Tungnath Travel Guide Uttarakhand
Tungnath, the highest Kedar among the five, is a magnificent temple with an aura that soothes both the eyes and the soul. Tungnath, located at an elevation of 3680 meters on the Chandranath mountain, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and where his hands are worshipped.
The shrine is thought to be more than 1000 years old and was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya. This holy temple is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Region, approximately 4 kilometers from the beautiful Chopta Meadow. Tungnath, like several other high-altitude temples in Uttarakhand, can only be reached by trekking, and the trail is relatively easy.
However, it becomes difficult when it crosses the temple toward the Chandrashila Peak or the mountain’s summit. The views from here are rewarding enough to compensate for the difficult hike. Even though the temple is closed during the winter season, the trekking trail is open all year for adventure seekers.
Our Tungnath travel guide is jam-packed with information on the best places to visit and amazing things to do, making it an absolute must-have for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Tungnath
The best time to visit Tungnath is during the summer months when pilgrims can seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. Monsoon can be a difficult time to trek to the temple, but many people visit during those months as well. Winter, on the other hand, is only suitable for adventurers who want to enjoy the beauty of Tungnath covered in snow.
Summers
Summer is the best time to visit Tungnath because the weather remains pleasant at this time of year, with an average temperature of 16°C.
Monsoon
Though summer is said to be the best time to visit, if you want to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, you can also go during the monsoon months.
Winters
During this season, temperatures can drop below zero and reach a high of four degrees Celsius. This is an enjoyable time because you will be able to see the snowfall.
Places to Visit in Tungnath
The natural beauty that this mountain displays, as well as the pilgrimage itself, are the best tourist attractions. The Himalayan views and lush green meadows add to the allure of this location.
Chopta
Chopta is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand and is known for its beautiful meadow land. The location is ideal for those who enjoy trekking and camping and is located at an elevation of 2900 meters on the Gopeshwar-Ukhimath road. It is located 4 kilometers from Tungnath and serves as a starting point for trekkers.
Lake Deoria
Deoria Lake is located at an elevation of 2387 meters on the Ukhimath-Chopta road. It is a high-altitude lake surrounded by the Chaukhamba Mountains. When you visit, you can see the snow-capped mountains and camp.
Deer Sanctuary Kanchua Korak
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary is located about 7 kilometers from Chopta.
Hotels in Tungnath
The nearest accommodation to Tungnath is 4 kilometers away in Chopta. Camping is one of the best things to do in Chopta. There are also a few budget hotels in Chopta that cater to all of the visitors’ basic needs. Apart from that, Rudraprayag and Ukhimath offer adequate lodging. Rudraprayag has more hotels and lodging options than the other.
By Air
Tungnath can only be reached by trekking from the base point at Chopta, which is well-connected by road with places like Rudraprayag, which has even better connectivity with Uttarakhand’s major cities and towns. A 3 km trek from Chopta leads to Tungnath, and another 1 km trek from the temple leads to the 4000 m-high Chandrashila Peak.
By Train
The nearest railhead is Haridwar, which is well-connected to major cities and towns in India and is 180 kilometers from Chopta, the last accessible location by vehicle.
By Road
Chopta, the last accessible location by vehicle, is well connected by road to destinations such as Rudraprayag. There are state-run buses until Rudraprayag, and from there, cabs can take you to Chopta.
