Tungnath Temple After Closing: Where Lord Shiva Is Worshipped in Winter
What happens after Tungnath Temple closes for winter? Learn where Lord Shiva is worshipped at Makkumath, whether Chopta can still be visited, and how to plan the trip safely.
In this guideOpen
A simple pilgrim guide
Many travellers plan a visit to Tungnath Temple and then discover that the temple has closed for winter. The first question is usually simple: can we still have Lord Shiva darshan after Tungnath closes?
Yes — but not at the high-altitude Tungnath Temple itself. After the seasonal closing, the winter worship connected with Tungnath ji continues at Makkumath. This guide explains what that means and how to plan the rest of your winter trip without confusion.
Seasonal tradition
Why does Tungnath Temple close in winter?
Tungnath is a high-altitude Shiva temple reached from Chopta. As winter arrives, cold, snowfall and difficult mountain conditions make regular temple access impractical.
The winter closing is therefore not the end of worship. It is part of the traditional seasonal cycle followed in the region: the high-altitude shrine closes, while worship continues at its winter seat.
For 2026, Tungnath Temple is scheduled to close on 6 November. Temple dates are announced seasonally, so travellers planning in another year should always confirm that year's official date.
Winter darshan
Where is Lord Shiva worshipped after Tungnath closes?
After the winter closing of Tungnath Temple, worship continues at Makkumath, the winter seat associated with Tungnath ji.
This is the key point for pilgrims. If your main purpose is darshan after the high-altitude temple has closed, Makkumath should be part of your plan rather than travelling to Chopta expecting the temple doors to be open.
The winter tradition is an important part of the spiritual life of the region and helps visitors understand that worship continues even when the mountain shrine becomes inaccessible for the season.
Chopta after the closing
Can you still visit Chopta after Tungnath Temple closes?
Yes, Chopta may still be visited after the temple closes, but road access depends on the actual weather and snow conditions. Visiting Chopta and having temple darshan at Tungnath are two different things.
For sightseeing
Chopta can still be a peaceful mountain outing when the road is open and conditions are suitable.
For snow
Snow is possible in winter, but neither the timing nor the amount can be guaranteed for a particular date.
For darshan
After the closing ceremony, plan for Makkumath rather than expecting darshan inside Tungnath Temple.
Do not confuse temple closure with trail safety
Can you trek toward Tungnath after the temple closes?
The temple closing date does not automatically tell you whether the walking route is safe. Winter conditions can bring snow, ice, strong wind and very low temperatures.
Do not attempt the route simply because you see other people's snow photographs online. Ask locally about the current trail, start early, carry proper winter gear and turn back if the weather, visibility or surface conditions are not suitable.
If Chandrashila is part of your plan, remember that it is a further and steeper climb beyond Tungnath. Treat it as optional in winter, not as something that must be completed.
Simple planning
How to plan your trip after Tungnath closes
If the high route is not suitable
What else can you include in the trip?
A winter trip does not need to depend on one trek. You can combine Makkumath with lower-altitude places and keep the higher route flexible.
Sari Village is the starting area for the Deoria Tal trail, while Chopta can be planned separately when the road and weather are suitable.
Ukhimath is another useful winter stop in the region. After Kedarnath closes, its winter worship continues at Omkareshwar Temple there. If you are interested in that tradition, read our Omkareshwar Temple guide.
Choosing a base
Where should you stay for this route?
There is no single correct base for everyone. Choose according to the places you actually want to visit, the weather and how much driving you are comfortable doing.
If Deoria Tal and Sari Village are part of your itinerary, staying in Sari can be convenient because the Deoria Tal trail begins here. Chopta, Makkumath and Ukhimath are separate outings and should be planned with realistic road time.
We are based in Sari Village at Lake Haven Resort. Even if you are still deciding where to stay, you can ask us about the current local road or weather situation and we will share whatever practical information we have at that time.
The main thing to remember
Temple closed does not mean worship has stopped
After Tungnath Temple closes for winter, Lord Shiva's worship connected with Tungnath continues at Makkumath. For pilgrims, understanding that seasonal tradition is more useful than simply trying to reach the closed high-altitude shrine.
For travellers, Chopta and the surrounding mountains can still be beautiful in winter when conditions allow. Keep the plan flexible, check local information and let safety decide whether a high-altitude outing makes sense on the day.
For evergreen route and trek information, you can also read our Tungnath trek guide.
