Tungnath (Lord of the Peaks) is famous as one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. It is an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to worshipping at the hands of Lord Shiva. It is the highest of the Panch Kedar Temples located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand located at an altitude of 3470m. Ironically enough, it is one of the easiest ones to reach by trekking 3.5km commencing from Chopta.
Mythology About Tungnath
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Tungnath Temple is at least 1000 years old, dedicated to Lord Shiva and a few other idols. The legend says that the temple was built by the Pandavas when they went in search of Lord Shiva so that they could pardon their sins of slaying the Kauravas. Shiva had taken the form of the bull to hide from the Pandavas, the body of the bull was rematerialized at five different locations, now known as the Panch Kedar. The Pandavas built these temples to worship and venerate Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. Each of the temples signified a body part of Shiva. Tungnath temple is identified as the place where bah (hands) of Shiva were seen.
Main Attraction of the Tungnath Tour:
- Tungnath Temple
- Chopta
- Chandrashila Trek
- Deoria Tal
- Rohini Bugyal
- Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
- Camping and trekking
Tungnath Trek Guide
- Chopta to Tungnath trek distance is 4 km and takes 2-2.5 hours of travel time.
- There are plenty of dhabas and small eatery junctions, so you do not have to worry about that.
- Go early in the morning to view the spectacular sunrise on Tungnath tour.
- Also, cover Chandrshila by going some extra miles on Tungnath tour.
Where to Stay in Tungnath
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The closest place of accommodation is 4km away in Chopta. You can find campsites and few budget hotels that cater to the needs of the visitors.
How to Reach Tungnath
While reaching the exact location of Tungnath through transport is not possible, you can only reach here by trekking from the base point of Chopta (a trek of around 3.5 km). Chopta is well connected with the major cities of Uttarakhand.
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport located in Dehradun from where you can take a bus to Chopta (around 200km). From Chopta, it is a 3.5km Tungnath trek.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Haridwar which is well connected to major cities of India and has lines running 24 hours. Haridwar is 108km from Chopta and as mentioned, from Chopta, it is a trek of 3.5km to go on Tungnath tour.
- By Road: Chopta is well connected with destinations like Rudraprayag. You will find state-run bus services or even taxi services till Rudraprayag from where you will find taxis that will take you to Chopta.
Best Time to Visit Tungnath
Find More: Tungnath Temple Opening & Closing Date
While the seasons show no bounds when it comes to going on Tungnath tour, summer months are considered more favorable. Monsoon months are known to make the trek difficult and challenging while the winter months are considered for the adventurists who can withstand the extreme temperatures and snow-covered trails.
- Summer Months: These are considered as the most pleasant time to be on Tungnath tour with the average day temperature lying around 16°C.
- Monsoon Months: Rain barely makes trekking easy if you think trekking during summers is hard. The trails tend to get a little slippery but if you have the right trekking shoes, nothing is difficult.
- Winter Months: These months are considered for the adventurists and the snow-lovers. It tends to be cooler here during the winter months, get some pairs of warm clothes and you will be good. Remember that layering the key.