Tungnath Mahadev
Chopta · Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand · 3680m
Uttarakhand Tourism describes Tungnath as one of the highest Shiva temples, at about 3,680m. It is reached by an approximately 4 km mountain trail from Chopta. Chandrashila is a further optional climb of about 1.5 km.
Darshan Information
Darshan Hours
Not Published
Seasonal temple
No official public daily timetable was located · Confirm the temple status and same-day hours before trekking
Daily Aarti
Not Published
No dependable official daily aarti timetable was located · Confirm locally before planning around a ritual
Entry Fee
Not Published
No official general-darshan fee was located · Confirm current policy
Dress Code
Mountain Layers
Use warm, waterproof layers and suitable trail footwear · Remove shoes where directed at the shrine
Best Time to Visit
Seasonal
Opening and closing dates change annually · Confirm current temple and trail status before travel
Security Rules
Check at Entrance
No official phone or photography policy was located · Follow shrine instructions
Expected Wait Time
Approximate planning estimate only · Not live or guaranteed
Weekdays
Not Published
No official typical weekday queue time is published
Weekends
Not Published
Trail and visitor conditions vary
Festivals
Not Published
Season openings and holidays can change access
No official live or typical queue estimate is published
Trek Access
About 4 km from Chopta
Steep high-altitude trail · Pony availability varies
Chandrashila is a further roughly 1.5 km · Confirm trail, weather and temple status before starting
Panch Kedar #2 · Trek Route
Chopta to Tungnath
Distance
4 km
One way
Altitude
3,680m
approximately 800–1,070m gain
Duration
Descent 1–1.5 hrs
Difficulty
Moderate
short but steep and at high altitude
Trail Waypoints
Chopta (Base)
Elevation varies · 0 km
Midpoint Forest Zone
Elevation varies · 1.75 km
Tungnath Temple
3680m · 4 km
routeMountain trail; surface and maintenance conditions should be checked locally
petsPony service · Confirm current availability and fareChandrashila Summit
About 1.5 km beyond Tungnath · A steep high-altitude extension
Around 4,000m · Allow extra time · Weather dependent
Chandrashila is about 1.5 km beyond Tungnath and rises to roughly 4,000m. The extension is steeper than the temple trail. On a clear day it offers wide Himalayan views, but snow, fog and strong winds can make the route unsafe. Check conditions locally and turn back if the weather changes.
~4,000m
Approx. summit altitude
+1.5 km
From Tungnath
~1 hour
Extra time
Route Plan: Chopta → Tungnath → Optional Chandrashila
- 1
Before leaving Chopta, confirm that the temple, trail and weather are suitable and ask about any current local restrictions.
- 2
Allow for the official approximately 4 km climb to Tungnath. Pace depends on altitude, weather and fitness.
- 3
Treat Chandrashila as an optional extension. Continue only after checking the route, daylight, visibility and return conditions.
- 4
Plan to return before dark and turn back if snow, fog, wind, rain or altitude symptoms make the route unsafe.
Do not use a fixed departure time from an online itinerary. Choose a safe start and turnaround time using same-day local advice, weather and daylight.
Puja Schedule
No dependable official daily puja or darshan timetable was located. Confirm the temple status and same-day hours at Chopta before starting the trek.
Daily timetable not published
Opening, closing, puja and aarti times may vary with the season, weather and local arrangements. Do not start the climb solely to meet an unverified online time.
Travel and Stay
At a Glance
Rhododendrons
Red and pink flowers are common in spring, especially March–April
Chandrashila
About 1.5 km beyond Tungnath · Summit is roughly 4,000 m
Weather and Trail Window
September–October often has clearer mountain views · Check trail and temple status
directions_transitHow to Reach Tungnath
By Train
Rishikesh · 209 km
By Flight
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) · 226 km
By Road
Rishikesh to Chopta · 209 km
hotelWhere to Stay
GMVN accommodation near Chopta
Check the current GMVN listing, rate and availability before travel. Seasonal demand can be high.
Forest rest house options
Permission and advance booking may be required. Confirm the current process with the local forest office.
Private guesthouses and camps
Rooms and camps operate seasonally around Chopta. Compare current rates, facilities and recent reviews before booking.
If planning an early start, check accommodation near Chopta in advance. Uttarakhand Tourism places Ukhimath around 45 km away by road; journey time can vary with mountain-road conditions.
wb_sunnySeason and Trail Planning
Sep – Oct · Often Clearer
Post-monsoon visibility may improve, but weather, temperature and trail conditions remain variable. Check them before travel.
Spring · Variable Conditions
Flowers, snow and trail conditions vary by year and elevation. Confirm the annual temple opening and current route before travel.
