Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh

Chaupal, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

The information I am giving here is based on my 5 months stay in this town during my search of buying an Apple Orchard.

Introduction

Lush Green Hills of Chaupal

Chopal or Chaupal is a small hilly town and Tehsil head center in Shimla District. It is surrounded by deodar forest and its about 3 hours or 65kms from Theog, Shimla. The road is recently metaled and all weather. It is one of the most beautiful roads to drive. The lush green valleys view and the road leads through one of the oldest and thick forests of Asia. Devdar, kail, fir spruce and ban trees are in plenty in forests of Chaupal. This place is also famous for its apple production and produce import quality apples. The best thing about Chopal apart from its rich flora and fauna is its weather which is just like Canada. It is sweet and pleasant during summers and chilled snowy weather in winters. This town has a population of around 8000 people. As it is Tehsil head center it has all the government offices, schools, decent market, bus services, taxis stand, ngo center, post office, hppwd office etc.

Chaupal fall under the famous apple belt of Himachal Pradesh and main areas of apple production around Chaupal are Chambi,Tharoch, Poran, Pauria, Peontra Valley, Bamta, Rinjat, Khaddar, Matal, Chanju (Chopal), Kashah, Rushlah, Satota (Halau, Shalan) Dewat, Kakhrona, Shilikyan, Shantha, Sunarli, Maraog, Bigraoli, Jhina, and Sarain.

Honestly, people of this town are little orthodox and very superstitious. The talk of magic and "vish" is very common and also people fear local Devta. The natural beauty of the town is unmatchable and the famous "Churdhar Mahadev peak" is visible from here. 'Khirki' at a height of 2900 meter from sea level presents very mesmerizing views of Himalaya. The famous 'Churdhar Peak' can also be seen from places like 'Reyuni' and 'Chharki'.

Food and Stay:

Chopal Bus Stand Homestay and Tea shop

Chaupal has many homestays and mediocre hotels. It also has HPPWD guest house which I would recommend to all but do book in advance from Chief Engineer office. The homestays and hotels range from anywhere between 200 to 1000 and it all depends upon the bargain skills.

Chopal, District Shimla, HImachal Pradesh, Guest House

HPPWD Guest House Chaupal

There a quite a few decent eating shops and both vegs and non-veg food are available. There is one nepali dhaba near govt. school which serves hygienic momos, noodles, and thukpa. for north Indian Thali I would recommend "Kulza" restaurant just next to UCO bank. It serves the best food in town.

How to Reach

Chaupal is 100 kms from Shimla and well connected with HRTC buses and Taxis from Shimla. The road is in very good condition and it is very pleasurable to drive. The 18 km of the road will make you feel like in heaven. Please note there is no bus to Chopal from Shimla after 4 pm so adjust your timings accordingly.

Places to see around:

1) Lankar Veer Maharaj

Lankar Veer Maharaja Temple Chaupal

Beautiful Temple just before entering the main town. Temple of one of the most worshipped god of upper Shimla, the god of power, god of strength, " Lankar Veer Maharaj ". This temple's deity is very popular in Chaupal in Navratri Bhandara is organized here every year.

1) Sarahan:

Sarahan Churdhar Mahadev Trek, Chopal, Himachal

Trek Via Sarahan to Churdhar Mahadev

Sarahan is another town near Chaupal. At Sarahan there are Temples of 'Kul Devtas'. One of the trek to Churdhar starts from Sarahan.

2) Churdhar:

Mahadev Idol At top of Churdhar Peak

Churdhar is one of the highest peak of Sirmaur district. Churdhar having Statue of Lord Shiva on the top of it is also a famous trek. Chaupal shares border with Sirmaur Distt and a small station in Uttarakhand called 'Tiuni'. There are many unexplored places in Chaupal.

Churdhar Mahadev Trek

3) Bijjat Devta Temple:

Bijjat Devta Temple

Bijjat Maharaj Temple is located on the Chaupal-Sarahan road at Sarahan. The Temple is dedicated to Bijjat Devta, Lord Bijjat is the chief Deity of this area and is worshipped in Bijjat Devta Temple by the people of Sarahan and nearby villages. The temple is the ancient temple of Bijjat Devta built in 11th century.Temple is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple in Chaupal circle, Himachal Pradesh.

4) Maa Gagleshwari, Deha Jungle

Natural pond at Maa Gagleshwari temple

Though there are many hidden and beautiful temples around Majestic Chaupal but here I have listed the ones I visited and these are must visit temples too for anyone exploring this part of the state. Maa Gagleshwari is a hilltop temple of Devi and the road diverge from a very small village called Deha. It is just before 20kms from Chaupal. The road to the temple is little rough and one need good driving skills here. The temple is very beautiful and view of whole Chaupal Hills is visible from here. There is a small natural form pond just next to the temple and people consider its water holy.