Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a temple that is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush green forests, and serene valleys? A temple that is not only a place of worship but also a destination for adventure and nature lovers? A temple that is dedicated to one of the most revered and powerful gods in Hindu mythology? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand, India.
Kartik Swami Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, also known as Kartik Swami, Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the brother of Lord Ganesha. He is the god of war, wisdom, and youth, and the commander-in-chief of the army of gods. He is also the patron deity of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The temple is located on a hilltop at an altitude of 3050 meters in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is believed that this is the place where Lord Kartikeya meditated after giving up his fleshly body in a dispute with his brother over a divine fruit. The temple houses a stone idol of Lord Kartikeya that is made from his bones. The idol is adorned with flowers and bells, and faces east towards the rising sun.
The temple offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, and Neelkanth. It also offers a thrilling trekking experience through dense forests, rocky terrains, and steep slopes. The trek to the temple starts from Kanakchauri village, which is about 40 km from Rudraprayag town. The trek distance is about 3 km one way, and takes about 2 hours to complete.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Kartik Swami Temple and its trekking experience. We will also tell you about the best time to visit, how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to see near the temple. So, if you are looking for a divine and adventurous getaway in the lap of nature, read on to find out more.
The Trek to Kartik Swami Temple
The trek to Kartik Swami Temple is one of the main attractions of visiting this place. It is a moderate level trek that can be done by anyone with basic fitness and stamina. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before undertaking any high-altitude trekking activity.
The trek starts from Kanakchauri village, which is about 40 km from Rudraprayag town. You can reach Kanakchauri by road from Rudraprayag or Karanprayag. There are buses and taxis available from both these places. You can also hire a private vehicle or drive your own car to Kanakchauri.
The trek distance from Kanakchauri to Kartik Swami Temple is about 3 km one way. The trek route passes through dense forests of oak, pine, rhododendron, and deodar trees. You can also spot various birds and animals along the way. The trek route is well marked with signboards and arrows.
The trek takes about 2 hours to complete one way. The first half of the trek is relatively easy and flat. The second half of the trek becomes steep and rocky as you approach the hilltop. The last 500 meters of the trek are the most challenging as you have to climb up a series of stone steps.
The trek rewards you with stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. You can also see some small temples and shrines along the way. The most amazing sight is when you reach the top and see the Kartik Swami Temple standing tall amidst the clouds.
The best time to start the trek is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This way you can avoid the harsh sun and enjoy the pleasant weather. You can also witness the sunrise or sunset from the temple premises.
Some practical tips for trekkers are:
1. Carry enough water and snacks for the trek. There are no shops or eateries on the way.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for trekking. Avoid wearing sandals or slippers.
3. Carry a jacket or a sweater as it can get cold at the top, especially in the winter months.
4. Carry a camera or a binocular to capture the scenic views of the mountains and the temple.
5. Carry a flashlight or a torch if you are trekking in the evening or at night.
6. Hire a guide or a porter if you are not confident about the trek route or your physical ability. They can also help you with carrying your luggage or providing local information.
7. Respect the local culture and environment. Do not litter or pluck flowers on the way. Do not make noise or disturb the wildlife. Do not enter the temple premises without removing your shoes or covering your head.
Tourist Places near Kartik Swami Temple
There are many tourist places near Kartik Swami Temple that you can explore during your visit. Some of them are:
Kanakchauri village:
This is the base village for the trek to Kartik Swami Temple. It is a small and peaceful village that offers a glimpse of the rural life and culture of Uttarakhand. You can interact with the locals, enjoy their hospitality, and taste their delicious cuisine. You can also visit some of the ancient temples and monuments in the village, such as the Nagnath Temple, the Bhairav Temple, and the Chaukhamba View Point.
Chopta Valley:
This is a popular hill station and a part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. It is about 25 km from Kanakchauri village. It is known for its lush green meadows, alpine forests, and diverse flora and fauna. It is also a base for trekking to Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila Peak, which are among the highest Shiva temples and peaks in the world.
