How to reach Kedarnath to Tungnath?

Published on August 23, 2025 | Updated on September 09, 2026

Travelling from Kedarnath to Tungnath requires both trekking and road travel because the two temples are not connected by a direct trekking trail. After completing Kedarnath darshan, travellers first descend to Gaurikund, continue by road towards the Ukhimath–Chopta region, and then trek from Chopta to Tungnath.

This guide explains how to reach Tungnath from Kedarnath, the practical route, trek distances, approximate travel time and important planning tips.

Kedarnath to Tungnath Route

The practical route is:

Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Sonprayag → Guptkashi/Ukhimath → Chopta → Tungnath

The journey involves three main stages:

1. Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund

2. Road journey from the Kedarnath side towards Chopta

3. Trek from Chopta to Tungnath

There is no direct road or trek connecting Kedarnath Temple and Tungnath Temple.

For a complete combined itinerary, read our Kedarnath Tungnath Travel Guide.

Step 1: Kedarnath to Gaurikund

After completing darshan at Kedarnath Temple, travellers need to trek downhill towards Gaurikund.

The Kedarnath route is considerably longer than the Tungnath trek, so the descent can still take several hours depending on:

• Fitness level

• Crowd conditions

• Weather

• Trail conditions

• Rest breaks

Pony and palki services may be available through authorised operators during the pilgrimage season.

Travellers should avoid planning the Tungnath trek immediately after a tiring Kedarnath descent unless sufficient rest time is available.

Step 2: Gaurikund to Chopta by Road

From Gaurikund, travellers continue towards Sonprayag and the Guptkashi/Ukhimath side before travelling to Chopta.

Road distance estimates between Gaurikund and Chopta vary considerably across mapping services because different routes and road alignments may be used. For this reason, it is better to plan this section by travel time and current road conditions rather than relying on one fixed kilometre figure.

Mountain-road travel may take several hours because of:

• Narrow roads

• Pilgrimage traffic

• Weather

• Landslides

• Road maintenance

• Local diversions

Whenever possible, keep the road-transfer day separate from the Tungnath trek.

Step 3: Chopta to Tungnath Trek

Chopta is the main trekking base for Tungnath Temple.

The official Uttarakhand Tourism Chopta–Chandrashila itinerary describes the Chopta to Tungnath trail as approximately 3 km. The path is well defined but involves a continuous uphill climb.

Chopta to Tungnath Trek Details

Distance: Approx. 3 km one way
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Terrain: Paved mountain trail with uphill sections
Typical Time: Around 2–3 hours depending on fitness and weather

Travellers should start early, especially if they also plan to continue to Chandrashila.

Tungnath to Chandrashila

After reaching Tungnath Temple, experienced travellers can continue towards Chandrashila Peak.

Uttarakhand Tourism lists Chandrashila approximately 1.5 km above Tungnath. The final section is steeper than the Chopta–Tungnath trail.

Chandrashila is popular for panoramic views of Himalayan peaks such as:

• Chaukhamba

• Nanda Devi

• Trishul

• Kedar Dome

• Gangotri ranges

Add Chandrashila only if weather, trail conditions and fitness permit.

How Much Time Is Needed From Kedarnath to Tungnath?

Trying to cover Kedarnath and Tungnath on the same day is usually impractical for most travellers.

A better plan is:

Day 1

Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Guptkashi/Ukhimath/Chopta

Complete the Kedarnath descent and travel towards the Chopta region.

Day 2

Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila optional → Chopta

Start early and complete the Tungnath trek at a comfortable pace.

This gives your body adequate recovery time after the longer Kedarnath trek.

Best Route for Kedarnath and Tungnath Together

For travellers starting from Haridwar or Rishikesh, a practical combined route is:

Haridwar/Rishikesh → Guptkashi → Sonprayag → Gaurikund → Kedarnath → Gaurikund → Ukhimath → Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila

Travellers starting from Delhi can add Delhi–Haridwar/Rishikesh travel at the beginning and end.

If you prefer accommodation, transportation, and both trekking sections to be arranged together, explore the Kedarnath Chopta Tour Package.

Best Time to Travel From Kedarnath to Tungnath

May to June and September to October are generally the most practical periods for combining both destinations.

These periods are usually preferred for:

• Temple darshan

• Trekking

• Road travel

• Mountain views

• Lower rainfall risk compared with peak monsoon

July and August can bring heavy rain, slippery trails and road disruption.

For detailed seasonal information, read Best Time to Visit Kedarnath and Tungnath.

Kedarnath Registration

Kedarnath is part of Uttarakhand's Char Dham Yatra registration system. The official Uttarakhand Tourism portal states that registration is mandatory for pilgrims.

Complete the process through the official Char Dham Yatra registration portal before travelling.

Carry:

✅ Valid ID proof
✅ Registration certificate
✅ Essential medicines
✅ Warm clothing
✅ Trekking shoes
✅ Rain protection

Important Travel Tips

✅ Complete Kedarnath before moving towards Chopta.
✅ Keep one recovery period between the two treks.
✅ Start the Tungnath trek early in the morning.
✅ Do not rely on a single fixed Kedarnath–Tungnath road distance.
✅ Check current road and weather conditions.
✅ Carry warm and waterproof clothing.
✅ Wear proper trekking shoes.
✅ Keep buffer time for mountain-road delays.

For more attractions along the circuit, see Best Places to Visit Near Kedarnath and Tungnath.

FAQs

1. How do I reach Tungnath from Kedarnath?

First descend from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, travel by road through the Sonprayag–Guptkashi/Ukhimath region towards Chopta, and then trek from Chopta to Tungnath.

2. Is there a direct trek from Kedarnath to Tungnath?

No. Kedarnath and Tungnath are separate pilgrimage destinations and are not connected by a direct trekking trail.

3. How far is Tungnath from Chopta?

The official Uttarakhand Tourism trekking itinerary lists the Chopta to Tungnath trail at approximately 3 km.

4. Can Kedarnath and Tungnath be covered on the same day?

It is not recommended for most travellers. The Kedarnath descent is long, followed by a mountain-road transfer and another uphill trek to Tungnath.

5. How many days are needed for Kedarnath and Tungnath?

Around 5–6 days is practical for many travellers when road travel, both treks and adequate rest are included.

6. Is the Tungnath trek difficult?

The Tungnath trek is shorter than Kedarnath but involves a continuous uphill climb. It is generally considered easy to moderate in normal conditions.

7. Can Chandrashila be covered with Tungnath?

Yes. Chandrashila is approximately 1.5 km above Tungnath, but the climb is steeper and should only be attempted when fitness and weather conditions are suitable.

8. Is Kedarnath registration compulsory?

Yes. Uttarakhand Tourism currently states that Char Dham Yatra registration is compulsory for Kedarnath pilgrims.