One of the Panch Kedar Shrines, 3.5 km Trek from Chopta in Rudraprayag District
Tungnath Temple is the world's highest Shiva temple at 3680 metres, situated 3.5 km from Chopta on a ridge in Rudraprayag district. It is one of the five sacred Panch Kedar shrines and is said to enshrine the arms of Lord Shiva. The temple dates back over 1000 years and is built in the North Indian Nagara architectural style using large stone slabs.
The trek from Chopta to Tungnath is one of the most popular short treks in Uttarakhand — a well-maintained trail through dense rhododendron and oak forests with magnificent views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba peaks. The temple is open from May to November. A further 1.5 km trek from Tungnath leads to the Chandrashila summit (4130m) for a complete 360° panoramic Himalayan view.
May to June for rhododendron blooms. March to April for snow trek. September to November for crystal-clear Himalayan views.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (205 km). Taxi to Chopta.
Bus to Ukhimath/Gopeshwar, then shared taxi to Chopta (30 km).
205 km from Rishikesh (7 hrs) via Rudraprayag–Ukhimath–Chopta. Taxi recommended.