Tungnath Temple : Highest Shiva Temple in the World

Tungnath temple is one of the Panch Kedar in Chopta village of Rudraprayag district of Gharwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. It is not just the other temple, it is 1000 year old and highest temple shrine of Lord Shiva. Tungnath temple is at the altitude of 3,680 m approximately at Gharwal Himalaya region. Here’s the 3.5 km small walk from Chopta to Tungnath temple, which takes to deeper silence and spirituality. From there peaks like Chaukambha and Nandadevi are visible.

Mythological Belief of Tungnath Temple

Tughtnath Temple is situated on Chandranath Parvat is the highest temple in the world and highest Panch Kedar temple of Uttarakhand. Orderly, it is Tritya Kedar in all Kedar and it is consider more than 1000 years.

It is believed that, in the Mahabharat period, After the Kurukshetra war — Pandavas visited to Lord Shiva  for asking forgiveness because of guilt of sins they have after the war. As they asked forgiveness, but Lord Shiva was still upset and he transformed himself in form of bull and disappeared in ground, then their body parts rose in five different places – these five places are known as the Panch Kedar. In Tungnath, his arms was emerged and Arjuna by himself built that temple to please Mahadev. It is believed that Lord Rama also mediated on Chandrashila Peak. 

Why Tungnath Temple is Famous

Tungnath temple is famous in world because, it is  tritya kedar among all Panch Kedar. And also world’s highest Shiva temple at height of 12,073 ft, with view of several snow covered peaks Chaukhamba, Nandadevi and Trishul. This attracts many spiritual seekers, devotees.

Highlights of Tungnath Temple

• The architect of temple is pahadi, it is made of mixture of both stones and wooden.
• The temple is a destination for the popular Chopta Tungnath trek, a spiritual and adventurous journey. 
• Also from the temple snow covered Himalayan Peaks including Chaukhamba, Nandadevi and Trishul.
• The trail to the temple itself is a highlights, route passes through beautiful landscapes, dense forest of rhododendron, pine and oak.
• After 2-3 kms of trek from temple you will reach Chandrashila peak where is 360 view of mountains. 

Best time to Visit Tungnath Temple

The trek to Tungnath remain open throughout the year. You can witness different colors in different seasons– colorful in spring, green in summer and white in winter.

Best time to visit Tungnath temple is May to October or November because, tungnath Temple is remains open from May to October/November, depending on Diwali. 

The temple get opened according to Hindu calendar, on auspicious occasion of Vaishakhi that is come in May to diwali in October/November.

Also it is advisable to not visit in mid july to August due peak monsoon season to ensure safety.

• Tungnath temple in March to April (Spring)

In this seasons route to temple remains vibrant and colorful, forest is full of red rhododendrons flower. Combination of green forest, red flowers and snow covered peaks makes amazing landscape and moderate weather – sunny with gentle breeze make it trek pleasant.

• Tungnath temple in May to June(Summer)

Summer is best time to visit Tungnath temple because temple remains in this months of mid may to june. For beginners it is an ideal month for trekking because it is a long, sunny day and not very cold. The area of temple is full of meadows. The himalayan peaks — Chaukhamba, Nandadevi and Trishul are clearly visible. The trek remains very gentle during the summer season.

• Tungnath temple in September to November(Autumn)

After heavy rainfall, autumn turns forests turns  into a golden color. The air feels very gentle during the daytime and gives chills at night. The sky gets crystal clear, perfect for those who love stars. Snow-covered peaks are completely visible, which attracts photographers.

• Tungnath temple in December to February(Autumn)

In winter, the trek turns into a winter wonderland, perfect for those who want snow adventure.

Tungnath Temple Opening Dates and Closing Dates

• The Badri Temple community make commencement date of opening of Tungnath temple in Uttarakhand.
• As Tungnath temple is tritya kedar of Panch Kedar. So Tungnath usually opening and closing  with the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra season in April or May.
• Traditionally, as per the Hindu calendar the temple reopens on or around Vaisakh Panchmi.
  
