Tungnath Temple located in Rudraprayag district of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Apart from being the center of faith of Hindus, this place is also very special in terms of tourism. From here you can see the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas and can also feel nature closely in a peaceful environment.
It is believed that this temple was built by the Pandavas. According to a legend, after the massacre in the Mahabharata war, the Pandavas went on a journey to the Himalayas to atone for their sins and during this time they performed penance of Lord Shiva at Tungnath and established a Shivalinga here.
Let us tell you, to reach Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar, you have to pass through difficult paths. Generally, the weather here is better in the months of September and October, so let us tell you in detail about every detail related to the trip to Tungnath Mahadev in this article.
According to a legend, Tungnath Temple was built during the Mahabharata period. The foundation of this holy temple was laid by the mighty Pandava warrior Arjuna. It is believed that thousands of years ago, the Pandavas built this temple to please Lord Shiva. After losing their relatives in the fierce war of Mahabharata, the Pandavas were burdened with the sin of killing humans. As per the instructions of Sage Vyas, the Pandavas worshiped Lord Shiva to atone for their sins and built a magnificent temple at this holy place. It is believed that all the sins of the Pandavas were washed away by the grace of Lord Shiva.
How to reach Tungnath Temple? (How to Reach Tungnath Temple)
There are many routes to reach Tungnath temple. You can travel here by air, rail or road.
Air shaft
The most convenient way to reach Tungnath is by air. Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Tungnath. From the airport, you have to reach Pangar village near Chopta. This journey will be about 220 km and it will take you about 9 hours to complete it.
Train journey
If you want to travel by train, you can go to Dehradun, Haridwar or Rishikesh. All these are the nearest railway stations to Tungnath. From these stations, you can reach Chopta by bus or taxi.
By Road
If you are traveling by your car, then you will have to reach Pangar village from Delhi via Dehradun or Haridwar. From Pangar you can use local transport for Chopta. Let us tell you, the distance from Rishikesh to Tungnath is about 209 kilometers.
Tungnath Temple Aarti & Darshan Timings
There is no fixed time for Aarti in Tungnath temple. This is because the temple is located at a very high altitude and the weather can change suddenly here. Apart from this, the number of devotees coming here also varies according to the weather and time of the day.
Morning Aarti
If you want to witness the morning aarti, arrive a little after the temple opening time. Usually, the temple opens between 5:00 am and 6:00 am.
Evening Aarti
The evening aarti takes place shortly before the temple closing time. You can know the exact timing by asking the temple priest about it.
When to plan for Tungnath temple? (Best Time To Visit Tungnath)
If you want to visit Tungnath temple , the best time is between May to June and September to October. During this time the weather is pleasant and you can easily trek. In November, with the departure of the deities, the doors of the temple are also closed and due to heavy snowfall in the Himalayas, it becomes difficult to reach here, so the temple is closed.
Keep these things in mind (Important Tips: Tungnath Trek)
- There are no designated places to stay from Chopta to Tungnath, so you have to be fully prepared. Carry enough water, good trekking shoes, warm clothes, raincoat and a small medical kit with you.
- Your energy might also go down due to the difficult routes, so keep some essential items like chocolates, biscuits, dry fruits and glucose with you.
- A stick and waterproof trekking shoes will also be very useful for walking in snowfall.
- You will get many options for staying in Chopta.
- There are no charging points or ATMs along the way, so carry enough cash and a power bank as well.
- Do not trek at night on the way from Chopta to the temple.
- While trekking, you should keep your luggage light and during this time also pay attention to your walking speed, that is, do not walk so fast that you tire your body quickly.
- Do not rely on the internet for weather and directions, as it sometimes misleads people. In such a situation, it is better that you take help from local people.
- If you travel in a group to go to Tungnath Temple instead of alone, it will be better in terms of safety and convenience.
Places to Visit Near Tungnath Temple
Chandrashila
Chandrashila is situated a little distance away from Tungnath temple. It is a hill peak from which the magnificent valleys of the Himalayas are visible. The view of sunrise and sunset from here is very special.
Chopta
Chopta is a small hill station located near Tungnath. It is surrounded by dense forests, beautiful grasslands and Himalayan hills. In Chopta, you can do trekking, camping and many adventure activities.
Deoria Lake
There is a small lake named Devhariya Tal near Tungnath. This lake is known for its natural beauty. Here you can enjoy peace and solitude.
Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag is a small town, located at a short distance from Tungnath. Situated at the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers, this town will also make you crazy with its beauty. Here you can see temples, ghats and other religious places.
Apart from this, there are many small ponds and beautiful waterfalls around Tungnath , which have religious importance as well as attract nature lovers. Obviously, trekking to Tungnath will be a wonderful experience, but since it is a high altitude place, if you have trouble breathing then definitely consult a doctor before planning this trip.