Do you know where the world’s highest Shiva Temple is? It is in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The famous Tungnath Temple height is 12,073 feet (3,680 meters), making it the highest Shiva Temple in the world.
This ancient temple is an integral part of the Panch Kedar Temples. This temple is not just a sacred site but also a paradise for devotees of Lord Shiva. Visiting the Tungnath Mahadev Temple feels like witnessing the divine energy of Mahadev’s presence.
If you are planning to visit this prominent temple in Uttarakhand, then you must know these things for a smooth and comfortable journey.
Where Is Tungnath Temple?
Tungnath Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India. Situated at a high altitude on Chandranath Parvat in the Garhwal Himalayan region. The temple is easily accessible by a 3.5 km short trek from Chopta Valley.
Quick Facts About Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand
- State: Uttarakhand, India
- District: Rudraprayag
- Region: Garhwal
- Tungnath Altitude: 12,073 feet (3,680 meters)
- Dedicated: Lord Shiva (Part of Panch Kedar)
- Significance: Associated with the Mahabharata & the Pandavas
- Highlights: Chopta Valley & Chandrashilla Peak
- Accessibility: By a 3.5 km trek from Chopta Village
- Best Time: May to June & September to October
- Winter Seat: Makkumath Temple
What Is Tungnath Famous For?
Tungnath Temple is famous as the highest Shiva Temple in the world and a part of the Panch Kedar Temples in Uttarakhand. It is the third Kedar, where the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped.
The temple is also known for its short trek from Chopta (Mini Switzerland of India), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Moreover, a short extension to the trek leads to the Chandrashila peak, making it popular among trekkers.
Tungnath Temple History
The history of Tungnath Temple is associated with great legends of the Mahabharata, with the Pandavas and Lord Shiva. Ancient legends and local beliefs hold that the temple is the third most prominent temple among the five.
Tungnath history holds that, after the war of Kurukshetra, Pandavas were seeking atonement for their sins of killing their brothers and kinsmen during the war. Lord Krishna advised them to please Lord Shiva for the redemption of their misdeeds.
But Mahadev did not want to greet them because of the disruption during the war, so he took the form of a bull (Nandi) and hid from them in the Himalayas.
So, when the Pandavas were dedicatedly searching for him in the Kedar region. Bhima, the strong Pandavas Brother recognized the bull as Lord Shiva and tried to grab the bull by its hump.
The bull began to merge with the earth and appeared at five different places in Uttarakhand, which are now known as the Panch Kedar. And the (Tritya) third Kedar is the Tungnath, where the arms of Lord Shiva appeared.
The other body parts appeared at:
Kedarnath: Hump
Madhyamaheshwar: Navel
Rudranath: Face
Kalpeshwar: Matted Hair (Jata)
According to the mythologies, the temple was built by the Pandavas, but it was reconstructed by the great sage and philosopher, Adi Shankaracharya Ji over 1200 years ago.
How To Reach Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Uttarakhand, is easily accessible by combining the flight/train and road journey with a short trek from Chopta. To reach Tungnath, first you need to reach the base camp, Chopta.
Note: There is no airport or railway station in Tungnath, so you can reach the nearest airport or railway station to Tungnath and continue further by road.
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railhead: Haridwar and Rishikesh Railway Station
Here is the complete guide on how to reach Tungnath Temple:
By Flight
You can take a direct flight to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Many direct flights run daily from the major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and more, to the Dehradun Airport, by airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and more.
From the airport, you can take a bus or taxi/cab to continue further by road up to Chopta, then embark on the Chopta Tungnath Trek.
By Train
Another option is to take a direct train to the nearest railway station, Haridwar or Rishikesh. Many direct trains, such as Yoga Express, Vande Bharat, and more, are available from major cities in India.
From the railway station, take a bus or hire a direct taxi/cab to reach the base camp, Chopta and embark on the 3.5 km trek to the temple.
By Road
Tungnath is well-connected by road, and it is a better travel option for family and group tours. The road journey can be covered by bus, car, or tempo traveller.
First reach Haridwar/Rishikesh by following the common road route, NH58 Highway. From there, continue by bus, cab, or private vehicle up to Chopta. Then trek to reach the temple.
Route: Delhi → Dehradun → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta → Tungnath
Chopta To Tungnath Trek
Chopta Tungnath Temple Trek is a short trek of 3.5 kilometres, generally taking 2 to 4 hours to reach the Temple. The trek is suitable for all age groups and is considered easy to complete.
Tips: The trek is easy, but even if you find any difficulty while trekking, you can also hire pony (horse) services.
- Tungnath Trek height: 12,073 feet (3,680 meters)
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Base Camp: Chopta
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Time to Trek: Summer and Autumn
Tips: The trek is accessible throughout the year for trekkers. The best time to trek for snow lovers is winter, but the temple stays closed during winter.
Note: You can also reach Chandrashila peak by trekking 5 km more from the Tungnath Temple.
Is Tungnath a difficult trek?
No, Tungnath Trek is generally considered an easy-to-moderate trek and is a beginner-friendly trek, but it depends on age, fitness level, and weather. The terrain is clear and well-maintained, making it a comfortable choice for first-time trekkers.
