gets much more dangerous during the monsoon. The rain and fog can make it almost impossible to see the road. Also, you might not be able to see problems like fallen rocks in the dark. It is much smarter to start your driving early in the day and get to your hotel before it gets dark.
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Use a vehicle that is high off the ground. This means using a car that has good ground clearance. During the monsoon, roads can be uneven, and there might be big holes in the road or small streams of water. A high car can go over these things safely without getting damaged. It's best to avoid using small cars that are low to the ground for your Chopta tour.
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Hire a local driver if you are not sure. If you don't have much practice driving in the hills or the rain, hiring a local driver is a very good idea. They know the roads very well, including the places that might be dangerous. They also know other roads to take if one is blocked. Having a local driver will make your Chopta trip much less stressful and much safer for everyone in the car.
Choosing the Wrong Accommodation
One of the most important parts of a good Chopta tour is having a safe and comfortable place to stay. During the monsoon, not all hotels and guesthouses are ready for heavy rain. Some budget stays may not be well-built and could have problems like leaky roofs or poor drainage, which can make your stay very uncomfortable. An isolated place might be hard to reach if the roads get blocked. Your place to stay should be a safe and warm spot to relax, not a source of worry. Taking a little extra time to choose the right accommodation can make a big difference to your Chopta trip.
Tips for Booking:
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Call the property and ask about road access and waterproofing. Before you book, it is a very good idea to call the hotel or guesthouse directly. Ask them if the road to their place is usually open during the rainy season. Also, ask them about the building itself. You can ask, "Is your roof and building completely waterproof? Do you have any problems with leaks when it rains heavily?" This will give you a much better idea of what to expect than just looking at photos online.
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Choose places with backup power and proper drainage. Power cuts are very common during the monsoon, especially in the mountains. A place with a backup power source, like a generator or an inverter, will make your stay much more comfortable. Also, ask if the property has proper drainage. This means that water runs away from the building, so you don't have to worry about your room or the area around it getting flooded. This is key to a worry-free stay.
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Avoid isolated stays if traveling alone or with family. While staying in a quiet, remote place sounds nice, it can be risky during the monsoon. If you are far from a main road or a village, you could get cut off from help or basic supplies if the weather gets very bad. For your safety and peace of mind, especially if you are traveling by yourself or with your family, it is better to choose a place that is in a more populated area. This way, you will be closer to other people and resources if you need them.
Skipping Essential Medicines
When you are on a Chopta trip in the mountains, it’s very easy for the change in weather, the high altitude, and the stress of travel to affect your health. The mix of cold, wet weather can easily give you a cold. Also, a change in food and water can sometimes cause stomach problems. Getting sick when you are far from a doctor or a pharmacy is a very bad situation. Because of this, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not bringing a basic medicine kit with you. As the saying goes, health is wealth, and this is especially true when you are on a mountain adventure like a Chopta tour.
Carry these basic medicines:
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Cold and flu medicines. The rainy season brings cold winds and dampness, which makes it easy to catch a cold. It is a good idea to pack some simple medicines for a cold or flu, like paracetamol for fever and body pain, and some throat lozenges for a sore throat. Having these with you can help you feel better quickly and not let a small cold ruin your trip.
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Anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea tablets. A change in the food or water you drink can sometimes upset your stomach. Having these medicines can help stop these problems right away, so you can continue your adventure without having to stop for long.
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Personal prescriptions. If you take any medicines regularly for a health condition, make sure you pack enough for your whole trip. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra days' worth of medicine, just in case you get delayed because of bad weather or a blocked road. Finding these specific medicines in a small mountain town can be very hard.
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ORS and hand sanitizers. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is a powder you mix with water to stay hydrated, and it's very important if you get an upset stomach. You should also carry a hand sanitizer and use it often, especially before you eat. This is a simple but very good way to keep yourself from getting sick, as clean water might not always be available for washing your hands.
Not Respecting Nature’s Mood
The beautiful green hills and magical clouds of Chopta during the monsoon can make you want to go trekking for that perfect photo. But one of the biggest mistakes is not respecting the weather. Nature doesn’t follow our rules. A light rain can quickly become a heavy one, making the paths very slippery and hard to see. This can be dangerous for anyone on a Chopta trip. It’s important to understand that your safety is much more important than any picture. Being smart and careful is the key to enjoying your adventure without putting yourself at risk. Remember, Tungnath is beautiful, but safety comes first.
Be cautious:
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Do not trek during heavy rainfall or lightning. This is a very serious rule. Heavy rain can cause water to rush down in small streams and make the ground loose, which can cause landslides. The high mountains also increase the risk of lightning strikes. It is always best to wait for the rain to stop before you start your walk.
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Start your trek early in the morning. The weather in the mountains is usually much clearer and calmer in the mornings. By starting early, you can finish your trek and get back to your hotel before the afternoon rains begin. This gives you more time to walk in good weather and also makes sure you are not walking in the dark, which is even more dangerous in the monsoon.
