Temples of Uttrakhand: Tungnath

It is said that the North especially the Great Himalayan region is guarded with the blessings of Lord Shiva, Uttarakhand is a blessed state to have so many temples and rich backgrounds in their culture, traditions as well as food that depict Shiva. The Tungnath is one of the most famous temples in Panch Kedar’s journey. The other most influential temples in this journey are Kedarnath, Madmaheswar, Rudranath, and Kalpnath.

Tungnath finds a special place among the history of ancient Shiva temples in the Northern belt of the Himalayas, especially in Uttrakhand. It is considered that the temple was built by Arjuna the third Pandavas and an influential character of the Mahabharat age. The temple is supposed to be over 1000 years old, during the epic battle of Mahabharat the Pandavas faced a curse, and to uplift that Panch Kedar was formed by them and Tungnath is one of the temples of that era.

About Tungnath Temple

The beautiful temple is situated on the summit of the great valleys of Alaknanda and Mandakini, which gives a beautiful and amazing view of the Himalayan peak. Besides the main temple, there are various small temples were built by Pandavas of Hindu Devi devtas. This act is done by them during their journey or the way towards heaven.

Tungnath means Lord of the peaks. It is the second most high-altitude temple of Shiva after Muktinath in Nepal and is standing tall height of 12,106 ft just below the peak of Chandrashila. Tungnath is second in the pecking order of the Panch Kedar.

Chopta is one of the most famous places during the Tungnath trek along with Chandrashila. Both places hold important religious and historical importance, the places hold amazing natural beauty and are the home of many rare species. The whole environment around the great temple is mesmerizing and pushes you towards positivity

Opening dates of Tungnath

Due to severe climatic conditions, the natural location of this temple is very difficult to pay a regular visit to, as many of the Uttarakhand temples Tungnath also remain close in their natural location during the peak winter season. However, the Tungnath baba stays at Makkumath (Ukhimatha) during this period and any pilgrim can go there and pay his tribute to them.

In the year 2022, the kapats of Tungnath temples are open during May, 11th May to be precise and they will remain open till mid-Nov this will depend on the climatic conditions.

Various rituals were performed during the opening of temple doors

The day for the opening of Tungnath Kapat was decided during the festive eve of Akshaya Tritiya (generally in mid-April). Tritiya Kedar Tungnath shrine board prepares itself to welcome all the pilgrims.
Makku and Paw Jagpura are the two most influential villages in the Tungnath journey, the villagers of these villages work day and night for the opening day ceremony.
On 09 May a fair (Paundkhi Mela) was held at Markandey sanctuary of Makku on the occasion to shift Tungnath Utsav Doli from Makkumath to Tungnath itself.

Chandrashila peak during Tungnath trek — Temples of Uttrakhand: Tungnath

Things Tungnath Temple is famous for

Being one of the Lord Shivas and one of the most beautiful temples, it is also the second highest temple of Shiva after Muktinath temple in Nepal.
The whole trek to the temple is naturally very beautiful rich in flora and fauna and home to many species.
It is said and believed that the Panch Kedar journey holds a very important place among the pilgrims and Tungnath is the 2nd temple in this whole journey.
The nearby Deoria lake which is like 10km from the temple toward Ukhimath-Chota road is a serene piece of natural beauty.
The Omkareshwar temple is around 12km toward Ukhimath and is another very important temple during this journey.
It is one not challenging track among the other Shivas temples, adventure junkies and travel enthusiast visit this place very often.
The nearby place Chopta can be used for brief camping and as a breather during the journey.

Places to stay around Tungnath Temple

There are various nearby places where you can stay at night if you are traveling from Delhi or beyond. Places like Ukhimath, Rudraprayag, Chopta.
These 3 places hold an important place in the whole journey of Tungnath and itself is worth visiting and famous for their natural beauty and amazing climate throughout the year.
Ukhimath is a very important place as it is the winter home for Madmaheswar, Kedarnath, and Tungnath.
You can easily find some comfortable and luxurious stay at this place and can also enjoy some local cuisine. The locals will help you out and will guide you and they very warmly welcome every pilgrim.
Although you can also find a place to stay at night in Chopta which is the nearest place to the temple.
The places are not very expensive. People also take a halt and breathe in the local village during the journey. The people of this region are very friendly and they will help you out in every possible way.

How to reach the temple

Tungnath can be reached by trekking 4 km of a trek from Chopta. This whole trek is comparatively very easy than other Panch Kedar tracks, one can take pitstops during the trek although it is easy as said earlier. Many pilgrims generally take a halt at Chopta, take some snacks, and then start their journey.

How to reach by road

If you are traveling from Delhi or a place nearby you can take a direct bus to Ukhimath and then take local transport in form of a jeep and taxis to Chopta. Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun are the most important stops that can come in between.

A simplified bus route will be

Take a bus ride from Delhi or nearby cities to the first stop at Ukhimath or Rudraprayag.
Take help of local taxis till Chopta
From Chopta trek around 3.5 km to the temple.

How to reach by air

Jolly Grant airport (Dehradun) is the nearest airport from Ukhimath/Rudraprayag. You can take a rental cab or visit ISBT Dehradun to catch a bus to Ukhimath/Rudraprayag (in the evening time, at night bus service). From Ukhimath/Rudraprayag take taxis till Chopta.

A simplified air route will be

Take a flight from Delhi or nearby cities to first stop at Jolly Grant, Dehradun
Take a bus/cab ride from Dehradun to Ukhimath/ Rudraprayag
Trek from Chopta to the temple (3.5kms)

How to reach by railways

Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun railway station is the nearest railway from Ukhimath/ Rudraprayag. You can take a rental car or visit ISBT Dehradun to catch a bus to Ukhimath/ Rudraprayag.

A simplified railway route will be

Take a train from Delhi or nearby cities to first stop at Haridwar/Dehradun/Rishikesh railways station
Take a bus/cab ride from Dehradun ISBT/Haridwar/Rishikesh railways station to Ukhimath/Rudraprayag.
Trek from Chopta to the temple (3.5kms)

Entry Type

In the same way, as other temples of Uttrakhand, Tungnath is situated at an exceptionally high height. The main temple stays shut for travelers from November to May consistently in light of weighty snowfall and antagonistic climate. But one can visit Tungnath at Ukhimath during the winter

Wear comfortable garments while visiting here
There is no entry fee for the temple
Keep the temple are clean
You can click pictures of temples and nature, and do whatever it takes not to obstruct local people’s everyday system.