How to Reach Tungnath Temple: Complete Travel Guide 2026

Hi, I’m Partiksha! I live in Delhi and have visited Tungnath Temple several times — it’s one of my favorite weekend escapes in Uttarakhand. Since I usually have limited leave, I prefer overnight journeys to make the most of my weekends.
Most of the time, I travel by Volvo bus from Delhi to Rishikesh, which takes around 6–7 hours. From there, I catch a local bus to Rudraprayag and then a shared jeep or taxi to Chopta, the base point for the Tungnath trek. The journey may sound long, but the scenic Himalayan views, pine forests, and spiritual calm make every trip worth it. In this blog, I’ll share my personal experience and a complete guide on how to reach Tungnath from Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh — along with route details, travel options, and some helpful tips from my journeys. Before the guide starts, let's take a look at the Tungnath temple location, history, and highlights. 

Tungnath is a highly revered Shiva temple in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, one of the five Panch Kedar temples and the highest Shiva temple in the world at 3,680 meters. It's reachable by a moderate trek from Chopta — here's exactly how to get there.

How To Reach Tungnath From Delhi 

Reaching Tungnath Temple is a multi-stage journey that involves air, train, or road travel, or a combination of them, followed by a trek to the temple. Chopta is the last motorable point and base for the Tungnath temple.  I will Share all details in three steps.

First Step - Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh 

Second Step-  Haridwar/Rishikesh to Chopta.

Third & Last Step - Chopta to Tungnath Temple Trek

Step 1: Delhi To Haridwar/Rishikesh

By Air:- 

The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport to Haridwar and Rishikesh , so you can fly from Delhi to Dehradun. Many airlines, such as Air India, Indigo, and Vistara, offer daily flights to Dehradun . The journey from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun takes approximately 40–50 minutes , with airfares ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 , depending on the airline, holidays, and travel timing.

From Jolly Grant Airport , travelers can easily reach Rishikesh by hiring a private taxi or using local transport options:

• Shared Jeep: ₹100 per person (to Rishikesh)

• Local Bus: ₹50 per person (to Rishikesh)

• Private Taxi: ₹1,800–₹2,500 for a four-seater vehicle

By Train

Take a train to Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun from your city. If you don't get a direct train, take a connecting train to Delhi. After heading there, transfer to another train to Haridwar/Rishikesh. Here are some trains from Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow to Haridwar/Rishikesh. 

Note: Travel time, fare, and ticket availability can vary by class (like SL, 1Ac, 2Ac, and 3Ac) and train type (like express or Superfast). 

Pro Tip: Book your ticket well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle. 

By Road

A road journey from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh is an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy long drives and scenic routes. The distance between Delhi and Haridwar is approximately 220 km , while Rishikesh lies just 20 km further . The entire stretch takes around 5 to 6 hours , depending on traffic and road conditions.

Route Options -

Route 1 →Delhi → Ghaziabad → Modinagar → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh (245 kms)- By NH-334

Route 2 → Meerut Expressway → Meerut → Muzaffarnagar → Roorkee → Haridwar → Rishikesh (240 kms)

Route 3 → Hapur → Garhmukteshwar → Bijnor → Najibabad → Haridwar → Rishikesh (260 kms)

You can take a bus or a private taxi to Haridwar/Rishikesh. 

1. Bus

Note- 

• Volvo buses are available from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate for Haridwar and Rishikesh.

• Avoid bypass drop unless you are commuting by private transport.

2.Taxi/Cab:

Fares for One-way from Delhi to Haridwar and Rishikesh.

• Sedan : ₹3000 to ₹4200 ( 4 Seater )

• SUV : ₹4500 to ₹ 6200    (6 seater )

Pro Tips : If you are travelling on a budget, prefer taking a standard seater/Non-AC Bus, which costs around ₹350-₹700 from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh.

Cost Comparison by Mode of Travel

Step 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh To Chopta 

After heading to Haridwar, Rishikesh or any of these,  From Haridwar or Rishikesh , travelers need to continue their journey by road to reach Chopta , as there is no direct rail or air connectivity beyond these points. Taxis and buses are easily available from all major transport hubs in Uttarakhand. Regular buses operate up to Rudraprayag and Ukhimath , from where travelers can hire shared jeeps or local taxis to reach Chopta . The final stretch from Ukhimath to Chopta offers a beautiful drive through dense forests and winding mountain roads, making the journey as scenic as the destination itself.

For exact distance and travel time from your city, see our complete Tungnath Distance Chart.

Route : Delhi → Haridwar→ Rishikesh→ Devprayag → Srinagar→ Rudraprayag→ Ukhimath→ Chopta. 

Road Condition -  The road from Haridwar to Chopta via Rishikesh, Devprayag, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, and Ukhimath is mostly well-maintained and motorable throughout the year. The route offers a scenic drive along the Ganga and Alaknanda rivers. Roads up to Srinagar are smooth, while the stretch from Rudraprayag to Chopta becomes narrow and winding with occasional rough patches, especially during the monsoon. Overall, it’s a comfortable and scenic mountain drive suitable for cars and tempo travellers.

Step 3: Chopta To Tungnath Temple Trek

Chopta is the last motorable head to Tungath; from there, you need to embark on a short trek to reach the temple. 

Tungnath temple trek: The Tungnath temple trek is a 3.5 km, moderately easy hike of the Chopta Tungnath trek that starts from Chopta and passes through dense oak and rhododendron forests and lush green bugyals. 

