TUNGNATH TEMPLE: HIKING LORD SHIVA HIGHEST TEMPLE

Shiva, Shankara, Mahadev. No matter what you call him, Lord shiva has millions of followers around the world. And they travel miles and can climb the highest mountains to reach his shrines to seek his powerful blessings. Likewise, devotees travel across the world to bow their head in front of Tungnath Temple.

And one such temple which draws people’s attention towards it. Despite a tough trek is Tungnath temple – Tungnath is considered as the highest shiva temple at the height of 12,000 ft. Located in the mountain range of Rudraprayag district in the northern state of India, Uttrakhand.

HISTORY OF TUNGNATH :

According to Hindu mythology, Tungnath temple is considered to be 5000 years old Built by Pandavas, who killed Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, Vyas Righi advised them to seek for an Apology from lord shiva as he was the one who could forgive them for killing his relatives. Later, all the Pandavas start searching for shiva, turns out that Lord Shiva turned into a Nandi ( Bull) Shape and underground in Guptkashi, Pandavas chased him there. Later lord shiva rematerialized his body parts into five different locations including Kedarnath. Where Pandavas built a temple to seek apology for their sins. 

HOW TO REACH TUNGNATH :

Tungnath is located at a height of 12,000 ft. in the mountain range of Rudraprayag district. Trek to the Tungnath starts from the chopta, which is popularly known as ”Mini Switzerland’’. It lies 29 km from ukhimath, 160 km from Rishikesh, and approximately 450 km from The capital city of Delhi. Chopta can be reached by its own mode of transport as Public transport is very less accessible here.

TREK TO TUNGNATH :

SUGGESTED READ : EXPLORING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TREK OF KEDARNATH TEMPLE

Trek to Tungnath temple is considered as one of the most beautiful treks of India, where you can witness the immense beauty of Himalayan ranges, beautiful landscape, unforgettable goosebumps on Chandra Shila and blessings of Lord shiva sitting on the top of ranges.

Tungnath trek is the easiest trek in Panch Kedar temples, although it’s a High altitude 5kms Trek, starts from the temple Gateway in Chopta & the beautiful way will take you to simply Heaven. 

ACTIVITIES :

The 5 km trek from chopta to tungnath is full of beautiful mountain views & adventurous trek, Although the trek doesn’t end at tungnath, 2 km above from the temple is chandrashila, the highest peak mountain, which will give you the unforgettable views of Himalayan ranges, Nanda Devi, Kedar peak. Chandrashila is the place where a lot of trekkers spent overnight in tents, to witness the amazing galaxy stars. Though trekking, camping, bonne fire, Yoga & Skiing are the famous activities to do in chopta.

THINGS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING :

  1. There is hardly any public transport runs in Ukhimath- chopta highway, it’s in the middle of Jungle, so please ensure to have your personal or Hired vehicle for chopta.
  2. There is no fee or entrance ticket for the trek.
  3. Try to keep some water along with you from the ground, as the trek is at a very high altitude & needs a lot of effort.
  4. Try to keep less luggage with you on the trek. keep Jacket, sweater as the weather become cold.

Thanks for Reading

Timmy Handa:
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