Tungnath, serenely nestled on Chandranath Parvat, stands as the world’s highest Shiva temple and the tallest among the Panch Kedar temples in Uttarakhand. Tungnath is the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage sequence, Temple is situated at an impressive altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level, The temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old, carrying a rich historical and cultural heritage
| Location | Rudraprayag |
| Starting Point | Chopta |
| Famous For | Temple, Panch Kedar (it’s a part of Third kedar ), Trekking, Bird Watching |
| Altitude | 12,073 feet |
| Total Trekking | 3.5 Km Trek From Chopta |
| Nearest Railway Station or Airport | Rishikesh, 230kms/ Jolly Grant Airport, 240 kms |
| Best time to visit Ukhimath | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, |
History of Tungnath Temple
The Tungnath Temple, standing tall with its magnificent architecture, has a history spanning over a thousand years. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, you’ll also find idols of Goddess Parvati and other gods nearby. Adi Shankaracharya discovered this sacred temple, and today, it is tended to by local Brahmins from Makku village.
During winters, the symbolic image of Lord Shiva is shifted to Mukunath, which is 19 km away. The trek to Tungnath takes you through rocky terrains, lush meadows, and rhododendron bushes, treating you to stunning views of nature. The sight of the grand Himalayas along the way uplifts the spirits of trekkers. Trek offers clear views of numerous named and unnamed peaks of the majestic Himalayan range.
Mythology about Tungnath
The story behind Temple is rooted in the Mahabharata epic. According to Vyas Rishi, the Pandavas were burdened with the guilt of killing their own brothers in the war, and their redemption would only come if Lord Shiva forgave them. Seeking forgiveness, the Pandavas embarked on a search for Lord Shiva in the Himalayas. However, Lord Shiva, aware of their guilt, kept avoiding them.
To evade the Pandavas, Lord Shiva transformed into a bull and took refuge underground. The places where different parts of the bull were discovered are now revered as Shiva temples. Tungnath Temple, specifically, is believed to be the spot where his hands (bahu) were found
Places to See in Tungnath
How To Reach Tungnath
By Road
Tungnath is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand, such as Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, and Rudraprayag. The road leading to Tungnath is scenic but can be narrow and winding in some sections, so drive cautiously, especially during the monsoon and winter seasons.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Tungnath is the Rishikesh Railway Station, located about 209 km away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath. The journey by road takes approximately 7-9 hours.
By Air
The nearest airport to Tungnath is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 215 km away. From Dehradun, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Tungnath. The journey takes around 8-10 hours by road.
Tungnath Temple 2023 Opening/Closing Dates
| Opening Date Tungnath Temple 2023 | 26 April 2023 |
| Closing Date of Temple | 1 Nov 2023. |
Note :- Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila will be open in winters.