Tungnath Trek Guide: How to Reach India’s Highest Shiva Temple

Most people who plan a trip to Tungnath make one mistake. They treat it as just another temple visit and skip the walk to Chandrashila Peak right next to it. If you do that, you miss the best part of the whole trip. Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, and the peak above it gives you a view of the Himalayas you won’t forget. Here is how to plan the trip properly, step by step, with real costs.

Chopta Tungnath Trek: Quick Facts

• Tungnath trek location: Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, close to the Chopta meadows.
• Tungnath trek distance from Chopta: 4 km one way, about 8 km round trip.
• Tungnath to Chandrashila trek distance: another 1.5 km past the temple.
• Tungnath trek km: roughly 4 km to the temple and 5.5 km if you continue to Chandrashila.
• Tungnath trek height: about 3,680 metres above sea level.
• Tungnath trek time: 2 to 3 hours from Chopta to the temple.
• Tungnath trek best time: April to June and September to November.

How to Reach Chopta from Rishikesh

Start your trip in Rishikesh. If you’re coming from Delhi or another city, take a train, since Rishikesh has good train and bus connections.

From Rishikesh, book a direct bus to Ukhimath. This ride costs around ₹400 to ₹500 per person and takes you through the hills toward the Kedarnath valley.

There’s no direct bus from Ukhimath to Chopta. Instead, take a shared jeep. These cost ₹150 to ₹200 per person and run through some of the greenest roads in Uttarakhand. Chopta is often called “Mini Switzerland” because of its meadows and pine forests, and once you arrive, you’ll see why.

Where to Stay in Chopta

Chopta has small guesthouses and camps built for trekkers, not luxury hotels. A decent room or tent for the night costs ₹800 to ₹1,000. Book one that includes breakfast if you can, since you’ll want an early start the next morning.

Try to reach Chopta by evening so you get a proper night’s rest. The trek to Tungnath starts early, and the cold mountain air makes it hard to sleep well if you arrive too late and tired.

The Trek from Chopta to Tungnath Temple

The next morning, start the trek to Tungnath. It’s about 4 kilometers from Chopta, and it takes most people 2 to 3 hours to reach the top.

The path is steep in a few places, but it isn’t technical. You walk through open meadows with snow peaks in view, and the trail is well marked since thousands of pilgrims and trekkers use it every season. Take breaks when you need them. There’s no rush.

Tungnath is one of the Panch Kedar temples, and it holds the record for the highest Shiva temple in the world, sitting at roughly 3,680 meters. When you reach it, take a few minutes to sit quietly and take blessings. Most people rush past to reach Chandrashila, but the temple itself is worth slowing down for.

Don’t Skip Chandrashila Peak

From Tungnath, the trek isn’t over yet. Chandrashila Peak is another 1.5 kilometers up, and this is the part most first-time trekkers underestimate.

The climb from Tungnath to Chandrashila is steeper than the first stretch, and the air gets noticeably thinner. But once you’re at the top, you get a 360-degree view of the Himalayas, including peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. On a clear morning, this view alone is worth the entire trip.

After spending some time at the top, trek back down the same route to Chopta. Going down is faster, but be careful on the loose gravel sections.

Tungnath Trek Cost: Full Budget Breakdown

Here’s what the whole trip costs, from Rishikesh and back:

• Bus from Rishikesh to Ukhimath: ₹400–₹500
• Shared jeep from Ukhimath to Chopta: ₹150–₹200
• Stay in Chopta, one night: ₹800–₹1,000
• Food for two days: ₹500–₹700
• Return travel, Chopta to Rishikesh: ₹550–₹700

In total, plan for ₹5,000 to ₹6,000 per person, including travel, stay, and food, for a 2-day trip from Rishikesh.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Start the trek before sunrise if you can. The trail gets crowded later, and the light is better for photos early on.
• Carry a warm jacket even in summer. The temperature at Chandrashila drops fast once the sun goes behind clouds.
• Wear shoes with a good grip. Parts of the trail have loose stones, and regular sneakers can slip.
• Carry enough water. There are a couple of small shops on the way, but don’t count on them.
• Check the weather before you leave Chopta. The view from Chandrashila depends completely on clear skies.

Is the Tungnath Trek Worth It?

Yes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to see the Himalayas up close without needing serious trekking experience. The whole trip, from Rishikesh to Chandrashila and back, fits into two days if you plan it right. Just don’t make the mistake of skipping Chandrashila. The temple is the reason people come, but the peak is the reason they remember the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions