Kartikswami Temple Trek

Kartikswami Temple Trek

6 Lakh+

Satisfied Trekkers

16+

Years of Experiance

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Quick Information

Trek Duration

3 Days

Trek Difficulty

Easy

Trek Group Size

12 max

Trek Distance

3 km (One Way)

Trek Max Altitude

10,007 feet / 3,050 meters

Trek Region

Uttarakhand | India

Trek Pickup

Dehradun (Prince Chowk)

Best Season

Summer | Autumn | Monsoon | Winter

Best Time

January, February, March, May, June, September, October, November, December

Trek Basecamp

Kartikswami Temple, Uttarakhand

GST Fee

5%

Kartikswami Temple Trek Overview

Kartikswami temple located near Kanakchauri in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the temple is situated on a ridge at the top of Kronch Parvat at elevation of 3048 meters. This temple is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the elder son of Shiva and Parvati, and the elder brother of Lord Ganesha. Here at this temple, the bone of Lord Kartikeya is worshipped because it is believed that Lord Kartikey has given his bone to the father as a symbol of his deep surrender to his father.

Here, the attraction of tourists and devotees is more when grand feasts, maha bhandara, and mantra chanting are organised.

Why Kartikswami Temple is Special

  • The Kartik swami temple is the only temple in Uttarakhand that is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. He is also known as Kartik Murugan Swami.
  • The temple situated on Kronch Parvat, from Kartik Swami temple peaks such as Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks.
  • It is very easy to reach Kartikswami Temple; it is just a 4 km trek from Kanakchauri village.
  • The trek route passes through thick oak and rhododendron forest, opening into wide ridges.
  • Sunrise and sunset look amazing here.
Kartik Swami Temple
Kartik Swami Temple

 

Best Time to Visit Kartikswami Temple

The best time to visit Kartikswami temple is March to June best for beginners, families, and photographers, also rhododendron flowers are in full blooms, and the weather remains pleasant with clear skies.

September to November is a good time for those who want peace, in the autumn season, the weather remains moderately cold with a gentle breeze and clear skies best for stargazing, also the forest turns a golden color.

December to February is best for those who loves snow adventure and more adventure. The covers with snow make it beautiful.

It is advisable to avoid the heavy monsoon season, mid-July to August, because of heavy rainfall and landslide to ensure safety.

How to Reach Kartikswami Temple

The base villages of Kartikswami temple is Kanakchauri, which is 40 km from Rudraprayag. From there is trek starts.

Rudraprayag is connected with NH 7 to Haridwar and Rishikesh. This is also the nearest railway station. The nearest airport is Jollygrant Grant Airport in Dehradun.

More Information

Kartikswami Temple Trek Short Itinerary

Day 1: Dehradun to Rudraprayag
Day 2: Rudraprayag to Kartikswami Temple, back to Rudraprayag
Day 3: Rudraprayag to Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar

Kartikswami Temple Trek Itinerary

Distance: 224 km | 137 km | 198 km
Duration:  5-6 Hours
Accomadation: Hotel/homestays
Meals: Dinner
Altitude: 1,480 feet to 2936 feet

Drive starts from any of these cities, Rudraprayag connected to Dehradun with NH 7. This road journey itself is a highlight of Kartikswami temple. It is passes via Rishikesh, Devprayag—where the Bhagirathi meets the Alaknanda to officially form the holy Ganga. Rudraprayag—where the Mandakini merges with the Alaknanda.  After witnessing these two holy confluence drives reach Kanakchauri, the base village of Kartikswami temple.

Distance: 3 km each side | Duration: 3-4 Hours
Accomadation: Homestays/hotels
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Altitude: 10,007 Feet

On second day, the trek starts early in the morning  to witness the sunrise. The trek route passes through thick oak and rhododendron forest, opening into wide ridges. From Kartik Swami temple peaks such as Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi peaks. 

Meditate and pray at Kartik Swami Temple. Stay a long time at the temple then come back to Kanakchauri, overnight stay in Kanakchauri or Rudraparayag.

Distance: 224 km | 137 km | 198 km
Duration:  5-6 Hour
Meals: Breakfast

Drive back to Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar after breakfast with views of Alknanda. With same route.

Customize your Kartik Swami Temple with Himalaya Shelter

At Himalaya Shelter, we provide you with the option to customize your trekking experience. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family, you can opt for our personalized tailor-made trekking program. This customized trek will be exclusively designed for you, taking into account your specific requirements for transportation, accommodation, meals, and any other premium facilities you may need during the trek. No other participants will be added to your group. Choosing a customized trek will enable you to fully enjoy the trek with your loved ones. Learn about what a Customized Trekking program looks like.

