Tungnath temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in the Uttarakhand state of India. It is situated at an elevation of about 3,680 meters above sea level just below the peak of Chandrashila. in the Rudraprayag district. Tungnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the highest of the five Panch Kedar temples located in the Rudraprayag district, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Tungnath is one of the highest Lord Shiva temples in the world. The Tungnath mountains form the Mandakini and Alaknanda river valleys. The 5 km trek starts from Chopta. Chopta which is also known as Mini Switerzand for its scenic beauty and for its attraction among foreign tourist is 23.9 from Rudraprayag towards Karnaprayag and is reached from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag.
Legend
According to Hindu mythology the pandavas were looking for Lord Shiva for atone from the sins of committing fratricide and Brāhmanahatya during theKurukshetra war. Not wanting to meet pandavas lord Shiva transformed himself into bull. Bhima recognized the bull to be Shiva. and caught hold of the bull by its tail and hind legs. But the bull-formed Lord Shiva disappeared into the ground to later reappear in parts, with the hump raising in Kedarnath, the arms appearing in Tungnath, the face showing up at Rudranath, the nabhi (navel) and stomach surfacing in Madhyamaheshwar and the hair appearing in Kalpeshwar. The arm of lord shiva are worshipped at Tungnath temple.
Geography
Tungnath is at the top of the ridge dividing the waters of the Mandakini River from those of the Alaknanda River . The road to Chopta is just below this ridge and hence provides the shortest bridle approach path for trekking to the temple from Chopta, over a short distance of about 5 km. The valley between Chopta and Tunganath temple has wooded hills with rich alpine meadows with rhododendron coppices and also agricultural fields. Two km. above tungnath is another peak known as Cnandra shila peak. From the top of the Chandrashila peak, picturesque views of the Himalayan range comprising snow peaks of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth on one side, and the Garhwal valley on the opposite side could be witnessed.
Of all the Panch Kedar trek routes, the route to Tungnath is the shortest: only 5 km from Chopta that can be covered in approximately 4–6 hours. Trek is a steep climb (9,600–11,350 ft (2,926–3,459 m)), the trek path is stone paved with benches provided en route at intervals. The path is surrounded by scenic views and captivating flora and fauna on both sides.The steep climb to Chandarshila is for 2 km from Tungnath.
Access
Tungnath Temple experiences heavy snowfall during winter, which necessitates its closure for about six months. For those planning to visit, the best time spans from April to September when weather conditions are generally more favorable for trekking and exploration.
To reach Tungnath Temple, the trek usually begins from Chopta, which serves as a base camp for travelers. Chopta is accessible by road, and from there, the trekking route winds through scenic landscapes towards the temple.
For travelers coming from farther distances:
• Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 258 kilometers away from Chopta. From the airport, one can hire taxis or use bus services to reach Chopta.
• Nearest Railway Station: The nearest major railway station is at Rishikesh, around 241 kilometers from Chopta. Rishikesh is well-connected by trains from various parts of India. From Rishikesh, taxis, buses, or private vehicles can be hired to proceed towards Chopta.
Both routes from Jolly Grant Airport and Rishikesh offer scenic drives through the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, known for its picturesque valleys and mountain views, making the journey part of the adventure for visitors to Tungnath Temple.
My Travel Experience
Tungnath is indeed known for its scenic beauty and religious significance, being one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Due to the high number of visitors during summer, parking can be a challenge, which might require parking several kilometers away from the trekking start point. During our recent visit to this place in June 2024 ,we got parking some three km. away from trekking start point.. Due to its altitude, visitors may experience oxygen shortage, especially those not acclimatized to higher elevations. It’s important to take proper precautions, such as acclimatizing properly, staying hydrated, and knowing the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Overall, while Tungnath offers a rewarding experience both spiritually and visually, it’s essential for visitors to prepare adequately for the altitude and other challenges they may encounter.
The information provided in this article is based on the author’s personal visit to Tungnathand research from various sources. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, changes in the conditions, accessibility, and local guidelines may occur. Visitors are advised to check the latest travel advisories, road conditions, and local regulations before planning their trip. The author and publisher are not responsible for any inconvenience or loss incurred while following the information provided in this article. Always prioritize safety and consult with local authorities or guides when traveling to remote or religious destinations.
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