The world's highest Shiva temple opens after winter with ritثals and the return of the deity's idol from Makkumath village.
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Naksh.iq
ISSUE Nº 47 · MAY 2026
Festival · UTTARAKHAND
Tungnath Temple Opening.
May (Akshaya Tritiya) · Tungnath
Going for this? Tungnath in May
NakshIQ score
5/10
Go
May opens Tungnath properly. The temple reopens (date varies, usually after Akshaya Tritiya). The 3.5km trek from Chopta through rhododendron and alpine meadow is at its most beautiful. The Chandrashila summit push (1.5km beyond the temple, reaching 4,000m) gives panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, and Chaukhamba. Temperatures at 0-12°C at the temple. Pilgrims and trekkers begin arriving.
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 May, elsewhere
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