About Tungnath
Tungnath is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting at an elevation of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level. Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar, a group of five sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand. Pilgrims and trekking enthusiasts visit Tungnath not only for its spiritual significance but also for the breathtaking views of the Garhwal Himalayas.
Near City Distances:
Delhi to Tungnath: 8 hours 45 minutes (approx. 461 km) via NH7.
Dehradun to Tungnath: 6 hours 50 minutes (approx. 242 km) via NH7.
Rishikesh to Tungnath: 7 hours 20 minutes (approx. 204 km) via NH7.
Chopta to Tungnath: 83.5 km (via the Tungnath Trek).
How to Reach Tungnath:
To reach Tungnath, one must first travel to Chopta, which is the base for the Tungnath trek.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 230 km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, about 225 km from Tungnath.
By Road: Tungnath is well connected by road to Chopta from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Rishikesh. From Chopta, the trek to Tungnath temple begins, which is a 3.5 km trek (approx. 2 hours) through scenic forests and meadows.
Tungnath Trek:
The Tungnath trek is a moderately difficult 3.5 km trek that leads to the Tungnath temple and further extends to the Chandrashila peak. The trek offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and is ideal for adventure enthusiasts. The entire trek to Chandrashila is around 5 km from Chopta, and it’s popular for both trekking and spiritual seekers.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Tungnath Temple is during the summer months from April to November, as the temple remains snowbound during winter. The weather is pleasant, and the trek is relatively easier during these months. Monsoons (July-September) should be avoided due to landslides and slippery conditions on the trekking route.
Nearby Attractions:
Chandrashila Peak: A short trek from Tungnath (about 1.5 km further), Chandrashila offers panoramic views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Kedarnath.
Chopta: Known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," Chopta is the base for the Tungnath trek and a beautiful spot for nature lovers.
Deoria Tal: A picturesque lake located about 22 km from Chopta, offering stunning reflections of surrounding snow-clad peaks.
Kedarnath Temple: Part of the Char Dham pilgrimage, Kedarnath is another sacred Lord Shiva temple located about 30 km from Tungnath.
Sari Village: The starting point for the Deoria Tal trek, this charming village is located 16 km from Chopta.