What Is This Pilgrimage?
Perched upon the razor-thin Chandranath ridge in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at an astronomical elevation of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet), Tungnath Temple is the 2nd of the sacred Panch Kedar and holds the undisputed distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world. Towering over the meadows of Chopta, Tungnath was constructed out of dark weathered granite blocks by the Pandava brother Arjuna to venerate the Bahu (arms) of Lord Shiva.
Directly above the temple ridge rises the sheer pyramid of Chandrashila Peak (4,000 meters / 13,123 feet), legendarily identified as the 'Moon Rock' where Lord Rama meditated after slaying Ravana, and where the Moon God (Chandra) performed penance. From this windswept summit, trekkers witness the most awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas—including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedardome, and Bandarpoonch.
The Circuit — Sites Overview
| Sanctum / Site | Altitude / Type | District / Location | Presiding Deity | Key Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tungnath Temple | 3,680m | Katyuri stone architecture | Enshrines the one-foot-tall black stone lingam representing the arms of Shiva | |
| Chopta Base | 2,680m | Known as 'Mini Switzerland' | Motorable trailhead with sprawling alpine meadows and deodar forests | |
| Chandrashila Peak | 4,000m | 1.5 km above Tungnath | Summit shrine of Ganga Mata offering unmatched 360° Himalayan panoramas | |
| Deoria Tal | 2,438m | 20 km drive + 2.5 km trek | Emerald glacial lake famous for crystal-clear reflections of Mount Chaukhamba | |
| Makkumath Village | 1,900m | Winter Seat of Tungnath | The sacred village where Tungnath’s ceremonial doli resides during winter |
Detailed Site Pages
- The Ancient Stone Shikhara: The temple is constructed of heavy granite blocks fitted with interlocking stone masonry. Inside the dark, compact sanctum, the lingam leans slightly to the right, representing the divine arms. An idol of sage Vyasa and Ashtadhatu statues of the Pandavas flank the threshold. Explore our Tungnath Temple Profile.
- The 3.5 km Chopta to Tungnath Trail: A beautifully engineered paved stone pathway with gradual switchbacks and safety railings, winding through dense rhododendron groves that burst into vibrant red and pink blooms from March to May.
- The Chandrashila Summit Ascent: Beyond Tungnath, a steep 1.5 km unpaved rocky scramble ascends 320 vertical meters to the windswept top of Chandrashila (4,000m), crowned by a tiny shrine festooned with colorful Buddhist and Hindu prayer flags.
- Ravana Shila: A sheer rocky outcrop situated between Tungnath and Chandrashila where Ravana is believed to have played his veena in praise of Lord Shiva.
Recommended Itinerary
- Day 1 (Rishikesh to Chopta - 200 km / 7 hrs): Drive along the Alaknanda and Mandakini via Devprayag and Rudraprayag to Ukhimath, ascending through Kund into the pristine alpine forests of Chopta (2,680m). Check into swiss camp or lodge. Sunset view of Chaukhamba peaks.
- Day 2 (Tungnath & Chandrashila Trek):
- 04:30 AM: Begin the 3.5 km stone walk from Chopta with headlamps to catch the sunrise.
- 06:30 AM: Reach Tungnath Temple (3,680m). Attend morning puja and aarti.
- 07:30 AM: Continue the steep 1.5 km climb to Chandrashila summit (4,000m) for the golden sunrise hitting Nanda Devi and Trishul.
- 10:30 AM: Descend back to Chopta base (approx 2 hours). Rest and enjoy hot pahadi meals.
- Afternoon: Drive 20 km to Sari village and complete the scenic 2.5 km hike to Deoria Tal.
Best Time
Tungnath opens in early May and closes around mid-November. Best visiting seasons:
- April to May (Spring Rhododendrons): Forest slopes are blanketed in crimson, pink, and white rhododendron flowers with lingering winter snow on Chandrashila.
- September to October (Autumn Views): Unrivaled mountain visibility with sharp, azure skies and crisp temperatures (5°C to 15°C).
- Winter Snow Trek (Dec to March): While the temple sanctum is closed, Chopta and Tungnath become a world-class winter snow trekking destination.
How to Reach the Start Point
The trek starts at Chopta on the Ukhimath–Gopeshwar road:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (220 km / 7.5 hrs drive).
- Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (205 km) and Haridwar (225 km).
- Trail Details: 3.5 km paved stone path from Chopta to Tungnath (gradient 25°). Mules/ponies (₹1,000–₹1,500 round trip) are available at Chopta for elderly pilgrims. The final 1.5 km from Tungnath to Chandrashila must be climbed entirely on foot.
Accommodation
Comfortable stays are available around Chopta:
- Chopta Swiss Camps: Deluxe eco-friendly tent colonies with attached western toilets and solar heating along the highway meadows.
- Duggalbitta & Baniyakund: 5 km before Chopta with permanent stone guesthouses and wood-heated dining rooms.
Rules & Dress Code
- Wind Protection: Chandrashila ridge is notorious for intense, freezing mountain winds. Carry high-grade windproof jackets, thermal gloves, and woolen caps.
- Footwear: Firm trekking boots with deep lug soles are mandatory; running sneakers slip dangerously on frosted rocks near the summit.
Costs
| Item / Service | Typical Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Trail Entry & Darshan | ₹0 (FREE) | No permits required for Tungnath |
| Pony / Mule (Chopta to Tungnath) | ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 | Round-trip ride to temple gate |
| Chopta Meadow Swiss Camp | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 | Includes breakfast and dinner |
| Private Taxi (Rishikesh to Chopta) | ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 | One-way hill cab hire |
Route Logistics Blueprint & Field Risk Audit
Real-time road condition advisories, vehicle suitability checks, fuel outposts, and medical hubs.
- ✓Road Condition & Clearance Audit: Pothole sectors, high-ground-clearance mandates, and monsoon slides.
- ✓Fuel & EV Charging Outposts: Last reliable fuel stations, diesel availability, and emergency tyre repair.
- ✓Offline Navigation & Dead Zones: Topographical route maps for areas with zero mobile phone towers.
- ✓Direct Emergency Authorities: Verified numbers for highway patrol, mountain rescue, and civil hospitals.
🛡️ Personally curated by PK Gupta & the Hidden Routes research desk. Delivered directly to your Email & WhatsApp within 4–8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the trek from Chopta to Tungnath difficult?
The trek is classified as easy-to-moderate. The entire 3.5 km route from Chopta to Tungnath is paved with stone pavers and has a gentle gradient, taking 2 to 3 hours for average walkers.
Can you climb Chandrashila on the same day as Tungnath?
Yes! Chandrashila peak is just 1.5 km above Tungnath. Adding 45 to 60 minutes of uphill walking allows you to conquer the 4,000m summit on the same morning.
Where does Lord Tungnath stay in the winter months?
When heavy snow covers the Chandranath ridge in November, the deity's palanquin is carried down to the lower village of Makkumath, where daily worship continues until May.
What major Himalayan peaks are visible from Chandrashila?
Chandrashila offers an unobstructed 360-degree panorama of Mount Nanda Devi (India's second highest peak), Trishul, Chaukhamba Massif, Kedar Dome, Thalaysagar, and Gangotri peaks.
Are ATM and mobile network facilities available at Chopta?
Mobile connectivity (Jio and BSNL) is intermittent at Chopta, and there are NO operational ATMs. Carry adequate cash from Ukhimath or Rudraprayag.