Set your footsteps to the highest temple of Lord Shiva!!!

It's not every day you are lucky enough to pay your visit to the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. I know you are overwhelmed with your emotions but it's true. The highest temple of Lord Shiva is located in the heart of Uttarakhand and it is absolutely safe to be there. And the journey to this temple is not just any pilgrimage, it's rather a plate full of delights of mother nature.

This majestic Tunganath Temple is built on the Chandrashila Parvat located in the mountain range of Tunganath. The temple is built at an intimidating altitude of 12,073 ft. The most striking information about this temple is that it was built more than 1000 years ago. The Tunganath Temple is opened by 1 st week of May every year and closes by 1 st week of November. During the winter months, the deity of Tunganath is moved to Mukkumath Temple during the winter months for 6 months which is 29 km below Tunganath. The temple is completely covered by snow during winter hence the deity is moved to Mukkumath.

However, Tunagnath Temple has so much more to offer rather than just a pilgrimage site. Its one of the most beautiful treks in Uttarakhand that can be done all year round especially is very renowned as a winter trek. Though the temple is closed trekkers love to trek to Tunganath and Chandrashila which becomes an absolute paradise in winter. Even during the spring season, the Rhododendron trees bloom their best in this region and it is indeed a sight to behold forever.

Tunganath and Chandrashila trek is a very popular snow trek that can be best for beginners as well. And most importantly, the duration of the trek is also not long hence it fits as an ideal trekking option for beginners. In fact, this trek is a complete package with plethora of options as it covers a short trekking distance, the most astounding views from Tunganath Temple and Chandrashila Top, mindblowing panoramic views of high Himalayan Garhwal mountains, spotting some rare species of Himalayan birds, and the cherishing experience of walking through the snow amidst Rhododendron trees all around. The entire trail to the mountain as awesome views that will actually encourage you to go for a snow trek.

This easy short trek in Uttarakhand offers a 360° breathtaking view of the high Himalayan mountains - Nanda Devi, Bandarpoonch, Chaukhamba, Kedar Peak, Trishul, and Neelkanth. The Tunganath Temple falls under the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary that is home to various wildlife – Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Musk Deer, Monal, and Himalayan Tahr. The trek is done from Chopta which is also a very beautiful meadow in this region which is also a popular tourist destination. Apart from the monal, the rare Himalayan birds that you can find are Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and many more.

The Tunganath Temple and Chandrashila Top not only has beautiful landscapes all around but are also rich in history and mythology. Most importantly, this temple which is more than 1000 years old still exists and literally stood the test of time. According to the legends, it is believed that the Tunganath Temple was built by the Pandavas of the famous Hindu epic, Mahabharata. After the Kurukshetra war, they built the temple to atone for their sins and worship Lord Shiva. This temple has many mythological connections to it. When Pandavas asked for forgiveness from Lord Shiva after the war and killing their own brothers, Lord Shiva was angry with them and didn’t to see them. Hence he took the form of a buffalo and disappeared in the grounds of Devbhoomi. However, the Pandavas were able to identify him and the arms of Lord Shiva appeared in the place where the temple was built. It is also believed that Adi Sankara was paid his visit to this temple. Even the folklore says that Lord Ram also used to meditate in this place.

Near Chandrashila, there is also a place named Ravan Shila where Ravana used to meditate for Lord Shiva. So indeed this magical place is neck deep in mythology.

The ‘Tunganath’ stands for ‘Lord of the Peaks’ and is also the highest of the Panchkedar temples. Tunganath is the Tritiya Kedar of the Panchkedars. So be on this mystical journey to the highest temple of Lord Shiva.

On Day 1, our team will pick you up from Haridwar at 7 am so you are requested to reach Haridwar the previous day. On the last day, you should reach Haridwar by 6-7 pm, so please make you return arrangements after that.

March, April

The best part of the Tunganath trek is that it can be done all year round. However, the best season to do this trek is during March and April, when the trail is completely covered with deep snow, crystal clear skies that offer majestic views of the high Himalayan mountains of Garhwal, and witness an enchanting bloom of the mighty Rhododendrons. In the daytime, the temperature is in between 8°C to 15°C and in the night, the temperature falls down to -5°C to 3°C.

Suitable Age Group: This trek can be easily done between people of age groups 9 years to 60 years. However, if you are below 18 years old, you should not come alone and should be accompanied by your parents or guardians. For those who are 50 years of age, please get yourself medically checked by a doctor before the trek. 

The availability of the mobile networks are limited in this trek. From Chopta, you will get patchy signals of Airtel, Jio, and BSNL. Hence it is advised to inform from Chopta itself to your family members.