Deepti Gupta Devikar
Faith can lead you on paths that you were once afraid of. And this is what led us on a hiking trip to Tungnath temple Tungnath Temple, one of the Panch Kedars, is in the West Garhwal mountain range in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. At an elevation of 3,680 meters above sea level, it holds the distinction of being the highest Shiva temple in the world. Ranked as the Tritiya (third) Kedar among the Panch Kedars, this temple is deeply associated with the Pandavas and is a popular hiking destination.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas, Tungnath Temple is part of the scenic Chopta Tungnath Trek, renowned for its panoramic views and serene surroundings ,glimpses of which have been beautifully captured in the famous movie “Kedarnath”. The trek offers a perfect blend of spiritual and natural beauty, making it a must-visit for both pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts.
The best trips in life are often the ones you don't plan meticulously; you just pack your bags and set off on an adventure. This was one such trip, born out of impulse and trust in a friend's hiking expertise. There were five of us, driven by a shared desire to experience the thrill of the Tungnath Trek.
As soon as we announced our plans to our families, concerns started pouring in. The temple doors were still closed, and I was dealing with multiple health related issues. Questions about the risks of trekking in the hills and other commitments at home arose. But this time, no one was ready to give up. With faith came the will to push forward.
We started early in the morning, the air filled with excitement and anticipation. The journey was a blend of breathtaking landscapes, spiritual encounters, and moments of camaraderie. Each step brought us closer to nature and to ourselves, overcoming challenges and embracing the beauty of the unknown.
Every spot on the way was worth admiring. We crossed the famous Haridwar and Rishikesh known for their spiritual significance and vibrant atmosphere. Haridwar is famous for the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, while Rishikesh is renowned for its yoga and adventure sports like river rafting. We avoided the city rush, however, were mesmerised by the beauty of Ganges running along with us as if guiding our way. For city dwellers like us being close to nature is a detoxification experience.
A must halt was a Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the Ganges. It's a picturesque spot with great spiritual significance. The holy dip refreshed our body, mind and soul. Experiencing the pure serenity of the place and admiring nature’s wonders is an unforgettable experience.
On the way we could also get a close view of Rudraprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. The mere sight of such a picturesque location further calmed our minds to experience the spiritual essence of the entire journey.
Located just beyond Srinagar, is the Dhari Devi temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Dhari, a manifestation of Goddess Kali. It is considered the protector of the Char Dhams and is known for its unique idol that is believed to change its appearance throughout the day. The temple visit was miniature experience of the actual trek. After experiencing the enchanting beauty of the goddess, we could enjoy a speed boat ride to complete our adventure.
Heavy rains welcomed us while driving towards Ukhimath known for its temples and as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. It's a peaceful place with a rich cultural heritage. The sun had already set, and it was a difficult drive but having an experienced friend on the driver’s seat was a great relief.Although we were aiming to rest for the night at Chopta,but unavailability of the Chopta resort for that day gave us a chance to experience Ukhimath. And glad that we did. The next morning in Ukhimath was a breath-taking view surrounded by beautiful mountains with clouds engulfing them. We could spot a snow-covered mountain far-off.
Often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India," Chopta is the base for the Tungnath trek. It's surrounded by lush meadows and offers stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.The exquisite crimson red Buransh flower clusters add to the splendor of the area. to the And that is where the real adventure started. We were welcomed by a heavy traffic jam and swarm of people. With Lord Shiva’s blessings we started our trek. Only 10 minutes later most of us were out of breadth. It took a while for us and encouragement from our leader (as we called our experienced friend) to build the momentum. The trek was tough, but the strong will and ecstatic landscape helped us moving forward step-by-step taking breaks every now and then. We could spot people of all age groups,from kids to middle-aged who kept going with the will to seek Lord Shiva's blessings, driven by a sense of purpose and devotion.This further strengthened our faith in the power of the Almighty and in our abilities alike. Inspite of the rough trail and no prior experience,we could complete the upward journey in approximately 3 hours that was not that bad. After taking a halt for an hour at and around the temple absorbing our feat and the beauty of the place we started our journey back. But not without having a quick portion of “Pahadon wali maggi and chai”. At every other moment during the downward trail we looked back and admired ourselves for reaching that height. Balancing on the steep trail was challenging, but our teamwork ensured we reached the starting point successfully in approximately 2 hours. Only for a brief period, we felt a little worn-out, however it was the positivity of that place which helped us bounce back quickly.
We had an enjoyable evening singing & celebrating our feat at the famous Chopta resort and waking up next morning with a relaxed mind and body. The journey back home included a visit to the Omkareshwar temple. Located in Ukhimath, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site. It is also the winter abode of the deity from the Kedarnath Temple.
We extended a heartfelt thank you to our friend, whose inspiration and encouragement made this adventure possible. Without his support, we might never have embarked on this incredible journey.
This adventure helped us discover both our inner and outer strength, tested our faith in ourselves, each other, and the Almighty, and allowed us to marvel at the wonders of nature. It was a journey of discovery in every sense.
Despite the hurdles, the trek was a testament to our collective spirit and determination. It reminded us that sometimes, the best adventures are those that come unplanned, driven by sheer will and the joy of exploration.
-Deepti Gupta Devikar
