Tungnath Temple Trek, Uttarakhand: the Ultimate Guide

One of the easiest treks of the Himalayan region is the Chopta Tungnath trek. The peaks of Nanda Devi Kedarnath and Neel Kanth are clear during this trek and make for a majestic site. The trek features a huge area that starts from Haridwar and ends at Chandra Sheila, with other areas falling on the way. The Tungnath Mahadev temple is one of the highest Shiva temples globally. The temple is nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, which is just about Choptavalley. Tungnath is one of the most special places in ancient Hindu mythology and is covered with the famous Kedarnath yatra.

Furthermore, it is known for the gentle trek and, of course, the amazing views. In the past few years, it has emerged as a hub for several trekkers coming from different parts of the world.

Location of Tungnath Temple

The Tungnath Mahadev temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an elevation of 3470 meters above sea level. It is one of the highest among the Panch Kedar.

The valley forms part of the Kedarnath wildlife century, and the temple has gained a lot of prominence in the past few years due to the famous Chopta Chandrashila trek. It is also one of the stoppages in the Chopta Chandra Sheila trek.

Tungnath Temple: Key Information

Location: 3.5 km from Chopta, Uttarakhand
Altitude: Approximately 3,600 meters
Accessibility: Trek required; guide recommended in winter

Visiting Seasons

Best Time to Visit: April to June; August
Winter Months: Access challenging due to heavy snowfall
Opening Date for 2024: May 14
Closing Date for 2024: To be announced

Journey to Tungnath

The Trek Experience

Starts from Chopta, winding through lush meadows and dense forests
Offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks
Duration: Typically 2-3 hours trekking time
Difficulty: Moderate, with a challenging aspect in snowy conditions

Historical and Spiritual Context

Ancient Heritage: A thousand years old, discovered by Adi Shankaracharya
Deities: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, with idols of Goddess Parvati and other deities
Winter Ritual: The deity’s idol is moved to Mukunath during winter, marking a picturesque trek

Preparing for Your Visit

Check Latest Updates: Always confirm the current year’s opening and closing dates before planning your trip
Prepare for the Trek: Wear appropriate trekking gear and carry water and snacks
Weather Considerations: Pack layers for cold conditions, especially outside of the peak summer months

Why Visit Tungnath?

Spiritual Significance: One of the highest Shiva temples offers a unique spiritual experience
Natural Beauty: The trek routes are known for their scenic beauty, enveloping trekkers in the tranquility of nature
Cultural Experience: Witnessing the ancient rituals and understanding the temple’s history enriches the journey

How can you reach Tungnath Mahadev Temple?

Visiting the sacred Tungnath Mahadev Temple, located in the serene Himalayas, is a journey of both spirituality and adventure. While Chopta serves as the base camp for this trek, understanding the route to Chopta itself is crucial for planning your pilgrimage or trek to Tungnath. Here’s a simplified guide on how to reach Chopta, ensuring a smooth start to your journey towards one of the highest Shiva temples in the world.

Reaching Chopta: Your Starting Point

Chopta Reaching By Road

Route from Delhi: Take the Delhi – Meerut – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Srinagar Garhwal – Rudraprayag Kund – Chopta route.
Public Transport: Buses to Rishikesh are available from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate ISBT. From Rishikesh, catch an early morning bus to Ukhimath, and then a taxi to Chopta.
Shared Taxis: Alternatively, from Rishikesh, take a shared taxi to Rudraprayag or Srinagar, and then another taxi to Ukhimath, followed by one to Chopta.
Travel Tip: Start early to reach Chopta within daylight hours.

By Air

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun Airport) is the closest, with connectivity to major cities. From there, hire a taxi to Rishikesh and proceed towards Chopta by road.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh station is the closest, but with limited train connectivity. An alternative is traveling to Haridwar by train, then taking a bus to Ukhimath, and finally reaching Chopta by taxi.
Upcoming Connectivity: The Rishikesh – Karnaprayag rail project, expected to be completed by 2025, will make the journey to Chopta more accessible, with Rudraprayag station being the closest to Chopta and Kedarnath.

Trekking to Tungnath from Chopta

Once you reach Chopta, you can start trekking toward Tungnath. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is all about a gradual climb, and it will serve you amazing views of the Himalayas. The difficulty level is easy, and it is also recommended for first-time trekkers.

After a climb of around 1.5 kilometers from the base, you can get a view of the long and stretched grass fields. It is generally the first step for all the trekkers, and you can find people sitting on the grass field and also enjoying themselves. There are some food joints interestingly on the left and right sides of the trail where you can binge on Maggie and parathas.

It would be best if you filled your water bottles here. The point is also famous among visitors as some of the scenes of the movie Kedarnath were also shot here. The entire trek is completely well-maintained, and there are some benches on both sides. It will take at least three hours for you to complete the trek if you want to reach the temple from Chopta.

