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Tungnath Shiva Temple

Tungnath Shiva Temple

Published on August 23, 2025

Tungnath – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World

Tungnath, located at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) in Uttarakhand, is the highest Shiva temple in the world and one of the five sacred Panch Kedar shrines. Nestled amidst the snow-clad peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas, Tungnath is not only a revered pilgrimage site but also a favorite destination for trekkers and nature lovers. Its peaceful surroundings, mesmerizing mountain views, and spiritual aura make it a truly unique place to visit.

Whether you are seeking divine blessings, trekking through enchanting forests, or simply soaking in the beauty of the Himalayas, Tungnath offers an experience like no other.

Spiritual Importance of Tungnath

  • Part of Panch Kedar: Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legend, these temples were built by the Pandavas from the Mahabharata to atone for their sins after the Kurukshetra war.

  • Mythological Belief: It is said that the arms of Lord Shiva appeared at Tungnath, while other parts of his body manifested at the other Panch Kedar shrines — Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.

  • Divine Atmosphere: The temple, though small and simple in structure, holds deep spiritual energy that attracts pilgrims from all over India.

chopta tungnath trek

Location and Surroundings

Tungnath is situated on the Chopta–Chandrashila trek route, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The temple is surrounded by:

  • Majestic peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Trishul.

  • Lush alpine meadows, dense rhododendron forests, and rolling hills.

  • A serene environment, free from city noise and pollution, making it ideal for meditation and relaxation.

The Trek to Tungnath

Reaching Tungnath involves a 3.5 km trek from Chopta, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India." This trek is short but incredibly scenic.

Step 1: Starting Point – Chopta

  • Altitude: ~2,700 meters (8,900 feet)

  • Chopta is accessible by road from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

  • It is a peaceful village with open meadows and spectacular views, making it a perfect base for the trek.

Step 2: The Trail to Tungnath Temple

  • Distance: ~3.5 km, takes around 2–3 hours.

  • The path is stone-paved and well-marked, passing through pine, oak, and rhododendron forests.

  • During spring, the forest turns red with blooming rhododendrons, while winter covers the route in snow.

  • The trek is easy to moderate, making it suitable even for first-time trekkers and families.

Step 3: Tungnath Temple

  • At the end of the trail stands the 1,000-year-old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

  • The temple is built in a traditional style, with intricate carvings and a serene courtyard.

  • Pilgrims often rest here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before continuing onward to Chandrashila, just 1.5 km above Tungnath.

Weather in Tungnath

  • Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather (10°C to 20°C), clear skies, and blooming flowers make trekking comfortable.

  • Monsoon (July–September): Heavy rains can make the path slippery and risky. Trekking is not advised during this season.

  • Autumn (October–November): Cool weather with crisp skies and spectacular mountain views.

  • Winter (December–March): The temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall, but trekkers visit for snow adventure. The idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Ukhimath during this time.

Best Time to Visit Tungnath

The ideal time to visit Tungnath is from April to November, except during heavy monsoons. Spring and summer are best for trekking, while autumn offers the clearest Himalayan views. In winter, the trek becomes a snow adventure, but requires proper gear and guidance.

How to Reach Tungnath

By Air:

  • Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), around 220 km away.

  • From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chopta.

By Train:

  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh (205 km) or Haridwar (230 km).

  • Regular trains connect these stations to Delhi and other cities.

By Road:

  • Chopta is well connected by motorable roads.

  • Distances:

    • Delhi to Chopta: ~450 km

    • Rishikesh to Chopta: ~205 km

    • Haridwar to Chopta: ~230 km

From Chopta, the trek to Tungnath begins.

Accommodation Near Tungnath

Since Tungnath itself has limited stay options, most travelers stay at Chopta or nearby villages like Sari and Ukhimath.

  • Budget guesthouses: INR 500–1000 per night.

  • Mid-range hotels and homestays: INR 1500–2500 per night.

  • Camping options: Available for adventure lovers who want to spend a night under the stars.

What to Pack for Tungnath

  • Warm clothing: Even in summer, evenings are cold.

  • Good trekking shoes: Essential for walking on uneven terrain.

  • Rain gear: In case of sudden showers.

  • Water bottle and snacks: Limited food stalls on the way.

  • Camera: To capture the mesmerizing mountain views.

chopta tungnath trek

Nearby Attractions

  • Chandrashila Peak (1.5 km from Tungnath): Offers stunning 360° Himalayan views.

  • Deoria Tal (3 km trek from Sari village): A beautiful lake reflecting Chaukhamba peak.

  • Ukhimath: Winter home of the Tungnath deity.

  • Rudraprayag: Holy town at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.

Tips for Visiting Tungnath

  • Start early: Morning treks are more enjoyable and less crowded.

  • Acclimatize: Spend a night in Chopta to adjust to the altitude.

  • Stay hydrated: Carry your own water bottle.

  • Hire a guide in winter: Trails can be snow-covered and hard to follow.

  • Respect nature: Do not litter, and keep the trekking route clean.