The highest temple devoted to Lord Shiva and the most lofty among the Panch Kedars is the Tungnath temple located at an altitude of 3680 m in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Chopta is a 164 km drive from Rishikesh. The temple is a approx. 3.5 km upsloping trek from Chopta road following up with a 2 km trek to Chandrashila (4000 m). ​ The entire trek is embodied with spellbinding vista of marvy meadows and copses of Rhododendron trees which candidly is a feast for one’s eye. The temple comes under the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and therefore is home to an array of exquisite flora and fauna. Animals inhabiting this region are musk deer, fox, Himalayan barking deer, Yellow Throated Marten, Himalayan Tahr and the Pika(closely related to rabbits) who are very common here. ​ Bird watching should always be a must when you visit the Himalayas as they are abode to diverse species of birds such as the state bird , Himalayan Monal, Lammergeier (Bearded vulture), Fire-capped Tit, Himalayan Griffon vulture, Himalayan Owl, Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch, White bush robin, Whistling Thrush, Himalayan Tree Pie, Himalayan Babbler, Pink Finch, Brown Fronted Woodpecker, Red-Billed Blue Magpie. The Chandrashila Top vouchsafes the monumental snows cape of the Nanda Devi, Trisul Kedar Peak, Bandaroonch and Chaukhamba peaks. HISTORY: In consonance with Hindu mythology the origin of the temple goes long back to the Dwarpa Yuga. Ensuing the war and the ascension of Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Lord Krishna to heaven, the Pandavas decided to get there sins pardoned and furthermore ascend to heaven,in consequence they approach Sage Vyas Rishi who apprised them that their sins of slaying their own brothers(Kauravas) can only be pardoned if they worship Lord Shiva and make him happy.So the Pandavas en routed the journey to the Himalayas in search of the great Lord. Lord Shiva was already aware of the sins committed by the Pandavas so he took disguise of a bull, however Bheema noticed something unusual with the bull who was grazing near Guptkashi(Hidden Kashi) and held it by its tails and hind legs however the bull disappeared into the ground and later reappeared in parts at five different places. Pursuant to the Hindu mythology Tungnath is the place where the hands were seen and for this reason it is considered as one of the most reverent temples(Tritiya Kedar in the Panch Kedars) among the Hindus. It is also believed that Lord Rama meditated here post defeating Ravana the demon king. The name Chandrashila means “moon rock” and it is also said that God Chandra spent time here in penace. TREKKING ESSENTIALS (Things to Carry) ​ A Daypack / Knapsack (that you self-carry during the hike for pack lunch, water bottle, jacket, raincoat etc.) Rucksack and/or Duffel bag for your other essential items (will be carried by porter or ponies as part of the package) Poncho / rain-cheater for yourself self and rain covers for your backpack and knapsack/day pack One pair Trekking dedicated boots (Leather/rain proof/high ankle with a robust Vibram sole) Personal medication (essential) One pair floaters/sandals/slippers Inner thermals (upper and lower, can be used for night wear) One mountain jacket (Down or similar) One fleece jacket Minimum one Trekking Trouser used during hiking 2-3 T-shirts (full sleeves, sports super dry) Warm skull cap / woolen caps 2-3 Pairs of woolen socks (for trekking as well as for night usage) Extra pairs of undergarments Face towel and bath towel Sun hat / Toupee 2-3 Handkerchiefs Durable Water bottle Sunglasses dark against Sun Head lamps / Torch / Flashlight with spare batteries Camera + battery + charger + Power bank (there will be no electricity supply available for charging devices during the trek) Sunscreen for UV protection Personal toiletry (A compact kit)