Kartik Swami Temple is a sacred and scenic pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva, located near Kanakchauri village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Perched at an altitude of around 3,050 meters on a ridge of the Kronch Parvat, the temple offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, and Trishul. The legend behind the temple is deeply rooted in mythology — it is believed that after losing a divine contest to his brother Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya offered his bones to his father Shiva, and this very place marks that spiritual offering.
To reach the temple, one must trek about 3 kilometers from Kanakchauri, through a scenic forest trail filled with rhododendron trees and chirping birds, making the journey both spiritual and adventurous. The last stretch includes climbing around 80 stairs that lead to the peaceful temple perched on the edge of a cliff. The site is not just known for its spiritual significance, but also for breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Himalayas, bird-watching opportunities, and eco-tourism activities. The best time to visit is from October to June, especially during Kartik Poornima and local festivals. The serene environment, mythological significance, and majestic natural beauty make Kartik Swami Temple a hidden gem in Uttarakhand’s spiritual and trekking circuit.
Reaching Kartik Swami Temple, located near Kanakchauri village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, involves a combination of road travel and a short trek. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
🚗 By Road:
Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri (40 km)
From Rudraprayag, take a shared jeep, local bus, or hire a private taxi to reach Kanakchauri, the base village for the Kartik Swami trek. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.From Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun
Haridwar to Kanakchauri: ~205 km
Rishikesh to Kanakchauri: ~175 km
Dehradun to Kanakchauri: ~220 km
You can drive or take a bus/taxi via Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Kanakchauri.
🛤️ By Train:
The nearest railway stations are:
Rishikesh (~175 km)
Haridwar (~205 km)
From there, continue the journey by road to Rudraprayag and then to Kanakchauri.
✈️ By Air:
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 220 km from Kanakchauri).
From the airport, you can hire a cab or take public transport to Rudraprayag and then Kanakchauri.
🥾 By Trek:
From Kanakchauri, it’s a 3 km uphill trek through beautiful rhododendron forests.
The trail ends with about 300–400 stone steps leading to the Kartik Swami Temple, perched at an altitude of about 3,050 meters.
Trek duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your pace.
✅ Travel Tips:
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November
Avoid monsoon season (July–August) due to slippery paths.
Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry water/snacks.
Accommodation is available in Kanakchauri or nearby villages.
Route: Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun → Rudraprayag → Kanakchauri
Morning
Start early from Haridwar/Rishikesh (by 6:00–7:00 AM)
Drive via Devprayag and Srinagar to Rudraprayag (approx. 5–6 hrs drive)
Break for lunch en route
Afternoon
From Rudraprayag, continue your journey to Kanakchauri (~40 km / 1.5 hrs)
Check into a homestay or guesthouse in Kanakchauri
Explore the village and enjoy sunset views
Evening
Early dinner and rest, as the trek begins the next day
Optional: Attend local aarti or interact with locals for cultural insight
🛌 Stay: Eco-lodges or homestays in Kanakchauri
🍽️ Meals: Local vegetarian cuisine available at guesthouses
Early Morning
Wake up by 4:30 AM for a sunrise trek (or start later depending on your preference)
Begin the 3 km trek through a beautiful forest trail (takes ~1.5–2 hours)
Enjoy majestic sunrise views over Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Nanda Devi, etc.
At the Temple
Offer prayers and spend quiet time in the divine setting
Photography and relaxation in the serene surroundings
Carry packed breakfast/snacks or eat after returning
Late Morning / Afternoon
Trek back to Kanakchauri
Freshen up, have lunch
Depart for Rudraprayag or continue to your next destination (e.g., Chopta, Ukhimath)
🏕️ Camping at Kanakchauri for stargazing
🐦 Birdwatching in the surrounding forest (home to Himalayan monal, woodpeckers, eagles)
🛕 Combine with a visit to Chopta-Tungnath, Kalimath, or Kedarnath if on a longer journey
Trekking shoes, warm clothes, torchlight
Water bottle, snacks, basic meds
Camera & power bank
Respect local culture & temple decorum