Jul – Aug · Monsoon
Rain can make the trail slippery and reduce visibility. Follow current weather and local advisories and use same-day advice for safe start and turnaround times.
Temple Highlights
One of the Highest Shiva Temples
Uttarakhand Tourism describes Tungnath as one of the highest Shiva temples, at about 3,680m. Its Panch Kedar circuit page gives an approximately 4 km route from Chopta and describes the climb as moderate.
Chopta Mountain Landscape
The Chopta area is known for forests, meadows, birdlife and Himalayan views. Conditions and flowering periods vary by season, altitude and weather, so check locally rather than timing a trip around a fixed bloom window.
Panch Kedar Tradition: Arms of Shiva
According to Panch Kedar tradition, Shiva took the form of a bull and the arms appeared at Tungnath. This is a sacred traditional account; the reviewed government pages do not provide a construction date for the present temple.
Part of the Five-Shrine Circuit
Tungnath is one of the five Panch Kedar shrines. Uttarakhand Tourism links it with Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar and Kalpeshwar as a traditional Himalayan pilgrimage circuit.
Season & Best Times
Seasonal Opening: Confirm Annually
The temple operates seasonally. No dependable current annual opening or closing notice was located on the reviewed government pages; snow or ice may remain on the upper trail early in the season.
What to do: Confirm the current temple status, trail condition and annual dates before booking travel.
Spring Conditions
Spring can bring flowering vegetation in the Chopta area, while cold, snow or ice may remain higher on the route. Timing and trail conditions vary from year to year.
What to do: Check the forecast, snow and trail status, and carry clothing suited to current mountain conditions.
Prime Season: September to October
September and October often bring clearer post-monsoon views, but temperature, wind, visibility and trail conditions can change quickly at altitude.
What to do: Confirm the temple status, weather, trail and accommodation before travel; do not rely on a fixed seasonal guarantee.
The Story of Tungnath
In the traditional Panch Kedar story, the Pandavas sought Shiva after the Kurukshetra war. Shiva took the form of a bull and disappeared into the earth; different parts are then said to have appeared at the five Panch Kedar sites. At Tungnath, the arms (bahu) are worshipped.
The reviewed government tourism pages describe the pilgrimage setting and traditional association, but do not establish a construction date for the present stone temple or publish a current administrative contact. Treat more precise age, management and architectural claims from travel sites cautiously.
According to Panch Kedar tradition, Shiva's arms appeared at Tungnath. The temple remains an important stop for pilgrims completing the five-shrine journey.
Nearby Temples & Sites
Chandrashila Peak
near_me About 1.5 km beyond Tungnath · ~4,000m
A steep extension with wide Himalayan views in clear weather. It is optional and should be attempted only when the trail and weather are suitable.
Deoria Tal Lake
near_me Near Sari village · Confirm route and distance
A mountain lake reached from the Sari side. Confirm current road access, walking distance and trail conditions before combining it with a Tungnath visit.
Ukhimath / Omkareshwar
near_me Ukhimath · Confirm current road distance
Ukhimath is associated with winter worship for Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. It is also a regional base for onward travel; confirm current roads and transport locally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tungnath one of the highest Shiva temples?
Yes. Uttarakhand Tourism describes Tungnath as one of the highest Shiva temples, at about 3,680m.
Its Panch Kedar circuit page gives an approximately 4 km trek from Chopta. Prepare for a steep high-altitude route and changing conditions.
How difficult is the Tungnath trek? Can elderly people do it?
Uttarakhand Tourism describes the roughly 4 km trek as moderate, but the path climbs to about 3,680m and individual difficulty varies.
- Walk slowly, carry water and warm layers, and turn back if you feel unwell.
- Pony availability and fares change, so confirm them at Chopta.
- Chandrashila is steeper and more exposed than the temple trail. Check weather and trail conditions before continuing.
People with heart, lung, mobility or altitude-related concerns should seek medical advice before planning the climb.
Is there a helicopter to Tungnath?
The reviewed government pages describe an approximately 4 km trek from Chopta and do not publish a temple helicopter service. Confirm current transport and pony availability locally.
When does Tungnath open?
Tungnath operates seasonally, but a dependable current annual opening notice was not found on the reviewed government pages.
Confirm the opening and closing dates, temple status and trail conditions through current Uttarakhand government or local sources before booking travel.
What is the Chandrashila sunrise trek? Is it worth it?
Chandrashila can offer wide Himalayan views in clear weather, but it is optional and more demanding than the temple trail.
It lies about 1.5 km beyond Tungnath at roughly 4,000m. Start only after checking snow, wind, visibility and the return time with local authorities or experienced guides.
Route and elevation information was reviewed against Uttarakhand Tourism in August 2026. Daily timings, annual dates, trail conditions and local service rates can change; confirm them before travel.