Tungnath chopta, Uttarakhand Travel Guide

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Discover Tungnath: The world's highest Shiva temple, offering a blend of spiritual serenity and breathtaking Himalayan trekking adventure.

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Tungnath chopta

Tungnath, cradled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is the world's highest Shiva temple, perched at 3,680 meters. Part of the sacred Panch Kedar pilgrimage, this ancient shrine offers breathtaking views and a serene spiritual experience, with the trek to the temple being an unforgettable journey through lush meadows and forests.

A brief summary to Tungnath chopta

F6M2+P7G, Chopta, Uttarakhand, 246419, IN
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tungnath chopta.

Acclimatize properly to the high altitude before starting the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes as the path can be uneven.
Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as the weather can change rapidly.
Check weather conditions before planning your visit, especially during the monsoon season.
Respect the local customs and traditions while visiting the temple.

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Explore Tungnath chopta on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tungnath chopta, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The final approach to Tungnath Temple is a 3.5 km trek from Chopta. The well-marked trail ascends gradually through forests and meadows, typically taking 2-3 hours for beginners. Mules and porters are available for hire, especially during peak season. No entrance fees are applicable for the trek itself.
Public Transport

From major cities like Rishikesh and Haridwar, take a bus to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, shared cabs are available to Chopta. From Chopta, the final 3.5 km to Tungnath Temple is on foot. Bus fares from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Ukhimath range from INR 300-500. Shared cabs from Ukhimath to Chopta cost around INR 50-100.

Discover more about Tungnath chopta

Tungnath, meaning 'Lord of the Peaks,' is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a key part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. Believed to be over 1000 years old, the temple is said to have been built by the Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva. Shiva, evading them, took the form of a bull, with parts of his body appearing at the five Panch Kedar locations; Tungnath is where his arms (bahu) are worshipped.The temple's architecture is in the North Indian style, though small, it holds immense spiritual significance. The trek to Tungnath is a 3.5 km (2.2 miles) journey from Chopta, known as the 'Mini Switzerland of India' for its stunning meadows and landscapes. The path is well-defined, making it accessible for beginners and experienced trekkers alike. The trek offers enchanting views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.From Tungnath, a further 1.5 km trek leads to the Chandrashila summit at 4,000 meters, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The best time to visit Tungnath is from April to November, with the temple doors opening in late April or early May and closing in November due to heavy snowfall. During winter, the region is covered in snow, making the trek more challenging. Tungnath is not just a pilgrimage site but also a trek through nature's grandeur, offering a blend of spirituality and adventure.