Tungnath is the highest Shiva temple in the world, and is one among the Panch Kedars, the five holy abodes of Lord Shiva. The name 'Tungnath' translates to 'the lord of the peaks', and literally abiding by its name, the temple is located at an altitude of 12000 ft above the sea level. Also 'tung' means arms and according to the legend of Panch Kedars, Lord Shiva took the form of a bull escaping Pandavas, and the arms of the bull appeared here in Tungnath. Obviously, this temple in the Himalayas goes under snow for half the year. The temple is opened in April last and remains so till November. Despite the temple being at an altitude of 12000ft, the trek to Tungnath is only 3km long, because the hike starts from Chopta, which itself is at 9000 ft above the sea level.
Chopta is celebrated as the Switzerland of India. It is a small Himalayan village located at about 200 km from Rishikesh. Buses ply from Haridwar and Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, and from there you have to deviate to reach Chopta. Rudraprayag to Chopta can be covered by not so frequent shared vehicles or by hitchhiking.
Chopta is rightfully called the Switzerland of India. With lush green meadows, snow capped Himalayan peaks in the vicinity, cows grazing on the mountain sides, and streams flowing with pearl white waters from the zeniths of the Himalayas, Chopta is a place not to be missed. Chopta is reliant on solar power for electricity and as expected, is free from cellphone networks. But the place is so serene and beautiful that one seldom cares about the cellphone. If time permits, one can also explore the nearby village of Sari.
The trek to Tungnath is an easy one, and chance of Altitude Medical Sickness worrying you is also less because of the altitide already gained at Chopta. The trek route is also stone paved and you walk through the middle of a green canvas of lush green meadows. This trek is also done during winter though Tungnath is not open then. Hence one can select ideal time accordingly.
The 3km trek can be done in 2 hours very comfortably, and you will reach the highest Shiva temple. After offering your prayers, you can simply spend hours appreciating the beauty of emerald green meadows. Also, one can trek one more kilometer to reach the Chandrashila peak, which presents a bird's- eye view of surrounding Himalayan peaks. This one kilometer stretch is arduous and takes one hour. But the views will compensate the efforts.
It would already have been evening when you descend back to Chopta. Resting in the nestling Himalayan village, one must start as early as possible if one has to make it to Haridwar, and then to New Delhi the same day. Even to catch a flight from Dehradun, it's necessary to start at the earliest. Still, the mountain roads might spoil your plans, but who knows with the blessings of Lord Tungnath!
Smile always, and travel often! Happy travelling! :-)
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