On the path to Tungnath, Himalaya Photo Journal

The 3.5 km trek from Chopta to Tungnath Shiva temple in Garhwal Himalaya is an appointment with the Self :-) Even thoughts seem to leave you, such is the soothing impact of the place.

Walking the path amidst tall rhododendrons

The path to Tungnath is a stone-paved track with strawberry runners by its side and tall rhododendrons overlooking it in the first kilometer or so. As the height increases, trees give way to alpine meadows.

The track to Tungnath is silence itself. Even the stones seem to have soaked it over the centuries, and radiate a kind of calm. A lone tea shack courtesy a local resident serves as a travellers’ haven here. An occasional shepherd turned limejuice seller may also be spotted. His sheep dot the meadows while he mixes a cool glass of neembu pani.

If you decide to take the trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila peak in winter, you’ll find the temple closed for winter, but the snow is a bonus.

A view of the temple from the path

Shiva’s trishul in the temple courtyard

Shiva’s Nandi facing the main shrine at Tungnath

A winter morning at Tungnath

Parvati mandir adjoining the main temple at Tungnath

Parvati mandir

Ganpati at Tungnath temple

Bhairav baba at Tungnath

Travel facts: Tungnath

There are two routes to reach Chopta. I take the one via Ukhimath in the Mandakini valley. The trek and return to Chopta takes 5 hours or so, depending on how much time you spend at the top. In the monsoons, generally every afternoon there is rain at the top. Your choice for accommodation is limited to tents, local homes, a handful of guesthouses, or pitching your own tent with permission from the forest authorities.

Travel agents in Haridwar may assist you plan a trip here. Else, GMOU buses are the mode of transport for locals here.

Map to Tungnath

Anisha