nature · Thangu and Chopta Valley, North Sikkim
Chopta Valley's high meadows
Chopta Valley lies near Thangu at roughly 4,000 m. It is a broad, open valley floor with a river winding through grass and gravel, ringed by ridges. In June and July the meadows flower with primulas and other alpine plants. In winter the streams freeze and the valley turns white, and photographers come for the frozen river.
Unlike Gurudongmar, Chopta is not on every itinerary. Whether you can go depends on the permit your operator obtains and on army instructions on the day. Some foreign groups who cannot go to Gurudongmar are taken to Chopta instead. Ask your operator in writing whether it is included and what it costs extra, if anything.
Note: this Chopta is not the Chopta in Uttarakhand, which is a different, much lower place on the Tungnath route. Keep the visit short, walk slowly, and stay on firm ground; the meadows can be marshy in summer and icy in winter.
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Where is Chopta Valley in Sikkim
Chopta Valley is in the upper Lachen valley near Thangu, about 30 km north of Lachen and on the way to Gurudongmar Lake, at roughly 4,000 m. It should not be confused with Chopta in Uttarakhand, which is a different place on the Tungnath trek route.
Do I need a separate permit for Chopta Valley
It depends on the current rules. Chopta has sometimes been covered by the Lachen–Thangu permit and sometimes restricted by the army. Ask your registered operator whether your permit includes it and confirm on the day. Check current status before you travel.
When is Chopta Valley best
June for alpine flowers, if the road below Lachen is open, and October–November for clear skies. In winter the river freezes and the valley is often white, which is striking but very cold and harder to reach. July to September brings monsoon landslides lower down.
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