About Tungnath Temple
Tungnath is the second of the Panch Kedar temples and is located at 3,680m — making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is approximately 1,000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, where his arms are believed to have appeared after the Kurukshetra war.
Unlike Kedarnath, Tungnath is a relatively peaceful pilgrimage with a more manageable trek, making it ideal for families, elderly pilgrims and first-time high-altitude visitors.
Tungnath–Chandrashila Trek
Route from Chopta
- Chopta (2,680m) → Tungnath Temple (3,680m): 3.5 km, 2–3 hours up
- Tungnath (3,680m) → Chandrashila Summit (4,090m): 1.5 km, 45 min–1 hour
- Total (one way): 5 km, altitude gain of 1,410m
The trek passes through beautiful forests of buransh (rhododendron), oak and ringal bamboo that open to alpine meadows near the temple. The trail is well-marked and suitable for all fitness levels.
Chandrashila Summit
The Chandrashila summit (4,090m) is the highlight — offering a panoramic 360° view of the Himalayas including Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch and Neelkantha. The sunrise from Chandrashila is legendary among trekkers and photographers.
Chopta – Base for Tungnath
Chopta at 2,680m is the base village — a beautiful meadow that earns its name "Mini Switzerland of India". Several campsites and guesthouses are available here. In winter (December–March), Chopta transforms into a snow-covered wonderland perfect for snow trekking.
Panch Kedar Circuit
Tungnath is part of the Panch Kedar — five sacred Shiva temples in Garhwal:
- Kedarnath (1st Kedar): Shiva's hump — 3,583m
- Tungnath (2nd Kedar): Shiva's arms — 3,680m
- Rudranath (3rd Kedar): Shiva's face — 2,286m
- Madhyamaheshwar (4th Kedar): Shiva's navel — 3,497m
- Kalpeshwar (5th Kedar): Shiva's hair — 2,134m
How to Reach Chopta
- From Rishikesh: 200 km via Devprayag–Srinagar–Rudraprayag–Ukhimath
- From Dehradun: 215 km via Srinagar
- By Shared Jeep: From Rudraprayag or Ukhimath to Chopta (30 km)
- Nearest Railway: Rishikesh (200 km)