Tunganath

A part of the Pancha Kedar pilgrimage, Tunganath has the highest Shiva temple in the world, namely the Tunganath Temple. The estimated elevation is around 3700 meters. The temple is said to be more than 1000 years old and holds a special place in the heart of the Hindu devotees. The place around the temple offers some of the best views in the Himalayan range and is famous among the non-devotee travelers as well.

When to Visit?

The ideal time to visit Tunganath is the summer (April to July). The post-monsoon period (September to November) is also great, as an array of wonderful flowers is observed along the trails.

What To Do

Five Things to Do in Tunganath

1. Visit Tunganath Temple:

This is the third Temple in the route of the Panch Kedar. However, reaching the temple takes a bit of trekking. Amidst the picturesque mountains of Himalaya, this is one of the popular pilgrimage destinations.

2. Trek to Chandrashila:

Tunganath marks the starting of the famous Chandrashila trek. Chandrashila is almost 500 km away from Tunganath. An enchanting 360 view of the valley is seen if the weather is clear. The view from here is simply breathtaking.

3. Camp at Deoria Tal Lakeside:

Deoria Tai is a 2km small trek from Tunganath. The lake and the adjacent area is insanely beautiful and camping in the lakeside is an experience you would not want to miss.

4. Shop at Munsiyari:

Pay a visit to the nearby Munsiyari market in your spare time and have a taste of local products.

5. Go Birdwatching in the Sanctuary:

Halt by the Kanchula Korak Deer Musk Sanctuary, which is famous for its Musk Deer. The flora and fauna of the sanctuary is quite rich, and migratory birds can be found, a must-see for the animal lovers. Grab a binocular and go watching!

How To Reach :

By Air:

The nearest airport base is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is apparently 250  km away. From there, buses or taxis are available till Chopta. The trek to Tunganath begins at this point.

By Rail:

At a distance of 220 km, Haridwar is the nearest railway station. From Haridwar, frequent transport modes are available. The Kund-gopeshwar road is motorable, and motored two-wheelers are feasible options.

By Road:

There are very few direct bus services to Chopta. However, one can reach major cities like Dehradun or Haridwar, from where the buses or taxis are frequently available.

It is to be noted that, all of the transport options lead to Chopta, but not Tunganath. This is because the rest of the path is not motorable and hence a 3.5 km Trek is to be undertaken.

Tungnath, Uttarakhand, India

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