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Tell someone before you go out. Before you start your trek, always tell someone where you are going. This could be the owner of your hotel or a friend. Tell them the path you plan to take and what time you think you will be back. This way, if something goes wrong and you don't return on time, people will know where to look for you. This is a simple but very important safety rule for every Chopta tour.
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Stay on the main paths. It can be tempting to explore new paths, but in the monsoon, this is a very bad idea. The main trails are the safest and most well-kept paths. Other areas might have unstable ground, or you might get lost in the fog. Always stay on the main trail to make sure your journey is safe and you don’t get into any trouble.
Overpacking or Underpacking
When getting ready for your Chopta trip, packing is a very important step, and it is easy to make a mistake. Packing too much can make your bag very heavy and make walking difficult. On the other hand, packing too little, like just one t-shirt, can leave you cold and uncomfortable. The weather in the mountains can change very fast, so you need to be ready for both cold and wet conditions. The key is to pack smart, not heavy. As the saying goes, pack light but pack right. This will help you have a good time on your Chopta tour without any stress.
Smart packing checklist:
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Layered clothing. The weather in the mountains can be very unpredictable. It might be warm when the sun is out and very cold when it starts to rain. The best way to stay comfortable is to wear clothes in layers. You can put on or take off a jacket, a sweater, or a thin shirt as the temperature changes. This is much better than bringing one very thick jacket.
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Power bank, torch, and extra batteries. Power cuts are very common during the monsoon. It is a good idea to bring a power bank to keep your phone charged. You should also bring a small torch (flashlight) and some extra batteries, as it can get very dark at night if the electricity goes out.
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Snacks like dry fruits or energy bars. During your walk, you might need a quick boost of energy. Packing some dry fruits, chocolates, or energy bars is a smart idea. They are light to carry and give you energy to keep going. They can also be a good backup if you get stuck on the road for a few hours.
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Light backpack with essentials. Don't bring a huge, heavy bag. Instead, pack a light backpack that is easy to carry. Inside, keep your most important things, like a small first-aid kit, a water bottle, and a rain cover for your bag. This makes walking much easier.
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Travel documents and IDs in waterproof pouches. Your important papers, like your ID card and travel tickets, can get wet and ruined in the rain. It is a very good idea to keep them inside a waterproof pouch or a special plastic bag. This simple step will keep your documents safe and dry.
Don’t Just Travel, Travel Prepared – Book Your Trip to Chopta
Don’t just dream about the mountains; get ready to explore them with confidence. Don’t Just Travel, Travel Prepared – Book Your Trip to Chopta Now! A trip to Chopta is an escape into a world of green hills, fresh mountain air, and amazing views. But the best adventures are the ones you are ready for. By planning ahead and booking a reliable tour, you can enjoy all the magic of this place without any worries. Forget about last-minute stress. When you travel prepared, you can focus on the beauty around you, from walking on the peaceful trails to simply relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. It’s time to turn your travel dreams into a real, well-planned adventure.
When you travel prepared, you get to enjoy:
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Complete peace of mind
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More time for fun and relaxation
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A memorable and safe journey
If you want to know about Chopta Adventure Activities, check out our blog here. Book your trip to Chopta today to get started on your perfect mountain getaway. Let us help you prepare for an unforgettable experience that you will cherish forever.
Frequently Asked Questions – Chopta–Tungnath Monsoon Trip
1. Is it safe to visit Chopta during the monsoon?
Yes, but you must be cautious. Slippery trails, landslides, and sudden rain are common. Check weather forecasts and travel advisories before your trip.
2. What are the biggest mistakes people make during monsoon trips to Chopta?
Common mistakes include not checking weather updates, wearing improper shoes, underestimating trek difficulty, and forgetting rain protection.
3. Is the Tungnath temple open during monsoon?
Yes, the temple remains open during monsoon months (May to October), unless there's heavy rain or landslides blocking the route.
4. Can I do the Chandrashila trek safely in rain?
You can, but it's risky. The trail becomes slippery and foggy. Start early and avoid trekking during or after heavy rain.
5. What kind of clothes should I pack for a Chopta monsoon trip?
Pack waterproof jackets, quick-dry clothes, a poncho, extra socks, and warm layers. Avoid cotton clothes as they stay wet longer.
6. What kind of shoes are best for monsoon trekking in Chopta?
Wear high-traction, waterproof trekking shoes with good ankle support. Avoid sneakers or sandals.
7. Will I get mobile network and internet in Chopta?
Mobile network is patchy. BSNL and Jio work in some areas. Internet access is limited, so don’t rely on it completely.
8. Are camps or hotels safe to stay in during the monsoon?
Yes, but choose solid-roofed properties over tents during heavy rain. Look for camps or lodges that are monsoon-prepared.
9. Can I travel to Chopta by car during the rainy season?
Yes, but roads can be risky due to landslides. A sturdy vehicle and experienced driver are recommended.
10. What permits or documents do I need for the trek?
Usually, no permits are needed for Tungnath–Chandrashila. But always carry ID proof, and check with locals in case rules change due to weather.