Tungnath Trek – Travel Guide Tungnath

Tungnath – The Highest Shiva Temple in the World

Tungnath is located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand on Chandranath parvat at a height of 3680 meters above sea level. It is the highest temple of Lord Shiva in the world. Tungnath is one of the sacred Panch Kedar.

Mythology and History about Tungnath

The mythological background of Tungnath Temple relates to the epic Mahabharata. Vyas Rishi told the Pandavas they killed their own brothers in the war of Mahabharata and they were guilty of doing this, Rishi told their sins would be expiated only if Lord Shiva pardoned them. Pandavas began in search of Lord Shiva in Kashi but Shiva ignored them and went in the Himalayas.

Pandavas went behind Shiva in the Himalayas, to escape from Pandavas Shiva took the form of a Bull and took refuge underground. The places where the parts of the Bull(Nandi) have appeared are now renowned Shiva Temples, and these temples are known as sacred Panch Kedars. Tungnath temple is the place where the hands(bahu) of the Bull(Nandi) were seen.

How to Reach Tungnath?

Tungnath is a 3 Km mid-level trek which starts from Chopta valley from the main market of Chopta. There is a big temple gate which is clearly visible and you can start your trekking to Tungnath. Once you reached Tungnath another 1.5 Km trek from Tungnath takes you to the Chandrashila summit which offers a beautiful view of snow-covered Himalayan ranges including Chaukhanba, Nanda Devi and Trishul.

Accommodation in Tungnath?

There are plenty of resorts and hotels in Chopta where you can stay as tungnath temple area is not suitable and permitted for construction so you have to trek down to Chopta and there you will find a stay and food facility.

For what Tungnath is famous for?

Tungnath is famous for Shiva Temple, Panch Kedar, Bugyals, and Trekking.

Tungnath is recommended as a destination for Solo, Family and Kids, Couples, Friend groups and all.

Tungnath is famous for the following activities: Panch Kedar, Pilgrimage, Trekking, Shiva Temples, Winter Trek winter destination, Adventure, and Beauty of Nature.

Tungnath Overview

  • Temperature: 10 (Max) and -4 (Min) in March
  • Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal
  • Stay (Recommended): 1 Day
  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (211 Km)
  • Nearest Airport: Jollygrant Airport, Dehradun (225 Km)
  • Famous for: Shiva Temple, Trekking, Panch Kedar, Meadows
  • Best times to visit: April, May, June, September, October and November

Kartik Swami Temple Travel Guide

Kartik Swami Temple History

The old legends said that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Ganesh and Lord Kartik one of them will get married first whoever comes first after taking the whole round of the earth(Universe). Lord Kartik Started his journey but Ganesh showed his intelligence and they rounded off around his mother Parvati and Father Shiva by saying that father and mother are the whole universes and I have completed the round.

Shiva was impressed by the intelligence of his son Ganesh and gave the privilege to be worshipped first. After completing the whole round of the Universe when Lord Kartik returns they get angry, lord Shiva tells all the story and says that talk to your mother because she has given advice to Ganesh that father and mother are the Universe for all.

Parvati gave him the knowledge before and not to you. After that Lord Kartik gave the flesh(skin) to the mother Parvati and bones to his father Shiva. In the Kartik Swami temple, bones of Lord Kartikeya(Kartik) are shown in an idol. So this was the complete story of Kartik Swami. Let’s know more about the holy Kartikswami temple.

About Lord Kartikey

Kartik Swami, is also known as the lord of War and Victory. They are also known as Morgan(Murugan) Swami(In Tamil Nadu) and in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, they are known as Subramanya and Kartikeya in the Bengal region.

Lord Kartik is also known as Lord Murugan, Skanda, Kumara, Subramanya, Kartikeyan, Karthik, Kartik in various regions of India and in the world. Kartikeya is particularly popular and predominantly worshipped in South India and also in other countries like Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Bangkok. Malaysia as Morgan God.

Kartik Swami Temple in Rudraprayag

The Kartik Swami Temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, at 3050 meters from sea level, and is located on a marble-type rock that is naturally built. From the temple, you can see a 360-degree view of the Himalayan Range(Himalayas). This place offers both views of snow peaks and the lower Himalayas.

