Tungnath: Bored with Beaches? But mountains are too crowded? Winter season is coming to an end and your friends have diched every plans you made to go to Shimla and Kasol because they are too crowded and expensive.
Explore Tungnath
Let us tell you about a not so hidden but often overlooked destination for your snow fever. Near the most prominently know temple of Kedarnath is another blessed place which is considered the highest Shiv temple at 3690 meters above sea level -The Tungnath. Literally meaning “the lord of peaks”.
While many have visited Kedarnath, very few know about the Tungnath temple, situated in the district of Rudraprayag it is one of the panch kedar and have a very important place in Hindu culture. Apart from its significance in history and culture of the Garhwal region, it is no less than heaven for mountain lovers and trekking enthusiast.
So, let me help you pack your bags.
While travelling luggage is your asset and also responsibility so always prefer packing light, single backpack to carry on your shoulders (so no duffle bag or suitcase). As we go higher up the hill the temperature falls rapidly, and the nights are worse. So be ready to be covered in layers.
Pack at least 4 layers for top and two for bottom. Avoid changing a lot so no need for multiple clothes. Jeans and t-shirt are absolute gem. Also pack a pair of warm inner and wear a sweater. Over this a jacket and woollen gloves would do. Do not pack extra shoes as it gets heavy rather wear good sport shoes. Along with this pack an extra pair of socks.
Too many clothes you think, you will surely thank me for this. Also do pack some snacks as it is going to be a long journey. I remember someone brought Gud and roasted gram (chana), it was a delight. I would recommend a vacuum flask (thermos) as you can get warm water, but it cools down very fast.
As we are packed let’s go through the route once.
How to reach Tungnath?
Delhi -> Rishikesh -> Rudraprayag -> Ukhimath -> Chopta -> Tungnath
Way to Rishikesh:
Reached Delhi? Ok. Now book a bus to Rishikesh. It is a 254 km journey that takes around 5 to 6 hours so I would recommend taking a comfortable bus at night and have a good night’s sleep.
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag:
After reaching Rishikesh in the morning you should not have any problem finding another bus to Rudra Prayag. This is going to be the best 140 kms of the journey if it’s your first in Uttarakhand. I would recommend a window seat at the left side of the bus (driver’s side) as you are going to see some of the best sights of your life. The Mandakini and Alakhnanda making their way between the mountains as you watch from high above. The sun coming up from between the mountains is a sight to store in your memory forever.
Rudraprayag to Ukhimath:
As you reach the Rudra Prayag the air starts thinning but is as pure anything. After travelling for almost 11 hrs you might want to rest but bear with me some more and take a traveller for Ukhimath. It’s a 43 km journey that takes about an hour and a half, but this is where you first see the mountains covered with snow and as the sunlight falls on them it’s a sight to witness.
Ukhimath to Chopta :
The small village of Ukhimath is as beautiful as the mountains themselves. Also, a tip, make sure you try momos and spring rolls there, they exceed any expectations you might have, and maggie in the mountain just can’t match it.
It would probably be afternoon as you reach ukhimath and you can take a hotel to spend the day here but it is recommended otherwise. Rather take another car for Chopta.
Final Adobe:
Chopta is a place you should stay at. The tents here are as good as any hotel rooms and gives a full view of the majestic Himalayas. It is an experience of the lifetime just staying here. Take the tent as high as possible for the best view.
Eat here while there is still sunlight as you would not wish to go out in the night. Its chilly and dark and you might not find the nights like Shimla or Manali here with a lot of people and bonfire. Take rest and sleep early to wake up fresh and energetic, you are going to need it. Try to wake up before the sun to watch sunrise, it will fill you with joy for a lifetime.
Ready to trek in Tungnath?
After a mesmerising morning, eat light and ready yourself for a 5 km long and steep ascend towards the tungnath peak. Make sure you are not empty stomach and take a water bottle with you as you might not find any on your way. Also make sure to wear an extra pair of socks.
If your shoes are not adequate for walking on slippery ice, you can rent one there. There are also spikes available to put on your shoes which are also helpful. Take a good walking stick along, it’s going to be your best friend.
Baby steps:
Now get ready to ascend. It is a moderately difficult trek. Short but steep. The ice makes it tricky. If you manage to start early before the ice starts to melt by the sun, it’s much easier. The air is very thin as you go up hence tiring you soon.
Take breaks every 10 to 15 minutes, enjoying the full view of the sunlight striking the snow. As you move up the mountains that looked so majestic suddenly falls shorter than you but only more beautiful. The trill takes away your breath. As you move up. Avoid taking shortcuts as you might just find yourself stuck.
It is a 2 to 3 hours walk which takes away a lot of every, but the excitement keeps filling you with more. Some parts are more difficult than other, as I said ice makes it trickier. Also don’t walk in the edges, it’s just common sense.
Sight of the Shiva:
As the temple gets visible the view around you humbles you. The feeling as you reach the temple just cannot be put into words. Suddenly you are above everything and everything around you are ever more beautiful.
Chandrashila:
If you are left with any more energy another 2 km of trek brings to Chndra Shila from where the temple looks more beautiful. And it is literally breathtaking.
Spend as much time as possible and descend as the sun does. Descend is easy and quick if to keep care and caution. Try sliding down the snow.
Let’s be in budget.
The money matter is pretty simple. The journey’s cost is paid by the destination.
Travelling to Tungnath:
Delhi to Rishikesh – 600 to 800 Rs
Rishikesh to Rudraprayag – 300 Rs
Rudraprayag to Ukhimath – 250 Rs
Ukhimath to Chopta – 200 Rs
The Return cost you the same. Staying in Chopta is around Rs 500 per person but you can always negotiate and if you’re with a group it can be even cheaper.
Food and other expenses don’t go beyond Rs 2000 per person for the whole trip.
The whole trip should come around anything between Rs 4000 to 5000 per person.
Things For recommend.
In travelling, if you are going in a group the fun just doubles and cost halves. Plan this with your buddies which are as exited for the snow season as you are.
While your way back, stay in Rudraprayag and visit the Sangam of mandakini and alakhnanda. It is usually not crowded and a bath in the icy water can take away all your tiredness.