Chopta Tungnath Trek

Published on November 05, 2024

Tungnath Temple Trek – The Complete Guide

(World’s Highest Shiva Temple | Panch Kedar | Mini Kedarnath)

Overview – Why Tungnath is Special

• Altitude: 3,680 m (12,073 ft) – Highest Shiva temple on Earth
• Part of: Panch Kedar (5 Shiva temples of Garhwal)
• Mythological importance: Lord Shiva’s arms (Bahu) appeared here
• Trek distance: 4 km one way from Chopta (easy–moderate)
• Total time: 2–3 hrs up, 1.5–2 hrs down
• Best season: Apr–Nov (summer green, winters full snow)
• status: Ropeway Phase-1 operational (Chopta → 500 m below temple)

Tungnath is the only Panch Kedar temple that is a short, scenic day trek. You get the full Kedarnath vibe without the 16–18 km of hard climbing.

History & Mythology – The Full Story

1. The Great Legend – Shiva’s Disappearing Bull (Mahabharata Era)

After the Kurukshetra war, the Pandavas wanted to seek forgiveness from Shiva for killing their own kin. Shiva did not want to meet them, so he turned himself into a bull (Nandi) and vanished into the ground at Guptakashi.

• Hump → Kedarnath
• Arms (Bahu) → Tungnath
• Face → Rudranath
• Navel → Madhmaheshwar
• Hair → Kalpeshwar

The Pandavas built five temples at these spots → Panch Kedar. Tungnath is the third Kedar in the traditional pilgrimage order.

2. The 1,400-Year-Old Temple

• Built in ~8th century CE by Katyuri kings in the North-Indian Nagara style
• Made of black stone, only 5–6 ft high (typical of ancient Himalayan temples)
• Tilting slightly because of the 2013 floods, but still standing strong
• The sanctum has a swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva lingam shaped like raised arms

3. The Winter Miracle – Gods Walk to Makkumath

Every winter (Nov–Apr), when Tungnath closes due to snow, the deities are carried 22 km down on palanquins to Makkumath village (Ukhimath). The priests continue daily puja there for 6 months. When the temple reopens in May, the gods “walk back” uphill — a 700-year-old tradition still alive.

4. Ravana’s Penance Connection

Some priests say Ravana meditated here before going to Kailash. A small cave 200 m above the temple is called “Ravana Shila”.

Trek Details & Itinerary

Day	Route	Distance	Time	Altitude Gain	Stay
0	Haridwar/Rishikesh → Chopta	210 km	8–9 hrs	—	Chopta camps/hotels
1	Chopta → Tungnath → Chandrashila → Chopta	4 km + 1.5 km + back	6–8 hrs total	+800 m	Chopta
2	Buffer/return	—	—	—	—

 

 

Optional 2-Day Stay: Day 1: Chopta → Tungnath (night in temple dharamshala or camps)

Day 2: Tungnath → Chandrashila sunrise → back to Chopta

Ropeway Update 2026

• Phase-1 ropeway from Duggalbitta (2 km before Chopta) → 500 m below Tungnath
• Cost: ₹650 round trip
• Time saved: 2 hrs uphill
• From ropeway top → still 1.5–2 km walk + 300 steps to temple

Detailed Day Trek from Chopta (Classic Route)

Section	Distance	Time	Trail Description
Chopta → Temple Gate	1 km	20 min	Jeep road, shops, parking
Gate → Mid-point (Maggi point)	1.5 km	45 min–1 hr	Concrete steps, rhododendron forest
Mid-point → Tungnath Temple	1.5 km	1–1.5 hrs	Steeper stone steps, open ridge, breathtaking views
Temple → Chandrashila Peak	1.5 km	45 min–1 hr	Rocky, steep, 360° summit, Nanda Devi visible

Total round trip: 8–10 km,000 steps, 9 km, 5–7 hrs with breaks.

Nearby Attractions (All within 1–2 days)

Place	Distance from Chopta	Time Required	Highlights
Chandrashila Summit	1.5 km above Tungnath	2 hrs round-trip	360° view – Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba
Deoria Tal	28 km	1 day	Mirror Lake, Chaukhamba reflection
Ukhimath (Winter seat)	30 km	Half day	Omkareshwar Temple, Pandav dance in winter
Kartik Swami Temple	35 km	3 km trek	Stunning sunrise, less crowded
Madmaheshwar (4th Kedar)	50 km + 18 km trek	3–4 days	Beautiful valley, second toughest Panch Kedar

Practical Information 

Item	Details
Opening dates	26–28 April 2025 (exact date announced on Akshaya Tritiya) – 3 Nov 2025
Darshan timing	6 AM – 7 PM (aarti 6:30 AM & 6:30 PM)
Stay at Tungnath	3 dharamshalas (₹400–800 bed), 5–6 private camps (₹1500–3000 with meals)
Chopta stay	50+ camps & hotels (₹1500–6000)
Food	10+ Maggi points on trail, full meals at temple & Chopta
Mobile network	Jio & Airtel 4G till the temple, summit has a strong signal
ATM	Nearest in Ukhimath (30 km)
Medical	Basic clinic in Chopta, oxygen cylinder available

Also Read

• Chopta Tungnath Chandrashila Trek – Get detailed information about the route, distance, altitude, difficulty and trail conditions.

• Chopta Temples – Learn about Tungnath Temple, its Panch Kedar significance and other important temples near Chopta.

• Chopta Winter Trek Guide – Prepare for snow, ice, winter trail conditions and essential trekking gear.

• Chopta Weather & Climate – Check seasonal weather, rainfall, snowfall and temperature conditions before your trek.

• Best Time to Visit Chopta – Choose a suitable season for trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

• Activities in Chopta – Explore trekking, Deoria Tal, photography, stargazing and other outdoor experiences around Chopta.

• Chopta Travel Guide – Find practical information for planning your Chopta trip, including stays, transport and itinerary planning.

FAQ – Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek

1. How difficult is the Tungnath trek?

The Tungnath trek is considered easy to moderate. The trail is mostly paved, and people with average fitness can complete it at a comfortable pace.

2. Can we do Tungnath and Chandrashila in one day?

Yes, Tungnath and Chandrashila can be covered as a day trek from Chopta. An early morning start gives enough time to complete the trek and return to Chopta.

3. Is the ropeway fully ready?

The ropeway project is being developed in phases. The availability and operational status should be checked before planning your trek.

4. Can senior citizens do the Tungnath trek?

Senior citizens with good fitness can consider the trek to Tungnath at a slow pace. Chandrashila is steeper and requires better physical fitness.

5. How much snow does Chopta get in winter?

Chopta and the Tungnath route can receive heavy snowfall during winter, especially from December to March. Snow conditions vary each year.

6. Is night stay allowed at Tungnath?

Accommodation options around Tungnath are limited, and availability can depend on the season and local conditions. Most visitors prefer staying at Chopta.

7. Which is better for sunrise, Chandrashila or Deoria Tal?

Chandrashila offers wide Himalayan views, while Deoria Tal is known for its mountain reflections on the lake. Both provide different sunrise experiences.

8. What is the cost of the Tungnath and Chandrashila trip from Delhi?

The total cost depends on the package, transportation, accommodation, meals and season. A typical budget varies according to the services selected.

9. Can we visit Tungnath during the monsoon?

The trek is possible during the monsoon, but rain can make the trail slippery and may cause travel disruptions due to landslides. Check weather and road conditions before travelling.

10. Tungnath vs Kedarnath: Which one should I visit?

Tungnath is suitable for travellers looking for a shorter Himalayan trek combined with Chandrashila, while Kedarnath is a major pilgrimage destination involving a longer trek.