Tungnath, perched at a staggering 3680 meters above sea level, boasts the title of the highest Shiva temple in the world. Not just a spiritual haven, Tungnath is also known for its amazing adventure activities, especially the trekking experience. Part of the Panch Kedar pilgrimage circuit, the visit to the Tungnath temple in December is one of the most rewarding pilgrimage experiences that you will set out on, especially with the views of the snow-capped mountains around. Tungnath in December presents a unique opportunity to witness the Himalayas covered in snow and indulge in a spiritual experience, all at once.
Weather Conditions In Tungnath In December
If you want to witness snowfall, the latter half of December is when the snowfall experience is at its peak. Prepare yourself for the trails and the roads to be slippery though. This is why wearing the correct kind of shoes is vital.
Also, at higher altitudes, strong winds are a factor. It can be bone-chilling, to the point it might be uncomfortable. So, wear layers to keep yourself warm and protected.
Also Read: Winter Treks In Himalayas
Places To Visit In Tungnath In December
Tungnath opens up a variety of places and experiences for its visitors during December. So, when you are planning your trip, consider adding the following Tungnath December places to visit:
1. Tungnath Temple
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The main tourist attraction in Tungnath is the Tungnath Temple, which is located at an elevation of 3680 m above sea level. It is the highest Shiva Temple in the world, which is the USP of the place. Despite the cold, the temple remains accessible to the pilgrims and the trekkers during that time. You have to trek through snow-covered trails while soaking in the views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks in the background. Some of the roads can get pretty rugged and unmanageable if you don’t wear proper trekking gear. Overall, the peaceful ambience and the spiritual experience make the trek quite enchanting to the temple.
Best Time: During day time
Trekking Time: 3 to 4 Hours
2. Chandrashila Peak
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A 3.5 km trek from Tungnath Temple will take you to the beautiful Chandrashila Peak, which is located at an elevation of 4000 m. The trek itself is quite exhilarating and you get to witness the beauty of the Himalayan ranges, including some of the highest peaks in India. Mythology suggests that Lord Rama meditated at the Chandrashila peak after defeating Ravana, following his abducting Mata Sita. The trek involves steep climbs and challenging terrains along the way. However, once you reach the summit, the sense of accomplishment you get is truly rewarding. Paired with the views, the trek to Chandrashila is a must for every trekker.
Best Time: During day time
Trekking Time: 1 to 2 Hours
Related Post: Waterfalls In Uttarakhand
3. Deoria Tal
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Located at an elevation of 2438 m, Deoria Tal is a popular lake that’s in Tungnath, Uttarakhand. You do need to embark on a 2 km trek to reach the lake, one that takes you through Sari village. It is an easy to moderate-grade trekking, which can get a little hectic during the winter months. The lake remains semi-frozen in December and musk deer often come to the lake to sip on some water to quench their thirst during that time. The heavily wooded surroundings are covered in a thick blanket of snow, which adds to the beauty of the place. Getting to witness the reflection of the nearby peaks in the clear waters of the lake also adds to the charm.
Best Time: During day time
Distance from Tungnath: 22 Km
4. Ukhimath
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Another nearby Hindu pilgrimage site that you can consider visiting while in Tungnath is Ukhimath. It is located in the Rudraprayag district at an elevation of 1311 m. It is an ancient pilgrimage site that has temples dedicated to different deities like Usha, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Aniruddha and Mandhata. The backstory of this temple depicts a story where the wedding of Usha and Aniruddha took place. Due to this, the pilgrimage site is also known as Ushamath. The temple also serves as the winter seat of the deities from Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar temples.
Ideal duration: 1-2 Days
Distance from Tungnath: 29 Km
Related Post: Water Sports In Uttarakhand
5. Chopta
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If you are visiting Tungnath in December, you can’t miss out on exploring Chopta, which is a picturesque small town from where most people kickstart their trek to Tungnath. It is also the starting point for other adjoining treks like the Chandrashila treks. During December, Chopta is covered in a thick blanket of snow, which transforms the area into a winter paradise. The surrounding meadows and forests in Chopta are also covered in snow during December, which adds to the charm and beauty of the place too.
Ideal duration: 3-4 Days
Distance from Tungnath: 83 Km
Things To Do In Tungnath In December
Beyond the list of nearby places to visit and explore from Tungnath, there are several unique and adventure-filled Tungnath December activities that you can experience in real-time during your visit.
1. Trekking
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One of the most popular activities to experience in Tungnath during December is trekking. The most significant one is the trek to the famous Tugnath Shiva temple which sits at an elevation of 3680 m. The trek spans across 3-4 km and depending on your pace, takes around 3-4 hours to complete. However, the experience at the end is truly rewarding, to say the least. Getting to witness the snow-covered Himalayas along the way and walking through the dense forest trails with oak, rhododendron and deodar is truly an enchanting experience. Due to the weather conditions, you do need proper gear for the trekking expedition, so keep that into consideration.
Related Post: Camping In Bhimtal
2. Snow Camping
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Another off-beat but fun experience in Tungnath in December is snow camping. It’s adventurous and often a bucket list experience for many. Getting to relax under the starlit sky and the snowy wilderness is a pretty magical experience. Multiple camping operators provide you with proper gear and even properly set up camping tents amidst nature. Getting to spend the night in the snowy mountains of Tungnath in December is an experience that you simply can’t trade for another.
3. Indulge In Winter Photography
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You might think that the white blanket of snow in the surroundings would somehow conceal the natural beauty of Tungnath but it usually adds to it. You can capture the breathtaking views of the Himalayas draped in snow and even the surrounding peaks around. The contrast between the clear blue skies and the snowy white of the surroundings is truly an experience that deserves to be captured in a camera.
Related Post: Places To Visit In Almora
4. Wildlife Spotting
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Although not frequent or extensive, you can spot a few different wildlife around Tungnath in December. The Chopta region is part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Due to the snowfall and chilling weather, most of the wildlife remains elusive and out of view. However, occasionally, you might get to spot an animal or two in their local habitat, which adds to the experience. Musk deer and Himalayan monal are usually spotted more commonly in the area.
You May Also Like To Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In Winter
Visiting Tungnath in December is a journey of a lifetime. There’s a mix of emotions and experiences. You have adventure and thrill from trekking, spirituality from the pilgrimage and the natural beauty adds to the serenity of the trip. With snowfall and cold weather, adding Tungnath to your itinerary on your next trip to Uttarakhand is an absolute must-experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tungnath In December
What is the best way to reach Tungnath in December?
The best way to reach Tungnath in December is to first travel to Chopta. From Chopta, you can trek for 4 km to reach the Tungnath temple and then descend to your reserved accommodation later.
Is Tungnath Temple open in December?
Yes, Tungnath temple remains open in December. However, if the weather conditions get worse and local advisories are in place, ensure that you follow them at a stretch.
Is trekking fun in Tungnath in December?
Trekking is usually fun in Tungnath during December. However, ensure that you hire a local guide to help you with the routes in case you are a beginner.
Can I see snowfall in Tungnath in December?
Snowfall usually starts in late December in Tungnath and continues until the end of January, adding to the charm of the place.
How challenging is the trek to Chandrashila Peak in December?
The trek to Chandrashila Peak in December is moderately challenging due to the snow and cold weather. With proper prep and gear, you should be able to explore without any issues.
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