Uttarakhand Information Centre

Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar yatra destination in the north-western state of Uttarakhand in  India. It is an undiscovered and largely unexploited excursion point for the trekking enthusiasts in the Indian Himalayas.

Situated at an altitude of about 2500 meters, it gives a picturesque view of the Himalayas. The 3.4 km trekking route to Tungnath temple (3500 mts) through dense alpine forest gives a breathtaking view of  natures’ beauty.

Tungnath temple

According to Hindu mythology, lord Shiva and Parvati both have been associated with the Himalayas which is believed to be the abode of Gods. Shiva is believed to reside at Mount Kailash while Parvati (Shail Putri) is mythologically regarded as the daughter of hills.

The temple of Tungnath is considered to be more than 1000 years old. The temple is magnificent in its style and architecture. The Tungnath temple compound contains the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, temple dedicated to Godess Parvati and few other smaller temples can be seen in the close vicinity.

Mythological history

The local tales and beliefs are associated with the Mahabharat and the adventures of the Pandaves when they were in exile. It is considered that the Pandavas felt guilty of having killed their own kith and kin after the great battle of Kurukshetra. They needed the blessings of lord Shiva for their redemption. Lord Shiva was not willing and so eluded them. The place Guptkashi is where he disappeared or became gupt. He took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a Bull. Being followed by the Pandavs, he dived into the ground leaving his hump on the surface. The eldest brother Yudishter built a temple and worshiped. The remaining portion of Shiva reappeared at another four places.

The Head appeared at Pashupatinath which is in Nepal, the thighs appeared at Tungnath where Arjuna built a temple and worshiped, the middle portion at Madmaheshwar where Bhima built a temple, and the lock with head at Kalpeshwar where Nakula worshipped. These are known as the Panch Kedar and a place of worship for the locals.

Tungnath, the highest shrine of lord Shiva among the Panch Kedar is at an elevation of about 3600 mts. Enroute exotic varieties of rhododendrons, white flowers and shrub like trees can be seen in abundance. It is at a four kilometer trek from Chopta which is situated on the Gopeshwar – Ukhimath road about 40 kms from Gopeshwar at an altitude of 2900 meters.

Chopta itself provides a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and surrounding areas.

Chandra shila

A 2 km straight climb to Chandra Shila is worth exploring as you can have a 360 degree view of the Himalayas from the Chandra Shila point at an altitude of about 4000 meters. All major peaks like Chokhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi etc. are visible at very short distances from Chandrashila.

Accessibility

Tungnath temple can be reached through a 3.5 km trek from Chopta through dense Rhododendron forests. As you climb towards Tungnath, a wider Himalayan view approaches you and accompanies throughout the trek. Chopta itself can be reached through a motorable road from Okhimath.

Best time to Visit

Most of the tourists flock to Chopta – Tungnath during summers April-June.

Chopta, Tungnath and Chandrashila are covered with snow during winters and this could be the best time to approach Tungnath. If you visit the place during Dec-Feb, you may encounter snowfall and enjoy trekking with snow. Beware of heavy snowfall which may block the road  ccessibility to Chopta. The temperature is very low in winters;. Ensure to bring heavy woolens if you are visiting in winters. Gloves, woolen caps and windcheaters are strongly recommended. To enjoy the snow, arrange snow boots.

Accommodation

Only a few accommodation options are available at Chopta and Tungnath. Limited GMNVL rest houses are available during peak season besides the local hotels (small rooms fair enough to spend some days) at Chopta.

Some small rooms/hotels are also available at Tungnath during peak season.

In case you are not able to locate a accommodation for you in Chopta, you may drive to Gopeshwar (39 kms from Chopta) where you may easily find hotels to stay.