Kartik Swami Temple Location and How to Reach

Kartikswami temple is dedicated to the elder son of Lord Shiva, who was Lord Kartik. Kartik Swami is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand. The trek to Kartikswami starts from Kanakchauri Village and offers 360-degree views of the Himalayas(snow peaks and lower Himalayas).

Start your journey from Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, then to Kartikswami.

Read the complete guide on how to reach Kartik Swami Temple.

Places to See in Kartik Swami

There are not many more places to see in Kartik Swami, but there is 1 tourist spot in Kartik Swami where travelers and visitors can spend their time and enjoy there. Here you will find the list of places of all Kartik Swami sightseeing options which you must visit. Explore the hidden Gems of Kartik Swami through this well-researched list, and learn about the most happening places, there are many picnic places and Ashrams where you can enjoy your time.

Kanakchauri

Kanakchauri is a small village located on the Karanprayag – Pokhari road, which is approximately 41.8 Km away. The distance will be covered approximately within 1 hour and 30 to 35 minutes. Kanakchauri is the starting point for the trek to Kartik Swami Temple. If you are planning to visit Kartik Swami then there are some best hotels in Kanakchauri where you can stay at budget prices.

Kartik Swami Overview

  • Best time to visit Kartik Swami – January, February, March, April, May June, October, November and December
  • Journey Starts from – Kanakchauri Village
  • Trek Distance – 3 Km
  • Trek Grade –  Easy for Pahadi and Medium for Others
  • Trek Duration – Same day
  • Altitude Range – 3050 meters
  • Location – Rudraprayag(Garhwal)
  • Recommended Stay – 1 day at least
  • Railway Station Nearest – Rishikesh(175Km)
  • Nearest Airport Gauchar(40 Km), Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun(222 Km)
  • Famous for – Kartikswami Temple, Trekking, Nature Beauty, Bird Watching, Sunset, Sunrise, Himalayan Views.

Kedarnath Trek Travel Guide and How to Reach

Kedarnath – Shiv Temple at Kailasha

Kedarnath is one of the holy Hindu towns located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The original temple was constructed by the Pandavas, and then it was later renovated by the Adi Guru Shankracharya in the 8th century. It is one of the char dham of Uttarakhand which is at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level in the Himalaya(Kailash) near the head of the Mandakini river. The Kedarnath lies in between the snow-covered Himalayan ranges and thousands of tourists visit here.

Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the temple remains open for a few months from last April to November. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Baba Kedar or Lord Shiva. In Kedarnath, there are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Mythology and History about Kedarnath Temple

There is a very famous mythology by Hindus related to the origin of the Kedarnath, which states that after the war of the Kurukchetra(final war of Mahabharata), Pandavas went for an anonymous journey to beg for mercy from Lord Shiva advised by Lord Krishna. So before seeking salvation, Pandavas went to Kashi to meet Lord Shiva.

But Lord Shiva wasn’t willing to meet the Pandavas. Shiva avoided meeting Pandavs at Kashi and took the form of Bull(Nandi) and went away to the Himalayas.

Pandavas went behind Lord Shiva to chase Shiva and they reached Kedarnath where Bhima tried to catch it and hit its hind part with his mace. The bull(Nandi) is immersed in the earth. The parts of the bull appeared in different places. It is believed that the Hind part of the bull was caught by the Bhim from which a Jyotirlinga and Lord Shiva appeared in front of Pandavas. After taking the blessings of Lord Shiva, they told Pandavas from now onwards I will be present here as a triangular-shaped Jyotirlinga, which is now the Kedarnath temple.

The other four parts of the bull(Nandi), Lord Shiva fell at Rudranath, Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath and Kalpeshwar and these places were named Panch Kedar.

Travel Guide for Your Journey to Kedarnath

If you are a known traveler who doesn’t know about the routes of Kedarnath here is the complete travel guide for your journey to Kedarnath. Haridwar is the starting point to begin your Char Dham Yatra.

Read our travel guide on how to reach Kedarnath from Haridwar to get a complete idea to complete your Kedarnath journey.

How to reach Kedarnath – Rishikesh or Delhi

As you know that the Kedarnath temple is located in the Rudraprayag district, so firstly you have to reach Rudraprayag and then start your journey from there. There are also many other places in Rudraprayag you can also visit after completing your Kedarnath yatra.

