Tungnath Temple, Tungnath Overview

 Situated amongst the wondrous mountains of Tungnath in the Rudraprayag District, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world nestled at an altitude of 3680 meters. It is one of the Panch Kedars and is believed to have belonged to an ancient era almost 1000 years old. The foundation of this temple was laid down by Arjuna who was the third of the Pandava brothers. It was built in the North Indian style of architecture and has a dozen shrines of other Gods surrounding the temple. There are numerous tales associated with the place including the one where Lord Ram carried out meditation to get himself released from the curse of Brahmahatya for killing Ravana.

The distinguishing feature of this exquisite beauty is its location amidst beautiful mountain ranges and religious importance which has been attracting millions of Hindu pilgrims from around the world in the last five years. It is a fantastic place to visit especially for the adventure lovers out there for they are going to have a great time trekking to reach the temple. It is a perfect combination of spirituality, beauty, and serenity thereby making it a sure-shot and an ideal getaway for all the tourists.

History of Tungnath Temple 

According to the legend that is associated with the Tungnath Temple, it is believed that the Pandavas started on their journey to find Lord Shiva after killing their cousins in the Kurukshetra war. However, since Lord Shiva was angry about all the deaths, he wanted to avoid them as a result he turned into a bull and disappeared into the ground with all his body parts scattered in different places.

His hump appeared at Kedarnath, bahu at Tungnath, head at Rudranath, stomach and navels at Madhyamaheshwar, and jata at Kalpeshwar. A temple was built by the Pandavas at this place to worship Lord Shiva and please him. The name of the temple has been derived from 'Tung' meaning arms and 'Nath' symbolizes Lord Shiva.

Architecture of Tunganath Temple 

The opulent temple is made up of stones adorned with decorations which are painted on the outside depicting tall towers. There is a wooden stage present on top of the highest dome which also has sixteen openings. The roof of the temple is composed of stone slabs and at the entrance lays a stone image of Nandi facing towards the idol of Lord Shiva. There is an image of Lord Ganesha on the right side of the temple entrance.

Inside the main chamber lies the ashtadhatu which is composed of eight metals, idols of saint Vyas and Kala Bhairav, and the followers of Lord Shiva. There are images of the Pandavas and four other Kedar shrines present inside the premises as well. At the end of the trek path of Tungnath, the entrance of the temple is marked with the presence of the name 'Tungnath' painted atop an arch that has recently been constructed.

Tungnath Temple Trek 

The Panch Kedar Yatra which involves trekking through all the five temples including Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar is considered to be very auspicious. The trek is undertaken to visit all five shrines which are situated in Kedar Valley and complete the circuit. Kedarnath is situated at the head of the Mandakini River, Madhyamaheswar is situated at the base of the Chaukhamba Peak at the height of 3500 m, Tungnath is situated in Garhwal at an altitude of 3810 m, and 500 m above the Tungnath Temple lays the Chandrashila peak.

One can go trekking through the dense forests and alpine meadows to reach Rudranath and Kalpeshwar which lies in the beautiful valley of Urgam. The ChoptaTungnath Trek is an easy one. The Panchchuli Peak, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, and Nilkanth are clear and provide an exquisite view of the scenic beauty around. The trek begins from Haridwar and ends at Chandrashila with numerous other locations on the way. Since the trekking involved is basic, it is perfect for the first-timers.

Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak which give a complete view of the valleys situated below are the two main highlights of this trek. This journey goes all the way from the divine city of Haridwar towards the Devariyatal Lake which is located at the height of 2440 m. Then, you pass through Chopta which is perched upon an elevation of 3000 m surrounded by a beautiful and serene environment. Then, comes Tungnath at an altitude of 3680 m, and finally, you arrive at the top of Chandrashila at 4130 m.

Opening and Closing Date of Tungnath Temple 

The Tungnath Temple opens when the Char Dhams of Uttrakhand is opened during April or May every year during Vaisakh Panchmi on the date that is decided by the Badro Kedar Temple Committee on Baisakhi. The temple is closed during the winter season after Diwali, and the image of the deity is moved to Mukunath which lies 19 km away from Tungnath by the temple priests during this time.