History and Mythology of Kartikswami Temple

As per Hindu Mythology, Mahadev organised a competition among their sons Kartik and Ganesh, in which they had to take seven complete rounds of the universe, then the first to get a reward of being worshipped among all gods. Lord Kartikeya started his journey, and Lord Ganesh made circles around his parents, the Shiv and the Parvati, because they are the universe to him. By this act of Ganesha Shiv ji impressed, so he rewarded him to worship first. By this decision, lord kartikeya got angry, so he offered his flesh and bones to lord shiva as devotion.

So it is believe that the place where bones are dropped and temple constructed after his name Kartikswami.

Accommodation Options (Hotels, Homestays)

In Kanakchauri (Base Village)

  • Homestays & Guesthouses: Here you can find so many homestays and guest house in village for mountain village vibes . Look for places like Mayadeep Holiday Home, Sree Kartikey Palace, Mountain Home stay, Kartikey Buransh Homestay, and Kartikey Rupa Guest House.
  • Other Options: You might also find places listed as Dhramshala Kartik Swami.

In Chopta (a bit far)

  • Resorts & Hotels: In Chopta, there is many option of hotel and resorts with scenic views. Examples include the Chopta Resort, Himrab Chopta Resort, and Nirvana Stays Chopta.
  • Camps & Homestays: Chopta also offers camping/caravan sites and more homestays, such as Sun And Snow Camp Chopta.

In Rudraprayag

In Rudraparayag, there are also many options you can find, resort hotels and homestay for stay if you want mountain city vibes.

Spiritual Practices, Rituals & Festivals at Kartikswami Temple

Spiritual Practices

  • Daily Rituals: Every day, morning and evening, aarti is conducted with mantra chants.
  • Kartik Swami Mahayagya: An 11-day-long event in June featuring rituals, Mahapuran Katha, and a community feast for devotees.
  • Bhandara: A temple community offers meals to devotees at the time of Mahayagya
  • Vedic Chanting: Mandir priest chants Vedic chants during festivals like Kartik Purnima, Kalash yatra, Navratri, etc

Major Festivals

  • Kartik Purnima: This is the biggest festival, celebrated in November (or October/November), dedicated to Lord Kartikeya's birthday.  Thousands of pilgrims come to attend special puja.
  • Kalash Yatra (June): The Kalash yatra is an 11-day festival. During this Mahayagya, conduct and also offer bhandara to devotees.
  • Navratri: As Navratri is dedicated to the divine feminine and also Mother as Maa Parvati, the mother of Kartikeya. So special rituals and pooja are performed here.
  • Skanda Shashti: Skanda Sashti symbolize the victory on good over evil. Lord Murugan, also Kartikey, known for his courage and valor, is celebrated as the protector of righteousness and the destroyer of demonic forces. His triumph over Surapadman, who represents evil, is a reminder to devotees of the power of virtue, truth, and moral integrity.

Travel Tips & Safety Guidelines for Visitors

Before you go on any trek, and on the trek, whether the trek is short or long, keep these things in mind:

  • Do research on trek, like the exact location of the trek, altitude of the trek, and difficulty level, so you can prepare yourself accordingly.
  • Must pack warm clothes and waterproof clothes, good trekking shoes, and a first aid kit.
  • Always check weather conditions. If seasons like monsoon and winter( time of snowfall) keep backup.
  • Book accommodation in advance.
  • Always hire an experienced driver in the mountains for transportation.      
  • Always hire a certified guide.
  • Make travel insurance that should also covers your trekking.
  • Always search if this trek needs a permit or not. Then get your trek permit in advance.
  • Stay hydrated during trekking.
  • Be cautious of wildlife; do not feed them.

Environmental Responsibility & Respecting Local Culture

Follow the leave no trace principle: Do not leave any trash, including any non-biodegradable waste, take it back with you.โ€‹

Minimal Impact: Do not make any impact on nature, like not disturbing wildlife, do not light a fire, do not litter.  Use sustainable trekking methods.

Respect local culture: Many treks pass through villages, each village have different traditions and culture. Always be polite and respectful towards village people, and create a friendly atmosphere.

  • Before taking pictures of a sensitive place, take permission.
  • Always greeting local communities can help create a friendly atmosphere.
  • Dress properly according to village atmosphere.

In villages, there are many cultural festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. If you get a chance, join them.

Things to Do in Kartikswami Temple

  • Trek to the Temple:

To reach the temple there is 3 km, it has around stairs of 380 steps. The trek offer views of many Himalayan mountains peaks such as Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath Dome, Meru & Sumeru, Chaukhamba Peak, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul, and Nanda Devi.

  • Bell Offering:

Devotees tie bell here in the temple for prayers and fulfill wishes(mannat).

  • Photography

From the temple, many peaks are visible, and also sunsets and sunrise both look amazing, that is perfect for photography.

  • Birdwatching & Nature Walks

Kartikswami temple is a perfect for bird watching site; you can look out for birds like monal, eagle, and golden eagle.