Here are the main highlights of the trek:

• Starting point : Chopta Bugyal 

• Leading point: Tungnath Temple

• Distance : Chopta to Tungnath distance is 3.5 km one way 

• Time : 2-3 hrs 

• Trek type : Chopta trek is easy to moderate, suitable for first-timers or beginners

• Terrain/path: stone-carved paths with some steep sections. 

• Additional Extension : The Chandrashilla summit peak is an optional extension 1.5 km from Tungnath.

The trek offers majestic views of Mt. Chaukhamba and Mt. Nanda Devi . This Site, rich in culture and biodiversity, provides a serene atmosphere that makes it a perfect destination for meditation, spiritual awakening, and natural photography. 

Accommodation near Tungnath

Accommodations are available in nearby towns or villages, including:

• Chopta : A significant hub for accommodation near Tungnath, offering resorts, hotels, homestays, and camps. 

• Dugal Bitta/Baniya Kund : The nearest town to Chopta, it offers mid-range accommodation options. 

• Ukhimath: It offers a broader range of accommodations, about 50 km from Chotpa.

• Sari village : Another nearest hub, providing guesthouses, campsites, and homestays in the broader range. 

Best Time to Visit

Tungnath is open from around May to October, with the best weather in May-June and September-October; the temple closes for winter due to snow. For the full month-by-month temperature breakdown and season-wise details, see our Best Time to Visit Tungnath guide.

Nearby Attractions from Tungnath Mahadev Temple

Here are the main attractions from Tungnath Temple:

1.Chandrashila Peak: (1 Km Trek From Tungnath)

Chandrashila , the Moon Rock, is a must-visit destination for sunrise and offers 360° views of the snow-clad Himalaya—a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

2. Chopta: (35 Km below Tungnath)

It is a well-known trekking destination, even referred to as Mini Switzerland in India . Also, it is the base for the Chopta Tungnath Temple and Chadrashila Trek . Chopta is an ideal spot for camping, offering stunning views of nature.

3.Deoria Tal: (23 Km from Tungnath)

Deoria Tal is a high-altitude, pristine lake in Uttarakhand, famous among trekkers for its stunning reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks and the surrounding Uttarakhand Himalayan range.

4.Ukhimath: (31 Km from Tungnath)

Ukhimath is considered the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar . It is well known for the famous Omkareshwar temple in Ukhimath.

5. Kalimath Temple (40 Km from Tungnath)

6. Triyuginarayan Temple (45 Km from Tungnath)

Yo can also Check - How To Reach Triyuginarayan

7. Pandukeshwar (80 Km from Tungnath)

A Pandukeshwar Village near Joshimath, believed to have been established by King Pandu , the father of the Pandavas. It houses two ancient temples — Yogadhyan Badri and Lord Vasudeva Temple , both important pilgrimage sites on the Badrinath route.

8. Augustmuni (55 Km from Tungnath)

9. Badrinath Temple (90 Km from Tungnath)

10. Mana Village & Vasudhara Falls (95–100 Km from Tungnath)

Travel Tips for Tungnath Visitors

• Carry warm clothes: Tungnath is located in the remote Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, where cool weather prevails most of the year, so pack layers as the weather can change rapidly.
  Read More: Things to carry for the Chopta Tungnath Trek .
  
  

• Hydration & Nutrition: Light eating and hydration are essential along the trek. So pack dry fruits to get instant energy, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. 

• Stay safe: safety is a primary concern, so don’t ignore your health issues. Carry a small medical kit with necessary medicines to prevent altitude sickness. 
  
  

• Start Early: Start the Chopta Tungnath trek early to avoid pilgrims' traffic during the pilgrimage season and get a better view of the Himalayas.
  
  

• Respect the environment: Don't throw plastic along the trails; keeping Chopta Bugyal clean is your responsibility while travelling there.
  
  

• Advance Booking: Book the Tungnath tour package , accommodation, and transportation in advance to avoid last-minute hassle.

FAQs About Reaching Tungnath Temple

1. Where is the Tungnath temple?

Tungnath temple is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, in Rudraprayag district, at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 feet) above sea level. The temple is situated just below the peak of Chandrashila.

2. Is there a direct bus from Delhi to Chopta or Tungnath?

Buses for Chopta are only available from Uttarakhand gateway cities, like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun, so you need to reach any of these cities to reach Chopta.

3. From where does the Tungnath trek start, and how long does it take?

The motorable road ends in Chopta, and the trek begins, about 3.5 km from the Chopta base camp to the Tungnath temple. It is considered a moderately easy trek suitable for all, including children and senior citizens.

4. Are there accommodations available near Tungnath?

Hotels near the main temple are unavailable, but nearby towns like Chopta, Ukhimath, and Sari offer a wide range of accommodations, including camps, hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. You can choose it according to your needs and preferences.

5. Which is the nearest railway station to Tungnath Temple?

Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to Tungnath temple. It is located at a distance of just 204 km. Other nearest railway stations are Haridwar, Dehradun and Roorkee.

6. Which is the nearest airport to Tungnath Temple?

The nearest airport to Tungnath temple is Jolly Grant Airport, also known as Dehradun Airport, located at a distance of 220 km.

7. How can I reach Tungnath by public transport without a private vehicle?

To reach Tungnath temple by public transport, you need to take a direct bus from Haridwar or Rishikesh to Rudraprayag, from where you can take a shared taxi to Chopta. From Chopta, you have to trek to reach Tungnath temple.

8. Which city or town is closest to Tungnath?

Rudraprayag is the nearest city to the Tungnath temple. It is located at a distance of just 73 km.