Chopta / Tsopta Valley - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 31 km from Gurudongmar Lake and 39 km from Lachen, Chopta Valley is a picturesque valley located near Thangu village in North Sikkim. Situated on the way to Gurudongmar Lake, it is one of the popular places to visit in Sikkim and among the best places to experience Lachen Tourism.

Perched at an elevation of 13,200 feet, Chopta Valley is the summer residence of the nomadic Lachenpas. It has breathtaking alpine scenery with lofty snow-capped peaks, meandering rivers, orchids, rhododendrons and other high altitude flora. The valley is criss-crossed by meandering rivers. This valley is unexplored and untouched, as a very few tourists travel to this destination despite its popularity. Chopta Valley is the starting point for some of the most interesting treks in North Sikkim as well as the gateway to the holy Gurudongmar and Tso Lhamu Lakes.

Surrounded by dense forest, Chopta Valley offers the last patch of green vegetation before the landscape changes into the cold deserted rugged terrain. The valley turns into a beautiful carpet of alpine flowers that adorn the valley during spring while the valley is frozen during the winter and provides opportunity to walk over the frozen rivers. The unique location of Chopta Valley amidst the mountainous gorge is dotted with the trekking trails which attracts trekkers and adventurer travellers from around the globe. The trek from Chopta Valley to Muguthang Valley is considered as one of the best treks in North Sikkim. Bird watching and wildlife spotting are the other popular activities in Chopta Valley along with sightseeing.

The valley can be reached from Lachen via Thangu village. Tourists visiting Chopta valley has to stay overnight at Lachen and can start early morning for Chopta Valley and Gurudongmar Lake. Indian tourists can visit both but international tourists are allowed to visit only till the valley. Tour to Chopta valley requires special permit (Inner Line Permit). The permit is given to Tourists through an authorized tour operator only.

Summer season that extends from the month of March to May is the best season to visit Chopta Valley as it offers the pleasant climate for the tourists.