The short answer
Chitrakantha Summit: what visitors should know first
Yes, especially if you want easier access to high-altitude scenery than some other Auli treks. Chopta and Chitrakantha are linked; plan a day trip from Auli or an overnight stop. The views rival Auli's, with less climbing involved.
Useful facts
Chitrakantha Summit facts at a glance
- Location
- Chopta plateau and surrounding ridges, south-west of Auli
- Type
- Day trip
- Time needed
- 4-6 hours for a day trip from Auli including drive and trek
- Best time
- June to September for clear views and open trails; October to May bring cloud and occasional snow
Why it matters
Why Chitrakantha Summit is worth your time
Chopta and the surrounding ridges, including Chitrakantha, are part of the high-altitude plateau system of the Garhwal Himalayas. The meadows (bugyals) are traditional summer grazing grounds, and the ridges offer some of the clearest panoramic views in the region. Chopta is sometimes called the 'Switzerland of India' for its meadow landscape, though this is a cliché that undersells the genuine beauty and alpine ecology.
For visitors, Chitrakantha offers a more gradual high-altitude experience than Auli itself: lower altitude, shorter drive, and accessible trekking.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Drive from Auli towards Chopta, roughly 30-40 km and 1.5-2 hours by road. The road is steep and winding. Upon arrival in Chopta, which is a small village and meadow, hire a local guide (your guesthouse can arrange) and trek towards Chitrakantha summit.
The trail climbs through meadows and forested sections, with views opening up as you gain altitude. Chitrakantha is one of several high points in the area; most treks aim for the highest accessible summit or a prominent ridge. The views from the top spread across the Himalayan range, with Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks visible on clear days.
Spend 30-45 minutes at the summit enjoying the view, then return by the same route. A full day trip from Auli is feasible: early departure, 2-3 hours of trekking up, 1-2 hours at the summit/meadow area, and 2-3 hours down, plus drive time.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Hire a guide; the trail is not always marked, and weather changes quickly
- Bring water, snacks, a windproof jacket and good boots
- Start early to avoid afternoon clouds
- The drive from Auli is steep and winding; a local driver is ideal
- Cell phone signal is intermittent; inform someone of your plan
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Chopta plateau and surrounding ridges, south-west of Auli
- Time needed
- 4-6 hours for a day trip from Auli including drive and trek
- Best time
- June to September for clear views and open trails; October to May bring cloud and occasional snow
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The walk is moderate, with some climbing but no technical sections. Older travellers who are comfortable with 2-3 hours of hillside walking can manage this. The altitude (roughly 2,600-2,700 metres) is lower than Auli plateau.
- Tickets and access
- No entry fees; the area is open for trekking. Inform your lodge of your plan.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chitrakantha Summit
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The walk is moderate, with some climbing but no technical sections. Older travellers who are comfortable with 2-3 hours of hillside walking can manage this. The altitude (roughly 2,600-2,700 metres) is lower than Auli plateau.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How different is Chopta from Auli?
Chopta is lower in altitude (2,600-2,700 m vs. 2,500-3,000 m), accessed by a different drive, and offers more meadow walks than skiing. Both are high-altitude meadow destinations.
Is Chitrakantha a peak to climb?
It is a high point on a ridge, not a technical mountain summit. Trekking to it involves hillside walking, not climbing.
Can you do this as a day trip from Auli?
Yes, with an early start and good pace. Budget 4-6 hours total, including drive and trekking.
What altitude should I expect?
Chitrakantha is roughly 2,600-2,700 metres, manageable for most people acclimatised at lower elevations.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
