Located in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand, India, Tungnath is a Hindu temple that honours Lord Shiva. It is one of the Panch Kedar temples and is the highest Shiva temple in the world at a height of 3,680 metres above sea level.
The temple is a well-liked Hindu pilgrimage place and is thought to be older than 1,000 years. It is also a component of the well-known Chota Char Dham Yatra, a pilgrimage that Hindus make to four holy sites in the Uttarakhand region.
The distance from Chopta, the closest road head, to Tungnath Temple, is around 4 kilometres, making it a somewhat difficult trek. The trip is a well-liked destination for trekkers and adventure seekers since it provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to the temple, Tungnath is home to a number of interesting sights, like the 4,000-meter-high Chandrashila Peak, which provides sweeping views of the Himalayan range. The temple is open to visitors from April to November, with May to June and September to November being the ideal times to go.
History of Tungnath Temple
The origins of the Tungnath Temple are obscured by myths and traditions, dating back to ancient times. The protagonists of the Indian epic Mahabharata, the Pandavas, are said to have constructed the temple during their exile, according to popular belief. They allegedly arrived in the area in quest of Lord Shiva, who was concealed as a bull.
Another tale claims that the temple was constructed by the renowned Hindu scholar and theologian Adi Shankaracharya, who lived in the eighth century. In order to safeguard and uphold the sanctity of the Hindu religion, it is stated that he founded the Panch Kedar temples, of which Tungnath is one.
According to historical records, King Lalitaditya, a king of the Karkota dynasty, is thought to have constructed the temple in the 10th century AD. Later, the temple underwent numerous restorations and renovations under different kings and followers.
The temple was devastated by the 1803 Garhwal earthquake, and the Tehri Garhwal monarchs later renovated and restored it. To maintain its historic architecture and heritage, the temple recently underwent extensive repairs and upgrades.
Hindus continue to flock in their thousands to Tungnath Temple, a major pilgrimage destination, each year. The temple, which is a symbol of India’s rich cultural and religious legacy, is regarded as one of the most respected and hallowed temples devoted to Lord Shiva.
How to reach Tungnath Temple
It is possible to drive or walk to the Tungnath Temple in the Rudraprayag area of Uttarakhand, India.
By Road: Chopta, which is around 4 kilometres from the temple, is the closest road head to Tungnath. Road connections from Chopta to important towns and cities in Uttarakhand and other nearby states are excellent. To get to Chopta, one can take a bus or a taxi from places like Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, or Delhi. To visit the Tungnath temple from Chopta, one must walk for around 4 kilometres.
By trip: The approximately 4-kilometre-long trip to Tungnath Temple begins at Chopta. The moderately difficult walk can be finished in two to three hours. The trip is a well-liked destination for trekkers and adventure seekers since it provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Pictures of Tungnath Temple
Best time to visit Tungnath
Between May and June and September and November is the ideal time to visit the Tungnath temple. These months provide good weather with daytime highs between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking.
May and June are ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers because of the region’s mild summer weather with sporadic showers and the rich greenery of the mountains and valleys around.
The region has a comfortable climate from September to November, and the bright skies provide breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. Several festivals and fairs are held in the area during this time, which is also great for outdoor activities like hiking.
The area sees frequent snowfall from December through March, and the temple is closed as a result of the severe weather. If you enjoy adventure, nevertheless, you can consider coming around this season for skiing and snowshoeing.
The monsoon season, which lasts from July to August, is best avoided because the area experiences considerable rains and the trekking trails can become slick and hazardous.
Nearest Places
One can take a side excursion to a number of locations in the vicinity of Tungnath while travelling to the temple. Popular locations in the area include:
Chandrashila Peak is a well-known trekking location that is about 1.5 kilometres from Tungnath Temple and is situated at an elevation of 4,000 metres. The mountain is a must-visit location for adventure seekers and offers amazing panoramic views of the nearby Himalayan peaks.
Deoria Tal Lake is a stunning lake that is around 30 kilometres from Tungnath Temple and is situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres. The lake is surrounded by verdant woodlands, which offers guests a tranquil setting.
The distance between Kedarnath Temple and Tungnath Temple is 64 kilometres. It is one of the most well-known and renowned Hindu temples and is situated in the Uttarakhand region. The temple is a stop on the Char Dham Yatra and is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Tungnath Temple is roughly 190 miles from Badrinath Temple, another well-known Hindu temple in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli region. The temple is a stop on the Char Dham Yatra and is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
Auli: This well-known ski resort is 94 kilometres from Tungnath Temple. The location, which has breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains, is a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and environment lovers.
These are just a few of the several locations close to Tungnath that one might explore while travelling to the temple.
Stay option Tungnath
Visitors have a variety of places to stay nearby Tungnath to pick from. Here are a few well-liked choices:
| Name of Accommodation | Type of Accommodation | Amenities | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMVN Tungnath Tourist Rest House | Budget Hotel | Restaurant, 24-hour front desk, room service, free parking | Phone: +91-1372-253423; Email: gmvn@gmvnl.com |
| Shivalik Camps and Resorts | Camping and luxury tents | Bonfire, outdoor activities, attached washrooms | Phone: +91-9012595999, +91-8448811115 |
| Magpie Eco Retreat | Eco resort | Restaurant, outdoor activities, bonfire, free parking | Phone: +91-8859822831, +91-8979506865 |
| Tungnath Meadows Camps | Camping and luxury tents | Bonfire, outdoor activities, attached washrooms, free parking | Phone: +91-8447722377, +91-9810068824 |
| Himalayan Eco Lodges and Camps | Eco resort and camping | Restaurant, outdoor activities, attached washrooms, free parking | Phone: +91-9015191926, +91-9810023778 |
FAQ
Yes, these are some Tungnath-related questions that people usually ask:
What is Tungnath Temple?
Tungnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Tungnath mountain range in Uttarakhand, India. It is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world, situated at an elevation of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level.
How to reach Tungnath Temple?
The temple is accessible by a trek of around 3.5 kilometers from Chopta, which is well-connected by road to nearby cities such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
What is the best time to visit Tungnath Temple?
The temple is open to visitors from April to November, during the summer months when the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted. The best time to visit is from May to June and from September to October.
What is the dress code for visiting Tungnath Temple?
There is no strict dress code for visiting the temple, but it is recommended to dress modestly and respectfully.
Is photography allowed inside the temple?
Photography is not allowed inside the temple, but visitors can take pictures of the temple’s exterior and the surrounding mountain scenery.
Are there any accommodations available near Tungnath Temple?
Yes, there are various accommodation options available near Tungnath Temple, including budget hotels, camping, and eco-resorts.
What are some nearby tourist attractions to visit along with Tungnath Temple?
Some popular tourist attractions near Tungnath Temple include Chandrashila, Deoria Tal, Kedarnath Temple, and Badrinath Temple.