At a breathtaking altitude of 3,680 metres (12,073 feet), the Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world — and one of the most accessible high-altitude pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is the 3rd among the five sacred Panch Kedar shrines, where the arms (bahu) of Lord Shiva are worshipped. Just above it, the Chandrashila summit (4,130 m) offers what many trekkers consider the finest 360-degree Himalayan panorama accessible without technical climbing — Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Bandarpoonch and Neelkanth all visible on clear days.
🛕 About Tungnath Temple
Tungnath is one of the oldest Shiva temples in the Himalayas, believed to have been built by the Pandavas — the same divine origin as all five Panch Kedar shrines. The temple structure is in traditional stone-carved Himalayan style, compact and powerful, set against a dramatic backdrop of open alpine meadows. Unlike Kedarnath, Tungnath receives a fraction of the visitors — making the darshan experience intimate and unhurried.
The Chopta–Tungnath–Chandrashila circuit has become one of the most popular short treks in Uttarakhand. Chopta, often called the mini-Switzerland of India, is accessible by road from Ukhimath and serves as the base village. In winter, Chopta receives heavy snowfall and the area transforms into a wonderland, attracting snowtrek enthusiasts.
🥾 Tungnath Trek Route
| Route | Distance | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopta to Tungnath Temple | 3.5 km one way | 3,680 m | Well-paved stone steps; 2–3 hours |
| Tungnath to Chandrashila Summit | 1 km from temple | 4,130 m | 30–45 min; 360° panorama |
| Return to Chopta | 3.5 km | 2,680 m | 1.5–2 hours descent |
🚗 How to Reach Chopta (Tungnath Base)
- From Rishikesh: 200 km via Rudraprayag and Ukhimath. Shared jeeps available from Ukhimath to Chopta (30 km, 1.5 hrs). Direct taxis from Rishikesh: ₹2,500–₹3,500.
- From Haridwar: 220 km. Same route via Rudraprayag.
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (250 km). Taxi to Chopta ~5–6 hours.
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (200 km) or Haridwar (215 km).
- By Bus: GMOU/KMOU buses run from Rishikesh to Ukhimath. From Ukhimath, shared jeeps to Chopta.
🌤 Best Time to Visit Tungnath
- May–June: Temple freshly opened, rhododendrons in bloom, snow on nearby peaks, cool and pleasant.
- September–October (Best): Post-monsoon clarity, crisp mountain air, absolutely spectacular views from Chandrashila. Most recommended window.
- November–April: Temple closed. Chopta accessible for snow trekking (Chandrashila winter trek is very popular December–February).
- July–August: Monsoon — trails can be slippery, views often misty, but temple is open and crowd is low.
🕏 Daily Puja Timings
| Puja / Aarti | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti (Dawn) | 4:00 AM – 5:00 AM |
| Abhishek & Shringar | 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM |
| General Darshan | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti (Evening) | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti (Closing) | 8:00 PM |
💡 Packing & Tips
- Layered clothing — temperature at 3,680 m can drop to 0°C even in May and September
- Waterproof jacket — Chopta area receives afternoon rain from June to August
- Trekking shoes — the stone-paved trail is easy but can be slippery when wet
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV sunglasses — altitude UV is intense
- Water bottle — refill at Chopta before starting, limited sources on trail
- Cash — no ATMs at Chopta; carry enough from Ukhimath
- Torch for early morning darshan (if attending Mangala Aarti)
- Personal medicines + first aid kit
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔗 All Major Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2026
Planning a broader pilgrimage? Click any temple below for its full 2026 kapat dates guide — including trek info, puja timings, how to reach and packing tips:
