Panch Kedar Shrine
Tungnath is one of the five revered Himalayan temples collectively known as Panch Kedar.
Sacred Heights of Panch Kedar
Tungnath Temple
Walk through the meadows of Chopta to one of the highest and most revered Shiva temples in the Himalayas
District
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Presiding Deity
Lord Shiva
Approx. Elevation
Around 3,680 m
Final Approach
Uphill trek from Chopta
Direct Yatra Links
Explore Every Dham
Open Char Dham, Do Dham or another temple guide directly.
About Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple is a revered Panch Kedar shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands at around 3,680 m on the Chopta–Chandrashila trail.
The temple is associated with the arms of Lord Shiva in the Panch Kedar tradition. Its stone shrine, high-altitude setting and wide Himalayan views make the journey both spiritually important and naturally beautiful.
Pilgrims normally reach Chopta by road and continue on a clearly defined uphill trail to the temple. The route is short compared with several other Panch Kedar approaches, but the altitude, steep sections and changing weather still require careful preparation.
Important: Start early, carry warm and rain-protective layers, walk at a steady pace and confirm the current temple opening status, trail condition and local weather before leaving Chopta.
Why Tungnath is Special
Arms of Lord Shiva
In the Panch Kedar tradition, the arms of Lord Shiva are worshipped at Tungnath.
High-Altitude Temple
The shrine stands at around 3,680 m amid expansive Himalayan scenery.
Chopta Trek
The final approach follows an uphill mountain trail from Chopta through open meadows and alpine terrain.
Chandrashila Extension
Fit and prepared travellers may continue on the steep additional trail to Chandrashila when conditions permit.
Himalayan Landscape
The route is known for meadows, forests, seasonal snow and views of major Himalayan peaks.
How to Reach Tungnath
Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are common entry points. Rudraprayag and Ukhimath are useful route stops before continuing by mountain road to Chopta for the final trek.
1
Haridwar / Rishikesh to Rudraprayag
Enter the Garhwal region by mountain road and keep sufficient time for traffic, weather, meal stops and road conditions.
2
Rudraprayag to Ukhimath / Chopta
Continue through the Ukhimath side towards Chopta and confirm your stay, vehicle timing and next morning weather in advance.
3
Chopta to Tungnath Temple
Begin early and follow the notified uphill trail at a steady pace, allowing additional time for rest and changing mountain conditions.
4
Darshan and Return
Complete darshan according to current temple timings and descend to Chopta with sufficient daylight. Continue to Chandrashila only when fitness, weather and trail conditions are suitable.
Published trail distances are commonly around 3–3.5 km from Chopta to Tungnath and can vary by starting point or local diversion. Chandrashila requires an additional steep climb. Confirm the current route locally before starting.
What to Expect
At the Temple
- Temple darshan according to the current seasonal opening and daily timings
- Cold wind and fast-changing weather even when Chopta feels comfortable
- A sustained uphill walk at high altitude with limited shelter on parts of the trail
- Respectful conduct around the shrine, local customs, offerings and photography rules
Nearby, If Conditions Allow
- Chopta meadows and forest trails
- Chandrashila Peak, subject to fitness and safe trail conditions
- Deoria Tal and Sari village area
- Ukhimath and Makkumath temple region
Health & Packing Preparation
Health & Fitness
- Build basic walking stamina before the journey
- Walk slowly and take regular breaks because of the high altitude
- Stop for chest pain, confusion, faintness, severe breathlessness or persistent vomiting
- Seek medical advice before travel when you have a heart, lung or mobility condition
- Avoid starting late or continuing towards Chandrashila in poor weather
What to Carry
- Original photo ID and any registration or permit required on the travel date
- Warm layers, gloves, cap and waterproof rain protection
- Comfortable trekking shoes with reliable grip
- Water bottle, light snacks and prescribed medicines
- Small backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, power bank and some cash
Yatra Registration & Documents
Complete your pilgrimage registration through the official Uttarakhand Tourist Care portal. Carry the downloaded QR registration letter and the same original photo ID used in the registration.
Keep Ready
- Original government photo ID
- QR registration letter in digital and printed form
- Hotel and transport confirmations
- Prescription and regular medicines, when applicable
Verify Carefully
- Use only official registration and temple portals
- Check current route and darshan controls
- Keep emergency contacts available offline
- Avoid unofficial priority-darshan promises
Best Time & Weather Planning
Tungnath Temple follows a seasonal opening schedule, while Chopta may be visited during a wider part of the year. Snow, rain and local road conditions can change access quickly, so current official and local updates are essential.
Opening Season / Late Spring–June
Cold mornings, active pilgrimage movement and possible snow near higher sections early in the season. Confirm the announced opening date.
Monsoon Period
Rain, fog, slippery trails and road disruption are possible. Keep flexible dates and follow official weather and road alerts.
September–Closing Season
Clearer post-monsoon views are possible, with increasingly cold conditions and shorter daylight. Confirm the annual closing date before travel.
Tungnath FAQs
Where does the Tungnath trek begin?
The common final approach begins from Chopta, which is reached by mountain road through the Rudraprayag and Ukhimath side.
Can Tungnath Temple be reached directly by car?
No. The motor road reaches Chopta, after which visitors continue on the uphill mountain trail to the temple.
How long is the trek from Chopta to Tungnath?
Official tourism references commonly describe the trail as roughly 3–3.5 km, depending on the exact starting point. Confirm the current route and any diversion locally.
Is Tungnath part of Panch Kedar?
Yes. Tungnath is one of the five Panch Kedar shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Can Chandrashila be visited with Tungnath?
Chandrashila is reached by an additional steep climb beyond Tungnath. Continue only when the trail is open and your fitness, daylight and weather conditions are suitable.
Is registration required for Tungnath?
Requirements can change by season and local administration. Check the current Uttarakhand Tourism, district and local trail instructions before travel.
Can senior citizens visit Tungnath?
Suitability depends on health, mobility, altitude tolerance and trail conditions. Medical advice and a realistic walking plan are strongly recommended.
Are temple opening dates fixed every year?
No. Opening and closing dates are announced for each season and should be verified through current official or temple-authority notices.
Related Yatra Guides
Official Information Sources
Temple dates, weather, road controls and operating rules may change. Recheck the latest official information before departure.
Plan Your Tungnath Journey
Tell us your travel month, pickup city, number of travellers, hotel preference and whether your group includes senior citizens. We will help structure a practical route and transparent quotation.