How to Reach Tungnath Temple(Trekking, Hotel and Trip Cost)

Located amidst a wildlife sanctuary, Tungnath Mahadev Temple is a place worth visiting. Surrounded by the great Himalayan range covered mostly in pure white snow, it is the definition of this place. Here is how to reach Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva Temple in the world.

इस लेख को हिंदी में पढ़ें! तुंगनाथ मंदिर तक कैसे पहुँचें(ट्रेकिंग, होटल और यात्रा लागत)

Yes, you read it right. Tungnath Temple is situated at a height of 12000 feet above sea level. Its height and location make it an amazing destination for trekking as well.

Generally, at a hill station, you get to see views of the mountains, sunrise or sunset. In those cases, it is the view which attracts you. In the case of Tungnath, it is the devotion and the blessings of our beloved Mahadev(Lord Shiva) which attract you.

Tungnath is a mountain located in the area of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. The highest Shiva Temple, Tungnath Mahadev Temple is located on the mountain named Tungnath. Every year, thousands of devotees and tourists visit the Tungnath Temple.

Now we have some idea about the Tungnath Temple. From here, we can plan to visit the Tungnath Temple.

How to Reach the Tungnath Temple?

Tungnath Temple is located in the Rudrapryag district in the state of Uttarakhand. The closest point to Tungnath accessible by any vehicle is Chopta. Chopta is 27km from Ukhimath and 42km from Gopeshwar.

So, as Chopta is the last location accessible by any vehicle, hence we need to reach Chopta first.

How to Reach Chopta to visit Tungnath?

There are mainly two routes to visit Chopta. One is via Ukhimath and another is via Gopeshwar. Most tourists prefer to visit Chopta via Ukhimath.

How to Reach Chopta Via Ukhimath?

Ukhimath is very much connected with Rishikesh and Haridwar by road. If you are visiting Chopta by your own vehicle then you can just follow the map to reach Chopta from Haridwar.

There is just one very important point to note if you are visiting Ukhimath by your own vehicle.

There is another place named Chopta different from the one we need to visit. It is located on the route of visiting Ukhimath from Haridwar. Make sure you don’t end up visiting the wrong Chopta.

So, here is a tip.

Once you start for Ukhimath from Haridwar, don’t change your route before Ukhimath.

1. From Rudrapryag there is a right turn which leads to the wrong Chopta.
2. You need to keep driving to Ukhimath then you will reach the right Chopta.

Now let’s talk about how to reach Ukhimath using public transport.

Most people visit Uttarakhand from Delhi. There are multiple trains and buses for various locations in Uttarakhand. Some people might be here looking for the budget option as well. So, for them here is the budget option to reach Chopta from Delhi.

The Cheapest way to reach Tungnath from Delhi using public transport.

1. Visit Haridwar from Delhi by Train(whichever class you prefer). The sleeper class costs you 180rs.
2. Take a bus for Rishikesh from Haridwar(Costs 45rs)
3. Buses available from Rishikesh for Ukhimath between 5 am to 9:30 am charging 350rs/person.
   You may stay at Ukhimath and then start your journey to Chopta in the morning so that you will have a full day to spend in Chopta – Tungnath -Chandrashila Trek.
4. Shared cabs are available for Chopta from Ukhimath charging 50rs/person for a distance of 30km.

Total Cost incurred: 180 + 45 + 350 + 50 = 625rs.

However, it might not be the best way to reach Chopta from Delhi for many. Many tourists look for a pocket-friendly but comfortable way to reach their destinations. So let’s talk about the best way to reach Chopta and Tungnath from Delhi.

Best Way to reach Chopta Tungnath from Delhi using public transport:

Delhi to Haridwar: 1000rs

There are multiple trains between Delhi and Haridwar. In less than 5 hours you can reach Haridwar from Delhi by train. An AC Coach costs you somewhere around 1000rs in general.

You can also take a bus to Haridwar or Rishikesh directly. It will also cost you around 1000rs only.

Haridwar to Ukhimath:

From Haridwar or Rishikesh wherever are, you can easily find multiple options like cabs, shared taxis and buses.

There are very few luxury buses available between Haridwar to Ukhimath. So if you are comfortable travelling on a bus, you can easily find it. You can reach Ukhimath from Haridwar or Rishikesh in just 350 to 400rs.

Otherwise, you can rent a cab directly for Chopta which will cost you somewhere around 5-6000rs.

From Ukhimath, you will start seeing mountain peaks. There are several best places to visit nearby before Chopta. If you have time you can explore a few more places before visiting the Tungnath Temple. It is also best to get accommodated in the environment first before climbing the peak of the mountain. It works like a warm-up similar to one that you do before any workout.

Ukhimath to Chopta : 50rs

There are shared taxis available between Ukhimath and Chopta which charge 50 rs/person. The distance between Ukhimath and Chopta is 30km.

We have discussed how we can reach Chopta from Delhi all the way. We know the charges, the cheapest way and the best way to reach Chopta from Delhi as well. But how many days would it take to reach Chopta from Delhi? Let’s try planning our trip to Chopta from Delhi. We will use public transport(trains, buses, shared taxis) so that our plan can be more useful. By doing so, it will become relevant for most of our audience.

How many days do we need to reach Tungnath from Delhi?

Most of the buses and several trains leave Delhi at night and reach Haridwar or Rishikesh in the morning. So we will plan accordingly.

We will start our day 1 from Haridwar and not Delhi as we will be boarding the train at night.

Delhi to Haridwar by Train: 1000rs

Day 1.

Day 2.

As per the plan, we can reach the Tungnath temple on day 2. In case you plan to stay at Ukhinath for more than a night for local sightseeing, you will need 1 more day to explore Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak. Whatever you do, you have to keep in mind that you will need a full day to visit Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak.

