Devotees make the high-altitude trek to worship at the ancient shrine on Shivaratri, one of the Panch Kedar temples.
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Naksh.iq
ISSUE Nº 47 · MAY 2026
Festival · UTTARAKHAND
Maha Shivaratri at Tungnath.
February–March · Tungnath
Going for this? Tungnath in March
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March keeps Tungnath locked. Snow begins melting at Chopta (2,680m) but the temple at 3,680m and Chandrashila at 4,000m remain winter-sealed. The trail shows through snow patches at lower sections. Some adventurous trekkers attempt the route with snow gear — it's possible but demanding. No services at the temple.
Getting there
Elevation
3680 m
Nearest airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun — 209km
Nearest railway
Rishikesh — 185km
Live in Tungnath
Where to stay in Tungnath
Tungnath Temple Shelter
₹300-500/nightguesthouse · Near Tungnath templeBasic shelter near the highest Shiva temple. Just a roof, blankets, and hot water. No luxury but the spiritual energy is priceless. Only for those staying overnight for the Chandrashila sunrise.
Where to eat
Sagar Restaurant Chopta
Chopta meadow · ₹SignatureAloo paratha with mountain butter
Snow days (Dec-Mar) — Sagar stays open longer than most. Bring cash, no card or UPI uplink above Ukhimath.
Chopta Magpie Resort Restaurant
Chopta meadow · ₹₹SignatureGarhwali kafuli with jhangora rice
For pre-dawn Chandrashila departures, ask the kitchen for thermos chai the night before — they brew at 5am which is too late for a 4:30am start.
Hill Top Resort Chopta Cafe
Chopta · ₹SignatureMountain coffee + pakora
Best altitude-acclimatisation stop on the day you arrive at Chopta — sit on the deck with coffee, oxygen at 3050m takes 4-6 hours to feel.
GMVN Tourist Rest House Restaurant
Chopta · ₹₹SignatureThali (Garhwali-style)
In winter (Jan-Feb) when most seasonal dhabas shut, GMVN is one of two places still open — book the thali by 7pm or the kitchen wraps up early.
What else to see in Tungnath
Tungnath Temple
World's highest Shiva temple (Panch Kedar) at 12,073 ft. Over 1,000 years old with stunning architecture.
temple30 min
Other festivals in Tungnath
Other festivals in March, elsewhere
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