Tungnath Trek 2026: World's Highest Shiva Temple — Complete Guide

About Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is the world's highest Shiva temple, sitting at an awe-inspiring 3,680m (12,073 feet) in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the Panch Kedar (five Shiva shrines of the Garhwal Himalayas) — a set of five sacred temples that together form one of Hinduism's most revered pilgrimage circuits.

According to legend, the Pandavas sought Shiva's blessings and forgiveness after the Mahabharata war. Shiva, wishing to avoid them, disguised himself as a bull and dove into the earth at Kedarnath. Different parts of his divine form resurface at the five Panch Kedar sites — and his arms are said to have appeared at Tungnath.

The temple architecture is ancient and built in the North Indian temple style (Nagara architecture) with stone construction that has endured millennia at extreme altitude. Inside, the lingam (symbol of Shiva) and various stone idols are worshipped with deep devotion. The spiritual energy of Tungnath, combined with the panoramic Himalayan views, makes it an utterly unique destination.

Trek Details & Route

Starting Point: Chopta

The Tungnath trek begins at Chopta, a small hamlet and meadow at 2,680m, often called the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand." Chopta is situated on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar highway and is the base for both the Tungnath and Chandrashila treks.

Trek Distance & Difficulty

• Distance: 3.5km one way from Chopta to Tungnath temple
• Altitude gain: ~1,000m (from 2,680m at Chopta to 3,680m at Tungnath)
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hours ascent, 1.5–2 hours descent

The Trail

The trail from Chopta to Tungnath is well-defined and paved with cobblestones for most of its length. The path winds steeply upward through dense rhododendron forests that burst into spectacular bloom in April–May. As you gain altitude, the forest gives way to open alpine meadows (bugyals) with unobstructed views of the Himalayan peaks.

The final section of the trail approaches the temple across a wide open meadow. The sight of the ancient stone temple with snow-capped peaks behind it is one of the most photogenic moments in Himalayan trekking. Small teashops and rest stops are available along the trail.

Chandrashila Summit

For those who want to push further, the trail continues beyond Tungnath temple to the Chandrashila peak at 4,000m — adding another 1.5km and 320m of altitude gain. The summit is often called one of the best viewpoints in Uttarakhand, and it deserves the title.

From Chandrashila, on a clear day, you can see:

• Kedarnath peak (6,940m)
• Nanda Devi (7,816m) — India's highest peak
• Trishul (7,120m)
• Chaukhamba massif (7,138m)
• Kedar Dome (6,831m)

The 360° panorama from Chandrashila at sunrise is one of those experiences you carry for a lifetime. It is strongly recommended for all trekkers who are physically able. The summit trail above Tungnath is steep but manageable. Carry warm layers as winds can be fierce near the summit.

Best Time to Visit Tungnath

Tungnath has distinct characters in different seasons, each with its own beauty:

• April–May: The rhododendrons bloom in full force — pink, red and white flowers all along the trail. The forests are magical, though there may still be snow on the upper trail. The temple opens in May.
• June: Pre-monsoon warmth. Great visibility, green meadows, and comfortable temperatures. Can get crowded with pilgrims.
• July–August: Monsoon. Leeches on the trail, heavy rain, reduced visibility. Not recommended unless you enjoy solitude in rain.
• September–October: Post-monsoon excellence. Clear blue skies, lush green meadows, stunning peak views, and the golden-orange colours of autumn. One of the best periods overall.
• November–March: Winter snow trek season. The temple is closed, but the snow-covered trail is an extraordinary adventure. See the winter trek section below.

Winter Snow Trek

The Tungnath winter snow trek is one of the most accessible and rewarding snow treks in India. Between November and March, the entire trail from Chopta to Tungnath (and onwards to Chandrashila) is blanketed in 2–4 feet of snow. The surrounding landscape transforms into a high-altitude white wonderland.

Important things to know about the winter trek:

• The temple is closed in winter — only the exterior can be visited
• Microspikes or crampons are recommended for the icy trail sections
• Temperature drops well below zero at night — heavy insulation required
• Experienced guides are essential for winter treks
• Chopta may have limited facilities — limited accommodation and food options are available
• Sunrise from Chandrashila with a snow-covered foreground is an experience beyond description

How to Reach Chopta

Chopta is approximately 275km from Dehradun and 228km from Rishikesh. The nearest major towns are Ukhimath and Gopeshwar.

Typical Road Route

Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Ukhimath → Chopta (this road is more direct and scenic).
Alternatively: Rishikesh → Chamoli → Gopeshwar → Chopta.

No direct bus service runs all the way to Chopta from major cities. Most travellers take a bus or train to Rishikesh/Haridwar, then hire a taxi or shared jeep from Ukhimath or Gopeshwar to Chopta. The best option is to join an organized group trek where all transport is arranged — like Treki's Kedarnath + Tungnath package.

What to Carry

• Clothing: Warm base layer, fleece, windproof jacket. Even in summer, temperature at Tungnath can drop to 5°C. In winter, heavy down jacket is essential.
• Footwear: Waterproof trekking shoes with good ankle support. Gaiters for winter/snow trek. Crampons/microspikes for ice sections.
• Essentials: Trekking pole (helpful on the steep Chandrashila section), headlamp, sun protection, rain poncho
• Food & Water: Snacks/energy bars, at least 1.5 litres of water. Some small teashops are available on the trail.
• Camera: The views from Chandrashila are absolutely worth capturing — your phone camera is fine, but charge it fully (cold kills battery quickly).

Accommodation at Chopta

Chopta is a small hamlet but has a growing number of accommodation options:

• Forest Rest Houses: Basic but clean. Book through the Uttarakhand Forest Department online well in advance.
• Guesthouses & Dorms: Several private guesthouses are available. Budget ₹600–₹1,500 per night for basic rooms in peak season.
• Camping: Tented camps are available with sleeping bags and basic meals included. An excellent option for groups.

In winter, accommodation options reduce significantly. Many guesthouses close. Book in advance and confirm availability. A guided tour like Treki's packages handle all accommodation logistics so you arrive stress-free.