You’ve surely heard of the world’s highest temple of Lord Shiva, situated in Tungnath. If you’ve already heard of it, there are chances you might know that you have to trek to such a high altitude of 3600mts. And we are here with a complete guide to Tungnath: trekking to the world’s highest Shiva Temple
The trek commences from an area called Chopta, which is about 2700mts and is a moderately easy one of 3.5 km. This trek doesn’t require a guide most of the time, except one is quite much suggested during peak winter.
Why trek to Tungnath?
This can be quite the question -what is there to see in Tungnath? Or why do thousands of people travel across countries to trek here? Well, the answer lies in the experience of the trek. The highest Shiva Temple at Tungnath is almost 1000 years old. Dedicated to Shiva and some other deities that can be seen around, this temple is magnificent in its architecture. The beauty from such altitudes adds to the holy vibes which makes the place much more interesting to check out.
The idol of Lord Shiva is moved to Mukunath during winters and one has to trek 29kms from that place through the harsh winter nature. The green meadow, Rhododendrons and rock terrains make up a beautiful journey to the Mukunath.
Other than serving as the pilgrimage location and a trekking route, Tungamath is home to Monal birds. Lucky ones might also be able to spot musk deers in that high altitude region.
Best time to visit Tungnath
The months of April and August are quite pleasant in Tungnath. The average temperature remains around 16° c and it also is perfectly ideal for sightseeing and visiting the temple trekking to the altitude itself. The only issue during this month is that when you track the downside, it can get a little bit slippery.
The months of September to November remain a bit chilly. But it is the best time to visit Tunganath. Just after the monsoons and the winter sets in these months are up to perfect time to see the best of the region. The whole of the pilgrim location remains covered with greenery at this time.
The months of December to March denote harsh winter. Temperatures may come down below zero at night and in the evening. I do the snowfall the does Shiva Temple at Tunganath closes down. If you still want to enjoy the taking experience in such a chilli air, you won’t be able to sightsee the pilgrimage spot.
What is the mythology behind the Shiva temple at Tugnanath?
The mythological story that’s back to the epic Mahabharata. It just said that Pandavas, after killing their brothers in the epic Mahabharata war, were held guilty by Vyasa Rishi. Vyasa Rishi said they can only expiate if pardoned by Lord Shiva. When Pandavas set out on the trip to search for Lord Shiva in the Himalayas, Lord Shiva kept on avoiding them. He was said to escape their presence by disguising himself as a bull who took refuge. Where the parts of the bull were found, a Shiva temple rose later.
Tunganath Shiva Temple is where the hands of the bull were found.
Where to stay in Tungnath?
In Tungnath there are a lot of budget-friendly lodges are accommodations that are available for the tourist and the pilgrims who visit the place. These properties of lodges are mostly operated by local priests with limited services and amenities. You can either book them at your arrival or you can book them beforehand.
If you are looking forward to camping in such a beautiful place you can stay at Duggalbitta or Chopta. These two places have a handful of accommodation and camping services to offer.
Food at Tungnath
Tungnath has a few basic it rays which offer very many more food like Maggi tea season vegetables dal and rice to the tourists and pilgrims. However, you need to be our of the fact that non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited at Tungnath and is so is alcohol.
Tungnath can be one of the best places to visit during the months of autumn right before the arrival of winter and after the end of the monsoon season. Travel packages cost around 5000 for three sunny days and two nights. The pilgrim spot of Tungnath is beautifully adorned on the Chandranath Parvat and is a holy home to the people visiting it. We hope that this complete guide to Tungnath: trekking to the world’s highest Shiva temple is useful to you. So why are you waiting? Go book your seat in this holy paradise.
Note: For any tour package for North east India or anywhere in India please visit: DzongHolidays.
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