Best Time To Visit Tungnath Temple 

The ideal time to visit the temple is during the summer season as the weather remains pleasant during this time with the temperature being 16 degrees Celsius on average.

Tips For Visiting Tungnath Temple 

1. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
2. The visitors must carry trekking boots, a thick winter jacket for the cold, sunscreen, water, and prescribed medicines from the doctor.
3. Make sure to carry waterproof trekking shoes as there are high chances of slipping on the snow. Shoes are also available for rent at the starting point of the trek for around INR 200. You can also carry a walking stick for extra support during the trek.
4. You can carry power banks with you for charging your mobile phones are there are no charging points on the trek route. 
5. There is limited network connectivity available on the trek route. The internet connection is infrequent and limited to 2G.
6. Carry raincoats with you to protect yourself in case it rains. There are no major covered halting points on the route.

How To Reach Tungnath Temple 

There are private as well as state-owned buses that run regularly between the neighboring cities to and from Chopta. You need to cover a 448 km road between Delhi to Chopta and the remaining distance on foot. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath can be covered in 2 to 3 hours.

The railway station of Haridwar lies closest to Tungnath at a distance of 225 km from Chopta. One can hire taxis and cabs from outside the station and reach the base for the trek. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport at a distance of 260 km from Tungnath. Furth, r take a taxi or bus to Chopta. Then, from there you can trek all the way to the Tungnath Temple.

Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is a popular trekking destination in Uttarakhand, India, offering a combination of natural beauty, spirituality,

Chopta Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek is the entire area comes under Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary, District Rudraprayag Uttarakhand, Chopta at an approximate altitude of 2,608 m) so chances are that you can spot wildlife including wild goat and Himalayan monal in the morning.

Most popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of Uttarakhand, Himalayas

Garhwal is a piece of heaven nestled in the Himalayas. Surrounded by the Bugyal or Velvet meadows and pristine snow-capped mountain, Chopta Tungnath and Chandrashila is considered year-round holiday destinations: Pleasant in summer, Experience, Monsoon rains – and a beautiful view of the changes. In winter, the snow-capped hills attract you to the fairyland. Chopta also comes in the center of the Panch Kedar trek route.

Deoriatal, Chopta, Sari Village, and Chandrashila Peak are all located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India, and are popular destinations for trekkers and nature lovers. Here are some highlights of each destination:

1. Deoriatal: Deoriatal is a high-altitude lake located at an altitude of 2438 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by dense forests of oak, rhododendron, and deodar trees and offers stunning views of the Chaukhamba peaks. The trek to Deoriatal is a relatively easy one and is suitable for beginners.
2. Chopta: Chopta is a small village located at 2680 meters above sea level and serves as the base camp for several treks in the region. It is surrounded by forests of rhododendrons, deodar, and pine trees and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trek to Chopta is relatively easy and suitable for beginners.
3. Sari Village: Sari Village is a small village located at the base of the Deoriatal trek. It is a popular starting point for the trek and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The trek from Sari Village to Deoriatal is a relatively easy one and takes around 2-3 hours.
4. Chandrashila Peak: Chandrashila Peak is a summit located at an altitude of 3965 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The trek to Chandrashila Peak is a challenging one and involves steep ascents and descents. However, the stunning views from the summit make it all worth it.

What are some special things about Chopta?

Lord Tungnath also visits the five holiest Shiva temples in the state of Uttarakhand. On the left are the Lord Shree Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar temples and on the right are the Sri Rudranath and Sri Kalpeshwar temples and just above it are the Sri Tungnath temples.

Although Chopta is also a bird’s paradise, many types of animals, birds are found here and you can see more than 200 above species of birds, including native and migratory species like Himalayan Monal, Himalayan Swiftlet, Himalayan Griffon, Scarlet Finch, Hill Partridge, etc. Nearby places like Dugal bitta, Mandal village, Tungnath trek route are mostly sighted and Chopta has been declared an important wild animal bird-watching site by National and International Conservation and Biodiversity Organizations. What makes this trek special?

About Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak

Chopta, often referred to as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” is a serene and picturesque destination located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. It is gaining popularity among nature lovers, trekkers, and adventure seekers. Here’s a detailed overview of what makes Chopta so special:

1. Natural Beauty:

• Lush Green Meadows: Chopta is famous for its undulating meadows (bugyals) that are carpeted with green grass in the summer and turn into a snow-covered wonderland in the winter.
• Dense Forests: It is surrounded by dense forests of pine, deodar, and rhododendrons, making it a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The rhododendrons bloom beautifully in spring, coloring the landscape in bright red hues.
• Himalayan Views: Chopta offers panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Kedarnath, providing a stunning backdrop for trekkers and photographers.

2. Tungnath Temple:

• Spiritual Significance: Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world, is located near Chopta at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and holds immense religious importance in Hindu mythology. The legend says that Lord Shiva’s arms appeared at Tungnath when the Pandavas sought his blessings to absolve their sins.
• Ancient Architecture: The temple is over 1,000 years old and is known for its stunning stone architecture, blending beautifully with the natural surroundings.

3. Chandrashila Peak:

• Stunning Panoramic Views: Chandrashila, literally meaning “Moon Rock,” is the summit of the Tungnath trek and stands at 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). The peak offers a 360-degree view of some of the tallest Himalayan ranges, making it an iconic spot for sunrise and sunset views.
• Mythological Connection: According to mythology, Chandrashila is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating Ravana, and it is believed to be the spot where the moon (Chandra) spent time in penance.

4. Ideal for Trekkers:

• Trek Accessibility: The Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is one of the most accessible Himalayan treks. It is suitable for beginners due to its relatively moderate difficulty, and its short duration of 3 to 4 days makes it an excellent weekend getaway.
• Deoria Tal: This high-altitude lake, located near Chopta, is a famous trekking destination. Surrounded by forests, it reflects the Chaukhamba peak on clear days, offering breathtaking views. It is also popular for camping and stargazing.

5. Biodiversity:

• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary: Chopta lies within the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary protects species like the Himalayan musk deer, leopard, barking deer, and red fox.
• Bird Watching: Chopta is a paradise for bird lovers. It is one of the best places to spot the Himalayan Monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, along with other species like Eurasian jays, woodpeckers, partridges, and black eagles.

6. Weather and Climate:

• Mild Summers: During summer (April to June), Chopta experiences mild and pleasant weather with clear skies, making it ideal for trekking and exploring.
• Snowy Winters: From December to March, Chopta transforms into a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall. This makes it a popular destination for snow trekking and snowfall experiences. However, access to some areas may be restricted due to heavy snow.

7. Offbeat and Less Commercialized:

• Untouched by Mass Tourism: One of Chopta’s main attractions is its serenity and lack of commercialization. It is relatively lesser-known compared to other trekking destinations in the Himalayas, preserving its natural beauty and tranquility.
• Camping Experience: Due to limited hotel options, many travelers opt for camping, adding to the adventure. Waking up to the sound of birds chirping amidst the mountains and breathing in the crisp Himalayan air is an unforgettable experience.

8. Adventure Activities:

• Trekking: Chopta is the starting point for various treks, including the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek and the Deoria Tal trek.
• Snow Trekking and Skiing: During winter, Chopta becomes a hub for snow trekking and basic skiing activities.
• Photography and Stargazing: Chopta offers incredible opportunities for photography, especially for nature and landscape photographers. The clear night skies also make it an ideal place for stargazing and astrophotography.

9. Proximity to Other Attractions:

• Ukhimath: Just 31 km from Chopta, Ukhimath is a town of religious significance where the idols from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar are brought during the winter months.
• Rudraprayag: Located about 65 km away, Rudraprayag is famous for its confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini, and serves as a gateway to both Kedarnath and Badrinath pilgrimages.

10. Cultural Significance:

• The region surrounding Chopta is rich in Garhwali culture. Travelers can experience local hospitality, food, and traditions by interacting with the people of nearby villages, who often provide homestays and camping facilities.