The Tungnath Trek is one of the most beautiful and peaceful treks in the Indian Himalayas. It is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Tungnath Temple is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world, sitting at a height of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet). It is also part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage, which makes it a very important and sacred place for Hindu devotees.

Tungnath Temple Trek Distance and Route Details

Knowing the basic facts of the Tungnath trek in km enables one to plan itinerary more efficiently:

• The one-way Tungnath trek is around 3.5 to 5 km from Chopta.
• Chandrashila is about 1.5 km further from Tungnath.
• The total trek distance to Chandrashila is around 5 km one way.
• Tungnath is located at an altitude of 3680 meters.
• Chandrashila stands at around 3690 meters.
• The trek usually takes 3–5 hours depending on your pace.
• The difficulty level is easy to moderate.
• The trail is well-paved and easy to follow, making it suitable for beginners.
• However, the high altitude can make the trek feel slightly challenging.

Tungnath Temple History and Its Spiritual Roots

The Tungnath Temple has its roots in the ancient Mahabharat.  It is believed that after the war, the Pandavas came to the Himalayas to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. Shiva took the form of a bull to hide from them, but when they finally found him, parts of his body appeared in different places, now known as the sacred Panch Kedar Shivling. Kedarnath is believed to be the place where his back appeared, Tungnath Temple is where his arms appeared, and Madmaheshwar is where his navel appeared, making these places deeply sacred, where people still visit today for prayer, peace, and blessings.

Tungnath Trek Itinerary for a Perfect 2–3 Day Trip

A simple and well-planned Tungnath trek itinerary makes your journey smooth and enjoyable:

Day 1: Arrival at Chopta
Reach Chopta from Rishikesh or Haridwar. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and relax for the night.

Day 2: Trek to Tungnath Temple
Start early in the morning from Chopta. The Tungnath temple trek distance is around 3.5 to 5 km, and it usually takes 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. Spend some peaceful time at the temple and return to Chopta.

Day 3: Chandrashila Summit (Optional)
From Tungnath, trek another 1–1.5 km to Chandrashila peak. Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas. Return to Chopta the same day.

This short itinerary is perfect for beginners and weekend travelers, offering a great mix of adventure and spirituality.

Scenic Trail on Tungnath Mahadev Trek

The Tungnath Trek feels calm, simple, and very close to nature. The walk starts through thick forests of oak and pine trees, and the fresh air makes you feel relaxed. In spring, you can also see small flowers along the way, which make the path even more beautiful.

As you go higher, the views start opening up. You can see big mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The Chandrashila view from the top side is truly amazing and worth every step, especially if you go towards Chandrashila Chopta.

Some parts of the path are rocky, so you need to walk carefully, but it’s still easy for most people. Near the Shiv Mandir, everything becomes quiet and peaceful. You can hear temple bells and chants, which give a very calm feeling. This whole journey is also part of the Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand, so it feels both spiritual and close to nature.

What is the Best Time for Tungnath Trek? 

• April to June (Pre-monsoon)
  • Clear skies and nice weather
  • Good for beginners and families
  • Beautiful rhododendron flowers on the way
• September to November (Post-monsoon / Autumn)
  • Very clear mountain views
  • Fresh air and green surroundings
  • Best time for photos and trekking
• December to March (Winter)
  • Snow-covered paths and cold weather
  • Very beautiful but a bit tough
  • Best for experienced trekkers
• Monsoon (July to August)
  • Not safe for trekking
  • Slippery paths and chances of landslides

The temple area often closes in heavy winter snowfall (around November to April, depending on conditions), so travel plans can change every year. Weather in the mountains changes very fast, so it is not always fixed. That’s why it is always better to check before starting the Tungnath trek.

Book your Tungnath trekking package with Indohike for a simple, safe, and stress-free trip. We take care of stay, travel, food, and guide support so you can just enjoy the journey without any worry.

Unlike many trekking companies in India, we keep things easy and well-planned for travelers. Our trekking tour packages are made for comfort, safety, and a smooth experience in the Himalayas.

The Tungnath trek is one of the most famous treks in India, and it becomes even more special with visits to Chopta and Chandrashila.

Travel with Indohike and enjoy a peaceful, well-organized, and memorable mountain trip.

Frequently Asked Questions