Tungnath Temple

• PlaceTungnath (near Chopta), Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
• Presiding deityShiv

Traveller Note: Owing to the altitude, oxygen levels are low; carry woollen clothing, water and essential medicines, and return before evening.

Scriptural and Historical Significance

• It is believed that the arms (bahu) of Bhagwan Shiva in His mahisha form manifested here; it is therefore venerated as the third Kedar of the Panch Kedar.
• Situated at an altitude of approx. 3,680 metres, it is regarded as the highest Shiva temple in the world.
• By tradition, the founding of the temple is associated with the Pandavas; the present structure is linked to the tradition of Adi Shankaracharya.
• Winter Seat: When the portals close, the movable processional deity (chal-vigraha doli) of Bhagwan Tungnath is brought to Makkumath (Markateshwar/Markandeya Temple), where winter worship takes place.

Key Features, Architecture, Rituals and Aarti

• A stone temple in the traditional Katyuri-Nagara style of Uttarakhand, with a roof of stone slabs.
• In the garbhagriha (sanctum), the arm portion is worshipped in the form of a svayambhu (self-manifested) Shivalinga; the complex contains small shrines to Parvati and other deities.
• Responsibility for worship traditionally rests with the local Maithani Brahmin priests of Makku village.
• On the occasions of the opening and closing of the portals, the doli yatra is conducted with dhol-damau drums and local folk traditions.

Best Time to Visit, Timings and Festivals

• Best Season: May–June and September–October; during July–August the path remains slippery owing to rain.
• Daily Hours: Approx. 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Timings are subject to change; please confirm with the temple trust before travelling.)
• The portals generally open in late April/May and close around Deepawali (October–November).
• The month of Shravan and the portal-opening festival are the principal occasions.

How to Reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun — approx. 230 km from Chopta.
• By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Yog Nagari Rishikesh — approx. 210 km from Chopta (the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag rail project is under construction).
• By Road: Road access to Chopta via Rishikesh–Rudraprayag–Ukhimath; from Chopta a paved footpath of approx. 3.5 km leads to the temple.

Nearby Spiritual and Other Places

• Chandrashila Peak (approx. 4,000 metres) — approx. 1.5 km beyond the temple; it is believed that Shri Ram performed penance here.
• Deoria Tal — approx. 2.5 km on foot from Sari village; Sari is approx. 25 km from Chopta.
• Omkareshwar Temple, Ukhimath — approx. 30 km from Chopta.
• Makkumath (winter seat) — approx. 25 km from Chopta (via the Duggalbitta route).
• Kartik Swami Temple (Kanakchauri) — approx. 60 km from Chopta.

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Sources 1

• Major Temples, Tirthas & Dhams of India (Avyani project reference, EN + HI editions, Sep 2026)

Where a tradition is told differently from region to region or from one sampradaya to another, the tellings are given side by side.

Darshan timings, portal dates, registration rules and distances are approximate and change from time to time; please confirm with the official notices of the temple trust or administration before travelling.