Tungnath is a small stone temple of Lord Shiva at about 3,680 m in the Rudraprayag district of Garhwal. It is often called the highest Shiva temple in the world, and it is one of the five Panch Kedar temples. The walk to it starts at Chopta, a meadow camp on the Ukhimath-Gopeshwar road, and climbs about 3.5-5 km on a stone-paved path through rhododendron forest and open alpine meadows.
Just above the temple, a short and steep climb leads to Chandrashila, a rocky summit with one of the widest views in Uttarakhand: Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Bandarpoonch in a single sweep. Most people do both in one long morning.
The story of Tungnath
The legend of the Panch Kedar begins after the Mahabharata war. The Pandavas wanted Shiva's forgiveness for killing their own kin, but Shiva did not want to meet them. He took the form of a bull and tried to disappear into the earth. When Bhima caught hold of it, the bull's body broke apart, and its parts appeared at five places in the Garhwal hills. The hump appeared at Kedarnath, and Shiva's arms (tunga, high arms) at Tungnath. That is why the temple is counted as the third of the Panch Kedar.
The name Chandrashila means 'moon stone'. Local belief says Lord Rama meditated here after defeating Ravana, and another story says the moon god Chandra did penance on this peak.
Why go to Tungnath
The highest Shiva temple
An old stone temple at about 3,680 m, one of the five Panch Kedar shrines.
A 360° Himalayan view
From Chandrashila you see Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba and Kedarnath peaks together.
Meadows and forest
The walk crosses green bugyals and rhododendron forest that turns red in spring.
Main things to see
Tungnath temple
Darshan in the small stone temple and the shrines around it.
Chandrashila summit
About 1.5 km of steep climb above the temple to a rocky top with prayer flags and a small shrine.
Chopta meadows
Open meadows ringed by forest at the start of the trail, lovely at sunset.
Deoria Tal
A lake near Sari village with a mirror view of Chaukhamba; a popular add-on trek.
Distances from Chopta
Before you go
- The walk climbs about 1,000 m in a few km; go slowly and rest often.
- There are tea stalls on the way in season, but carry water and snacks.
- The road to Chopta can close for days after heavy snowfall from late December to February.
- Mobile network is weak at Chopta; keep offline maps.
- Chopta is inside the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary; carry your rubbish back down.
- Ponies are available in season for those who cannot walk.
Tungnath and Chandrashila FAQs
How high is Tungnath temple?
About 3,680 m above sea level. It is often called the highest Shiva temple in the world.
How long is the Tungnath trek?
About 3.5-5 km one way from Chopta on a stone-paved path, usually 2.5-4 hours up. Chandrashila is about 1.5 km further.
When does Tungnath temple close in 2026?
In early November; reports suggest around 4 November 2026, but the temple committee announces the official date. It reopens around May.
Is the Tungnath trek difficult?
It is short but steady and steep in parts. Most people with basic fitness manage it slowly. Chandrashila is steeper and rocky.
Can I visit Tungnath in winter?
The temple is closed and the trail is under snow. Some trekkers go up with local guides for the snow, but it is cold and the road to Chopta may be blocked.
