Photo spot in Chopta
Tungnath Temple
Chopta, Uttarakhand
The world's highest Shiva temple at ~3,680 m and the loftiest of the five Panch Kedar — an ancient stone shrine reached by a ~3.5 km trek from Chopta.
Best time
Early morning, when the peaks behind the temple are clear and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the grey stone.
Best angle
Stand on the path a little below the gate and take an upward photo of the temple with the ridge and sky behind it.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
Daylight (temple closed in deep winter)
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Tungnath Temple
Early morning, when the peaks behind the temple are clear and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the grey stone. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Tungnath Temple
Stand on the path a little below the gate and take an upward photo of the temple with the ridge and sky behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the temple
On the trek to the shrine
Outfit guide
What to wear at Tungnath Temple
For photos at Tungnath Temple, saffron, red and cream work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Modern, camera-ready looks picked for Tungnath Temple.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural outfits worn across Chopta.
Eat nearby
Food near Tungnath Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for phaanu nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Start the walk from Chopta by 7 am to reach the temple before cloud covers the peaks.
Carry cash for tea stalls and offerings, as there is no ATM or reliable UPI on the path.
Wear boots with a good grip, as the stone path is slippery when wet or frosty.
Walk slowly and drink water, since headaches from the height are common on the climb.
Leave your shoes outside the courtyard and keep socks on for the cold stone.
Check the year's opening and closing dates before planning a spring or November trip.
Visit the deity at Makkumath if you come in winter, when the temple above is shut.
The highest of the five Kedars
Tungnath is a small stone temple of Shiva at about 3,680 m, on a grassy shoulder of the ridge above Chopta. It is the third and highest of the Panch Kedar, the five Shiva temples of Garhwal. The tradition says Shiva's arms appeared here after he vanished from the Pandavas in the form of a bull. The main temple is built of dark grey stone in the northern style, with a cluster of smaller shrines around its courtyard. It is often called the highest Shiva temple in the world.
The walk
The path from Chopta is about 3.5 km and paved with stone. It climbs through rhododendron and oak forest, then out onto open grassland with views of Chaukhamba. Most people take two to three hours up and about an hour and a half down. There are tea stalls along the way in the temple season. Horses and ponies can be hired at Chopta for people who cannot walk. Take it slowly; the height gain is real, and headaches are common.
When it is open
The temple is open from late April or early May to early November. Dates are announced each year by the temple committee. In 2026 the doors opened on 22 April; in 2025 they closed on 6 November. In winter the deity is carried down to the Markandeya temple at Makkumath, where worship continues, and the temple above lies under snow.
A fragile building
The temple is very old. Surveys by the Archaeological Survey of India have found that it leans slightly, and conservation work has been planned. Do not climb on its platforms or lean against the walls for photos.
Visiting
Leave shoes outside the courtyard, cover shoulders and knees, and wait your turn quietly in the queue. Do not photograph inside the sanctum. Most walkers visit the temple on the way up to Chandrashila, about 1.5 km higher.
Questions
Tungnath Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Tungnath Temple?
Early morning, when the peaks behind the temple are clear and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the grey stone. Stand on the path a little below the gate and take an upward photo of the temple with the ridge and sky behind it.
Is there an entry fee at Tungnath Temple?
Entry to Tungnath Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Tungnath Temple?
Tungnath Temple is open daylight (temple closed in deep winter).
What should I wear at Tungnath Temple?
Saffron, red and cream photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Tungnath Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the peaks behind the temple are clear and the courtyard is quiet; late afternoon for warm light on the grey stone.
What food should I try near Tungnath Temple?
Try phaanu, available at nearby restaurants.
How long does it take to walk to Tungnath from Chopta?
Most people take two to three hours up the 3.5 km path and about an hour and a half down. Allow more time at a slow pace or in snow.
Can I ride a pony to Tungnath?
Yes, in the temple season ponies can usually be hired at Chopta. Agree the price and return time before you set off.
Is Tungnath open in winter?
No. The doors close in early November and reopen in late April or early May. In winter the deity is worshipped at Makkumath.
Is Tungnath one of the Char Dham?
No. It is one of the Panch Kedar, the five Shiva temples of Garhwal. Kedarnath is the first of those and also one of the Char Dham.