Auli Chopta Itinerary: A 4-Day Himalayan Trip Plan

Published on August 12, 2025

Planning Auli and Chopta in one trip gives you two different Himalayan experiences in a single journey. Auli is known for mountain views, skiing slopes and winter activities, while Chopta is better known for Deoria Tal, Tungnath and the Chandrashila trek.

This Auli Chopta itinerary is designed as a practical 4-day trip plan covering Joshimath, Auli, Chopta, Tungnath, Chandrashila and Deoria Tal without turning the journey into a rushed checklist.

For travellers who want transport, stay and trip coordination arranged together, explore the Auli Chopta Tour Package.

Auli Chopta 4-Day Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Delhi/Rishikesh → Joshimath
Day 2: Auli sightseeing → Chopta/Sari
Day 3: Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek
Day 4: Deoria Tal → Return Journey

This sequence works well for travellers who want to combine sightseeing in Auli with the trekking experiences around Chopta.

Day 1: Travel to Joshimath

Begin your journey towards Joshimath, which serves as the main base for visiting Auli.

Travellers coming from Delhi generally follow:

Delhi → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath

The drive is long, so avoid adding too much sightseeing on the first day. After reaching Joshimath, check in to your accommodation and rest.

If time permits, you can explore nearby local areas or visit Narsingh Temple.

Overnight Stay

Joshimath

Day 2: Explore Auli and Continue to Chopta

After breakfast, travel from Joshimath towards Auli.

Auli is situated at around 2,800 metres and is recognised as one of Uttarakhand’s prominent skiing destinations. It also offers views towards Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi.

Spend the first half of the day exploring Auli.

Depending on the season and operational conditions, you can experience:

• Auli skiing slopes
• Himalayan viewpoints
• Chairlift or ropeway
• Auli Artificial Lake
• Short walks around the slopes
• Seasonal snow activities

For official destination information, see Uttarakhand Tourism – Auli.

After exploring Auli, continue towards Chopta or Sari depending on your accommodation plan.

Overnight Stay

Chopta or Sari Village

Day 3: Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek

Start early because this is the main trekking day of the trip.

The trek begins from the Chopta side and gradually climbs towards Tungnath.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is located on the trekking route from Chopta towards Chandrashila and is one of the most important attractions in this region. Uttarakhand Tourism identifies it as the highest Shiva temple and a major attraction near Chopta.

Spend some time around Tungnath before deciding whether to continue towards Chandrashila.

Chandrashila Summit

Chandrashila sits at approximately 4,000 metres and provides expansive Himalayan views when weather conditions are clear.

The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is steeper, so attempt it according to:

• Fitness level
• Snow conditions
• Weather
• Trail accessibility
• Available daylight

During heavy winter snow, reaching Chandrashila can become significantly more difficult.

Return to Chopta/Sari after completing the trek.

Overnight Stay

Sari or Chopta

Day 4: Deoria Tal and Return Journey

Start the final day early and head towards the Deoria Tal trail from the Sari Village side.

Deoria Tal is surrounded by forest and offers a peaceful final trekking experience before the long return journey.

Spend some time near the lake, enjoy the mountain surroundings and then descend back towards Sari.

After breakfast or refreshments, begin the return journey towards Rishikesh and Delhi.

Depending on your route and available time, short stops can be made along the way without making the journey unnecessarily rushed.

Should You Visit Auli or Chopta First?

Both sequences are possible.

Auli First

Joshimath → Auli → Chopta → Tungnath → Deoria Tal

This works well if you are approaching the region through Joshimath first.

Chopta First

Sari → Deoria Tal → Chopta → Tungnath → Joshimath → Auli

This can work better when your broader road route reaches Rudraprayag and Ukhimath before Joshimath.

The right sequence ultimately depends on accommodation, weather and road conditions.

For detailed transport planning between the two destinations, use our How to Reach Auli and Chopta guide.

Best Time for an Auli Chopta Trip

Your ideal season depends on the experience you want.

Winter

Winter suits travellers interested in snow, skiing and a more challenging Himalayan experience.

However, snow can make the Tungnath–Chandrashila trail considerably harder, and road accessibility can change quickly.

Spring and Early Summer

This is a good period for travellers who want trekking, clearer roads and more comfortable daytime temperatures.

Autumn

Post-monsoon months can offer clear mountain views and comparatively favourable trekking conditions.

Chopta is considered an all-season destination by Uttarakhand Tourism, although actual trekking conditions vary significantly with weather and snow.

For official destination details, refer to Uttarakhand Tourism – Chopta.

What to Pack for the Trip

Pack according to the season and remember that Chopta trekking conditions may be colder than expected.

Carry:

• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Warm jacket
• Thermal layers in winter
• Gloves and woollen cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medicines
• Small daypack
• Power bank
• Government-issued ID

During winter, waterproof shoes and additional warm layers are strongly recommended.

Important Auli Chopta Trip Tips

Start trekking early so you have enough daylight for Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Do not force the Chandrashila summit if snow, weather or fitness conditions are unsuitable.

Keep some flexibility between Auli and Chopta because mountain-road journey times can change.

Do not assume skiing, ropeway or snow activities will operate every day.

Carry sufficient cash for smaller mountain settlements where connectivity may be inconsistent.

Avoid littering on trekking routes and carry your waste back with you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Auli Chopta Itinerary

1. How many days are enough for Auli and Chopta?

Around 4 days can cover the major highlights, although travellers with more time can add an extra day for a more relaxed journey.

2. Can Auli and Chopta be covered together?

Yes. Both destinations are in Uttarakhand and can be combined through a road itinerary connecting Joshimath, Chamoli/Gopeshwar and the Chopta region.

3. Is a 4-day Auli Chopta itinerary too rushed?

It is manageable for travellers comfortable with mountain driving and trekking. Adding an extra day will make the trip more relaxed.

4. Is the Tungnath trek included in an Auli Chopta trip?

Most Auli–Chopta itineraries include Tungnath because it is one of Chopta’s key trekking experiences. Actual trail access depends on weather.

5. Can beginners trek to Chandrashila?

Beginners with reasonable fitness may attempt it in suitable conditions. Snow and ice can significantly increase the difficulty.

6. Can I visit Deoria Tal and Tungnath on the same day?

It is possible in certain itineraries, but covering them on separate days provides a more comfortable experience.

7. Is Auli Chopta good for a winter trip?

Yes, especially for travellers seeking snow and adventure. However, winter requires more flexibility because roads and trekking trails can be affected by snowfall.

Final Auli Chopta Trip Plan

A well-planned Auli Chopta journey should balance Auli sightseeing with Chopta trekking rather than trying to cover too many attractions.

Use Joshimath as your Auli base, allow a dedicated day for Tungnath–Chandrashila and keep Deoria Tal as a separate short trek. Most importantly, leave some flexibility for Himalayan road and weather conditions.