Tungnath Temple:
This is one of the five Panch Kedar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at an altitude of 3680 meters, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is about 4 km from Chopta Valley. The temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and has a rich history and mythology associated with it. The temple offers a splendid view of the Himalayan ranges and valleys.
Chandrashila Peak:
This is a summit of the Tungnath mountain range, situated at an altitude of 4000 meters. It is about 1.5 km from Tungnath Temple. The peak is named after the moon god Chandra, who is said to have meditated here. The peak offers a 360-degree view of the Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Bandarpunch, and Neelkanth.
Ukhimath:
This is a small town and a pilgrimage center in Rudraprayag district. It is about 30 km from Kanakchauri village. It is famous for its Ukhimath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The temple is also known as Omkareshwar Pitha, as it houses the idols of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during the winter months when their original temples are closed due to snowfall. The temple also has idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.
Best Things To Do In And Around Kartik Swami Temple
There are many things to do in and around Kartik Swami Temple that can make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. Some of them are:
Witnessing sunrise or sunset from the temple:
One of the best things to do at Kartik Swami Temple is to witness the sunrise or sunset from its premises. You can see the sky changing colors from orange to pink to purple as the sun rises or sets behind the mountains. You can also see the temple glowing with golden light as it reflects the sun rays. The sight is mesmerizing and divine.
Offering bells at the temple:
Another thing to do at Kartik Swami Temple is to offer bells at its entrance gate. It is believed that offering bells at this temple fulfills one’s wishes and brings good luck. You can buy bells from the shops near the temple or bring your own. You can also write your name or wish on the bell before offering it.
Attending sandhya aarti at the temple:
One more thing to do at Kartik Swami Temple is to attend its sandhya aarti, which is performed every evening around 6 pm by the priest. The aarti is a ritual of worshiping Lord Kartikeya with lamps, incense, flowers, and music. The aarti is a way of expressing gratitude and devotion to the god. You can join the aarti by singing along the hymns, clapping your hands, or waving a lamp. The aarti creates a spiritual and peaceful atmosphere in the temple.
Bird watching in the forest:
If you are a nature lover and a bird watcher, you can enjoy the activity of bird watching in the forest near the temple. The forest is home to many species of birds, such as Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, Himalayan griffon, yellow-billed blue magpie, and Himalayan bulbul. You can spot these birds by their colors, sounds, or movements. You can also use a binocular or a camera to get a closer look at them.
Camping near the temple or Chopta Valley:
If you are an adventure lover and a camping enthusiast, you can enjoy the activity of camping near the temple or Chopta Valley. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the locals. You can also arrange for food, water, and firewood from them. You can spend the night under the stars, listening to the sounds of nature, and feeling the cool breeze. You can also light a bonfire and share stories with your fellow campers.
Places To Stay In Kartik Swami In Uttarakhand
There are not many options for accommodation near Kartik Swami Temple. However, you can find some hotels, guest houses, and homestays in Kanakchauri village or Chopta Valley. Some of them are:
Hotel Kartik Swami:
This is a budget hotel located in Kanakchauri village. It offers basic facilities such as rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, TV, and Wi-Fi. It also has a restaurant that serves local and Indian cuisine. The hotel charges around Rs. 1000 per night for a double room.
Kartik Swami Guest House:
This is a guest house located near the temple premises. It offers simple and clean rooms with common bathrooms, mattresses, blankets, and pillows. It also has a kitchen where you can cook your own food or order from the nearby shops. The guest house charges around Rs. 500 per night for a room.
Kartik Swami Homestay:
This is a homestay located in Kanakchauri village. It offers comfortable and cozy rooms with attached bathrooms, hot water, TV, and Wi-Fi. It also has a dining area where you can enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by the host family. The homestay charges around Rs. 1500 per night for a room.
Chopta Meadows Camps:
These are campsites located in Chopta Valley. They offer spacious and well-equipped tents with mattresses, blankets, pillows, chairs, tables, and lanterns. They also have common bathrooms with hot water and toilets. They also have a dining area where you can enjoy buffet meals cooked by the staff. The campsites charge around Rs. 2000 per night for a tent.
