Tungnath

Tungnath is the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It’s part of the Panch Kedar (five Shiva temples) and offers breathtaking views, spiritual peace, and a great trekking experience. It attracts both religious travelers and adventure lovers.

District: Rudraprayag
Division: Garhwal
State: Uttarakhand
Zip Code: 246439
Altitude: 3,680 m
Best Time To Visit: May to October

Know More About Tungnath

Know more about the place before you visit:

Tungnath, located at a high elevation of 3,680 meters (about 12,073 feet), is one of the five sacred shrines of the Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the highest of its kind in the world and is believed to be over 1,000 years old. Situated among the beautiful Garhwal Himalayas, Tungnath is a must-visit for religious travelers and trekkers alike.

The trek to Tungnath begins from Chopta, a picturesque meadow, and takes about 3-4 hours. The path offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, high mountain meadows, and thick forests. It’s especially famous for its spiritual importance, as it’s believed that the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessing here during their journey.

Besides its religious importance, Tungnath offers breathtaking wide views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The surrounding landscape is perfect for trekking, watching birds, and photography. For those looking for a mix of adventure and spirituality, Tungnath is an unmissable destination in Uttarakhand.

Top Sightseeing Places to Visit

Explore More of the Region with these must visit places in Tungnath.

Chopta

Chopta, the starting point for the Tungnath trek, is a scenic meadow offering wide, stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. Known for its peacefulness, Chopta is perfect for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Visitors can also spot wildlife like musk deer and Himalayan monal (a type of bird).

Chandrashila Peak

Situated at a high elevation of 4,000 meters (about 13,123 feet), Chandrashila Peak offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It’s the perfect spot for photography and watching the sunrise or sunset. The peak can be reached by a short hike from the Tungnath Temple.

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the highest temples in India and part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage. It holds great spiritual importance, with religious travelers trekking through challenging paths to reach this respected site. The temple provides a peaceful atmosphere with awe-inspiring views of the mountains.

Deoria Tal

Deoria Tal is a beautiful lake located at a lower altitude from Tungnath, surrounded by lush forests. The lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the snow-capped mountains and provide a peaceful setting for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Kedarnath

Though a bit far from Tungnath, Kedarnath is another important holy shrine in the Panch Kedar circuit. It holds immense religious importance and offers visitors a chance to experience the divine (holy presence) among the majestic Himalayan backdrop. Sources

Tungnath Images

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Travel Tips

Here are top travel tips one should know to make their Discover essential travel tips to make their journey smooth, safe, and memorable.

How To Reach

Via Flight

The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 215 km from Tungnath. From there, you can take a taxi to reach Chopta, which is the starting point for the Tungnath trek.

Via Train

The nearest train station is Rishikesh, around 200 km away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta.

Via Road

Tungnath is accessible by road from major towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. The journey to Chopta involves a drive followed by a trek to the temple.

FAQs About Tungnath

The best time to visit Tungnath is between April to June and September to November. The weather is pleasant, making trekking and temple visits enjoyable.
The trek to Tungnath is moderate in difficulty, lasting around 3-4 hours from Chopta. Though it’s manageable for most trekkers, it’s recommended to be physically fit.
Tungnath is accessible in winter, but the trail might be covered in snow. It’s recommended to carry proper winter gear and check weather conditions before planning your visit.
There are no direct accommodations at the temple. However, there are several guesthouses, homestays, and campsites in Chopta, which is the base for the trek.
Pack warm clothing, trekking shoes, a raincoat, sufficient water, snacks, a camera, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget your ID and any necessary permits.
Yes, Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar circuit, which includes Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Madhyamaheshwar.

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