Tungnath, translating to “Lord of the peaks” is the mountains that form the famous Mandakini and Alaknanda River valleys. Located at an elevation of 3680 meters, visiting Tungnath is more than a mere spiritual experience. It is a paradise for both nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Witnessing snowfall in Tungnath transports you to an entirely different world, one that you get to experience during the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit. From the religious chants to the serene environment and the snow-clad peaks, the beauty and the experience are to die for. If you want to witness this magical event at one of the highest Shiva temples in the world, visiting Tungnath during winter is mandatory.
Weather During Snowfall In Tungnath
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Tungnath experiences stark differences in its weather during the winter and the summer months. During summer, the pleasant temperature with the views of the lush green meadows paint the entire area.
However, fast forward to the winter months and the entire area is covered in snow and the temperatures can dip as low as -15°C, which is teeth-shattering cold, just to give you a picture. The onset of winter in Tungnath picks up from November when the temperature ranges from 5°C during the day and -5°C at night. January is the coldest month in Tungnath and if you are curious about snowfall in Tungnath temperature, it is between 0°C to -10°C or sometimes even lower. By the time February creeps in, the temperature starts rising and by March end, the winters are more or less done with.
Snowfall in Tungnath pretty much occurs throughout the winter season, the same being excessive during December and January. During this temple, even the Tungnath temple is entirely covered in snow, adding to its mysticism and beauty.
Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In December
Experiences To Have In Snowfall In Tungnath
Despite the thick blanket of snow, Tungnath snowfall months are usually peak season in the area. Tourists from around the country visit to trek to the temple, explore the nearby sightseeing spots and simply make the most out of their time there.
Some of the experiences that you need to indulge in while you are there are:
1. Trekking To Tungnath Temple
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Hands down the most sought-after experience in Tungnath is the trek to the Tungnath temple, which is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is a 4 km long trek that takes 3-4 hours to complete and the best part is that it’s beginner friendly. So, if you are worried about accessibility, especially during the winter months, you don’t have to. The views of the temple covered in a thick blanket of snow are truly magical, to say the least. Getting to witness the trails surrounded by oak and rhododendrons covered in snow adds to the thrill of the trek. Also, the trekking trail offers views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. Getting to embark on this spiritual journey alongside the other pilgrims adds to the energy and enthusiasm.
2. Visiting Chandrashila Peak
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Another trekking expedition that you can embark on while you are in Tungnath is the nearby Chandrashila Peak. It is around 2 km from the Tungnath temple and is a popular trekking trail in the area. Unlike the Tungnath temple trek which is fairly simple without too much of a hassle, the trails leading to the Chandrashila peak are steep and require a lot of energy for you to embark on. It is located in Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand and at an elevation of 4000 m. The trek distance is 5 km in total and usually starts from Chopta. Although some trails are steep, the trek is usually beginner-friendly, provided you have all the relevant trekking gear with you.
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3. Camping In The Snow
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For a once in a lifetime experience, you can also plan a proper camping experience in the middle of the mountain ranges, covered in snow, in Tungnath. There are several camp operators that offer all the basic amenities and the gear that you need for a comfortable camping experience. Getting to set up your tent in the middle of the snow landscape is truly an unforgettable experience. Not just that, getting to do so with the towering Himalayas in the backdrop adds to the experience further. In most cases, you’d be surrounded by the wilderness and get to enjoy the beauty of the starry night sky above your tents.
4. Experience The Local Culture
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The experiences in Tungnath extend beyond the spiritual ambience and the natural beauty. In fact, there’s a lot more that you can do and experience while you are there and the majority of it has to do with the locals. The villages around Tungnath, such as Duggalbitta, Mandal, and Sari, are inhabited by the warm and hospitable Garhwali people. Despite the chilling cold, the warmth that you get to experience with these people is truly something you won’t know until you interact with them in real time. They are known for their simple way of living, something that you can learn a lot from. You can stop to try some of the local Garhwali cuisine in one of the local villages including dishes like Aloo Ke Gutke, Chainsoo, Phaanu, Baadi and Jhangora Ki Kheer.
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5. Exploring Deoria Tal
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Another popular trekking expedition that’s beautiful amidst the Tungnath Uttarakhand snowfall is exploring Deoria Tal. It is a mini trek to the lake where you can relax, soak in the views of the nature around you or even set up a picnic there. Due to the sub-zero temperatures in some instances, the lake remains semi-frozen in some cases. However, that adds to the beauty of the experience. The trek in itself is quite easy and usually, people start from Chopta, visit Tungnath and then embark on their trek to Deoria Tal. If you don’t want to bite more than you can chew, you can do the Deoria Tal trek on a completely different day as well.
6. Try Photography
Photography in Tungnath during the winter season is a dream come true for both amateur and professional photographers. The views of the Himalayan peaks and the ethereal beauty of the Tungnath temple covered entirely in snow make for an amazing subject for photography. There are endless opportunities when it comes to photography. The only thing is that you need to have an eye for it. From the snow-covered landscapes to night or astrophotography, there are ample opportunities for you to let your creativity loose. You can also spot wildlife around Tungnath, despite the bone-chilling cold, that you can take pictures of.
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7. Visit Rohini Bugyal
The Rohini Bugyal trek is another popular experience that you can embark on during your trip to Tungnath during the winter months. Unlike the summer season when the meadow is stark green in appearance, winters cover the entire area in a thick blanket of snow. Nevertheless, the views are stunning and the overall trekking experience to the meadow is equally fun and adventurous. The base camp of this trek is at Sari village, from where you further embark to explore the meadow.
How To Reach Tungnath?
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The experience of reaching Tungnath during the winter months is quite interesting. You can take the simple route and avail flights and trains to reach Rishikesh or Dehradun and then take a taxi or shared jeep from there to reach Tungnath.
Another option is to trek from Chopta. The trek from Chopta to Tungnath temple spans across 4 km and the trek involves trails that are covered in snow and the views of the surrounding landscapes, which adds to the overall experience. You do need proper gear including winter gear, warm clothing, trekking boots, and trekking poles and hire a local guide to help you with the trekking experience too.
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Experience snowfall in Tungnath, which is a bucket list experience for many spirituality enthusiasts. From offering your prayers at the Shiva temple to exploring the nearby village to acquaint yourself with the Garhwali culture, there are many unique things you can explore during the winter months. Since it’s peak season in the area, prior booking of your stay, commute, etc., is always the move. Make sure your next trip to Uttarakhand has an elaborate itinerary to witness Tungnath Uttarakhand snowfall.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Snowfall In Tungnath
Is Tungnath accessible during winter?
Despite heavy snowfall, Tungnath is accessible during the winter months. Ensure that you are in good health and have all the winter gear with you before planning the trip.
What is the best time to visit Tungnath in winter?
If you want to witness snowfall, which is the highlight of the winter experience, plan your trip for late December or January month.
Are there accommodation options in Tungnath?
There are very limited accommodation options and most of them are homestays operated by the locals. So, always book them ahead of time.
Is it comfortable to trek to Tungnath during winter?
Trekking is usually comfortable in Tungnath during winter, provided you are following the local advisories. Also, always have a local guide with you for safety.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted in Tungnath during winter?
Some of the wildlife that can be spotted in Tungnath during winter include Himalayan monal, musk deer, red fox, snow leopard (rare) and Himalayan tahr.
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