One of the oldest cities prevalent till date, is a religious pilgrimage referred as Lord of Peaks. And it comprises of two holy rivers which are Alaknanda and Mandakini at Rudraprayag district. Tungnath assembles in itself a holy temple which is the Tungnath Temple.
And this one’s a huge lord Shiva shrine, acclaimed as one of the five Kedar temples. Thus satisfy the devotional spark within yourself by visiting these monumental temples and lay in the devotion of lord Shiva. Experiencing the tranquility as this ones the best feeling ever one could grab. Defining its own identity overviewing the flair of its people and smell of its soil, it’s not the place which makes the place beautiful but the people who resides in.
Having the composition of highest Shiva temple situated at the Chandranath Parvat, the fun is in journey. Hence instead of focusing upon the destination enjoy the majestic journey through lush greenery sprawling vegetation highlighted by the rivers and mountains.
As it’s considered as the Tritaya Kedar amongst the five Kedar, the destination receives a special recognition for trekking which initiates from Chopta, which is well connected through major cities. And as per the tradition and custom the deities of the temple get transferred to different temple in winter. However, Makkumath is the place where transferring of the deity takes place.
1. Tungnath Temple: The Tungnath Temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) amidst the scenic Garhwal Himalayas. The temple architecture is unique and attracts both religious devotees and architecture enthusiasts.
2. Chandrashila: Chandrashila is a picturesque peak situated near the Tungnath Temple at an altitude of about 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). It is a popular trekking destination and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, and Kedar Dome. The trek to Chandrashila starts from Tungnath and is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the temple.
3. Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek: The trek from Chopta to Tungnath and then to Chandrashila is one of the most popular and rewarding treks in Uttarakhand. The trail passes through dense forests of rhododendron and oak trees, offering a scenic and serene experience. The breathtaking views from Chandrashila are the highlight of this trek.
4. Chopta: Chopta serves as the base camp for the Tungnath and Chandrashila trek. It is a charming hill station surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests. Chopta is often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its picturesque landscapes.
5. Deoria Tal: Deoria Tal is a pristine lake located at an altitude of around 2,438 meters (7,999 feet), which offers captivating reflections of the surrounding peaks. It is a moderate trek from Sari Village, and the view of Chaukhamba peaks from the lake is awe-inspiring.
6. Ukhimath: Ukhimath is a small town located around 30 kilometers from Tungnath. It is known for its winter seat of Kedarnath and is considered a sacred place.
7. Trekking and Adventure Activities: Apart from the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek, the region offers various other trekking trails and nature walks for adventurers and nature lovers.
8. Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary: Located near Chopta, this sanctuary is known for its diverse wildlife, including the rare and elusive musk deer.
Chopta
Chandrashila
Ukhimath
Chopta valley
Rudranath temple
Anusuya devi temple
Rohini bugyal
Kalishila temple
Deoria tal
Kalimath temple
The best time to visit Tungnath is during the summer months (April to June) and the autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the trekking trails are accessible. During the winter months, the region experiences heavy snowfall, and the Tungnath temple is closed.
1. By Air:
The nearest airport to Chopta is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 225 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta. The drive from Dehradun to Chopta takes around 6-7 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
2. By Train:
The nearest railway station to Chopta is the Rishikesh Railway Station, located approximately 202 kilometers away. Rishikesh is well-connected to major cities in India. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Chopta. The journey takes around 5-6 hours.
3. By Road:
Chopta is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by bus or private vehicle from various nearby cities and towns. Chopta is the starting point for the trek to Tungnath. It is well-connected by road with major cities in Uttarakhand like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.
