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Tungnath

Tungnath

India

The highest Shiva temple in the world, where the views will take your breath away—literally.

1 Group Tours·1 Operators·from ₹18,499

Tungnath isn't just another mountain temple; it's the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting proudly at 3,680 meters. The trek from Chopta is short (just 3.5 km) but steep enou...

Best forSpiritual SeekersBeginner TrekkersNature LoversPhotography EnthusiastsFriend Groups
Moderate
|You need decent cardiovascular fitness. It is only 3.5 km, but the altitude gain is rapid. If you get winded climbing two flights of stairs, start jogging a month before your trip.
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What to Expect

Expect a sharp, paved but steep 3.5 km trek starting from the meadows of Chopta. The weather can flip from scorching sun to a freezing snowstorm in 20 minutes. You'll find basic dhabas along the way selling Maggi, chai, and parathas, but luxury is non-existent here. Expect a deeply spiritual vibe mixed with the chaos of enthusiastic trekkers, panting mules, and ringing temple bells.

Honest Heads-Up
  • Altitude sickness (AMS) is real here; do not rush the ascent from Chopta.
  • Washroom facilities are basic to non-existent on the trail—prepare to rough it.
  • The temple shrine is closed in winter (Nov-April) and the idol is moved to Makku Math.
  • BSNL and Jio work sporadically; do not rely on UPI, carry enough cash.
  • Weekend crowds in May and June are overwhelming, causing massive traffic jams on the Chopta road.

Things to Do

Chandrashila Peak Trek
2 hours from Tungnath·Free
Group
Deoria Tal Trek
3-4 hours round trip·Free (Forest entry fee applicable)
Group
Kedarnath Temple Visit
2-3 days·₹3000 - ₹8000
Group
Camping in Chopta
Overnight·₹1500 - ₹3000
Group
Bird Watching in Makku Math
2-3 hours·Free
Group
Skiing in Auli
1-2 days·₹3000 - ₹10000
Group

Plan Your Trip

How to Reach

Take an overnight bus or train from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, hire a direct taxi or take a shared local bus to Ukhimath, then another taxi to Chopta. The Tungnath trek starts directly from the Chopta roadhead.

Travel Tips
1Start the trek by 4:30 AM if you want to catch the legendary sunrise from Chandrashila peak.
2Layer up. You will sweat profusely while climbing but freeze the moment you stop.
3Carry a trekking pole; it will save your knees on the steep descent.
4Do not litter. Bring all your plastic wrappers and bottles back down to Chopta.

Local Guide

Food & DiningVeg Friendly

Must try: Pahari Maggi, Aloo Paratha with local pickle, Buransh (Rhododendron) Juice, Dal Bhat (Rice and Lentils)

Eat at the small dhabas along the trail. The food is basic but hot and fresh. Keep in mind that prices for simple items like Maggi or chai double as you go higher due to the cost of transporting goods via mules.

FAQs

Can beginners do the Tungnath trek?
Yes, it is a beginner-friendly trek because the path is well-paved and only 3.5 km long. However, it is very steep. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and take breaks.
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, it is very safe, especially during the yatra season (May-Oct) when there are plenty of people on the trail. Just ensure you start early and return to Chopta before dark.
Do I need a guide for Tungnath and Chandrashila?
No, you don't need a guide for the regular season. The trail is a clear, stone-paved path up to Tungnath, and a well-marked dirt trail to Chandrashila. You only need a guide in peak winter (Jan-Feb) when the trail is buried in snow.
Will I get AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) at Tungnath?
At 3,680m, AMS is a real possibility. Don't rush the climb. If you feel a severe headache or nausea, descend immediately. Drinking plenty of water helps.
Are there stays available at Tungnath temple?
There are a few very basic stone huts/dhabas near the temple offering floor beds and blankets, but they are unhygienic and freezing cold. It is highly recommended to stay in camps at Chopta and do Tungnath as a day hike.
Is the temple open in December?
No, the temple usually closes around Diwali (late Oct/Nov) for the winter. You can still trek up to the temple structure and Chandrashila peak, but the main shrine will be locked.
Can we do Chopta, Tungnath, and Kedarnath in one trip?
Yes, they are on the same circuit. You can drive from Chopta to Sonprayag (base for Kedarnath) in a few hours. You'll need about 5-6 days to do both treks comfortably without burning out.
Is there mobile network at the top?
Jio and BSNL work in patches on the trail and at the top, but Airtel and VI are mostly dead. Do not count on the internet for UPI payments; carry sufficient cash.

Group Trips to Tungnath

Planning a group trip to Tungnath is one of the best decisions you can make if you want a perfect mix of spirituality and adventure in Uttarakhand. As the highest Shiva temple in the world, Tungnath offers an accessible yet thrilling trekking experience that is perfect for young Indian travelers and friend groups looking for a weekend getaway from Delhi or NCR. Group tours to Tungnath usually start from Chopta, the mini Switzerland of India, where you can camp under the stars before starting your ascent. A well-organized Tungnath group package will handle all the logistical nightmares like navigating the winding mountain roads from Rishikesh, securing clean camping spots in Chopta, and making sure your itinerary includes the magnificent sunrise hike to Chandrashila peak. Whether you are browsing for budget-friendly Chopta Tungnath trekking packages or a comprehensive Kedarnath and Tungnath group tour, traveling with a squad makes the steep 3.5 km climb much more fun. The cost of group trips to Tungnath is highly affordable, with multi-day itineraries starting from ₹18,499 that cover nearby gems like Deoria Tal and Joshimath. Just remember to book your Tungnath group trip during the popular months of April to July for blooming rhododendrons, or September to October for crystal clear views of the Chaukhamba peaks.

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