Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva Temple in the world. Tungnath means the "Lord of the Peaks", as several prominent peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Kedarnath, and others can be seen from here. The temple's surrounding view is breathtaking from every sphere and beyond imagination. Every season here surprises visitors with its mesmerizing landscape. A moderate trek of 3.5 km from Chopta (A mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand) leads visitors to this sacred shrine. It is believed that the temple was built by Arjuna (the third Pandava)
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Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Tungnath Temple is the highest Shiva Temple in the world. Tungnath means the "Lord of the Peaks", as several prominent peaks like Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Kedarnath, and others can be seen from here. The temple's surrounding view is breathtaking from every sphere and beyond imagination. Every season here surprises visitors with its mesmerizing landscape.
A moderate trek of 3.5 km from Chopta (A mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand) leads visitors to this sacred shrine. It is believed that the temple was built by Arjuna (the third Pandava) and was later discovered by Adi Shankaracharya. Despite its challenges, a multitude of devotees and tourists visit here, to experience the spiritual aura and natural beauty of Tungnath.
World's Highest Shiva Temple
Perched at an elevation of over 12,000 feet, Tungnath is the highest Lord Shiva temple in the world. Situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, its history dates back to the 8th century. Located just below Chandrashila Peak, the temple is linked with Pandavas. During winters, the region receives heavy snowfall, turning this sacred place into a winter wonderland.
Third Kedar of Panch Kedar Circuit
Tungnath Temple is an important part of Panch Kedar and third in the Panch Kedar circuit. Devotees with a resolution complete the entire Panch Kedar circuit, commencing from Kedarnath, followed by second Kedar Madmaheshwar, then the third Kedar Tungnath, continuing toughest of all the Rudranath, and concludes at the fifth Kedar Kalpeshwar.
Situated at a humongous elevation of more than 12,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest among the Panch Kedar. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of arms, as each temple of the circuit represents a different part of Shiva's body. Unlike the other Panch Kedar temples, where priests are from South India, the head priest of Tungnath is from a local village called Makkumath.
Chandrashila
Just 2 km above Tungnath temple, there is a place called Ravana Shilla, home to the Chandrashila temple. From Chandrashila, visitors can view a majestic view of the Himalayan Range, including peaks such as Nanda Devi, Panchchuli, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Bandarpunch and Kedarnath. It is believed that, after killing Ravana, Lord Rama performed penance to please Lord Shiva, to get salvation for committing Brahma killing.
Winter Seat
Due to heavy snowfall in winters, the temple's portal remains closed to devotees. During this time, the idol of the Lord Shiva, along with priests moved to its winter seat called "Markandeshwar Temple", located 29 km away.
Opening and Closing Date
Similar to Char Dham temples of Uttarakhand, Tungnath Temple remains closed for six months during winters, from November to April. In 2025, the portal of Tungnath will open on May 2, 2025 and will close on November 4, 2025.
Things to Do
Entry Fees
As the Tungnath Temple lies within a forest reserve, visitors and devotees are required to pay an entry fee of Rs 200/- per person before commencing the trek.
Accommodation
Near Chopta, various lodging options are available such as hotels, resorts, and homestays. Apart from this, tents accommodations with basic amenities are also available. Visitors can also find accommodation at Sari Village which is just 22 km away from the Chopta.
Food
Food options are limited in the region and mainly serves Rice, Daal, Vegetable, Maggie, Tea etc. Non-Vegetarian food and alcohol is not allowed and strictly prohibited in the area.
Mythology
According to legend, after defeating Kauravas, the Pandavas handed over their kingdom to their kin and went to Shiva to seek his blessings to atone for the sin of fratricide. During their search, they reached Guptkashi, where Bhim saw a bull grazing. Bhima understood that Lord Shiva was trying to disguise himself in the form of a bull. As soon as Bhim tried to hold the tail and legs of the bull, Shiva in the form of a bull disappeared into the earth.
Later, Shiva appeared at five different places in the Kedar Khand of Garhwal; his waist (hump) in Kedarnath, arms in Tungnath, face in Rudranath, navel in Madhyamaheshwar, and hair in Kalpeshwar. The Pandavas were very happy to see these five forms of Shiva, subsequently they built temples at these places, now known as the Panch Kedar. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva freed Pandavas from all sins. It is believed that one who completes the Panch Kedar circuit and ends it with the blessing of Lord Vishnu at Badrinath, attains utmost salvation.
Route Map
- Route map to reach the Tungnath last motorable point Chopta (233 km) : -
Dehradun (Haridwar)→ Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Tilwara → Agastmuni → Chandrapuri → Ukhimath → Sari Village → Chopta
- Alternatively, visitors can also take another route map (282 km) : -
Dehradun (Haridwar) → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Gauchar → Karnaprayag → Nandprayag → Maithana → Gopeshwar → Mandal→ Chopta.
Important Tips for Travellers
- Book a round trip taxi from your respective location for convenient and comfortable travel.
- Taxis from Chopta to the nearest bus stand, like Ukhimath and Gopeshwar, charge high fares. It is recommended to book a round trip taxi in advance.
- Reserve your accommodation in advance, preferably close to the trek point, especially during the peak season.
- Free roadside parking is available for both four wheelers and two wheelers.
- Carry sufficient, as ATMs are not available in the region and mobile networks are limited.
- Fuel stations are not available in Chopta and its nearby areas. Refill your tank in Rudraprayag or the nearest petrol pump en route.
- Mule and Porter services are available during peak season, with charges between Rs 1,000/- to Rs 1500/- (one way).
- Along the trail, some snacks shops are available for tea and Maggie.
- Even in summer, temperatures remain low in the region, so it is advisable to carry enough woolens.
- Alcohol and Non-Vegetarian items are strictly prohibited in the region.
- Being a wildlife sanctuary, flying a drone is strictly prohibited
- Photography and videography is prohibited inside the sanctum sanctorum.
- To witness a stunning sunrise, start your trek early in the morning.
Trekking Essentials
- Visitors are advised to carry the following items during the trek : -
- Good trekking shoes and wearable.
- Raincoat.
- Emergency Lights.
- Water Bottle.
- Woolen.
- Multiple Power Banks.
- Walking Stick.
- Oxygen canister (if required)
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