The world’s highest Shiva temple is a 3.5km climb, ascending 750m, up a well-paved trail from the village of Chopta in Uttarakhand. Tungnath, located 3680 meters above sea level, is the world’s highest temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It beckons pilgrims and seekers from all walks of life to tread the path of devotion.
Ancient Origins & Architectural Grandeur
Amazing view of Tungnath Temple 🙏😍
Om Namah Shivaye
Har Har Mahadev 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/dG6xhZsqnA— Shivaye 🔱 (@shivaye01) December 26, 2020
Dating back over a millennium, Tungnath Temple’s origins are shrouded in the mists of antiquity. Legend intertwines with history, as folklore narrates the temple’s creation by the Pandava brothers, heroes of the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that after the great war, the Pandavas sought redemption for their sins and set out on a pilgrimage to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings. In their quest, they erected the Tungnath Temple, a celestial abode nestled amidst the Himalayas, as a symbol of their devotion and penance. Tunganath is related to the Panch Kedar Circuit (Lord Shiva Temples) established by the Pandavas.
Tungnath Temple is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Amidst the picturesque Garhwal Himalayas, this sacred temple stands between natural beauty and human ingenuity. Its distinctive pagoda-style architecture with sloping roofs and intricately carved wooden beams, reflects the traditional architectural ethos of the region. The trek to reach the temple is arduous, winding through dense forests and steep mountain trails.
Also Read: Kashi Ropeway: Varanasi To Get Lord Shiva-Inspired Ropeway; Here’s All About It
Tungnath Temple Trek
World highest Shiva temple 🚩
💜 Tungnath Mahadev 💜 pic.twitter.com/dykmVhmDpr
— 𝐑𝐚𝐣𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐮 (@RajatSahu_Ind) May 30, 2022
Tungnath is easily accessible from Chopta via a 4km stroll along a well-maintained trail. The hike route to Tungnath begins immediately beside the road at Chopta and is visible. The walking trail is stone paved, with benches provided at regular intervals to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Chowkhamba, Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, and Kedarnath peaks. Continue 1.5 kilometres beyond the temple to the top of Chandrisilla Peak (4000 meters).
In addition to the Chopta-Tungnath walk, there is the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek, which is 1 km. The walk is popular for its scenic beauty, stunning sceneries, and panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. Another one is the Deoriatal-Chandrashila trek is 2.5 km. During the winter, these trekking trails are covered with snow, which makes the walk rather difficult but provides an incredible experience for adventure travellers.
Tungnath Mandir will open on May,2024.
Cover image credits: Pexels