Tungnath Trek

About Tungnath – Trek To The Highest Shiva Temple In The World

Tungnath Trek is an amazing trek located in the Garhwal region of the Indian Himalayas. The trek is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and is one of the most popular and accessible treks in the region. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world and is located at an altitude of around 3,690 meters. It is believed to be one of the five Kedars, the abode of Lord Shiva, and is a popular destination for pilgrims.

The Tungnath Trek is a five-day journey and is ideal for trekkers of all levels. The trek starts from the picturesque village of Sari in the Rudraprayag district and passes through beautiful meadows, dense forests and snow-clad peaks. The trek is quite challenging but the views and the experience make it all worth it. Trekkers will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas and the lush greenery of the forests. As they move further up the mountain, they will be able to witness the snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and a variety of wildlife. 

Tungnath Trek Highlights

• One of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, the Tungnath Trek is a popular destination for experienced hikers and amateur trekkers alike. Located in the Rudraprayag district, the Tungnath Trek provides an amazing opportunity to explore the beauty of the Himalayas and its surrounding areas.
• The Tungnath Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in the entire region, and it is possible to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, valleys and forests of the region with a moderate level of difficulty. With a route that passes through lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, the trek provides an unforgettable experience.
• The trek starts at Chopta, which is the base camp for the journey. From here, you can reach the Tungnath Temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. At the temple, you can pay your respects to Lord Shiva and take in the amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
• From Tungnath, you can explore the various other attractions in the region. You can go to the famous Chandrashila peak, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You can also visit some of the temples in the area, such as the Panch Kedar temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
• On the way back from the trek, you can visit the villages of Kedar and Sari to get a taste of the rural life in the region. There are plenty of opportunities to buy local handicrafts, enjoy delicious local cuisines and interact with the local people.

Best Time for Tungnath Trek

April and May are considered the peak season for trekking in the Himalayas. The temperature is quite pleasant during this time of the year and the snow has melted away, making the trek easier. The skies are usually clear, offering spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. During this time, the meadows are carpeted with colourful wildflowers.

How to Reach Tungnath Trek

• By Road: If you are looking forward to embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, then the Tungnath trek is an ideal choice. The trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in India. That being said, the trek is also suitable for beginners. The nearest town to the trek is Dehradun, Uttarakhand. You can reach Dehradun from Delhi by either train or bus. Once you reach Dehradun, you can take a shared jeep to Ukhimath, which is the base camp for the Tungnath trek. The journey from Dehradun to Ukhimath will take about five to six hours.
• From Ukhimath, you can take another shared jeep or taxi to Chopta, which is the starting point of the Tungnath trek. The journey from Ukhimath to Chopta will take two to three hours. The trailhead is located at an elevation of 8,790 feet, and you will have to ascend to a height of 12,073 feet to reach the temple.
• By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest to Tungnath Temple with a distance of 220.2 km. The remaining distance you have to cover with public transport or can hire a cab as well. 
• By Train: The only railway station that is near Tungnath is Rishikesh Railway Station which is at a distance of 206.3 km. This can take you around 6-7 hours to further complete the journey.

Route Map for Tungnath Trek

The main routes you can take to reach the Kedarkantha summit – 

1. Rishikesh >> Chopta>>Tungnath

Quick Info about the Tungnath Trek:

Travel Tips for Tungnath Trek

If you are planning to undertake the Tungnath Trek, here are some tips that will make your trekking experience much more enjoyable and successful.

• Prepare Mentally and Physically: Before embarking on the trek, it is important to prepare yourself mentally and physically for the journey ahead. Make sure you have done adequate research about the trek and the weather conditions in the region. Also, ensure that you are physically fit enough to complete the trek. 
• Pack Necessary Items: Pack essential items like a quality sleeping bag, warm clothes, lightweight trekking boots, water bottle, sunscreen, torchlight, and a first aid kit. Also, it would be wise to carry some energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, or dry fruits that can provide you with an instant boost of energy. 
• Get Acclimatized: It is important to get used to the high-altitude environment before you start the trek. The best way to do this is by spending some time acclimatizing in nearby villages. This will help you adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. 
• Stay Hydrated: Since the trek is going to be in the high altitude region, it is important to stay hydrated throughout your journey. Make sure you carry enough water with you and drink plenty of fluids. 
• Hire Local Guides: It is always a good idea to hire a local guide who knows the terrain of the region. They can provide valuable insights and tips that can help you make the most of your trekking experience. 
• Don’t Rush: Don’t rush your trek and take regular breaks to rest and enjoy the beauty of the region. Also, it is important to begin your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. 
• Follow the Rules: Make sure you follow all the rules and regulations set by the authorities. This will help in keeping the environment safe and also ensure that you have an enjoyable experience. 

Documents to Carry for Tungnath trek

Here is a list of documents that you should carry for your Tungnath trek:

• A valid government-issued photo ID: This could be your passport, voter ID, or driving license. Make sure that you always carry your original photo ID while trekking.
• Medical Papers: Since you will be trekking at a high altitude, it is important to carry any medical papers or documents to prove that you are fit to go on the trek.
• Adventure Insurance: You should get an adventure travel insurance policy to cover any unforeseen risks or medical expenses during the trek.
• Permits: You will need to get permits from the local authorities for trekking in the Tungnath region. Make sure to get them beforehand.
• Local Area Map: You should carry a local area map of the Tungnath region. This will help you in finding your way around if you get lost.
• Trekking Gear: Make sure that you always carry the necessary trekking gear like boots, gloves, jackets, and backpacks.
• First-Aid Kit: You should always carry a small first-aid kit with you that contains basic medicines and supplies.

What to pack for the Tungnath Trek

• A lightweight backpack: This is a must-have for any trek. Choose a backpack that is comfortable and has plenty of storage space. Also, make sure to pack a rain cover for your backpack.
• Clothing: It is essential to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Pack a few layers of warm clothing to protect yourself from the cold. You should also carry a windproof jacket and a pair of waterproof pants to keep yourself dry and warm.
• Trekking shoes: A good pair of trekking shoes is essential for any trek. Make sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and have a good grip on the ground.
• Personal items: Don’t forget to pack your personal items such as a toothbrush, lip balm, sunscreen, and toiletries.
• Food and water: Carry enough food and water for the duration of the trek. Pack snacks and energy bars as well to keep your energy levels up.
• Trekking poles: Trekking poles can be extremely helpful in keeping your balance while trekking. Don’t forget to carry a pair of trekking poles with you.
• First-aid kit: It is important to carry a first-aid kit with you at all times. The kit should include essential medicines, bandages, and gauze.
• Torch: It is inevitable to have a torch with you during the trek. Pack a headlamp or a torch for emergencies.