Tungnath Temple Trek Guide: World's Highest Shiva Shrine

Trekking Guide · Updated July 2026

The Tungnath temple trek is one of those rare Himalayan journeys where a short walk delivers an outsized reward. In just 3.5 km from Chopta, you climb through rhododendron forests and open meadows to reach Tungnath — widely revered as the highest Shiva temple in the world at about 3,680 m (12,073 ft). Add another 1.5 km and you stand on Chandrashila summit, gazing at a 360° wall of snow peaks. Few treks in Uttarakhand pack this much beauty, mythology and accessibility into a single day.

Tungnath temple, Rudraprayag. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Why Tungnath Matters: The Third Kedar

Tungnath is the third of the five Panch Kedar shrines. Legend says the Pandavas sought Shiva in the Garhwal Himalaya to atone for the Kurukshetra war. Shiva, evading them as a bull, dissolved into the earth and reappeared in five places — his arms (bahu) emerging at Tungnath. The Pandavas raised temples at each spot, and this stone shrine, believed to be around 1,000 years old, still hums with that story.

In winter, when snow buries the ridge, the deity is ceremonially moved to Makkumath, and the temple sits silent under white — a sight that draws snow trekkers from across India.

How to Reach Chopta, the Base of the Trek

The trailhead is Chopta (around 2,680 m), a meadow-side hamlet on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar road, often called the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand". Chopta is roughly 450 km from Delhi and about 160–170 km from Rishikesh via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag. The nearest railhead is Rishikesh and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun. Buses and shared jeeps run to Ukhimath; from there, local taxis reach Chopta. There is no permit required for the Tungnath stretch — you simply pay a small forest/eco fee at the trail gate when applicable.

Tungnath Trek Distance, Altitude and Difficulty

From Chopta, the paved-yet-steep pilgrim path climbs about 3.5 km to Tungnath, gaining roughly 1,000 m — allow 2 to 4 hours up. It is graded easy to moderate: fit beginners, families and even active senior citizens complete it regularly. The altitude, not the trail, is the real test, so walk slowly and hydrate.

The Chandrashila Summit Push

Beyond the temple, a steeper 1.5 km trail leads to Chandrashila (about 4,130 m / 13,123 ft) — the "moon rock" where, by legend, Lord Rama meditated. On a clear morning the Chopta Chandrashila trek serves up Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedar Dome and Bandarpunch in one sweeping panorama. Start before dawn for the famous sunrise.

View from Chandrashila peak. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (free license, see file page for attribution)

Best Time to Visit Tungnath

The temple generally stays open from late April to around mid-October; in 2026 the doors opened on 22 April, with closing tentatively set for 17 October. The best time to visit Tungnath is May–June for open skies and blooming rhododendrons, and September–October for crisp post-monsoon clarity. Avoid the July–August monsoon peak — the Rudraprayag road corridor is landslide-prone and trails turn slippery. December–March offers a magical snow trek to the (closed) temple for experienced walkers with proper gear.

Tungnath under winter snow. Photo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Practical Tips for the Tungnath Temple Trek

What to Pack

Carry layered warm clothing (it can be near-freezing at the top even in May), a rain shell, sturdy shoes with grip, sunscreen, a cap, 2 litres of water and light snacks. Small tea stalls operate seasonally on the trail, but don't rely on them early morning.

Acclimatization and Safety

Sleep a night in Chopta or nearby Sari/Ukhimath before climbing — you gain serious altitude fast. Watch for headache or nausea, descend if symptoms worsen, and keep the Chandrashila push for a clear-weather morning. Mobile network on the ridge is patchy; inform someone of your plan.

Where to Stay

Chopta has simple camps, huts and guesthouses; Sari village (base for nearby Deoria Tal) and Ukhimath offer more options. Combining Deoria Tal with Tungnath–Chandrashila makes a perfect 2–3 day itinerary.

Final Thoughts

The Tungnath temple trek proves you don't need a week in the mountains to touch something ancient and immense — one steep morning is enough. If Tungnath is calling you, explore more of our Uttarakhand temple and trek guides and start planning your Chopta trip today.