When people hear the name Tungnath, most of them imagine a stone temple high in the mountains, reached by walking uphill from Chopta. But the story of Tungnath does not stop when winter snow and difficult weather arrive. During the winter season, the worship of Lord Tungnath is carried out at Makkumath, a village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand.

Makkumath, also written as Makku Math or Makkumath, offers a different experience from the famous Tungnath trek. Here the focus is not on a high mountain walk, but on darshan, local temple traditions, village life and the quieter side of a Himalayan pilgrimage. It is worth understanding this place before planning a winter visit.

Why Makkumath is the winter seat of Tungnath

Tungnath Temple stands high in the Himalayas, where winter weather can make access difficult. When the temple closes for the winter season, the deity’s movable festival image is ceremonially brought down to Makkumath. The village then becomes the centre for the winter worship of Shri Tungnath.

This seasonal movement is part of the living pilgrimage tradition of Uttarakhand. It allows devotees to continue their prayers and seek darshan without making the high-altitude journey to the closed temple. The exact date of the procession and the start of winter worship changes from year to year, so check the latest notice from the temple committee before travelling.

Shri Markateshwar Temple at Makkumath

Shri Markateshwar Temple is closely associated with Makkumath’s role as the winter seat of Tungnath. During the winter period, worship and darshan take place here. For devotees who cannot visit the high shrine during snow season, this temple provides an important opportunity to continue the pilgrimage.

The experience is likely to feel different from visiting a busy destination in peak trekking season. Makkumath is a village setting, and visitors should approach it as a place of worship first. Keep noise low, follow the instructions of temple staff and local residents, and ask before taking photographs during rituals.

Tungnath and the Panch Kedar tradition

Tungnath is traditionally counted as one of the Panch Kedar, a group of five important Shiva temples in the Garhwal Himalaya. In the well-known religious account, the Pandavas searched for Lord Shiva after the Mahabharata war. Shiva avoided them and appeared in different forms at five places. Tungnath is associated with the arms of Shiva in this tradition.

This is a sacred story passed down through Hindu tradition; it should be understood as religious belief and pilgrimage heritage rather than a claim established by modern historical evidence. The tradition helps explain why Tungnath holds such a special place in the spiritual geography of Uttarakhand.

How to reach Makkumath

Makkumath is in Rudraprayag district. The most practical approach is to plan a road journey through the Garhwal region and confirm the final leg with a local driver or transport provider. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee notes that public transport is available from Haridwar and Rishikesh towards Ukhimath or Rudraprayag, after which a private taxi can be hired to Makkumath.

1. From Rishikesh or Haridwar: Travel by bus or shared transport towards Ukhimath or Rudraprayag, subject to current schedules.
2. From Ukhimath or Rudraprayag: Arrange a local taxi for the road journey to Makkumath. Confirm the fare and return plan in advance, especially in winter.
3. By train: Rishikesh is listed by the temple committee as the nearest railway station, but the road journey from there is long. Check current train services and route conditions.
4. By air: Jolly Grant Airport near Dehradun is the nearest commonly used airport. From the airport, continue by road; allow substantial travel time through the hills.

Published distance estimates vary between sources and can depend on the route used. Check a current map and local road advice before setting off rather than relying only on a single kilometre figure.

Places to explore around Makkumath

1. Tungnath Temple and Chopta

Chopta is the usual starting point for the trek to Tungnath when the route and temple are open. The temple sits at high altitude, and snow or ice can make the path unsafe in winter. Do not assume that the trail is suitable simply because the road to a nearby village is open. Check weather, snow conditions and local advice before attempting any winter walk.

2. Ukhimath

Ukhimath is another important religious centre in the region and is known as the winter seat of Lord Kedarnath. It can be a useful stop on a wider temple journey, depending on your route and available time.

3. Sari Village and Deoria Tal area

Sari village is a starting point for the walk to Deoria Tal. This area is popular for mountain scenery, but winter conditions can change quickly. Ask locally about trail conditions, daylight and whether a guide is advisable.

4. Rudraprayag

Rudraprayag is a key town for travel through this part of Uttarakhand. It can be used as a transport stop when planning a journey towards the upper Garhwal villages and temples.

Best time to visit Makkumath

Makkumath can be visited in different seasons, but the reason for your visit will help decide the best time. If you want to attend winter worship, first confirm when the deity is expected to arrive and whether darshan arrangements are in place. If you want green landscapes and easier village walks, milder months may be more comfortable.

Practical winter travel tips

• Confirm the winter worship dates and darshan arrangements with the temple committee or local administration before leaving.
• Carry warm layers, a rainproof outer layer, gloves and shoes with good grip.
• Keep some cash available; do not assume digital payment or mobile connectivity will work everywhere.
• Book accommodation and transport ahead of important ceremony dates, and confirm cancellation terms.
• Start road journeys in daylight where possible and keep extra time for hill-road delays.
• Never drive onto snow or ice without suitable experience and equipment. Follow local advice and road closures.
• Respect temple customs and local residents. Ask before photographing people or religious ceremonies.
• Pack out all litter and avoid disturbing wildlife or collecting plants from the forest.

Frequently asked questions

Final thoughts: a quieter side of the Tungnath pilgrimage

Makkumath reminds us that Himalayan pilgrimage is not only about reaching a high mountain temple. It is also about the seasonal traditions, village communities and places where worship continues through the difficult winter months. For devotees of Lord Shiva, a visit to the winter seat can be a meaningful part of a Uttarakhand journey.

Plan thoughtfully, respect the local customs and confirm the latest temple and road information. In the mountains, a little preparation makes a big difference.

Sources and further reading

• Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee: The Temple of Shri Tunganath at Makku — winter worship and route information.
• District Rudraprayag: Temples — background on Tungnath and the Panch Kedar tradition.
• Amar Ujala, 20 October 2026 — reported 2026 winter procession schedule. Verify any changes before travelling.
• Uttarakhand Tourism: Chopta — regional context for Chopta and the Tungnath route.

Article wording is original and prepared for Rishikesh Day Tour. Religious stories are identified as traditions, and travel details should be rechecked with official sources before departure.