Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is a legendary shrine and the highest Shiva temple in the world, perched at an altitude of 3,680 Meters. It is the third temple in the Panch Kedar circuit and is believed to be over 1,000 Years old. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is a well-paved stone path that winds through lush alpine meadows known as Bugyals. During the ascent, trekkers are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. The temple itself is a marvel of ancient architecture, built with heavy grey siltstone. According to mythology, the Pandavas built this temple to appease Lord Shiva. The spiritual energy here is palpable, especially during the morning Aarti. The temple remains closed during the winter months when the region is buried under several feet of snow, and the deity is moved to Makkumath. The surrounding area is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, and it is very common to spot the Himalayan Monal bird with its iridescent feathers near the temple complex. Just 1.5 KMS above Tungnath is the Chandrashila summit, offering a 360-degree view of the Himalayas. Despite its high altitude, the trek is considered "easy to moderate," making it accessible to most people with basic fitness levels. It is a place where spirituality meets the raw, unbridled beauty of the high mountains.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration: 5 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Category: Pilgrimage and High-Altitude TrekkingEntry Fees:
Fees:
Entry: There is No Entry Fee for the temple.
Mules/Ponies: If hired, they cost between 800 to 1,200 INR for the round trip from Chopta. ...Fees:
Entry: There is No Entry Fee for the temple.
Mules/Ponies: If hired, they cost between 800 to 1,200 INR for the round trip from Chopta.Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Summer only).
Ideal Visit: Reach by 9:00 AM to avoid the afternoon clouds that often obscure the mountain views. ...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Summer only).
Ideal Visit: Reach by 9:00 AM to avoid the afternoon clouds that often obscure the mountain views.Special Events:
Events:
Opening Ceremony: Held in May, marking the return of the deity from Makkumath.
Mahashivratri: Celebrated with great fervor in the winter seat since the main temple is closed. ...Events:
Opening Ceremony: Held in May, marking the return of the deity from Makkumath.
Mahashivratri: Celebrated with great fervor in the winter seat since the main temple is closed.Best Photo Spots:
Photography:
The Shikhara: Shoot the temple spire with the blue sky.
Summit Panoramas: The view from Chandrashila at sunrise.
Prayer Flags: The colorful flags fluttering agai...Photography:
The Shikhara: Shoot the temple spire with the blue sky.
Summit Panoramas: The view from Chandrashila at sunrise.
Prayer Flags: The colorful flags fluttering against the white mountain peaks.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Activities:
Temple Darshan: Offer prayers at the ancient shrine.
Trek to Chandrashila: Continue the climb for the ultimate summit view.
Photography: Capture the stone temple against the backdrop of snow peaks.
Meditation: Sit in the temple courtyard for spiritual peace.
Snow Trekking: Visit in March for a thrilling walk on snow.
Nature Study: Observe high-altitude alpine flowers and mosses.
Bird Watching: Look for the Himalayan Griffon soaring above. ...Activities:
Temple Darshan: Offer prayers at the ancient shrine.
Trek to Chandrashila: Continue the climb for the ultimate summit view.
Photography: Capture the stone temple against the backdrop of snow peaks.
Meditation: Sit in the temple courtyard for spiritual peace.
Snow Trekking: Visit in March for a thrilling walk on snow.
Nature Study: Observe high-altitude alpine flowers and mosses.
Bird Watching: Look for the Himalayan Griffon soaring above.
Information
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Why Famous:
Famous For:
World Record: Being the highest Shiva temple on Earth.
Mythological Roots: Its connection to the Mahabharata and the Pandavas' quest for redemption. ...Famous For:
World Record: Being the highest Shiva temple on Earth.
Mythological Roots: Its connection to the Mahabharata and the Pandavas' quest for redemption. -
Architecture:
Nagara Style Construction: The temple features a classic North Indian Nagara design with a prominent Shikhara (spire).
Dimensions: The main sanctum is a small square area of roughly 10 x 10 Feet, while the entire temple platform is about 40...Nagara Style Construction: The temple features a classic North Indian Nagara design with a prominent Shikhara (spire).
Dimensions: The main sanctum is a small square area of roughly 10 x 10 Feet, while the entire temple platform is about 40 Feet long.
Materials: Huge slabs of stone were used without any mortar, relying on gravity and precise interlocking. The temple entrance is guarded by a small stone Nandi bull. -
How To Reach:
Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (225 KMS).
By Train: Rishikesh (210 KMS).
By Road: Drive to Chopta from Ukhimath (30 KMS) and then trek.
By L...Reach:
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (225 KMS).
By Train: Rishikesh (210 KMS).
By Road: Drive to Chopta from Ukhimath (30 KMS) and then trek.
By Local Transport: Only accessible on foot or by pony from Chopta. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Time:
Summer: May to June is the peak season.
Autumn: September to October offers the best visibility.
Early Morning: Always start the trek before 7:00 AM for the best w...Best Time:
Summer: May to June is the peak season.
Autumn: September to October offers the best visibility.
Early Morning: Always start the trek before 7:00 AM for the best weather and light. -
Near Tourist Places:
10 Places: Chandrashila (1. 5km), Chopta (3. 5km trek), Deoria Tal (22km), Ukhimath (30km), Makkumath (20km), Dugalbitta (10km), Guptkashi (45km), Anasuya Devi (35km), Gopeshwar (40km), Kedarnath (75km).
Tourism Tips
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Tips:
Health and Safety: Beware of altitude sickness; walk slowly and stay hydrated.
Packing: Wear layers; even in summer, the wind at the top is piercingly cold.
Accommodation...Tips:
Health and Safety: Beware of altitude sickness; walk slowly and stay hydrated.
Packing: Wear layers; even in summer, the wind at the top is piercingly cold.
Accommodation: Stay in Chopta or Baniyakund as there are no stays at the temple.
Cash and Connectivity: No ATMs or mobile network at the temple. Carry everything from the base.
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