Tungnath Temple Trek
This highest temple of Lord Shiva is an ironically easiest one to achieve. Tungnath Temple can be reached by a moderately easy trek of 3.5km commencing from Chopta (2700mts). The region receives heavy snowfall during winters making Tungnath temple tough to access. The altitude of Tungnath Temple is approx 3600 mts.
Tungnath trek is well laid and doesn't necessarily require a guide except during peak winters when the area is covered with snow.
Why Visit Tungnath Temple?
Magnificent in its architecture and artistic structure, Tungnath Temple is considered to be more than 1000 years old. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and few other idols of Goddess Parvati and other gods can be seen in the vicinity. This sacred temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya and now the priest of this temple is a local Brahmins of Makku village.
The symbolic image of Lord Shiva is moved to Mukunath during winters, situated 19kms away. The trek goes through rocky terrains, green meadows and rhododendron bushes showering us with visual vistas of nature. The invigorating views of the imposing Himalayas boosts with confidence in the heart of the trekkers. Several named and unnamed peaks of the Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Tungnath.
Tungnath Temple 2023 Opening and Closing Dates
The kapat of Tungnath temple were thrown open for the pilgrims on 26 April 2023. .Hundreds of pilgrim attended the opening ceremony of Tungnath Temple. The kapat of Kedarnath Temple were also opened today.
The doli of Shri Tungnath ji start its journey from
Mukkumath on 25 April & reached Tungnath temple via Chopta and Duggalbitta.
Closing Date of Tungnath Temple 2023: Tungnath temple was closed for winters on 1 Nov 2023. Closing date of Tungnath temple is announced on the occasion of Dussehra. Last year Tungnath Temple was closed on 7 November 2022. However, the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila will be open in winters.
Closing date of Tungnath Dham is announced on the day of Vaijayadashmi/ Dusshera. In the winters the deity of Tungnath remains at its winter seat at Makkumath Temple.
Activities in Tungnath
Trekking – The trek route to Tungnath commences at Chopta and involves easy to medium grade trekking. The enthralling treks take some through enchanting meadows, hushed hamlets, and conifers and oak forests. In winter, the trekking route is covered in snow. You can continue the trek to Chandrashila Summit as well.
Pilgrimage – Perched at a height of 3,600 meters, Tungnath shrine is one of the revered Panch Kedar dedicated to Lord Shiva in Uttarakhand and large number of pilgrims visits the shrine. The shrine sleeps under a thick blanket of snow during winters.
Bird Watching – You can see Monal and other birds easily around Tungnath. If lucky you can also spot musk deers in the region.
Staying in Tungnath
Lately, some budget accommodations/lodges have opened up at Tungnath for tourists and pilgrims. These properties are mainly operated by local priests with limited amenities and services. They can be booked on arrival.
Most of the tourists prefer staying at Chopta or Duggalbitta which has a handful of accommodation and Swiss Tent Camps. We recommend you to stay at Mayadeep Hotel in Chopta.
Tungnath Food Guide
Tungnath have two-three basic eateries which offers maggie, tea, dal, rice, seasonal vegetable to the trekkers and pilgrims. Non-vegetarian food and alcohol is strictly prohibited at Tungnath.
Mythology about Tungnath
The mythological background of Tungnath Temple is associated with the epic Mahabharata. Vyas Rishi told the Pandavas that they were guilty of killing their own brothers in the war and their sins would be expiated only if Lord Shiva pardoned them. Pandavas began to search Lord Shiva in the Himalayas and Lord Shiva kept avoiding them because they were guilty.
In order to escape from the Pandavas, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a bull and took refuge underground. The places where the parts of the bull were found are now renowned Shiva temples. Tungnath Temple is the place where his hands (bahu) were supposedly seen.
Another 1.5 km steep trek take you to Chandrashila summit which offers a majestic view of snow clad Himalayan peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba. To know about how to reach Tungnath, refer to Chopta driving directions. Tungnath is a 3km mild trek which begins from Chopta
Latest 2023 News & Updates from Tungnath
24 October 2023: Tungnath Temple will be closed on 1 November 2023.
14 April 2022: Tungnath Temple will be open for pilgrims on 3 May 2022.
14 April 2021: Tungnath Temple will be open for pilgrims on 17 May 2021.
30 October 2020: Tritiya Kedar Tungnath to be preserved as National Heritage.
Tungnath Weather
Check out the Tungnath weather report for December
Tungnath Weather in December
The minimun and maximum temperature in December in Tungnath is -5°C and 9°C respectively. The weather is generally chances of snowfall in December and you would feel chilling cold throughout the day. Heavy Woolen clothes are recommended for Tungnath in December.
What is Tungnath famous for?
Tungnath is famous among tourist as Shiva Temple, Panch Kedar, Trekking, Meadows, Trek, Trekking, Pilgrimage, Snow Trek.
Tungnath is recommended destination for Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups, Solo.
Tungnath is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Adventure, Bird Watching, Camping, Char Dham Route, Hiking, Panch Kedar, Pilgrimage, Religious, Shiva Temples, Temples, Trekking, Weekend Getaway, Winter Treks.