Kartik Swami Temple Uttarakhand, How to Reach, Height, Trek | Travel Guide

The Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand is a peaceful and beautiful place high up in the hills. It’s about 3050 meters high, and from there, you can see amazing views of the mountains and green areas below. This old temple is not just a place to see but also has a lot of history and importance for people who go there. If you want to visit, this guide will tell you about the temple’s past, why it’s important, how to get there by walking, and some helpful tips for your trip.

Kartik Swami Temple History

The Kartik Swami Temple is a place of worship dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, who is the elder son of Lord Shiva. The temple is situated atop Kronch Parvat in Uttarakhand. What makes this temple unique in the region is that it is one of the few temples specifically devoted to Lord Kartikeya.

Now, let’s dive into the fascinating legend associated with this temple: Lord Shiva once challenged his sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha, to race around the entire universe. While Kartikeya embarked on an actual journey to circle the universe, Ganesha took a different approach. He simply circled his parents, symbolizing them as his universe. Impressed by Ganesha’s wisdom, Lord Shiva declared him the winner. However, this decision upset Kartikeya. In an act of deep reverence, Kartikeya offered his own flesh and bones to his father. These sacred relics are believed to be enshrined and worshipped at the Kartik Swami Temple.

How to Reach Kartik Swami Temple, Uttarakhand

Reaching the Kartik Swami Temple involves a journey through picturesque landscapes and challenging terrains.

1. By Road:
   • The temple is well connected to most of the important towns and cities in Uttarakhand.
   • Start your journey from Rudraprayag and take the road toward Pokhri via Kanakchauri.
   • The road route from Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri is extremely scenic, offering views of the pristine valleys and snow-shrouded Himalayas.
   • It takes less than 2 hours to reach Kanakchauri from Rudraprayag.
   • From Kanakchauri, the temple is accessible via a mild 3 km trek.
2. From Delhi to Kartik Swami Temple:
   • Follow the route: Delhi – Meerut – Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Rudraprayag – Saterakhal – Dursasar – Khadpatia – Ghimtoli – Kanakchauri (the trek to the temple starts from here).
   • Enjoy the scenic beauty of the journey as you approach the temple.
3. From Chopta, Ukhimath, or Kedarnath:
   • Take a shared jeep from Chandrapuri to reach Kanakchauri.
   • From there, embark on a 3 km trek to Kartik Swami temple.
   • The road from Kanakchauri is connected to the roads leading to Kedarnath, Chopta, and Badrinath, making it convenient for temple visits without detours.

Best Time to Visit Kartik Swami Temple, Uttarakhand

The best time to visit the Kartik Swami Temple is between October and June. This period offers the most pleasant weather for travelers. The Kartik Swami Temple is especially busy around Kartik Purnima, a festival that falls between October and November, attracting many worshippers. Another good time for a visit is during the Kalash Yatra, which takes place in June and is a significant event for the temple.

Kartik Swami Temple Height

At an elevation of over 3000 meters (10,006 feet) , the Kartik Swami Temple offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath. Visitors can also witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from the temple premises, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Kartik Swami Temple Trekking Routes

Trekking Tips

Here are some quick trekking tips for visiting the Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand:

• Check the weather forecast before your trip.
• Pack suitable clothing and gear for the season.
• Wear good trekking shoes for the hike.
• Stay hydrated and carry enough water.
• Respect local customs and traditions at the temple.
• The trek is a 3 km ascent from Kanakchauri village.
• You’ll encounter 380 steps before reaching the temple.
• Enjoy the views of snowy peaks like Bandarpunch and Kedarnath Dome.
• Bird watching is a treat with over 150 species, including the golden eagle.
• Camping is possible, offering time in nature and views of Himalayan peaks.

Activites in Kartik Swami

When visiting the Kartik Swami Temple in Uttarakhand, you can engage in a variety of activities that enhance the spiritual and adventurous experience:

1. Trekking: The journey to the temple includes a scenic 3 km trek from Kanakchauri village, culminating in a climb of about 380 steps. For those seeking more adventure, there’s a less explored trek starting from Chopta.
2. Bird Watching: The area is home to over 150 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the golden eagle, the steppe eagle, and the black eagle.
3. Camping: Set up camp to enjoy some quality time in nature. The location offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba Peak, Dronagiri, and Neelkanth.
4. Village Tourism: Explore the nearby Kanakchauri village to experience local life and culture.
5. Photography: Capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks and the temple’s architecture.
6. Spiritual Practices: Engage in meditation, mantra chanting, and offering prayers at the temple. The evening prayers and the sandhya aarti are particularly enchanting, with the temple premises echoing with tolling bells and hymns.
7. Festivals: Participate in religious festivals throughout the year, with Kartik Poornima being the most significant.

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