Tunganath – Chandrashila Trek

Tunganath is one of the 5 Kedars of Lord Shiva and is believed to be a 1000 years old.. Perched at an altitude of 3680m above sea level, this is also the highest Shiva temple in the world.

Legend has it that the Pandavas having slain their own kin in the great battle of Kurukshetra, were advised to ask forgiveness from Lord Shiva. however, Shiva was quite displeased with the Pandavas and in order to high from the Pandavas, disguised himself in the form of a bull and went into hiding underground at GuptKashi. But later, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of the bull’s body parts at 5 different places known as the Panch Kedars. Tunganath is the place where the hands had appeared. The Pandavas then built temples at each of these places to worship Shiva. The other 4 Kedars are the Kedarnath where his hump had appeared, Rudranath where his head had appeared, Madhyamaheshwar where his navel had appeared and Kapleshwar where the locks of his hair had appeared.

The Chopta Valley can be visited throughout the year with each season having its own unique flavor. Mid-March to Mid-April is the time of rhododendrons and the entire valley is wears a reddish pink color. Monsoons always have accentuate the greenery in the region and the months of September and October with their blue skies and more predictable weather conditions ensure a clearer view of the Himalayan peaks.
When visiting Tunganath, one must not miss visiting Deoria Tal is a high altitude Himalayan lake in the Chopta Valley and situated at 3035metres above sea level. Legend has it that this lake is the same one as that described in the Mahabharata where Yudhisthir, in return for water from the lake to quench his thirst, had answered the questions asked by the sage Yaksh.
The Chopta Valley can be visited throughout the year with each season having its own unique flavor. Mid-March to Mid-April is the time of rhododendrons and the entire valley is wears a reddish pink color. Monsoons always have accentuate the greenery in the region and the months of September and October with their blue skies and more predictable weather conditions ensure a clearer view of the Himalayan peaks.

When visiting Tunganath, one must not miss trekking up to Deoria Tal. This can easily be clubbed together as they are located very close to each other.