Tungnath Weather & Temperature
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Weather Conditions | Best For |
| Winter | November – March | -8°C to 10°C | Heavy snowfall, freezing cold, temple closed, snow-covered trails | Snow trekking (experienced trekkers), photography of snow landscapes |
| Spring | March – April | -4°C to 15°C | Snow starts melting, cold mornings & nights, blooming rhododendrons | Nature lovers, early trekking (limited access in March) |
| Summer (Peak Season) | May – June | 10°C to 22°C | Pleasant weather, clear skies, comfortable days | Heavy snowfall, cold, temple closed, snow-covered trails |
| Monsoon | July – August | 8°C to 18°C | Best for trekking, temple visits, family trips | Heavy rainfall, fog, slippery trails, and landslides risk |
| Autumn | September- October | 5°C to 15°C | Clear skies, crisp air, stunning mountain views | Not recommended (only for offbeat travellers) |
Best Time To Visit Tungnath
The best time for Tungnath Mahadev is from May to June during summer for pleasant weather and mild temperatures. From September to October, autumn is ideal for a peaceful experience with fewer crowds.
The best time for snowfall is from November to March, during winter when the paths are snow-covered and cold weather. Ideal time for experienced trekkers and snow lovers.
Safety Tips: Avoid visiting during the monsoon; travel can be risky due to heavy rainfall. Trekking trails and roads get slippery and lead to possible landslides.
Is Tungnath open for 12 months?
No, the Tungnath Mahadev Temple is open only for six months, from May/April to late October/November and remains closed the remaining months. The worship continues at the Makkumath Temple (Winter seat of Tungnath).
Note: Tungnath Opening date for 2026 is 2 May 2026 (official date by BKTC). The closing date has not been announced yet, but the expected date is 5 November 2026, based on the previous year.
Tungnath Temple Timings
The Tungnath Mahadev Mandir stays open from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM for all the devotees, with an afternoon break.
Here is the complete breakdown of Tungnath Temple timings throughout the day:
- Opening Time: 6:00 AM
- Morning Aarti: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM
- Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Closing Time: 7:00 PM
Tips for travellers: Timings may vary with the change in weather, so check the weather and time before starting the journey. Also, start trekking early to see the sunrise and morning aarti.
Places To Visit Near Tungnath Mahadev Temple
There are so many ancient temples, trekking destinations, and famous places near Tungnath Temple in Uttarakhand, including:
Chandrashila Peak
One of the famous short treks in Uttarakhand, offering the most stunning views of the Himalayan Peaks. You can reach the summit of Chandranath Mountain with just a 1.5 km extension from the Tungnath Temple. It generally takes 1-2 hours to reach the peak, but it requires more physical exertion than the Chopta Tungnath Trek.
Chopta Valley
It is the base camp for the Tungnath Temple trek and is also famous for its beautiful views, lush greenery, and scenic surroundings. Chopta Valley is popular as the Mini Switzerland of India due to its panoramic views. It is just 3.5 km away from the temple.
Deoria Tal Trek
A beautiful lake located near Sari Village in Uttarakhand. Deoria Tal is easily accessible with a short trek, offering stunning views of nature and the surrounding mountains. The lake is famous for its scenic reflection of the Chaukhamba peaks and peaceful environment.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
This sanctuary houses rare Himalayan musk deer, along with a variety of birds and aromatic flowers, making it ideal for nature lovers and bird-watching. It is just 7 km away from Chopta, offering an opportunity to experience the wildlife and peaceful forest environment.
Rohini Bugyal
It is a famous trekking and camping destination, located on the route to Tungnath. Rohini Bugyak is a serene meadow, famous for bird-watching, sunrise, and scenic views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks. Ideal for peace seekers, nature lovers, and trekkers.
Travel & Safety Tips For Visitors
- Start Early: Begin the trek early in the morning to avoid crowds at the temple and sudden weather changes.
- Check Weather: Always check weather updates before starting the trek, because the weather is uncertain at high altitudes.
- Pack Wisely: Take warm clothes, shoes, snacks, a reusable water bottle, and cash, because ATMs are limited.
- Carry Medicines: Take necessary medicines to address issues while trekking, such as altitude sickness, headache, fever, and others.
- Respect Nature: Do not litter, keep the trails clean and follow temple rules and regulations.
Conclusion
Visiting Tungnath Temple Uttarakhand, is more than just a pilgrimage site; it is a blend of spiritual, peaceful, and adventurous experiences. This place has everything for everyone, whether you are a devotee, trekker, or nature enthusiast.
The serene surroundings, historical legends, significance, mythology, and faith among devotees make it a perfect destination in Uttarakhand.
If you are also planning to visit this famous temple, this complete information will help you plan a better and unforgettable journey.
FAQs
Is Tungnath higher than Kedarnath?
Yes, Tungnath is at a higher altitude of 12,073 feet (3,680 meters) than the Kedarnath Temple, making it the highest Shiva Temple. Kedarnath Temple is at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), which is lower than Tungnath.
How many days is the Tungnath trek?
Tungnath trek is a short trek, taking only 2.5 to 3 hours. The complete Chopta to Tungnath Trek requires only one day to complete the two-way distance.
Which body part of Shiva is in Tungnath?
The arms of Lord Shiva are in the Tungnath Temple, one of the five parts of Lord Shiva. It is the third among the Panch Kedar.
Which state is Tungnath Mahadev in?
Tungnath Mahadev Temple is located in the Uttarakhand state of northern India. Uttarakhand is also known as “Dev Bhumi”.
How long is the Tungnath trek?
The Tungnath trek is 3.5 kilometres long, starting from Chopta Village, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the Tungnath Temple.
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