Firstly, Reach Rishikesh

Rishikesh is the starting point of the Himalayas and it is one of the famous cities of Uttarakhand. The city is well-connected with all the inner-state and national bus routes and also with the Train routes. If you are coming via flight then Jolly grant airport Dehradun is just 20 Km away from Rishikesh and it takes 35 to 40 minutes only. Always try to travel at night so that you can reach Rishikesh in the early morning and start your road journey to Kedarnath.

Rishikesh to Sonprayag or Gaurikund

From Rishikesh Bus Stand, you can catch public transport like Tata Sumo and Buses to Sonprayag. It is harder to find direct buses to Sonprayag so try to catch them for Guptkashi. From there you will find public transport to Sonprayag and Gaurikund easily. However, you can also get a bus to Rudraprayag and then Rudraprayag to Guptkashi. After that, you can complete your journey to Sonprayag with a shareable Maxx or Tata sumo. Below is the road route from Rishikesh to Sonprayag. You can hire a taxi for your destination.

Route from Rishikesh to Sonprayag – Kedarnath

Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Augustmuni – Guptkashi – Sonprayag

Bio – Metric Registration at Sonprayag

As instructed by the Uttarakhand Government, it is compulsory for every traveller to do biometric registration at Sonprayag. The biometric registration facility is also available online on the Uttarakhand tourism website. For registration, you have to carry your Aadhaar Card together.

Facilities for tourists at Sonprayag

Biometric registration for travellers and pilgrimages for Kedarnath Dham Yatra and Char Dham Yatra. Accommodation facilities are there from budget to deluxe restaurants and hotels in Sonprayag. Parking facilities are also available at Sonprayag for all types of vehicles near the bank of river Mandakini. Shuttle service to Gaurikund which are shareable jeeps and Tata sumos.

Keep in mind that Sonprayag is the last point for all commercial and non-commercial vehicles. You can’t travel further by personal vehicle or public transport.

A huge parking facility is there for all kinds of vehicles in Sonprayag. You have to complete the further 5 Km journey from the shuttle service between Sonprayag and Gaurikund which costs 50 rupees per person.

After reaching Gaurikund, ask for the rooms from the hotel owners. The least amount of rooms in the month of May and June is basically 500 and varies on the season.

Journey from Gaurikund to Kedarnath(18 Km, 6 – 7 Hours Journey)

The trek journey to Kedarnath starts from Gaurikund which is approximately 18 Km and takes up to 7 hours to complete. You can also take ponies, horses or dandi at rent to complete your journey.

Trekking tips for the journey to Kedarnath trek

  • Try to start your trek journey in the early morning to avoid the hard sunlight at noon. So it’s better to leave the rooms early to complete most of the trek before the sun’s rays become harsher.
  • Don’t try to travel empty stomach, it can make your journey harder and you will feel sick in between the journey.
  • Carry raincoats and umbrellas because the weather in Kedar Valley is so changing. So carry an umbrella or raincoats together on the journey.
  • Walk with good grip shoes as the route is slippery, and don’t carry unwanted things. It will make your bag heavier and your speed will slow down and it will be harder to complete.
  • Carry water bottles together, but don’t throw the waste anywhere around, put them into your bag or there are dustbins at some places that use them. Make sure you don’t spoil nature, save it for the next generations.
  • Keep your focus on the trekking route so that ponies and horses coming down from Kedarnath don’t hit you.

For what Kedarnath is Famous for?

Kedarnath is famous for Kedarnath Temple, Trekking, Char Dham Yatra, Himalaya(Kailash) and Pilgrimage.

Kedarnath is the best destination for travellers, photographers, family and kids, Groups and for all.

Kedarnath is famous for the following activities: Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath Temple, Panch Kedar and Trekking.

Overview Kedarnath

  • Temperature: Cold area(changing temp. can’t be defined, fixed)
  • Location: Rudraprayag, Garhwal
  • Stay(Recommended): 2 days
  • Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh, 228 Km
  • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun(248 Km)
  • Famous for: Kedarnath Temple, Char Dham Yatra, Trekking, Himalayas, Pilgrimage, Photography
  • Best times to visit Kedarnath: May, June, September, October and November

FAQs

Time is taken to reach Kedarnath?

It will take up to 7 hours to complete the route, so it is advised to start your journey in the early morning so that you can reach the destination early. There are a number of hotels and restaurants for accommodation, search for the rooms. For photographers, Kedar Valley is a paradise for them, you can click photos around the temple and around the valley.

