Standing tall at an astounding altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Tungnath is recognized as the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedar. Surrounded by alpine meadows (Bugyals) and offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi peaks, Tungnath seamlessly blends profound spirituality with unmatched natural beauty.
Tungnath Temple
The Highest Shiva Temple in the World
History and Origins
The Panch Kedar Legend
According to the Mahabharata, when Lord Shiva took the form of a bull to avoid the Pandavas, parts of his body manifested at five different locations. His arms (bahu) appeared at Tungnath, making it a supremely sacred site for the worship of Shiva.
Built by the Pandavas
The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old. Local lore suggests that the original stone structure was constructed by the Pandavas themselves to appease Lord Shiva and seek pardon for the sins of the Kurukshetra war.
Local Priesthood
Unlike many other major Himalayan shrines, the head priest at Tungnath is a local Brahmin from the nearby village of Makkumath, rather than someone appointed from South India, preserving deeply rooted local traditions.
The Chandrashila Trek
Tungnath serves as the base for the exhilarating trek to Chandrashila peak (4,000 meters / 13,000 ft). This steep 1.5 km climb from the temple rewards trekkers with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba.
Things to Do and See
Temple Darshan
The temple architecture is simple, built in the North Indian style with massive stone slabs. Inside, the sanctum houses a one-foot-tall lingam representing the arms of Shiva. The peaceful atmosphere at this altitude is unparalleled.
Sunrise at Chandrashila
Starting the trek from Tungnath before dawn to catch the sunrise from the Chandrashila summit is the highlight of the trip. Watching the first rays of the sun turn the snow-capped Himalayan peaks golden is a magical experience.
Bird Watching
The trek from Chopta to Tungnath passes through dense rhododendron forests and alpine meadows, making it an excellent spot for spotting high-altitude birds like the Monal (the state bird of Uttarakhand) and various species of eagles.
Travel Guide
How to Reach
Base Camp (Chopta): Chopta, often called the 'Mini Switzerland of India', is the base camp, accessible by road from Ukhimath (approx. 210 km from Rishikesh).
The Trek: From Chopta, it is a relatively easy, well-paved 4 km trek up to Tungnath. It usually takes 2-3 hours depending on fitness levels.
Best Time to Visit
The temple is open from late April to early November. April-June offers pleasant weather and blooming rhododendrons. September-October offers the clearest views. Winter treks to Tungnath are popular among adventure enthusiasts, though the temple remains closed.
Nearby Attractions
Chopta Bugyal: Beautiful rolling alpine meadows perfect for camping.
Deoria Tal: A pristine lake reflecting the Chaukhamba peaks, accessible via a short trek from Sari village.
Travel Tips
Hydration: The trek might feel short (4 km), but the high altitude makes it exhausting. Carry plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Wind Chill: The winds at Tungnath and Chandrashila are fierce and extremely cold. A good windcheater jacket is essential.
Sun Protection: The UV radiation is very strong at this altitude. Apply high-SPF sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
Stay in Chopta: There are very limited and basic stay options at Tungnath. It is best to camp or stay in guesthouses in Chopta and do Tungnath as a day trip.