Tungnath – The Highest Shiva Temple
Tungnath is another beautiful destination lying close to the mesmerizing hill station of Chopta. Situated at a height of 3680 meters above sea level, Tungnath is the highest temple in the world dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The unprecedented Himalayan view from the meadows at Tungnath temple is leave anyone is awe. The natural beauty comes to its full glory at Tungnath temple, which is also one of the famous five Panch Kedar shrines of Uttarakhand.
For someone travelling to Chopta, a visit to Lord Shiva’s abode at Tungnath is highly recommended. Generally, the pilgrimage to Tunganath is undertaken as part of the Panch Kedar trekking covering all five temples over a 170 km route (road cum trek length) starting from Rishikesh in the order of: Kedarnath, Tungnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheswar and Kalpeshwar.
During Winters: The Tungnath Temple remains closed from November to April.
Winter Seat: Makku Village
About Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple – The famous Tungnath temple is thought to be over 1000 years old and, according to the scriptures, is third temple to be visited in the Panch Kedar circuit. The serenity and calmness that envelopes this place is something beyond words. It is believed to be constructed by Pandavas after the Kurukshetra War.
Tungnath Temple Opening and Closing Dates for 2021 Season
Opening Date of Tungnath Temple: The opening dates of Tungnath Mandir will be 17 May 2021. The doli of Shri Tungnath ji starts its journey from Mukumath & reaches Tungnath temple via Duggalbita and Chopta.
Closing Date of Tungnath Temple: Closing dates of Tungnath Dham for 2021 were announced on the day of Vaijayadashmi/ Dusshera. Last year, Tungnath temple will be closed for winters on 4 November 2020. In the winters the deity of Tungnath remains at its winter seat at Makkumath Temple.
Legends and History of Tungnath
The Tunganath is connected to the root of the Panch Kedar Circuit (Lord Shiva Temples) which were built by the Pandavas. The legend expresses that Vyas Rishi prompted the Pandavas that since they were at sin of killing their own particular relatives (Kauravas, their cousins) amid the Mahabharata war , their sin could be exonerated only by Lord Shiva. Subsequently, the Pandavas went looking for Shiva who was keeping away from them since he was persuaded of the blame of Pandavas.
With a specific end goal to avoid them, Shiva appeared as a bull and sought total isolation in an underground place of refuge at Guptakashi, where Pandavas pursued him. Later Shiva’s body as bull’s body parts rematerialized at five unique areas that speak to the “Panch Kedar” where Pandavas built the temple of Lord Shiva at every area, to revere and love, looking for his exculpate and endowments.
Every one is related to a piece of his body; Tungnath is distinguished as where the bahu (hands) were seen: bump was seen at Kedarnath; head showed up at Rudranath; his navel and stomach surfaced at Madhyamaheshwar; and his jata (hair or locks) at Kalpeshwar.
How to Reach Tungnath
From Chopta, Tungnath can be easily reached after a 4km trek on a well laden path. In fact, the trek route to Tungnath commences just beside the road at Chopta and can be easily spotted. The trek path is stone paved with benches provided en route at intervals to rest and enjoy the beautiful views of the Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth and Kedarnath peaks.
Is the Chopta and Tungnath treks difficult? Though the answer may differ from person to person, both of these treks are considered moderate in difficulty. These treks are suitable for anyone who is reasonably fit. Furthermore, because these treks are mostly uphill, they can be completed at a leisurely pace.
The Chopta and Tungnath treks are both technically easy. They do not require any prior mountaineering or rock climbing experience. The treks, however, necessitate a certain level of fitness. The Chopta Trek takes three days to complete, whereas the Tungnath Trek takes only one day.
I love to trek tungnath. Such it is very difficult to trek in Uttarakhand.
It is an easy trek during summers and post monsoon months. During winters when snow is all around then trek becomes moderately tough.