Genesis of the Solo Traveler

While everyone was planning trips for Leh-Ladakh, Spiti, Kasol, and other hyped places, I decided to go on a journey which is not only physically adventurous but also psychologically challenging. Riding solo on a bike from a metro city to the foot of the Himalayas and then a 5 km hike with depleting oxygen levels in every 100 meters made this travel experience one of its kind. Among various places to start with, my journey begins with reaching the Lord of The Peaks: Tungnath.

The Lord of The Peaks

Tungnath at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila. The temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old and has many legends. Tungnath is the third (Tritiya Kedar) of the Panch Kedars. Panch kedars are the five temples designated in the strict pecking order to be followed for pilgrimage for worship are:

Kedarnath (केदारनाथ) at 3,583m (11,755ft),

Tungnath (तुंगनाथ) at (3,680 m or 12,070ft),

Rudranath (रुद्रनाथ) at (2,286 m or 7,500 ft),

Madhyamaheshwar (मध्यमहेश्वर) or Madmaheshwar at (3,490m or 11,450ft) and

Kalpeshwar (कल्पेश्वर) (2,200 m or 7,200ft).

These panch kedar are said to be established by the Pandavas as they were atoning for fratricide(killing of own blood), searching for the Shiva's forgiveness and blessings. The Pandavas came across Panch-kedar, where 5 of the Shiva's body parts reappeared. It is believed that the Tungnath is where the arms appeared.

How to reach?

I started my journey from New Delhi on the bike, so it was a 405 km bike ride till Chopta. If you are looking for other ways to commute then there are many ways...you can book cabs, take self-drive cars and you can go for buses. If you are traveling by bus then you have to take the bus from Delhi to Rishikesh (232 km) first and then from Rishikesh, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus. Chopta is well connected by motorable roads with major towns of the Garhwal region.

You can simply follow this route :

Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag ( Kedarnath Road) – Augustmuni – Kund (take left to Ukhimath before the bridge) – Ukhimath Cut (go straight towards Chopta) – Mastura – Makku Bend (take the road towards Chopta) – Duggalbitta – Baniyakund – Chopta.

After reaching Chopta, one can opt for camping or there are few guesthouses as well which are very affordable. I got a single room for only Rs. 300/-per night. I spent the night in Chopta because it was already too dark to hike alone and I was tired from the bike ride.

The next Day, I started my trek to the temple, it took me almost 5 to 6 hours to climb up as I was carrying way too much stuff, which was not very wise. But, reaching to the temple and witnessing the view around me took all the weariness away and filled me with a certain calmness. After attending the evening pooja at the Tungnath temple I talked to a local guy 'Laxman', who owns a shop(made with wood and thatch) just below the Tungnath temple and he gave me a place to sleep in his shop.

The next day, I planned to go up for the Chandrashila Peak.

Chandrashila is the peak of the ridge hosting the famous Tungnath temple. It means "Moon Rock". It is located at a height of about 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level. This peak provides enchanting views of the Himalayan range, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba peaks. There are various legends associated with this place. According to one such legend, this is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.