Chopta Valley
A high, cold valley above Thangu, where a river winds between snowy peaks and meadows. It freezes into an ice river in winter, and it is a scenic stretch on the way to the holy lake.
Chopta Valley lies a few kilometres north of Thangu, at an altitude of about 4,000 metres. The valley floor is wide and flat, covered with green grass and wildflowers in summer. In winter the river freezes over and the surroundings are blanketed in snow and ice. Vehicles bound for Gurudongmar Lake usually stop briefly here for photos. Some itineraries use it as the turning point for foreign visitors or for travellers who cannot adapt to high altitude. It lies in a military-sensitive area, so do not leave the road or photograph military installations.
Opening hours
Daytime (depends on itinerary)
Nearby sights
- Thangu Valley
- Zero Point (Yumesamdong)
- Gurudongmar Lake
- Yumthang Valley
- Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary
- Lachen Village
- Lachen Monastery
- Lachung Village