Tags
Bugyaal, Chandrashila, Chaukhamba, Chopta, Deodar, Devine, Garhwal, Kedar, Nature, Neelkanth, Photography, Rhododendron, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Shiva, Srinagar, Tungnath, Ukhimath, Uttarakhand
ψ Om Namah Shivay ψ
Tungnath means ‘Lord of the peaks’. It is a peak located at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila. It houses the Tungnath temple which is the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. It has a rich legend linked to the Pandavas.
Tungnath is at the top of the ridge dividing the waters of the Mandakini river (raising from Kedarnath) from those of the Alaknanda river (raising above Badrinath). The temple lies about 2 km below the Chandrashila Peak (approx. 4,000 m (13,123 ft)). There is cemented track for trekking to the temple from Chopta, over a short distance of about 4 km.
People from all walks of life come to this heavenly abode of Lord Shiva.
1. To offer their prayers to Lord Shiva
![20161101_120403](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/20161101_120403.jpg?w=524&h=699)
Worshipping Lord Rudra
In earlier times, people in their ‘Sannyasa Ashram’, or the last stage of human life, used to dedicate all their time to worship God so that they could get ‘Moksha’. The Panch kedars are famous Shiva Temples which have been favorites because of the serenity and divine aesthetics of these shrines.
2. For the nature enthusiasts
![wp_20161101_08_59_41_pro](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wp_20161101_08_59_41_pro.jpg?w=529&h=298)
Snow clad Chaukhamba Peak
The Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak which is located just 2 km from Tungnath temple exhibit picturesque views of the Himalayan range comprising snow peaks of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba and Neelkanth on one side, and the Garhwal valley on the opposite side.
![wp_20161101_09_03_09_pro](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wp_20161101_09_03_09_pro.jpg?w=384&h=216)
A Bhotia Dog
While trudging up the track to the temple, the valley between Chopta and Tunganath temple has wooded hills with rich alpine meadows also called ‘Bugyaals’ with rhododendrons, deodars and also agricultural fields of the people who rear farm animals like goats, sheep, cows, etc. for livelihood. Also ‘Bhotia’ dogs are kept for security of farm animals and guarding the agricultural fields from wild animals.
![wp_20161101_09_01_44_pro](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wp_20161101_09_01_44_pro.jpg?w=529)
Farms of the residents on the way to Tungnath Temple
The rhododendrons, when they are in full bloom during March, display dazzling colours ranging from crimson to pink, adding to the beauty of the valley.
![20161101_125254](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/20161101_125254.jpg?w=603&h=452)
Botanical Station: Garhwal University
A high-altitude botanical station of the Garhwal University is located here.
3. For adventure lovers
![wp_20161101_10_22_31_pro](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/wp_20161101_10_22_31_pro.jpg?w=529)
Steep track to Tungnath and Chandrashila Peak
The 4 km steep and exhausting trek to Tungnath temple will surely get your adrenaline pumping. There is an additional 2 km trek to Chandrashila Peak from Tungnath temple. Usually people who come to visit this shrine reach Tungnath and after offering their prayers and relaxing in the serene beauty of the place take the way back to Chopta. But the adventurers have a to do attitude and trudge the 2 km Chandrashila trek to reach the Highest point of the peak.
![chandrashila](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/chandrashila.jpg?w=529)
Chandrashila Peak: Top of the World
The view from above is the one to behold. The clouds look so close, it seems one can touch them with bare hands. The winds blow at a fast pace and the sun shines bright overhead. The sky is uninterruptedly blue and clear with a few clouds here and there hovering above as if painted on a clear blue canvas. The mesmerizing views from above are a treat to the eyes. Watching the sunrise and sunset will give you a feeling of tranquility and calm.
![chandrashila-peak-3](https://garimarauthan.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/chandrashila-peak-3.jpg?w=529)
Stone stacks as memoirs
Also, people create stone memoirs to mark their presence in this beautiful place to look at when they return back sometime again. They believe that these stone memoirs will be testimonials of their presence in this sacred place.
According to a legend, Lord Rama meditated at the Chandrashila peak. It is also said that Ravana did penance to Lord Shiva, the lord of the peaks, when he resided here.
4. For animal and bird lovers
Many wild animals are found here. Himalayan Black Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Jackal, Fox, Jungle Cat, Marbled Cat, Himalayan Langur, Yellow-throated Marten, Pika, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, Barking Deer and others offer evidence of their presence. A Musk Deer reserve is also present 7 Kms further towards Mandal.
Among the birds that flock this region, Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan Swiftlet, Crested Goshawk, Himalayan Griffon, Black Kite, Red-headed Vulture, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Golden Eagle, Speckled Wood Pigeon, Snow Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Oriental Turtle Dove, Hill Partridge, Snow Partridge and Himalayan Monal are a few names.
Photography lovers and bird lovers can watch them and capture them on camera.
5. For Photography Lovers
This place is the best for photography lovers as there are picturesque views, nature , flowers, animals, birds, and serenity to the fullest.
There are snow covered Mountain peaks which display the magnificence and beauty of the nature. The clouds which engulf the Mountain ranges every few minutes and again leave them bare for the eyes to feast upon, put up a beautiful show. The tall trees and leaves of the bushes sway with the strong winds and its a view to behold.
The vicinity of this place is surrounded by trees and ‘Bugyaals’. People from India and abroad come here in huge numbers. They lodge near Chopta and nearby places and start the trek early in the morning.
For the ease of the people who are unable to climb the steep track on foot, the local people rear horses and offer horse rides at nominal rates. It is like a blessing for old age people and children who are unable to trudge such a steep track on foot.
There are small food joints run by local residents of nearby villages near the Temple. People can take refreshments and also lodge for the night in the small lodges. Also woolens are a must to be carried to fight the cold and harsh weather. This trip is a recommended one and it can be planned on how to reach Tungnath.
May Lord Shiva bless everyone!!