📜 Historical and Mythological Significance
Tungnath is one of the five temples in the famous Panch Kedar Yatra of Uttarakhand. According to belief, when Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull to avoid the Pandavas, different parts of his body appeared in five different places:
Kedarnath – Hump
Tungnath – Arms
Madhyamaheshwar – Navel
Rudranath – Face
Kalpeshwar – Hair
That’s how Tungnath became one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. It is also considered to be over 1000 years old, built by the Pandavas during their journey to heaven.
🛕 Architecture of Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is built in traditional Nagara style using stone blocks. Though it’s a small temple, it looks majestic because of its location and peaceful aura. Inside, there is a black stone Shiva Lingam, along with idols of Parvati, Vyas Rishi, and Ganesha.
The structure is compact but strong enough to face harsh winters, snow, and rains for centuries.
📍 Where is Tungnath Located?
Tungnath is situated in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,680 metres (12,073 feet). The base point to start the journey is Chopta village.
Distances to Know:
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Delhi to Chopta – 450 km approx
Haridwar to Chopta – 225 km
Rishikesh to Chopta – 200 km
Ukhimath to Chopta – 29 km
Chopta to Tungnath (Trek) – 3.5 km
Tungnath to Chandrashila (Trek) – 1.5 km
Nearest Railway Station – Haridwar (225 km)
Nearest Airport – Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km)
🥾 Trek to Tungnath from Chopta
The trek to Tungnath is short but slightly steep. It’s a 3.5 km uphill walk from Chopta, which takes around 2 to 3 hours depending on your fitness level.
The trail is stone-paved and passes through meadows, pine forests, and snow patches in winter. During spring, rhododendrons bloom, giving the trek a colourful feel.
Along the way, you get majestic views of Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Bandarpunch peaks.
🗓️ Best Time to Visit Tungnath
The best months to visit Tungnath are from April to November. The temple opens in April or May (on Akshaya Tritiya) and closes around Diwali.
April – June: Pleasant and clear views
July – August: Rainy and risky (not recommended)
September – November: Best time – clear skies and beautiful landscapes
December – March: Covered in snow, temple closed
In winter, the idol is shifted to Makkumath village (19 km from Chopta).
🏔 Chandrashila – The Moon Rock Summit
Chandrashila, which means Moon Rock, is located just 1.5 km above Tungnath Temple. It is the highest point of the trek, situated at around 4,000 metres (13,123 feet).
According to legends:
Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana.
Chandra Dev also did tapasya here.
From Chandrashila peak, you get 360-degree Himalayan views, including:
Nanda Devi (2nd highest in India)
Trishul
Kedar Dome
Chaukhamba
Bandarpunch
Tips:
Start early morning from Chopta to reach Chandrashila for sunrise
Carry water and light snacks
Trek becomes challenging in snow season (December–March), but possible with guides
🏨 Accommodation Options in Chopta and Nearby Areas
GMVN Tourist Rest House, Ukhimath
Location: Ukhimath, 29 km from Chopta
Facilities: Budget stay with basic amenities
Ideal For: Pilgrims and budget travelers
Snow Hills Resort and Camps
Location: Chopta
Facilities: Cottages and tents with mountain views
Ideal For: Families and groups
Chopta Meadows Heritage Camps
Location: Chopta
Facilities: Tent accommodations
Ideal For: Adventure seekers
Chopta Resort
Location: Near Chopta
Facilities: Rooms with attached bathroom and restaurant
Ideal For: Travelers seeking comfort
Himrab Chopta Resort
Location: Chopta
Facilities: Mountain view rooms, food services
Ideal For: Couples and families
The Bunker House Cafe and Stay
Location: Near Chopta
Facilities: Cafe with rooms
Ideal For: Solo travelers
⚠️ Present Condition of the Temple
Recently, a 5–6° tilt has been observed in Tungnath Temple structure. The Archaeological Survey of India is inspecting it. Smaller nearby shrines have tilted more.
Possible reasons could be soil erosion, tremors, and heavy snowfall. But the temple is still safe and open for devotees.
🙏 Spiritual Importance of Tungnath
Tungnath is not just a temple. It’s a journey of devotion. Whether you are a Shiva bhakt or a nature lover, this place will give you inner peace.
Locals and sages say meditating here brings mental clarity. Even tourists feel divine calmness after reaching the temple and Chandrashila.
📌 Conclusion
Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, is a rare combination of devotion, nature, and Himalayan beauty. When paired with the Chandrashila summit, it becomes one of the most satisfying short treks in India.
The panoramic views, the old legends, and the spiritual atmosphere make this place a must-visit in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.
Plan your journey today and feel the divinity above the clouds.
Explore more Himalayan stories and guides at 👉 mohitbangari.com
By – Mohit Bangari
