Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, and Uttarakhand’s tallest Panch Kedar temple are majestically situated atop the Chandranath Parvat. Chopta (at an elevation of 2,608 meters) is known as Uttarakhand’s “mini Switzerland.
Chopta
Chopta at an elevation of 2,608 meters is known as Uttarakhand’s “mini Switzerland”. Chopta, which is surrounded by bugyals or soft meadows and immaculate snow-capped peaks, is a year-round vacation spot: pleasant in the summer, rain-fresh in the monsoon, and a snow-covered fairyland in the winter. There are five Shiva temples, collectively known as Panch Kedar, located at Chopta. Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines are on its left, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar shrines are on its right, and the Tungnath temple is directly above it.
A total of 240 bird species are known to inhabit Chopta, among them the Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and others. You can spot our feathered friends near Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath, and the Tungnath trail.
Tungnath
Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, and Uttarakhand’s tallest Panch Kedar temple are majestically situated atop the Chandranath Parvat. In the Panch Kedars’ pecking order, it is the third (Tritiya Kedar). Tungnath is located at an elevation of 3, 680 meters above sea level and is thought to be over 1,000 years old. At tungnath, there’s not much to explore as it is famous for hiking and camping but the majestic view of tungnath will leave you speechless.
Nearby places to visit in chopta and tungnath
Chandrashila temple
With views of various Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Chaukhamba, and Kedar peak, Chandrashila is said to be the location where Lord Rama pondered after slaying Ravana. The Moon God Chandra is also said to have spent time here in penance, according to some legends. One of the most popular treks at Tungnath is to the summit. To reach Chandrashila’s summit, around 1.5 kilometers from Tungnath temple, is a difficult 1.5-kilometer hike from Chopta.
Chandrashila peak
The Chandrashila peak, at 4,000 meters, is the highest point in the Chandranath Parvat, where the Tungnath temple is located. The beautiful summit of Chandrashila gives a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas. It’s a popular trekking trail that’s a 5-kilometer challenge.
DeoriaTal
This magnificent high-altitude lake (about 2,438 m) nestled among mountains and trees is around 50 km from Chopta and 2.3 km from tungnath makes for a pleasant hike.
Ukimath
The winter residence of Lord Kedarnath is Ukhimath, located about 45 kilometers from Chopta and 28.9 km from tungnath. Other well-known temples can also be found in the area, including those of Usha and Aniruddha.
The Kanchula Korak Musk
The Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, about 7 kilometers from Chopta, is a deep woodland covering 6 square kilometers where the rare musk deer can be seen.
