Is Kedarnath and Tungnath the same?

Published on September 01, 2025 | Updated on September 09, 2026

No, Kedarnath and Tungnath are not the same. Both are sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and form part of the Panch Kedar tradition, but they are located in different places, sit at different altitudes and require separate trekking routes.

Kedarnath is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and an important Char Dham shrine, while Tungnath is another Panch Kedar temple located above Chopta. If you are planning to visit both, understanding the differences between Kedarnath vs Tungnath will help you plan the route, trekking time and number of travel days correctly.

Kedarnath vs Tungnath: Quick Comparison

Feature	Kedarnath	Tungnath
Location	Kedarnath Valley, Rudraprayag	Above Chopta, Rudraprayag
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva	Lord Shiva
Pilgrimage Circuit	Char Dham, Jyotirlinga & Panch Kedar	Panch Kedar
Altitude	Approx. 3,584 m	Approx. 3,680 m
Trek Starting Point	Gaurikund	Chopta
Approx. Trek Distance	16–17 km	About 3 km
Difficulty	Moderate to challenging	Easy to moderate
Nearby Highlight	Bhairavnath Temple	Chandrashila
Best Time	May–June, Sep–Oct	May–June, Sep–Oct

Uttarakhand Tourism identifies both temples as part of the Panch Kedar circuit, while Tungnath is situated at a slightly higher altitude than Kedarnath.

What Is Kedarnath?

Kedarnath Temple is one of India's most important Shiva pilgrimage sites. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas, it forms part of the Char Dham Yatra as well as the Panch Kedar circuit.

The temple cannot be reached directly by normal road transport. Travellers generally reach Gaurikund and continue towards Kedarnath on foot or through authorised pony, palki or helicopter services where available.

The trek requires greater endurance because of its distance, altitude and changing mountain weather.

Kedarnath Is Best Known For:

• One of the 12 Jyotirlingas

• Char Dham pilgrimage

• Panch Kedar significance

• Long Himalayan pilgrimage trek

• Kedarnath Valley and mountain scenery

• Bhairavnath Temple nearby

For a detailed route, read our Kedarnath Tungnath Travel Guide.

What Is Tungnath?

Tungnath Temple is another sacred Shiva temple forming part of the Panch Kedar circuit.

The temple is located above Chopta at approximately 3,680 metres. The official Uttarakhand Tourism Chopta–Chandrashila itinerary describes the trekking trail from Chopta to Tungnath as approximately 3 km.

Unlike the long Kedarnath trek, Tungnath can usually be reached through a shorter but consistently uphill mountain trail.

Travellers often extend the trek another 1.5 km to Chandrashila, which is known for panoramic Himalayan views.

Tungnath Is Best Known For:

• Panch Kedar pilgrimage

• High-altitude Shiva temple

• Shorter Himalayan trek

• Chopta meadows and forests

• Chandrashila summit

• Views of major Garhwal Himalayan peaks

You can check the official Uttarakhand Tourism Chopta–Chandrashila trekking guide for route information.

Spiritual Difference Between Kedarnath and Tungnath

Both temples are associated with the Panch Kedar tradition.

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Shiva appeared in different forms at five places in the Garhwal Himalayas after the Pandavas searched for him.

The traditional associations include:

• Kedarnath – Hump of Lord Shiva

• Tungnath – Arms of Lord Shiva

• Rudranath – Face

• Madhyamaheshwar – Middle portion

• Kalpeshwar – Hair

These beliefs form part of the religious tradition associated with Panch Kedar and explain why Kedarnath and Tungnath are connected spiritually despite being separate temples.

Which Trek Is Harder: Kedarnath or Tungnath?

For most travellers, Kedarnath is the harder trek.

The primary reason is distance. The Kedarnath trek from the Gaurikund side is approximately 16–17 km, while Tungnath is around 3 km from Chopta.

However, Tungnath is situated at a higher altitude and involves a continuous uphill climb.

Choose Kedarnath if:

• Pilgrimage is your main priority

• You are prepared for a longer trek

• You want to visit a Jyotirlinga and Char Dham shrine

Choose Tungnath if:

• You prefer a shorter trek

• You want mountain views and trekking

• You plan to include Chandrashila

• You have limited time

Can Kedarnath and Tungnath Be Covered in One Trip?

Yes. Kedarnath and Tungnath can be covered in the same itinerary, but they are not connected by a direct trekking trail.

A practical route is:

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

Allow around 5–6 days for a comfortable itinerary, depending on your starting city, trekking pace, weather and road conditions.

Travellers who prefer a pre-arranged journey can explore the Kedarnath Chopta Tour Package.

Which One Should You Visit First?

When combining both destinations, Kedarnath first and Tungnath afterwards is a practical route for many travellers coming from Haridwar or Rishikesh.

After completing Kedarnath, travellers can move through the Guptkashi/Ukhimath side towards Chopta for the Tungnath trek.

Route conditions may change, so check current road information before finalising the itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath and Tungnath

May to June and September to October are generally the most suitable periods for combining both temples.

These months typically offer better conditions for:

• Temple visits

• Trekking

• Road travel

• Himalayan views

• Photography

Monsoon travel can involve rain, landslides and trail disruption, while winter snow affects normal temple access.

For detailed season-wise information, read Best Time to Visit Kedarnath and Tungnath.

What Else Can You Visit Nearby?

A combined journey can also include:

• Chopta

• Chandrashila

• Deoria Tal

• Bhairavnath Temple

• Ukhimath

• Gaurikund

• Guptkashi

See our complete guide to the Best Places to Visit Near Kedarnath and Tungnath.

Important Travel Tips

✅ Complete Kedarnath Yatra registration before travelling.
✅ Carry warm and waterproof clothing.
✅ Wear proper trekking shoes for both routes.
✅ Keep buffer time for weather-related delays.
✅ Start trekking early in the morning.
✅ Carry essential medicines and valid ID proof.
✅ Avoid rushing between both temples in an overly short itinerary.

Kedarnath pilgrims should use the official Uttarakhand Char Dham registration portal for current registration information.

FAQs

1. Are Kedarnath and Tungnath the same temple?

No. Kedarnath and Tungnath are two separate Shiva temples located in different parts of Rudraprayag district. Both form part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage tradition.

2. Which is higher, Kedarnath or Tungnath?

Tungnath is higher. Tungnath is situated at approximately 3,680 metres, while Kedarnath is around 3,584 metres above sea level.

3. Which trek is harder, Kedarnath or Tungnath?

Kedarnath is generally harder because the trek is much longer. Tungnath is shorter but includes a steady uphill climb at high altitude.

4. How far is Tungnath from Chopta?

The official Uttarakhand Tourism trekking itinerary describes the Chopta to Tungnath trail as approximately 3 km.

5. Can Kedarnath and Tungnath be visited together?

Yes. Both can be included in one itinerary by travelling from the Kedarnath side towards Ukhimath and Chopta before trekking to Tungnath.

6. How many days are required for Kedarnath and Tungnath?

Around 5–6 days is practical for many travellers, depending on the departure city, trekking pace and weather conditions.

7. Is Tungnath part of the Char Dham Yatra?

No. Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar circuit. Kedarnath is part of both the Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar tradition.

8. Can I visit Chandrashila with Tungnath?

Yes. Chandrashila is approximately 1.5 km above Tungnath and can be added when weather, trail conditions and fitness permit.