- Where
- Above Thangu on the Lachen–Gurudongmar route
- Altitude
- Roughly 4,000 m
- Distance
- A few kilometres beyond Thangu; about 30 km above Lachen
- Timings
- Daylight; visits are usually early morning on the Gurudongmar day
- Entry fee
- Free
- Permit
- North Sikkim permit; access depends on army and road conditions
- Best time
- May–June for flowers; December–March for snow and the frozen river
- Time needed
- 30 minutes–1 hour
Chopta Valley is a wide, high-altitude meadow above Thangu, on the road from Lachen towards Gurudongmar Lake. In winter the river through the valley freezes and the slopes are under snow; from May the meadows turn green and alpine flowers come out.
Altitude and safety
At around 4,000 m the air is thin, so walk slowly and spend a night at Lachen first to acclimatise. It is very cold even in summer mornings. Not suitable for infants or anyone with heart or breathing problems without medical advice.
How to reach
Chopta Valley is visited on the early-morning drive from Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake, via Thangu. Lachen is about 110–120 km from Gangtok. A North Sikkim permit is required, and access can close after heavy snow.
Chopta Valley: questions travellers ask
What is the altitude of Chopta Valley in Sikkim?
Roughly 4,000 m (about 13,000 ft).
When does the river in Chopta Valley freeze?
Usually from December to March.
How do I visit Chopta Valley?
On the Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake day trip, which passes Thangu. It needs a North Sikkim permit.
Is Chopta Valley in Sikkim the same as Chopta in Uttarakhand?
No. This Chopta Valley is in North Sikkim, above Thangu; Chopta in Uttarakhand is near Tungnath.
Sources
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
