Haridwar to Tungnath- A Complete Travel Guide

TUNGNATH SHIVA TEMPLE (GARHWAL, UTTRAKHAND)

Tungnath Temple is the Highest Shiva Temple in the world and is the highest of the five panch Kedar temples located in Rudraprayag District of Uttrakhand. The Tunganath mountains form the Mandakini and Alaknanda River valleys. According to the old sayings, Tunganath Temple is around 1000 years back. Here we have discussed your complete guide from Haridwar to Tungnath

Tungnath’s famous shiva temple is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Tungnath Temple is built at an altitude of 3460 meters and is situated on the highest of the Panch Kedar. This temple is thousands of years old and Lord Shiva is worshiped as one of the Panch Kedar.

Tungnath Temple is situated between Kedarnath and Badrinath. Tungnath’s peak is the confluence of three streams that make the Akshkamini River. Tungnath Temple is located 3 kilometers from Chopta (a small tourist town). It is said that Parvati Mata did penance before marriage to please lord shiva.

HARIDWAR TO TUNGNATH TEMPLE ROUTE

Haridwar to Tungnath temple route starts from Haridwar, The Tungnath, Chandrashila trek is located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal Himalayas area, which offers majestic views of the Himalayas and Meadows, which are breathtaking. It takes 5-6 hrs to reach Tungnath temple. The temple of Tungnath is 3 kilometers from Chopta.

Chopta is a small tourist town and also the last road for the trek to Tunganath Temple & Chandrashila peak. Chopta is 225 kilometers from Haridwar.

Haridwar to Kund:-

The first buses to Chopta leave from GMOU bus station, which is 500 meters away from Haridwar bus station on the left side as you exit the gates.

The bus takes 7 hrs to travel from Haridwar to Kund. Once you reach Kund at around 12:30 pm, sumo is available for Ukhimath and thereafter from Ukhimath to Chopta.

Kund to Chopta:-

It takes 38 minutes to travel from Kund to Chopta Uttarakhand. The distance between Kund and Chopta is 32 kilometers.

Chopta is a small tourist town located at 2600 km and is also the last road head for the trek to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila peak.

Chopta to Tungnath:-

The distance from Chopta to Tungnath hike is 3 to 4kms. Sharp ascent and steep climb lead you to Chandrashila Peak located 8 km from Chopta, the time taken is close to 5 hours. At a height of 12000 feet, this trail passes by the famous Tunganath Temple. In winter, when heavy snow falls in Tungnath, Shivling is brought to Chopta. All the villagers chop the Shivling with the loud noise of drums. Chopta is situated at an altitude of 2600 meters

The Chandrashila Peak is 1.5 km above the Tungnath Temple which is 600 feet above Chopta. Chopta region is mostly covered with snow. The beauty of Chopta is mesmerizing. A large number of tourists visit Chopta every year.

BEST TIME TO VISIT TUNGNATH TEMPLE

The optimum time to visit the Tungnath temple is between April and November. During summers the town is in full bloom, and the air is fresh and pure. The peaks are covered with a green cover of pine deodar and rhododendrons trees.

Because the area is prone to landslides during the monsoon, it is best to avoid them. While the winters are a big no, as Tungnath is covered with a thick blanket of snow from November to March

PLACES TO SEE IN TUNGNATH:-

Chopta

Chopta is a lovely village that is still undiscovered by tourists. Chopta is known as Uttarakhand’s “Mini Switzerland”.

Chandrashila

Chandrashila is the name given to the top of the Chandranath Parvat, where the Tungnath Temple is located. It literally means “Moon Rock.”. There are various legends associated with this place.