Tungnath Chandrashila Trek

Once you exit Tunganath after offering prayers, you can find a route towards the left that will help you visit Chandrashila. The length of the Tonga Nath Chandrshila trek is around 1.5 kilometers. But it is completely steep as compared to the trek of Tunganath. The last 100 meters are very steep that would lead you to the summit.

Best Time to Visit Tunganath Temple

For Pilgrims

Open Season: The temple welcomes visitors from mid-April to the end of October, coinciding with the warmer months and offering a conducive environment for darshan.
Temple Schedule: The opening and closing dates are determined by the Badri Kedar Temple Committee, typically closing in late October or November when the deity is ceremonially moved to Makkumath Temple for the winter.

For Trekkers

Year-Round Trekking: The trek to Tungnath is accessible most of the year, except during extreme weather conditions.
Avoiding Monsoons: June to July sees heavy rainfall, making trekking conditions difficult and the Chandrashila summit challenging to access.

Seasonal Considerations

Winters at Tungnath

Snow-Covered Paths: Winter brings heavy snowfall, blanketing the trek in snow and offering breathtaking Himalayan views. Trekking is possible but may require a guide for safety.
Preparation: Check local conditions before planning your trip. Carrying identity documentation is advised.

Summers and Spring

Peak Season: Summer sees an influx of visitors, especially with its proximity to Kedarnath. Spring brings the valley to life with vibrant flora.
Weather: The trek is easiest during these months, free from snow but not offering snowfall experiences.

Post-Monsoon

Ideal Trekking Conditions: Post-monsoon, the valley rejuvenates with lush greenery, offering pleasant temperatures for trekking.
Packing Tips: Even in mild weather, carrying layers like jackets and sweaters is recommended for the evenings.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Check Latest Updates: Before embarking on your journey, verify the current year’s opening dates and weather conditions.
Respect Nature: The trek to Tungnath is as spiritual as it is scenic. Maintain cleanliness and respect the natural surroundings.
Stay Prepared: Regardless of the season, being prepared with the right gear, sufficient water, and snacks is crucial for a comfortable trek.

Places you can visit near Tungnath

Chandrashila Peak

This peak is located at a height of 3680 kilometers, and it is the summit of Tungnath temple. You can get a complete 360-degree view from Chandrashila. There are different mountain peaks available here, including mount Kedar Gangotri Sathappan and Chakuamba.

On either side, you can get a panoramic view of Harthi and Gora Parbat. It is one of the few places in India where you can see multiple peaks at the same time from a close distance. You should trek to this place early morning and enjoy the beautiful sunrise from Chandrashila.

Why Visit: Just above Tungnath, Chandrashila Summit offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Chaukhamba.
Best for: Trekking enthusiasts and photographers looking for majestic sunrise and sunset views.

Deoriatal

It is nestled at a high-altitude mountain lake near Chopta, and the lake is surrounded by dense and lush green forests. The best part about the places is that you can get to see a reflection of the Himalayas.

Furthermore, you can take a trek to Deoriatal lake that starts from two different places. The first and more common starts from a village known as sari and which is a distance of 20 kilometers from Chopta.

Location: Situated at an altitude of 2,438 meters, Deoria Tal is a crystal-clear lake approximately 2-3 hours’ drive from Chopta.
Attractions: Reflecting the Chaukhamba Peak in its waters, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers camping sites for a serene getaway.

Chopta

The Gateway: Often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, Chopta is the base camp for the trek to Tungnath and offers lush meadows and a starting point for the Chandrashila trek.
Activities: Ideal for bird watching, trekking, and camping under the star-lit sky.

Ukhimath

Spiritual Site: Ukhimath serves as the winter home for the deity of Kedarnath and Tungnath during the colder months when the temples are closed.
Explore: It’s a serene place for those looking to explore the religious aspects and enjoy the tranquility of the region.

Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora and Fauna: Home to a wide variety of wildlife including Himalayan monal, snow leopards, and musk deer.
Adventure: Offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and nature walks.

Madhyamaheshwar Temple

Pilgrimage Site: Another temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing the architectural beauty of ancient Indian temples.
Journey: The trek to Madhyamaheshwar is noted for its scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance.

Visiting Tungnath opens up a world of natural beauty and spiritual exploration. The nearby places offer a mix of adventurous treks, serene landscapes, and sacred sites, making your journey a holistic experience of the Himalayan charm and the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.

This is what you need to know about trekking to Tungnath and the things you can do around it.

Find out more about Uttarakhand:

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tungnath Temple: How to Reach, Best Time, and Trekking Tips

Location of Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple: Key Information

Visiting Seasons