How to Reach Tungnath from Chopta?

Chopta is the last point that you can reach by vehicle. After that, there is an entry point, an entrance gate from where the Tungnath Trek starts. There are multiple ways to reach Tungnath Temple from Chopta. However, you will have to trek if you wish to climb the Chandrashila peak.

There are 2 ways to reach the Tungnath Temple from Chopta.

Trekking

The most preferred way to visit the Tungnath temple is trekking. Tungnath Trek is one of the most amazing and scenic treks in the world. You can only how it would be to trek to the highest Shiva temples in the world. The views and heavenly. Only a poet can attempt to describe its beauty in words.

By hiring a horse/pony

At Chopta, horses and ponies are available for hire. You can reach the top, the Tungnath temple riding a horse/pony. Yet, you can only take the horses/ponies to the Tungnath Temple. You will need to trek if you want to visit and see the panoramic views from Chandrashila Peak.

Riding a horse is not that difficult, yet you may need a few things to make it even more comfortable. For example, you may wear riding shorts to avoid getting any rashes on the inner walls of your thighs.

Trekking is difficult. Not everyone can do it. Especially, when you are going to trek to the world’s highest Shiva temple, Tungnath Mahadev situated at a height of 12000 feet. It becomes even more difficult. Don’t worry, I am not here to demotivate you. You have to do this. Yet, you must be aware of the situation. Now, let’s know how you can prepare yourself for the trek.

How to prepare yourself to trek to the Tungnath Mahadev Temple?

Be prepared mentally

preparing yourself mentally should be your foremost priority. No matter how physically fit you are, if you are not prepared for it mentally, it becomes harder for you. So first tell yourself that you can do this.

Know your body

Make sure you don’t have any breathing problems like asthma, bronchitis, etc. In that case, do this only under the doctor’s supervision.

Pack your bags accordingly

If you have planned to trek to the Tungnath Mahadev Temple from Chopta. Make sure to pack your bags accordingly.

Here is a packing list for Tungnath Mahadev Temple.

Shoes:

1. Casual Shoe
2. Hiking Shoe – prefer snow boots

Socks:

• 3 pair of knee-length cotton socks
• 2 pair of knee-length snow socks

Bags:

• 1 luggage bag, whichever you prefer
• 1 small backpack of at least 25litres – prefer waterproof or with rain cover

1 Foldable Hiking Stick
Snow Boots
Snow Socks
Raincoat
Waterproof Jacket
Snow Leggings
Snow Gloves
Neck warmer

In case you wish to camp anywhere near Chopta or Tungnath. You should consider checking the list below of Camping gear.

Camping gears:

Camping Tent: Foldable
Winter Sleeping Bag
Neck pillow
Torch
paper cups

Things you need during the trek to Tungnath:

Ready-to-eat snacks
energy bars
Water bottles
Tissue paper/wet wipes
paper soap
Sanitizer
power bank
Some Cash
First Aid kit(small one) + medicines for cold, fever, loose motion, gas, headache, motion sickness and your regular ones(if any).

You should get yourself the above list of items if you love hiking. You will need those gear even if you travel once a year to the mountains.

Things to do before starting your trek from Chopta to Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak.

You must have a small backpack with you before starting the trek. Never go empty-handed without carrying a few things that I am going to share with you. Many devotees had to drop the idea of visiting the Tungnath temple because they did the same mistake. They were not carrying these items as they should have been. Don’t do the same. I request.

Things to pack before starting your trek to Tungnath/Chandrashila.

1. Snow Boots
2. Snow Socks
3. Hiking Stick
4. Raincoat
5. Snacks/Energy Bars
6. Water Bottles

If you don’t have those gears, don’t worry. You can rent Snow Boots and sticks in Chopta. But if you are a regular hiker, you must have one.

Note: Carry at least 3-4 litres of water per person. Many devotees had to return back without even “Darshan” at Tungnath Temple because they were out of water. And they could not continue their journey ahead.

Is it worth climbing the Tungnath Peak?

We discussed a lot about how to reach Tungnath. We also saw that we need to be prepared in many ways to visit Tungnath Peak. Obviously, the temple is one of the main reasons to visit this place.

But, is there anything else worth climbing Tungnath Peak? Is there anything other than the temple which deserves a visit?

What to expect during the Chopta Tungnath Trek?

This 8.4 km trail near Chopta is considered to be a very challenging trek. It takes up to 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete this trek. popular for hiking, biking, horseback riding etc you’ll meet many others while exploring. June to September is the best time to hike this trail.

Chandrashila is the highest point of the Chandranath Peak. the name Chandrashila literally means “Moon Rock”. It is believed that Chandra Deva (Moon God) came here to meditate.

World’s Highest Shiva Temple

Tungnath Mahadeva Temple lies here. considered to be a revered temple; this Siva temple is one of the highest temples in the world. It is one of the five temples of the Panch Kedar. The hands and chest of Lord Shiva are worshipped here.

Mesmerizing panoramic views of the Himalayas

This trek is especially famous for its scenic views of the Himalayas. The mesmerizing panoramic views make it a heavenly attraction. At the end of this trek lies the temple which is satiating and rewarding. You can reach the trailhead by buses, shared taxis or private vehicles.

Some need to know information about Chopta Tungnath Trek

The trail is closed during monsoons. Also, make sure to always take a guide during winter as snowfall makes it quite dangerous to trek. And the route is not clearly marked.

This trek is popular amongst the youth. The tough trek makes it a hotspot for adventure seekers. Nature enthusiasts also throng this trail due to the magical and serene views of the Himalayas.

If you’re up for some fun and trekking make sure to add this place to your bucket list. This unforgettable experience will leave you awestruck. Have a nice trek ahead.