Tungnath
Chamoli, Uttarakhand, India • 30.48°N, 79.22°E
📖 About Tungnath
- ✦World's highest Shiva temple at 3,680m (12,073 ft), 1.5 km trek from Chopta
- ✦Temple open May to November only, closed December to April due to snow
- ✦Chandrashila summit at 4,000m offers 360-degree views of Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks
- ✦Trek gains 480m elevation in 3.5 km, takes 3-4 hours with basic fitness
At 3,680m (12,073 ft), Tungnath temple holds the record as the world's highest Shiva shrine, sitting 1,000 years old and part of the Panch Kedar circuit. The trek starts at Chopta village (2,900m), climbing 3.5 km through rhododendron and oak forests to reach the stone temple. May sees maximum temperatures around 20.7°C (69.3°F) at base, but the temple zone stays 5-8°C cooler. The trail is paved but steep in sections, with benches every 500 metres and a few tea stalls midway.
Built by Pandavas according to legend, Tungnath forms the third Kedar after Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar. The temple structure uses grey stone with a small sanctum, unlike the larger Kedarnath complex 70 km south. Most trekkers continue 1.5 km beyond to Chandrashila peak (4,000m), where you can see Nanda Devi (7,816m), Trishul (7,120m), and Chaukhamba ranges on clear mornings. July brings 223 mm rainfall, making trails slippery and reducing visibility below 50 metres on cloudy days.
Tungnath suits moderately fit walkers willing to handle altitude—some people feel breathless above 3,200m. The temple closes December to April when snow reaches 3-4 metres, and priests move down to Makkumath village. Mobile connectivity works only on BSNL near Chopta; Airtel and Jio have no signal. The nearest ATM sits 32 km away in Ukhimath, so carry enough cash for donations and tea.
🎯 Things to Do in Tungnath
The 3.5 km stone-paved trail from Chopta (2,900m) climbs 480m through oak and rhododendron forests to reach the temple at 3,680m. The trek takes 3-4 hours up and 2 hours down, with moderate difficulty—carry water and glucose for energy. Crowds peak during Char Dham season (May-June) and weekends, when 500+ pilgrims walk the trail daily.
Beyond Tungnath temple, a 1.5 km trail climbs another 320m to Chandrashila peak at 4,000m, taking 45-60 minutes. Early morning starts (5-6 AM) offer the clearest views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks before clouds roll in. The final 500 metres have exposed rocky sections requiring careful footing, especially when wet.
Deoria Tal lake sits 14 km from Chopta via Sari village, requiring a 2.5 km trek from Sari to the lake at 2,438m. The lake reflects Chaukhamba peaks on calm mornings, with a small temple on the shore and basic camping options available. The detour adds 4-5 hours to your trip, manageable if you have 3 days total.
Chopta's alpine meadows at 2,900m offer camping spots with Himalayan views, located right at the trek starting point with tent rentals from Rs 500-800 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). April-May shows rhododendron blooms across hillsides, while September-October brings clear post-monsoon skies. Cold nights drop to 1-4°C (33.8-39.2°F) even in May, requiring proper sleeping bags rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Tungnath forms the third temple in the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, with Rudranath 25 km northwest and Kalpeshwar 40 km south completing nearby options. Each Kedar requires separate treks ranging from 3-18 km, suited for those with 7-10 days. Most pilgrims complete Tungnath first due to easier access and shorter trek distance compared to Kedarnath's 16 km.
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Chamoli region, not exclusively Tungnath. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Tungnath
💡 Visitor Tips
Temperatures at Chopta (2,900m) range from 1.2°C (34.2°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F) in May, but the temple zone at 3,680m stays 5-8°C cooler—pack thermal layers, windproof jacket, gloves, and a woollen cap even in summer. September nights drop to 5.8°C (42.4°F), requiring sleeping bags rated for sub-zero if camping.
No advance permits needed for Tungnath trek, but accommodation in Chopta fills fast during May-June and September-October weekends—book hotels or campsites 2-3 weeks ahead through phone calls. Temple remains open 6 AM to 7 PM during season, with morning aarti at 6:30 AM.
The 39 km road from Ukhimath to Chopta has narrow single-lane sections with blind turns, best driven in SUVs or smaller vehicles during daylight. Shared jeeps from Ukhimath charge Rs 150-200 per person and leave when full, typically 8 AM to 2 PM.
The nearest ATM sits 32 km away in Ukhimath, and neither Airtel nor Jio signals work at Chopta—only BSNL has patchy coverage. Carry sufficient cash for accommodation, food, and temple donations, as no shops accept UPI or cards.
Most lodges and campsites cluster around Chopta meadow near the trek starting point, with dormitory beds from Rs 400-600 and private rooms from Rs 1,200-2,000 per night (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Basic dhabas serve rice-dal-sabzi meals for Rs 100-150, with limited menu options—no meat available.
📍 More Places in Chamoli
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Tungnath
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Tungnath covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Tungnath is located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 3272 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.