Kartikswami Temple Nearby Attractions

Rudraprayag

In Rudraprayag, where the rivers Alaknanda and the Mandakini merge, it looks very sacred.

Koteshwar Mahadev Temple

The Koteshwar Mahadev Temple is a cave temple that is situated on the Alaknanda river bank.

โ€‹Chopta

Chopta is a village in the Rudraprayag district. It is the starting point for the Chandrashila Peak. Chopta village is also known as the “mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand.”

Tungnath Temple

The Tungnath temple is the highest Shiva temple in the world, which is part of Panch Kedar.

Chandrashila Peak

Chandrashila Peak is the summit point of the Chopta Chandrashila trek. From there you can see himalaya panaromas.

Agastyamuni

Ancient temple of Sage Agastya on the banks of the Mandakini.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Our treks are specially designed by the experienced team at Himalaya Shelter, taking you on an adventure of a lifetime, all while making you connect not only with the bountiful nature but also with yourself and with others on the trek with you, creating wonderful memories that will last you a lifetime. All Himalaya Shelter treks are guided by experienced Trekkers having vast knowledge and experience of the region, providing with insightful information and stories pertaining to the region’s flora and fauna and the history of the region,n whilst the trek. It is safe to say that on successfully completing the trek, one will gain tremendous insight and experience along with lifetime memories.

Inclusion
  • Transport support from Dehradun/Rishikesh to Dehradun/Rishikesh (Pick-up location: Railway Station)
    Pick-up Time: Around 7:30 am
  • Accommodation – At Base Camp, stay at a local homestay or guest house for one night each, which will give you an insight into the authentic lifestyle of the locals. (INR 5000 per person extra for single sharing throughout the trek).
    On Trek stay in a 2-person Vango Halo Pro/A-Shape tent, which is to be shared by two trekkers, built to withstand extreme weather conditions and at the same time making you comfortable after a hard day’s trek.
  • Camping Equipment – specially designed sleeping bags that can withstand harsh weather conditions, foam mattresses. Other safety gear like microspikes, gaiters, an ice axe, and helmets will be provided.
  • Medical Kit – our team will be equipped with an extensive medical kit, which our team is trained and experienced to use. Oxygen cylinders are used after they are thoroughly inspected throughout the Trek. Even campsites have large oxygen cylinders as backups.
  • Permission  -  Forest entry charges for Indian nationals (Additional charges will be applicable for international tourists)
  • Meals – Breakfast, packed lunch (on trek days), evening snacks, and dinner will be served. A hearty, delicious, and nutrition-filled Veg meals with egg preparation will be provided throughout the trek. (Jain and Vegan Food can also be arranged on prior notification). There will be a dedicated Kitchen Tent along with a dining tent, which will have a dining table too.
  • Our Team – A highly experienced and AMC-certified Trek Leader who will help ensure that the entire trek goes smoothly and safely while navigating the challenging conditions during the trek, and is skilled enough to navigate any medical emergency that can arise during the trek. Local and route guides who are well-versed with the region and provide an in-depth insight into the local customs and knowledge of the flora and fauna endemic to the region. A dedicated Kitchen staff, which includes a Cook, a helper, and other support staff. There will also be porters and mules to carry common equipment.
  • Cloakroom - We have a cloakroom facility available for extra luggage. Every trekker is permitted to leave their luggage behind at no charge.

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses like tips, personal medicines, phone calls etc.
  • Travel Expenses -  Travel expenses from your hometown to the mentioned Pick-Up Point are not included in the trek fee.
    From the scheduled pick-up spot to the base camp, we have our own fleet of vehicles like Bolero, Innova, Dezire, or Tempo Traveler (12-seater). This is be shared by trekkers for a pre-decided amount. All vehicles are non-AC.
  • Personal Equipment - Any personal gear like jackets, shoes, cutlery, or backpacks are not included in the trek fee. We recommend renting them from our Rental Store for an affordable fee. This can be pre-arranged to avoid last-minute hang-ups.
  • Offloading - We encourage carrying your backpack to get into the true spirit of trekking. However, if needed, you can opt to offload your personal luggage of up to 12 kgs for an additional cost of INR 400 per bag per day.
  • Trek Insurance - A mandatory trek insurance fee is charged in addition to your trek fee. Since most medical insurance doesn’t cover adventure activities, trek insurance offers essential coverage, enhancing your safety without a significant financial burden.
  • Buffer day on the trek - We have kept a buffer day on the trek to account for any weather-related delay. If this is utilized, you will need to pay an extra amount to your trek leader. 
  • Anything apart from inclusions
  • Please carry a lunch box for a packed lunch/breakfast to avoid using polythene and Aluminium foil.

Keeping the Himalayas clean is our own responsibility. Reduce the use of Plastic when you are in the abode of the Sacred Himalaya. ๐ŸŒฑ

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From

โ‚น10500 $119

per person