Tungnath, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand
Tungnath Temple located in Rudraprayag is the highest Shiva Temple in the world. The temple is an ideal pick for the devotees who are extremely dedicated to the Lord and are equally adventurous. Located at an altitude of 3680 metres, the temple is situated just below the peak of Chandrashila. Tungnath temple, which is the highest Hindu Shrine, is believed to have a history of nearly 1000 years. It is the second in the pecking order of Panch Kedars. The temple has often been linked to Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic and it is believed that it was built by Arjun, one of the five Pandavas.
The architecture of the temple is majestic and it appears heavenly once you reach the temple because of the surrounding natural beauty. The structure of the temple is built in North Indian style and it is surrounded by a number of small temples of other Gods. The idols of popular Hindu sages like Vyas and Kaal Bhairab are also enshrined in the temple.
How to reach:
By Train: Haridwar is the nearest railway station to Tungnath temple. It is situated at a distance of 225 kilometres from Chopta, which is the nearest town to the temple.
By Road: Taxi or buses are easily available till Chopta after which the journey begins on foot. A person can reach Tungnath through Kund-Gopeshwar Road.
By flight: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport.
Best time to visit: The temple opens in the month of April or May and remains open till the month of October. Chopta is a popular destination where one can experience snowfall during winters.
