Perched high in the Garhwal Himalayas, Tungnath Temple – Highest Shiva Shrine in the World, stands as a symbol of devotion and serenity. Located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, this ancient temple sits at an astounding altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft), making it the highest Lord Shiva temple on Earth.
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or an adventure lover, the Tungnath Temple trek offers a perfect blend of devotion, breath-taking views, and Himalayan tranquillity.
About Tungnath Temple
Tungnath, meaning “Lord of the Peaks,” is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, it was built by the Pandavas to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness after the Kurukshetra war.
The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is renowned for its ancient stone architecture, spiritual aura, and stunning mountain backdrop — including Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath peaks.
Mythological Significance
As per legend, after the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas sought Lord Shiva’s blessings to absolve their sins. Lord Shiva, disguised as a bull, disappeared into the earth to avoid them.
His body parts are believed to have appeared in five locations across Uttarakhand, forming the Panch Kedar circuit:
- Kedarnath – Hump of the bull
- Tungnath – Arms
- Rudranath – Face
- Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
- Kalpeshwar – Hair
Thus, Tungnath holds immense religious importance as the second temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage.
Tungnath Temple Trek – A Short and Thrilling Journey
The Tungnath Temple trek is one of the most accessible Himalayan treks. The 4–5 km trail begins from Chopta, often called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.”
Trek Details
| Category | Details |
| Starting Point | Chopta (2,680 m) |
| Trek Distance | 4–5 km |
| Trek Duration | 2–3 hours (one way) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to Moderate |
| Best Time to Visit | April – November |
What You’ll See on the Trek
- Alpine meadows covered with rhododendrons
- Snow-capped peaks of Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi
- Peaceful stone pathways lined with prayer flags
- The Chandrashila Peak (4,000 m), a short 1.5 km climb above Tungnath, offering 360° Himalayan views
Tip: Sunrise from Chandrashila is one of the most mesmerizing sights in Uttarakhand.
Best Time to Visit Tungnath Temple
The temple remains open from April/May to November, depending on weather and snow conditions.
| Season | Temperature | Experience |
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | 10°C–25°C | Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking |
| Monsoon (Jul–Sep) | 8°C–18°C | Lush greenery but slippery trails |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 5°C–20°C | Clear skies, best for photography |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Below 0°C | Temple closed, covered in snow |
Note: During winter, the deity is shifted to Mukunath, a lower-altitude temple in the valley.
How to Reach Tungnath Temple
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km)
- From Dehradun, hire a taxi or take a bus to Chopta.
By Road
- Well-connected by motorable roads from Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ukhimath, and Rudraprayag.
- The final stretch from Chopta to Tungnath is only accessible on foot.
By Train
Spiritual Experience at the Highest Lord Shiva Temple
The peaceful atmosphere of Tungnath, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and whispering winds, makes it more than just a pilgrimage — it’s a journey inward. The mantras, temple bells, and panoramic silence create an aura of divine energy rarely found elsewhere.
Travel Tips for Tungnath Temple Trek
- Start early: Mornings are clearer and safer for trekking.
- Carry water & snacks: No shops on the trail.
- Layered clothing: Weather changes quickly at high altitude.
- Network: Limited or no mobile connectivity.
- Stay overnight at Chopta: Enjoy stargazing and the serenity of nature.
Why Visit Tungnath Temple
- The world’s highest Shiva shrine — a spiritual and geographical marvel.
- Ideal for both devotees and trekkers.
- Offers soul-stirring views of the Himalayas and peaceful surroundings.
- Easily accessible compared to other high-altitude temples.
Travel Tips for Tungnath Temple Trek
- Start early around 6–7 AM to enjoy clear skies and safe daylight trekking hours.
- Spend a night in Chopta to acclimatize before beginning the high-altitude trek.
- Wear sturdy trekking shoes as the stone trail can be uneven or slippery.
- Carry warm layered clothing since temperatures drop quickly at higher altitudes.
- Pack a raincoat or poncho because sudden showers are common in the Himalayas.
- Keep water and energy snacks handy as there are no food stalls beyond Chopta.
- Check the weather forecast before trekking to avoid fog or heavy rainfall.
- Respect the temple environment by removing shoes and avoiding littering.
- Maintain silence and avoid loud music near the temple for a peaceful experience.
- Keep your phone charged but expect limited or no mobile network near Tungnath.
- Plan your return before sunset since the trail becomes misty and dark in the evening.
- Book accommodation in Chopta or Duggalbitta for rest and stargazing at night.
- Carry sufficient cash because ATMs are not easily available in the area.
- Buy travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergencies.
- Practice short walks or hikes before your trip to improve stamina and endurance.
- Hire local guides or porters for safety, navigation, and local insights.
- Avoid visiting during heavy monsoon months of July and August due to slippery trails.
- Stay hydrated throughout the trek and take short rest breaks whenever needed.
- Combine Tungnath with Chandrashila Peak for a memorable sunrise experience.
- Trek responsibly, keep the surroundings clean, and leave no trace behind.
Nearby Attractions Around Tungnath Temple
- Chandrashila Peak – 1.5 km: A short yet steep trek offering breathtaking Himalayan views.
- Chopta – 4 km: The base point for the Tungnath trek, surrounded by lush meadows and pine forests.
- Deoria Tal – 23 km: A scenic lake near Sari village reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks.
- Ukhimath – 28 km: Winter seat of Lord Kedarnath, known for its ancient temples.
- Rudraprayag – 65 km: Sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
- Sari Village – 20 km: Starting point for the Deoria Tal trek, popular for homestays.
- Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary – 7 km: Wildlife haven famous for rare musk deer.
- Gopeshwar – 70 km: A peaceful town with ancient Shiva temples and local culture.
- Madhyamaheshwar Temple – 75 km: Another Panch Kedar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Kalimath Temple – 46 km: Sacred Shakti Peeth devoted to Goddess Kali.
- Guptkashi – 40 km: Home to Vishwanath Temple and gateway to Kedarnath.
- Agastyamuni – 58 km: Riverside village with an ancient temple dedicated to Sage Agastya.
- Kund – 50 km: A serene hamlet located en route to Chopta from Rudraprayag.
- Bisurital – 60 km (trek route): Hidden glacial lake surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
- Dugalbitta – 3 km: Ideal spot for camping amid cedar and rhododendron forests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Tungnath Temple located?
Tungnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, near Chopta, at an altitude of 3,680 meters.
2. What makes Tungnath the highest Lord Shiva temple?
At 3,680 meters above sea level, Tungnath is the world’s highest Shiva temple, part of the sacred Panch Kedar circuit.
3. How difficult is the Tungnath Temple trek?
The trek is easy to moderate, covering 4–5 km from Chopta and taking about 2–3 hours.
4. When does Tungnath Temple open and close?
It opens around April/May and closes by November, depending on snowfall.
5. Can I visit Tungnath during winter?
The temple remains closed in winter due to snow, but you can visit Mukunath Temple, where the deity is worshipped during this period.
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