Chaupal is a serene and scenic town located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Chaupal is a quiet mountain town, known for its dense deodar trees and wide apple orchards. This article provides a complete guide about Chaupal—its geography, economy, climate, traditions, and famous places to visit.
Where is Chaupal Located?
Chaupal is a sub-division (tehsil) in the southeastern part of Shimla district, approximately 95 kilometers from Shimla city. Perched at an elevation of about 2,550 meters (8,366 feet) above sea level, Chaupal is surrounded by thick cedar forests and steep valleys. It shares borders with Rohru, Jubbal, and Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district.
Geography and Natural Beauty of Chaupal
Chaupal is one of the richest forest regions in Himachal Pradesh, heavily covered with trees like:
- ✅ Deodar (Himalayan Cedar)
- ✅ Kail (Blue Pine)
- ✅ Fir and Spruce
- ✅ Ban (Oak trees)
This region is renowned for its exceptional Deodar trees, considered among the finest in Asia. These trees are widely used in construction and furniture due to their durability and natural resistance to pests, thanks to the cedar oil present in them. The forests of Chaupal are among the oldest divisions of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and are currently managed by Divisional Forest Officer Ankit Kumar Singh.
Languages Spoken:
- Pahari (native)
- Hindi
- English
Economy: Land of Premium Apples
Chaupal’s economy thrives on apple cultivation. The region produces some of the highest quality apples, which are even exported internationally.
Famous Apple-Growing Areas in Chaupal
- Pulbahal
- Jaigarh
- Tarapur (Nar)
- Chambi
- Nanhar – Jakholi
- Tharoch
- Peontra Valley
- Bamta
- Chanju
- Maraog
- Sarain…and many more
These regions produce Royal Delicious, Rich Red, Golden, and Granny Smith apple varieties. Besides apples, villagers also grow cherries, apricots, walnuts, and medicinal herbs.
❄️ Weather & Climate
Chaupal experiences a cool and moderate climate year-round.
Season Temperature Highlights
Winter -2°C to 10°C Heavy snowfall (Dec–Mar)
Summer 15°C to 30°C Pleasant climate
Monsoon 15°C to 22°C Lush greenery, but occasional landslides
Traditions & Cultural Heritage
Chaupal is deeply rooted in Himachali traditions and customs.
🎉 Major Local Festivals:
- Mela Marot: Mela Marot is a colorful local fair celebrated in many villages, where people gather to worship local gods, enjoy folk music, dance, and traditional food.
- Devta Worship: Most villages have their local deity (Devta), and processions are held with music and dance.
- Apple Blossom Festival: Celebrated in spring when apple trees bloom—an enchanting time for locals and visitors.
🎭 Cultural Highlights:
- Nati Dance: Nati is a traditional Himachali dance performed during festivals and special occasions, where people dance in groups to folk music.
Handicrafts: Woolen items, wooden carvings, and traditional Himachali caps are popular local products. - Nearby Temples:
– Bijjat Maharaj Temple
– Lankara Vir Temple
– Devta Gudar Mandir
– Mahalaxmi Temple
These temples are built in traditional Himachali architecture and visited by locals with deep devotion.
Top Places to Visit in Chaupal
- 🏞️ Nerwa – A Prominent Town in Chaupal Subdivision
Nerwa (or Nerua) is a small town in the Chaupal area of Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, known for its local market and nearby villages. Surrounded by lush deodar forests and apple orchards, Nerwa plays a key role as a commercial and transport hub for nearby villages like Kupvi, Bharanu, Tikri, and more. It lies approximately 25–30 kilometers from Chaupal and is easily accessible by road. - Maraog – This place is often called the Apple Bowl of Chaupal, famous for its green meadows and stunning views of apple orchards.
- Sarain – A peaceful village perfect for offbeat exploration – Rich in cultural traditions and village lifestyle
- Peontra Valley – A picturesque valley known for apple farms and terraced farming – Great for walking and photography
- Deodar Forest Trails – Ideal for short treks and nature walks – Fresh mountain air and lush greenery year-round
How to Reach Chaupal, Himachal Pradesh
Chaupal is a scenic town nestled in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, well connected by road to several important cities and towns in the region. The most common route to reach Chaupal is from Shimla, which is approximately 95 kilometers away and takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours by road, depending on weather and traffic conditions. From Chandigarh, Chaupal is about 190–200 kilometers away, and the journey typically takes 7 to 8 hours via Shimla.
For travelers coming from Rohru, another beautiful apple town, Chaupal can be reached in around 2.5 to 3 hours, covering a distance of nearly 70 kilometers. If you’re traveling from Jubbal, it will take about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Chaupal, with a distance of approximately 60 kilometers.
From Nerwa, which is a local town within the Chaupal subdivision itself, Chaupal lies just 25 to 30 kilometers away, and the journey usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours. On the other side, if you’re coming from Shillai, located in the Sirmaur district, it takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to reach Chaupal by road, making it an accessible location for people from both the Shimla and Sirmaur districts.
Though Chaupal doesn’t have direct railway or air connectivity, the nearest railway station is in Shimla, and the nearest airport is Jubarhatti Airport (Shimla Airport). From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Chaupal. Roads are mostly hilly but offer breathtaking views of deodar forests and apple orchards, making the journey to Chaupal a refreshing experience in itself.