• The auspicious date for opening is officially declared during the festival of Baisakhi, after consultations with priests and astrologers.
  
• Temple remains opens for 6 month.
• Temple closing time always falls around the month of Kartik in Hindu Calendar. And date of closing always coincides with Diwali or Bhai doj.
  

How to reach Tungnath Temple

To reach Tungnath temple, one have to do trek of 3-4 kms from Chopta. Chopta is easily accessible by road connected with cities Dehradun(bus, rail, jolly grant airport), Rishikesh, Nanital etc.

Chandrashila Summit Extension from Tungnath

After small walk form tungnath temple, one can go summit of Chandrashila peak.  Just after 1 hour walk you will meet panoramas view of himalayan at top. It will make your complete Chopta Chandrashila trek. From there you will able to see so many peaks. If you are visit then one should definitely extend.

Accommodation Options

In Chopta 

• Resorts & Hotels: In Chopta there is many option of hotel and resorts with scenic views. Examples include the Chopta Resort, Himrab Chopta Resort, and Nirvana Stays Chopta. 
• Camps & Homestays: Chopta also offers camping/caravan sites and more homestays, such as Sun And Snow Camp Chopta. 

Environmental Responsibility & Respecting Local Culture

Follow the leave no trace principle: Do not leave any trash, including any non-biodegradable waste, take it back with you.

Minimal Impact: Do not make any impact on nature, like not disturbing wildlife, do not light a fire, do not litter.  Use sustainable trekking methods.

​Respect local culture: Many treks pass through villages, each village have different traditions and culture. Always be polite and respectful towards village people, and create a friendly atmosphere.

• Before taking pictures of a sensitive place, take permission.
• Always greeting local communities can help create a friendly atmosphere.
• Dress properly according to village atmosphere.

In villages, there are many cultural festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. If you get a chance, join them.

Travel Tips & Safety Guidelines for Visitors

Before you go on any trek, and on the trek, whether the trek is short or long, keep these things in mind:

• Do research on trek, like the exact location of the trek, altitude of the trek, and difficulty level, so you can prepare yourself accordingly.
• Must pack warm clothes and waterproof clothes, good trekking shoes, and a first aid kit.
• Always check weather conditions. If  seasons like monsoon and winter( time of snowfall) keep backup.
• Book accommodation in advance.
• Always hire an experienced driver in the mountains for transportation.      
• Always hire a certified guide.
• Make travel insurance that should also covers your trekking.
• Always search if this trek needs a permit or not. Then get your trek permit in advance.
• Stay hydrated during trekking.
• Be cautious of wildlife; do not feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1, What is opening date of  Tungnath Temple?

Ans: Opening dates of Tungnath temple, as part of panch kedar commence by Badrinath temple committee every year. The temple opening dates always fall in May, on or around Baisakhi.  

What is closing date date of  Tungnath Temple?

Ans: Closing dates of Tungnath temple, as part of panch kedar commence by Badrinath temple committee every year. The temple closing dates always fall in October or November exactly on Diwali or after 1-2 days of Diwali.

Q3, How difficult is the trek to Tungnath?

Ans: The difficulty level of Chopta Tungnath trek is easy to moderate, this trek is family and beginner friendly.

Q4. Can family do Chopta Tungnath  trek?

Ans: Yes, trek level is easy, so it is best for family and friends.

Q5. What is best time to visit Tungnath temple?

Ans: The best time to visit Tungnath temple is after Baisakhi in May to June and September to Diwali in October or November.

Q6. What is total trek distance from Chopta to Tungnath to Chandrashila?

Ans: The trek distance from Chopta to Tungnath is 3.5 kms and from Tungnath Temple is  to Chandrashila is 1.5 kms so total distance is 5 kms.

Q7. What are the five Panch Kedar?

Ans: The five Panch Kedars are Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar.

Q8. Will I get network Chopta?

Ans: Yes, you will get network in Chopta but not in full coverage. Jio works best here while airtel and Vi get weak network and mostly unavailable.

Read more: Planning to Take the Tungnath and Chandrashila Trek