Uttarakhand is home to some of the most striking mountains and summits, making it the perfect destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. One such exhilarating trekking experience is the trek to Tungnath Temple and the Chandrashila Summit. The trek is one of the most famous treks in Uttarakhand, beginning in the iconic Chopta Valley. If you’re an adventure freak and wish to set out on this exciting trek, here are all the details you need.
A First Timer’s Guide To Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Tungnath Chandrashila Trek: Detailed Route Map
Many trekkers setting out on this trek begin their journey from Chopta. It is a small region full of lush green meadows and is popularly known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’.
Chopta is known for being the base camp of the Tungnath Chandrashila trek. From here, the trek covers a total distance of only about 9 to 10 kilometers (km). This makes it an easy trek for those doing it for the first time and the trek can be easily completed in a day.
You will have to begin ascending the Chandranath Parvat from Chopta that is home to the Tungnath Temple – the highest Shiva temple in the world! As you reach near the Tungnath Temple, you’ll first come across a small temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. After paying your respects at the Ganesha temple and the Tungnath Temple, you can either return back to Chopta or continue further to the summit of Chandrashila.
This summit is only a little further, about 500 feet upwards, but the views are mesmerizing to say the least. It is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft but first-time trekkers need not worry much about altitude change as the ascent is fairly gradual.
From here, you’ll be blessed with views of the mountains of Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi – the second-highest mountain in India.
Many experienced trekkers also participate in the Deoriatal Chandrashila trek that is significantly more challenging than this trek. It covers a total distance of about 32 km and takes 5 days to complete. Deoriatal is a beautiful lake situated in dense forests and covers Sari – Deoriatal – Syalmi – Baniyakund – Chopta – Tungnath – Chandrashila as a rough trek route.
Best Time For Tungnath Chandrashila Trek
Summer: Green Meadows And Pink Rhododendron
The Tungnath Chandrashila trek is one exciting adventure in Uttarakhand that can be undertaken in both the summers and the winters. Both the seasons are popular among tourists, with summer being an especially popular season for first-timers. This is because the weather is quite pleasant and days are warm but not hot and humid. Moreover, Chopta covers itself in lush green vegetation that sprawls in front of your eyes like a view you’ve never seen before.
And did we mention the best part yet? Parts of the Chopta Valley and the trek route get lined up with blooms of pink rhododendron! These delicate pink blooms turn the adventure into a visual treat, guaranteeing a pleasant experience as you make your way to the summit.
Ideal months: April to June
Winter: Pristine White Snow And Stunning Summit Views
However, the winter season is also an equally exciting time to participate in this trek. The landscape turns white as snow reigns supreme! During winters, you’ll be delighted to see delicate white snow cover the landscape as far as your eyes can wander.
As you make your way to the top in the winters, you’ll find the reddish brown stone facade of the Tunganth Temple lightly don a blanket of snow, making the view even more captivating. Ascend a little further to the summit during winter and we assure you that the view there will be truly breathtaking!
Ideal months: September to November
Overall, if you love warm weather, alpine meadows, and clusters of pink flora lining up your view – summer is the best time for you. If you love the enticing winter cold, pristine white snow, and just a little more challenge – winter is the time to go!
Significance Of Tungnath Temple
Tungnath Temple – the highest Shiva temple in the world is not without its fair share of mentions in Hindu mythology. This temple finds mentions in two of the most famous Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata and is considered to be one of the ‘Panch Kedars’ (five Kedars).
According to Mahabharata, the Pandava brothers were in search of Lord Shiva after the devastating Kurukshetra War so that they could ask for an apology. Lord Shiva avoided them by hiding in the Himalayas and appearing as a bull time and again. Soon, Pandavas found him and he then reappeared in five different places in the Himalayas. The spot where Tunganth Temple stands today is said to be one of those spots. Other four spots where he appeared are now home to the Shiva temples of Rudranath, Kedarnath, Madmaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar.
Many legends also believe that this is where Lord Rama meditated after killing Ravana, the king of Lanka. As Ravana was a Brahmin, Lord Rama was charged with the sin of ‘Brahmahatya’ (killing a Brahmin). To get rid of his sins, he meditated deeply here.
How To Reach Chopta
Note that, many trekkers prefer staying in nearby cities like Rishikesh, Devprayag, and Rudraprayag due to more accessible amenities like hotels, homestays, cafes, banks, etc. They set out on day trips to Chopta, complete the Tungnath Chandrashila trek and then return to these cities. You too, as a first-time trekker can do so, as Chopta has limited stay options and restaurants.
Air Route
The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest major airport to Chopta. It is located at a distance of 187 km and you can take a cab to either reach Chopta directly or halt at Rishikesh, Devprayag, or Rudraprayag.
Rail Route
Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest railhead to Chopta, located about 173 km away. Many trains like Shri Ganganagar Rishikesh Express and Hemkunt Express halt at and leave from Rishikesh. From here, you can take shared cabs, buses, or private cabs to drop you off at Chopta.
Road Route
Chopta enjoys good connectivity to nearby cities and towns in Uttarakhand. Regular buses leave from ISBT Kashmere Gate in Delhi to Rishikesh, Devprayag, Chopta, and Haridwar. Alternatively, you can rent a car, self-drive, or hire a cab to drive you in and around Chopta.
Summing Up
Tungnath Chandrashila Trek is one of the most scenic treks in Uttarakhand. The state is home to some other scenic sites like the Valley of Flowers and the hill stations of Mussoorie, Nainital, and Dehradun. As a first-time trekker, trekking in Uttarakhand and its diverse landscape might not be the easiest, but it is definitely a worthy experience!
FAQs
Is Tungnath A Difficult Trek?
No, Tungnath Chandrashila trek is an easy to moderate trek. It is one of the most beginner-friendly treks in India, as it covers a small distance and has gradual elevation.
Which Is The Best Month To Visit Tungnath?
The best months to visit Tungnath are the months of April to June and September to November.
Which Body Part Of Shiva Is In Tungnath?
Hindu legends believe that Lord Shiva left his arms here at Tungnath. The temple worships his arms as the shivalinga.
