Tungnath is a holy town nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. The town is home to Tungnath temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,680 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. In this blog, we will explore the history of Tungnath, places to visit nearby, the best time to visit, and how to reach Tungnath
The Tungnath temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century by Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is one of the Panch Kedar temples, which are dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to legends, Tungnath is the place where the arms of Lord Shiva appeared after the Pandavas performed penance to seek his blessings.
Tungnath is a sacred pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and is one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters above sea level, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. Tungnath is also a popular trekking destination, attracting adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over the world.
The trek to Tungnath is a 3.5 km uphill climb that takes you through stunning rhododendron forests, lush green meadows, and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. The temple is located in the midst of a picturesque valley, surrounded by high peaks like Kedar Dome, Chaukhamba, and Nanda Devi.
Places to Visit in Tungnath
Tungnath Temple Located at an altitude of 3680 meters, it is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Chandrashila At an altitude of 4000 meters, this peak offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a popular trekking destination.
Deoria Tal A pristine lake located at an altitude of 2438 meters surrounded by lush green forests and snow-capped peaks.
Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary A wildlife sanctuary is known for its rare and endangered species like the Himalayan musk deer and the Bharal.
Ukhimath A small town located at the base of Tungnath, it is believed to be the winter home of Lord Kedarnath.
Chopta Known as the "Mini Switzerland of India", Chopta is a beautiful hill station located at an altitude of 2700 meters.
Kalimath A small village located on the banks of the Mandakini River, it is believed to be the place where Goddess Kali killed the demon Raktavija.
Best Time to Visit
Tungnath is best visited between the months of May and November when the weather is pleasant and the trekking routes are accessible. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 226 km away. The nearest railway station is in Haridwar, which is about 225 km away. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Tungnath.
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