Best time to Visit Kedarnath

The best time to visit Kedarnath is from September to November when the season becomes a little down, so you wouldn’t have to face more crowds. In the months of July and August, heavy rainfall happens in the Kedar Valley and the risk of road blockage and landslides becomes more. It is advised to travel in the month of September and October so that you can get instant Darshan and you don’t need to stay in long queues, and you will be able to find budget hotels at that time.

How long does it take to climb Kedarnath?

The approximate time it takes to climb the Kedarnath trek is almost 6 to 7 hours. But the time took also depends upon you. If you are an experienced person, you can cover the Kedarnath trek within 5 to 6 hours. For pahadi people, the trek will be easy to climb.

How difficult is the Kedarnath Trek or Yatra?

The trek to Kedarnath is difficult, but not so. If you are a newbie to the mountains, it will be very hard for you to complete the trek. But if you are a person who does exercise on a regular basis, then you will not face any big difficulty to climb up.

Can we go to Kedarnath by car?

No, you can go to Kedarnath by car only up to Gauri Kund which is the last road station. After Gaurikund you have to complete the journey by foot.

How can I go to Kedarnath by train?

The train route is available only up to Rishikesh, after that you have to travel by car, bus or shared vehicle.

Chopta Valley – Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand

Chopta Hill Station Travel Guide

Chopta in Uttarakhand, which is also known as the “Mini Switzerland” of Uttarakhand, is located in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand State. Chopta Hill station is located at an altitude of 2700 meters from sea level. If you are in Rudraprayag and want to visit the places near Rudraprayag and Chopta can be the dream destination for you.

Chopta is surrounded by dense green forest and offers a beautiful view of Snow Covered Himalayan Ranges and Green Meadows.

It is also the starting point of the Tungnath Mandir(also known as Panch Kedar Temple) and Chandrashila Summit. The Chopta region area is rich in flora and fauna, with a large quantity of Rhododendron and Deodar trees all around. If you are planning a Chopta Tour then below is the list of activities and places to visit in Chopta, Uttarakhand.

Best Places to See in Chopta

Chopta is a very beautiful hill station and a superb trekking destination in the Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand which is surrounded by evergreen forests with the views of Himalayan Ranges. Chopta not only attracts Indian tourists but also International tourists and trekkers all around the year. Chopta is the base of many trekking destinations like Tungnath, Chandrashilla, etc. Chopta can be the perfect winter destination for you and your family as well as with the friend groups where you can enjoy the beautiful nature and cotton snow.

For nature lovers and trekking lovers, Chopta is a must visiting destination in Uttarakhand. Apart from Chopta you can visit various places and make your journey more enjoyable. There are more destinations to explore from Chopta such as the Himalayan Ranges and other natural beauty of Uttarakhand. There are many more beautiful and historical places in Uttarakhand to explore. From Temples to hill stations and the beauty of the lakes in Uttarakhand like Deoriatal lake, Tehri Lake, and many more.

Chopta The Center of Panch Kedar

Chopta is the centre of all Panch Kedars(Shiva Temples) two on the left side (Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar) and two on the other right side(Rudranath and Kalpeshwar Mahadev) and one on the top of Chopta which is Tungnath. Tungnath is the highest Shiva Temple in the world. The positive energy at this place is unmatched, visit here and feel the energy. Uttarakhand Heaven.

Nearby Places to Visit in Chopta

Tungnath Temple

Tungnath is the highest temple of Lord Shiva, perched at an elevation of 3,680mts above sea level. The sanctity of the region of Tungnath is considered unsurpassed. Tungnath is one of Panch Kedar and Shiva’s arm is worshipped here.

Chandrashilla

Chandrashila can be reached after a little more than 1 km easy grade trek from Tungnath. From Chandrashila one can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the gigantic Himalayas. Chandrashila is the highest point of the mountain, on which Tungnath Temple and Chopta are located.

Reasons to Visit Chopta Hill Station

Off Beat Tour

Perfect Weekend Destination amidst the Beautiful Himalayan Ranges of Uttarakhand.

Easy Route

Chopta is an easily accessible place via road from Delhi, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.

In Budget Destination

Being a scheduled destination, it is a budget-friendly destination.

Nature Beauty

Chopta is filled with Green Meadows and surrounded by the mighty Himalayan Ranges.