Magpie Camps:
These are also campsites located in Chopta Valley. They offer similar facilities as Chopta Meadows Camps, but with more luxury and comfort. They have Swiss tents with attached bathrooms, hot water, electricity, heaters, and Wi-Fi. They also have a restaurant that serves continental and Indian cuisine. The campsites charge around Rs. 3000 per night for a tent.
Some tips for staying near Kartik Swami Temple are:
1. Book your accommodation in advance as there are limited options available.
2. Carry your own toiletries and towels as they may not be provided by some of the accommodations.
3. Carry some cash as there are no ATMs or card machines nearby.
4. Carry some warm clothes as it can get cold at night.
4. Respect the privacy and property of the locals and do not trespass their lands or houses.
Best Time To Visit Kartik Swami Temple In Uttarakhand
The best time to visit Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand is from April to June and from September to November. These are the months when the weather is pleasant and clear, and the views are spectacular.
From April to June, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during the day and from 5°C to 15°C during the night. This is the summer season when the sky is blue and the sun is bright. The flowers are in full bloom and the birds are chirping. This is also the peak season when many tourists visit the temple.
From September to November, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C during the day and from 0°C to 10°C during the night. This is the autumn season when the leaves change color and fall off. The air is crisp and fresh. The mountains are covered with snow and look majestic.
From July to August, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C during the day and from 10°C to 20°C during the night. This is the monsoon season when the rain is heavy and frequent. The trek route becomes slippery and muddy. The visibility is low and the views are obscured. This is also the off-season when few tourists visit the temple.
From December to March, the temperature ranges from 5°C to 15°C during the day and from -5°C to 5°C during the night. This is the winter season when the snow is thick and deep. The trek route becomes difficult and dangerous. The temple is closed for visitors due to extreme weather conditions.
Some tips for visiting Kartik Swami Temple in different seasons are:
- Carry appropriate clothes and shoes according to the season. Wear layers of clothing that can be added or removed as per the temperature. Wear woolen or fleece clothes in winter and cotton or synthetic clothes in summer. Wear waterproof or snow-proof shoes in monsoon and winter and breathable or sturdy shoes in summer and autumn.
- Carry a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm to protect yourself from the sun rays. The sun can be harsh and harmful at high altitudes, especially in summer.
- Carry a raincoat, umbrella, or poncho to protect yourself from the rain. The rain can be unpredictable and heavy at high altitudes, especially in monsoon.
- Carry a water bottle, a thermos flask, and some snacks for the trek. You may not find any shops or eateries on the way. You may also need to drink hot water or tea to keep yourself warm and hydrated, especially in winter.
- Carry some medicines for altitude sickness, headache, nausea, or diarrhea. You may experience some discomfort or illness due to the change in altitude, weather, or food.
How To Reach Kartik Swami Temple In Uttarakhand
There are different ways to reach Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand by road or air. Here are some of them:
By road:
The nearest town from Kartik Swami Temple is Rudraprayag, which is about 40 km away. You can reach Rudraprayag by road from various cities such as Delhi (370 km), Dehradun (160 km), Haridwar (150 km), Rishikesh (140 km), or Srinagar (60 km). There are buses and taxis available from these places to Rudraprayag. From Rudraprayag, you can take another bus or taxi to Kanakchauri village, which is about 40 km away. From Kanakchauri village, you can start your trek to Kartik Swami Temple, which is about 3 km away.
By air:
The nearest airport from Kartik Swami Temple is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 180 km away. You can reach Dehradun by flight from various cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, or Hyderabad. There are flights operated by Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Vistara.
From Dehradun airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Rudraprayag, which is about 160 km away. From Rudraprayag, you can follow the same route as mentioned above.
Kartik Swami Temple is a divine and adventurous destination that you should not miss if you are in Uttarakhand. It is a place where you can experience spirituality, nature, and culture in one go. It is a place where you can witness the beauty and glory of Lord Kartikeya and his creation. It is a place where you can challenge yourself and discover yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Kartik Swami Temple today and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
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