Welcome to the sacred Tungnath Temple, a divine beacon high in the Garhwal Himalayas. Perched at a staggering tungnath height of 12,106 feet (3,690 meters), this ancient shrine is revered as the world’s highest Shiva temple. It is the Tritiya Kedar (Third Kedar) in the holy Panch Kedar circuit, making it a vital pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva.
But Tungnath is more than a temple; it’s a journey. The famous Tungnath trek is one of the most beautiful and accessible in Uttarakhand. Starting from the lush meadows of Chopta, the chopta tungnath trek winds its way up to the temple, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks. This trek is the perfect blend of adventure and spirituality. From here, the path continues to the Chandrashila peak, which offers a 360-degree view that will stay with you forever. This guide will cover everything you need to know, from the trek details to the best time to visit Tungnath.
The history of Tungnath Temple is deeply connected to the epic Mahabharata and the legend of the Panch Kedar. After the great war, the Pandava brothers were advised to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness for the sin of killing their own kin. Lord Shiva, however, was unwilling to forgive them and avoided them by taking the form of a bull (Nandi) and hiding in the Himalayas.
When the Pandavas, led by Bhima, finally found him in the Guptkashi region, Shiva dove into the ground. His body parts then reappeared in five different locations, which became the sacred Panch Kedar. At Tungnath, Lord Shiva’s bahu (arms) emerged. The Pandavas, to atone for their sins, built a temple at each of these five locations. The Tungnath Temple is that very shrine, a testament to penance and divine forgiveness. It is believed to be over 1,000 years old, an ancient monument of faith standing tall against the test of time.
Tungnath Temple is famous for two primary reasons: its immense spiritual importance and its stunning natural beauty.
Spiritually, it is world-renowned as the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. As the Tritiya Kedar (Third Kedar), it holds a powerful place in the hearts of devotees. Pilgrims believe that a visit to this temple, especially after Kedarnath, brings them closer to Lord Shiva and washes away their sins.
For trekkers and nature lovers, it is famous for the chopta tungnath trek. This trek is celebrated for its incredible beauty, passing through lush green meadows (called bugyals) and forests of rhododendron. The trek is also the gateway to the Chandrashila peak, which offers one of the most majestic 360-degree views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
While here, take the time to explore these sacred spots:
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The Tungnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is perched on the Chandranath Parvat (mountain), accessible via a trek that begins from the beautiful meadow of Chopta. The Rishikesh to Tungnath distance (to Chopta, the road base) is approximately 205 km.
The Tungnath trek is an easy-to-moderate trek, making it perfect for beginners and families. The trek begins from Chopta, which is the last motorable point.
Trek Start Point: Chopta
Chopta to Tungnath Distance: The tungnath trek distance is approximately 3.5 to 4 kilometers (one way).
Time Taken: It takes about 2-3 hours to reach the temple at a steady pace.
Tungnath Height: The temple is situated at a high tungnath altitude of 12,106 feet (3,690 meters). The tungnath height in feet makes it the highest Shiva temple in the world.
The best time to visit Tungnath depends on what you want to experience.
Summer (May to June): This is the most popular time. The weather is pleasant, the snow has melted, and the temple is open for darshan. The meadows are green and inviting.
Autumn (September to November):Details: This is the best time for clear skies and stunning mountain views. The monsoon rains leave the air crisp and clean. The temple closes for winter after Diwali.
Winter (December to March): The temple is closed, and the entire region is covered in deep snow. This season is famous for the Chopta-Tungnath snow trek, a beautiful adventure for those who are well-prepared.
Monsoon (July to August): It is best to avoid this season due to heavy rains, which can cause landslides and make the trek slippery.
Your journey should not end at Tungnath. The Tungnath to Chandrashila trek distance is another 1 to 1.5 km uphill from the temple. This part is steeper, but it leads to the Chandrashila summit (approx. 12,110 feet). “Chandrashila” means “Moon Rock.” From this peak, you get an unbelievable 360-degree panoramic view of the Garhwal Himalayas. Watching the sunrise from here is a truly magical and unforgettable experience.
Food Availability: Food options are basic and simple. You will find small dhabas (local eateries) in Chopta and a few tea stalls along the trek route.
What to Expect: They serve hot, simple, and filling vegetarian food like Maggi, dal-chawal, roti-sabzi, and parathas. Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also available.
What to Carry: It is highly recommended to carry your own water bottle, as well as high-energy snacks like chocolates, nuts, and energy bars for the trek.
Restrictions: Since this is a holy place, alcohol and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited and not available.
How to Reach: To reach Tungnath, you must first drive to Chopta.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport (DED) in Dehradun (approx. 225 km from Chopta).
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh (approx. 205 km from Chopta).
By Road: The Rishikesh to Tungnath (Chopta) distance is covered by taxi or bus. The route goes via Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath.
Acclimatize: The tungnath altitude is high. Spend a night in Ukhimath or Chopta to let your body adjust and avoid altitude sickness.
Start Early: Begin your trek from Chopta early in the morning to get the best weather and to be back before it gets dark.
Pack in Layers: The weather changes quickly. Always carry warm clothes (jacket, cap, gloves) and a rain jacket, even in summer.
Carry Cash: There are no ATMs in Chopta. Carry enough cash for your stay, food, and transport.
Good Shoes: A pair of trekking shoes with good grip is essential for the stone-paved, and sometimes steep, path.
Enjoy amazing Uttarakhand trips with trusted guide Kedarnath Tourism.
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