Tungnath is a sacred Hindu temple located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It is the highest Shiva temple in the world and a popular pilgrimage and trekking destination. Delhi, the national capital, serves as the main starting point for travelers heading to Tungnath.

This guide explains the best ways to travel from Delhi to Tungnath, covering train, bus, car, and trekking options. You will find detailed information on routes, travel times, costs, and practical tips to plan your journey confidently.

Getting from Delhi to Tungnath – Main Options

Train

Train travel from Delhi to Uttarakhand is a comfortable and popular choice for many pilgrims and tourists. However, Tungnath itself is not directly accessible by train, so you must combine train travel with road transport.

• The nearest major railway station to Tungnath is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 200 km from Delhi. Trains from Delhi to Rishikesh take around 5 to 7 hours, with fares ranging from ₹150 to ₹700 depending on class and train type.

• From Rishikesh, you need to hire a taxi or take a bus to Chopta, the base for the Tungnath trek. The road journey from Rishikesh to Chopta is approximately 220 km and takes 7 to 9 hours by road.

• Popular trains from Delhi include the Dehradun Shatabdi and Mussoorie Express, which are frequent and reliable. Booking tickets through IRCTC in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• Train travel is comfortable and avoids road traffic for the first leg, but last-mile connectivity requires planning. Night trains can save daytime for trekking preparations.

Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option for traveling from Delhi to Uttarakhand, but there is no direct bus to Tungnath. You will need multiple connections and some local transport.

• From Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate, you can catch a Volvo or deluxe bus to Rishikesh or Dehradun. These buses run frequently and take about 6 to 8 hours, costing ₹400 to ₹800 depending on the service.

• From Rishikesh or Dehradun, state transport buses or private taxis can be taken to Chopta. Buses on this route are less frequent and may take 8 to 10 hours due to hilly terrain and road conditions.

• During monsoon and winter, bus services may face delays or cancellations due to landslides or snowfall, so check local weather and bus availability before planning.

• Bus travel is economical but can be crowded and less comfortable, especially on mountain roads. Booking tickets in advance during festivals is advisable.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Tungnath offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you want to explore nearby areas or travel at your own pace. The route is scenic but requires careful driving on mountain roads.

• The distance from Delhi to Chopta is approximately 520 km via NH 334 and NH 109, taking around 12 to 14 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• From Chopta, Tungnath temple is a 3.5 km uphill trek, so you must park your vehicle at the designated parking area before starting the hike.

• The route passes through major towns like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Rudraprayag, with multiple toll plazas and rest stops offering food and fuel.

• Driving during winter requires caution due to fog and possible snowfall near Chopta. Monsoon season can bring landslides and slippery roads, so check weather updates.

• Self-drive allows you to start early to avoid city traffic and reach Chopta by evening. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and carry an emergency kit for mountain driving.

Trek

The final leg to Tungnath is a trek from Chopta, which is the base camp for the temple. This trek is moderate and popular among pilgrims and nature lovers.

• The trek from Chopta to Tungnath temple is about 3.5 km uphill, taking 1.5 to 2 hours depending on your pace and weather conditions.

• The trail is well-marked but can be steep and slippery during monsoon or winter, so proper trekking shoes and warm clothing are essential.

• There are small tea stalls and resting points along the way, but carrying water and snacks is recommended as facilities are limited.

• The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi and Chaukhamba peaks, making it a rewarding experience.

• During winter, the temple may be closed due to heavy snowfall, so check local conditions before planning your trek.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi to Tungnath, helping you organize your journey smoothly.

• Book your train ticket from Delhi to Rishikesh on IRCTC at least two weeks in advance to secure a good seat and avoid last-minute rush.

• Upon arrival at Rishikesh, hire a reliable taxi or pre-book a cab via Ola or Uber to reach Chopta. Confirm the fare and vehicle condition before starting the journey.

• Check the weather forecast for Chopta and Tungnath, especially during monsoon or winter, to avoid travel disruptions or unsafe trekking conditions.

• Pack light but include trekking shoes, warm clothes, rain gear, and a small first-aid kit. Carry enough water and energy snacks for the trek.

• Start the trek from Chopta early in the morning to avoid afternoon clouds and to have ample time for the return journey before dark.

• After visiting Tungnath, return to Chopta and arrange your transport back to Rishikesh or Dehradun, planning your overnight stay accordingly.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always carry a government-issued ID and keep digital copies of your train and taxi bookings for smooth verification during travel.

• Drink only bottled or boiled water and eat freshly cooked food at trusted eateries to avoid stomach issues in the hills.

• Book your train and taxi tickets well in advance during peak pilgrimage seasons like Shivratri and summer holidays to avoid unavailability.

• Use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs for local travel to avoid overcharging by local drivers in tourist areas.

• Pack your luggage in waterproof bags or covers, especially during monsoon, to protect your belongings from rain and mud.

• Be cautious of altitude sickness symptoms when trekking to Tungnath; acclimatize properly and avoid rushing the hike.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Tungnath is from April to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and roads are clear. Winters can be harsh with heavy snowfall, and monsoon brings landslides.

Traveling during festivals like Shivratri attracts many pilgrims, causing crowded trains and roads. Planning your trip outside these times ensures a more comfortable experience.

• Avoid traveling during July and August due to heavy monsoon rains causing roadblocks and slippery trekking paths.

• Winter months from December to February can have dense fog and snow, making driving and trekking risky without proper gear.

• Early morning departures from Delhi help avoid city traffic and reach Chopta before evening, maximizing daylight for trekking.

• Check local weather updates regularly to adjust your travel plans and avoid sudden disruptions from landslides or snowfall.

Arrival at Tungnath & What to Expect

When you arrive at Chopta, you will find basic facilities like guest houses, small eateries, and parking areas. The final journey to Tungnath is on foot, so prepare for a moderate uphill trek.

Local transport options beyond Chopta are limited, so plan your return trip in advance. Popular places to stay include Chopta village and nearby Ukhimath, which offer budget and mid-range accommodations.

At Chopta, prepaid taxis and shared jeeps are available for local travel, but confirm fares before boarding. App-based cabs are rare in this region, so cash payments are standard.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to reach Tungnath from Delhi is by taking a train to Rishikesh followed by a taxi or bus to Chopta, and then trekking to the temple. This combination balances comfort, cost, and travel time effectively.

Planning ahead by booking train tickets early, checking weather conditions, and preparing for the trek will ensure a smooth and enjoyable pilgrimage. With the right information and precautions, you can confidently make this spiritual journey to Tungnath and experience the beauty of the Himalayas.