How to go from Delhi to Tungnath

Tungnath temple, at an altitude of 3680 meters, is considered to be the highest temple of Lord Shiva and is one of the Panch (Five) Kedars. The five most significant temples of Lord Shiva in the Garhwal Himalayas are Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Rudranath, Kalpnath, and Kedarnath. Together, they make up the Panch Kedar. 

Chandrashilla, at an altitude of 4000 meters, is the highest point of the mountain on which Chopta and Tungnath lie. Chandrashilla offers 270-degree views of the Himalayan range and lies 1.5 km further upwards from Tungnath Temple, which makes it a 5 km trek from Chopta. If you are planning a journey, the Delhi to Tungnath distance is approximately 450 km by road, making it a perfect spiritual and adventure getaway for travelers from the capital.

Tungnath Temple and Chandrashilla Peak, Uttarakhand

Chopta, in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, is well-known as a starting point for treks to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashilla Peak. It is at an elevation of 2600 meters. But, Chopta itself offers a beautiful snow meadow in winter locally called Chopta Bhugyal (Bhugyal, meaning meadow).  The place is extremely rich in flora and fauna, and you can find lots of species of birds around the Chopta and Tungnath region.

 Location

Tungnath Temple is located at a trekking distance of 3.5 km from Chopta and comes under the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.  The temple is 1.5 kilometers ahead of Chandrashilla peak. 

Altitude

The altitude of Tungnath Temple is 3,680 Mtrs or 11,220 Feet and that of Chopta is 2600 Mtrs or 7,925 Feet.  At an elevation of 12,192 feet, or 4,000 meters, Chandrashilla Peak is further ahead. 

Best Time to visit Tungnath or Chandrashilla

Tungnath Temple is best visited between April and November (excluding the monsoon). In winters i.e December – February, when the snowfall starts the Tungnath becomes inaccessible.  Chopta soon joins the rest of the valley as it becomes snowbound. Monsoon season is generally not a suggested time period to visit the region of Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashilla – Deori Tal due to landslides which are common in Uttarakhand.

 At the end of February, the snow starts to melt around Chopta, Duggalbitta, and Baniya Kund, which creates a ray of hope for people looking for Snow Trek to Tungnath / Chandrashilla and experience some real adventure.  However, the roads to Chopta are not accessible until March (midway) from December (after snowfall), so be prepared to walk more than 6-7 kilometers on either side.