Panch Kedar  Myth and Religion Tungnath, is one of the five, of the Panch Kedar temples. Legend has it that the temple was built by the Pandavas who were advised by sage Vyas  to seek pardon by appeasing Lord Shiva, for their sin of slaying their relatives in the Mahabharata war. The pandavas went in search of Lord Shiva , who convinced of their guilt was avoiding them and disguised himself as a bull as he did not want to engage in a conversation. But on being discovered by Bhima he dived underground and was severed into several parts. Each Kedar temple marks the point where one of Shivas body parts fell to the earth. Kedarnath symbolises the bulls hump, Rudranath for Shiva’s face, Madhyamaheshwar for the belly, Kalpeshwar for his locks and Tungnath for the arms. Chandra the moon did penance to appease Shiva on the Chandrashila peak and hence the name.

Getting there: Delhi to Rishikesh via Haridwar through Devprayag the confluence of the Bhagirathi and the Alaknanda and Rudraprayag to Okhimath and finally to Chopta from where you start your walk.

When to go: The best time to trek is from March to just before the monsoons and then again in October to November.

Day one: Chopta to Tungnath. Even if you are moderately acclimatized you can easily reach the temple within 3 hours. Although a steep incline at places, the view of Chaukhamba and bander poonch are great excuses to take frequent breaks to enjoy the mountains and the forest .Reach the meadow below the temple to make camp.

Day two: One can visit the temple early in the morning and then head out to Chandershila peak 2 km ahead, just rising up behind the temple ridge. Chandershila gives you a 360 degree view of the Garhwal Himalayas with the valleys on one side and the visage of Chaukhamba on the other. Ghural a kind of a mountain goat abound here along with the mouse like Pika and the beautiful Monal Pheasant.

Day three: Head back to the meadows of Chopta one can do a side trek from here to Deoriya tal, a beautiful lake formed in a bowl right on top of the mountain. On clear days one can see the reflection of the snow clad peaks in its still waters.

What to pack

• A duffle bag or a back pack for your clothes etc.
• A day pack that you will carry while walking with your water bottle.
• Trekking shoes- ensure that they are broken in before the trek.
• Three pairs of track pants with at least one that is synthetic and quick drying, or three pairs of cargo pants.
• Three to four cotton T shirts a full sleeve sweater or a fleece jacket.
• Full sleeve down jacket.
• A pair of thermal inners.
• Four to five pairs of regular sports sock and one pair of wollen socks.
• Woolen cap and muffler
• Proper rain gear with a jacket and a lower.
• Water proof gloves.
• First aid kit.
• A thin towel that dries fast.
• Sun block and lip balm.
• One water bottle and a flash light with an extra set of batteries.
• Sandals or a pair of comfortable shoes to wear around camp.