Tungnath Temple and Trek-The Best Bet To See Majestic Himalayan peaks

Tungnath is a small town located in the Rudraprayag district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level and is known for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Tungnath mountains are situated between the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys, just below the peak of Chandrashila. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata epic. The Tungnath temple is considered to be the highest Shiva temple in the world and is one of the Panch Kedar temples. The town is surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome, and Nanda Devi.

Tungnath Uttarakhand is a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts and pilgrims. The trek to the Tungnath temple starts from the town of Chopta, which is about 4 kilometers away. The trek is a moderate one and takes about 3-4 hours to complete. The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendrons and oak trees and offers stunning views of the Himalayan range. Apart from the Tungnath temple Visitors can indulge in activities like camping, bird watching, and nature walks.

The weather in Tungnath Uttarakhand varies depending on the season. Summers (April to June) are generally pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather during this time is ideal for trekking and camping in Tungnath.

Monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rainfall and landslides, making it challenging to trek or camp in Tungnath Uttarakhand. It is not advisable to visit Tungnath during the monsoon season due to safety concerns.

Winters (October to March) are very cold with temperatures dropping below freezing point. The area receives heavy snowfall during winter, making it difficult to trek or camp in Tungnath. However, if you are an experienced trekker and are well-equipped, you can plan a winter trek to Tungnath.

The best time to visit Tungnath Uttarakhand is during the summer months (April to June) when the weather is pleasant and the trekking trails are open. However, if you want to avoid the crowd, you can plan a visit during the shoulder season (September to November) or early spring (March to April).

Tungnath Tour

The Tungnath trip is a popular way to enjoy the Tungnath trek. Plan your Tour according to the given schedule-

Day 1: Arrival in Chopta
You can reach Chopta by road from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Once you reach Chopta, check in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Trek to Tungnath
After an early breakfast, start the trek to Tungnath Uttarakhand. Once you reach the top, visit the Tungnath temple and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas. You can also trek further to Chandrashila Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. Return to Chopta for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Departure
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart for your onward journey.

This is a basic itinerary, and you can customize it according to your preferences. You can add more days to explore other nearby attractions such as Deoria Tal, Kedarnath, or Badrinath. Keep in mind that the Tungnath trek is moderate, and it is recommended to be physically fit before attempting the trek.

Also read- Chopta-Tungnath Trek Uttarakhand From Blah Into Fantastic

Tungnath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Tungnath mountain range. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is considered to be the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is believed to have been built more than 1000 years ago and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple is open for darshan (worship) from April to November, during which the idol of Lord Shiva is brought down to Ukhimath for the winter months.

The trek to Tungnath temple starts from Chopta. The temple is a small stone structure with a Shiva Lingam at its center. The architecture of the temple is simple yet beautiful, with intricate carvings and a sloping slate roof. The temple also has an Akhand Jyoti (eternal flame) that has been burning continuously for centuries.

Tungnath trek is a popular trekking route. It is a 3.5 km (one-way) trek from Chopta. The trek to Tungnath Uttarakhand is considered to be easy to moderate and can be completed in 2-3 hours. The trail is well-marked and has a few steep sections, but overall it is a pleasant hike. The views from the trek are breathtaking, with snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas visible in the distance. The trek ends at Tungnath temple, where you can enjoy the serene environment and the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

From Tungnath temple, you can continue the trek for another 1.5 km to reach Chandrashila Peak.  The trek to Chandrashila Peak is a bit more challenging and takes around 1-2 hours to complete. However, the panoramic views from the top of the peak make it all worthwhile.

Tungnath trek cost- The Tungnath trek is a popular trekking destination located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The cost of the trek can vary depending on several factors such as the mode of transportation, accommodation, food, Trekking guide, and other expenses. Overall, the total cost of the Tungnath trek can range from INR 5000 to INR 15000 per person, depending on the above factors.

The Chandrashila Winter Trek is a popular trekking route that takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas, including forests of rhododendrons and oak trees, quaint villages, and snow-covered peaks. The highlight of the trek is the summit climb to the Chandrashila peak, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

The trek starts from the town of Chopta and takes you through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The trail passes through Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake that is surrounded by dense forests of oak trees. From here, the trek continues to Chopta, which is a popular camping site. The next day, you will trek to Tungnath Uttarakhand, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. From Tungnath, the trek continues to Chandrashila, which is a summit point located at an altitude of 3,860 meters.

Chandrashila trek in March- The Chandrashila Winter Trek is a moderate trek that can be completed in 4-5 days. The best time to undertake this trek is during the winter months of December to February when the entire region is covered in snow, offering a truly mesmerizing experience. However, the weather conditions can be harsh during this time, and proper precautions need to be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience.

Camping in Tungnath Uttarakhand is a popular activity among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. There are several camping options available in the nearby areas of Tungnath Uttarakhand, including Chopta and Deoria Tal. There are several campsites and guest houses in Chopta that offer camping facilities. These campsites provide tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary equipment for camping. You can also hire a local guide who can assist you with camping and trekking in the area.

Deoria Tal is another popular camping spot located near Tungnath. It is a pristine lake surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks. Several campsites around Deoria Tal offer camping facilities. You can also go for a short trek from Deoria Tal to Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak.

Camping in Tungnath Uttarakhand is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area and experience the local culture. You can enjoy the serene environment, star-gazing at night, and wake up to the beautiful sunrise views over the Himalayas.

The distance between Kedarnath and Tungnath is approximately 91 kilometers by road. However, there is no direct road or trekking route from Kedarnath to Tungnath.

To reach Tungnath from Kedarnath, you can take a road journey to Guptkashi, which is approximately 35 kilometers from Kedarnath. From Guptkashi, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Ukhimath, which is approximately 24 kilometers from Guptkashi. From Ukhimath, you can start your trek to Tungnath.

The trek from Ukhimath to Tungnath is approximately 30 kilometers and can be completed in 2-3 days, depending on your pace and fitness level. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi from Guptkashi to Chopta, which is approximately 44 kilometers from Guptkashi, and start your trek to Tungnath from there.

The distance between Rishikesh and Tungnath is approximately 225 kilometers by road. There are two main routes to reach Tungnath from Rishikesh:

Route 1: Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Chopta – Tungnath

This route is the most commonly used route to reach Tungnath from Rishikesh and halt the journey in these mentioned places.

Route 2: Rishikesh – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Ukhimath – Chopta – Tungnath

This route is slightly longer than Route 1 but offers equally scenic views. From Rishikesh, you can take a taxi or bus to Srinagar, which is approximately 100 kilometers from Rishikesh. Taxis and Buses are available to these places with halted journeys.