Hello thrill seekers, Manish is here!!!
If you’re up for an adventure mixed with spirituality, I had an incredible experience to share with you at the Kartik Swami temple.
The Kartik Swami temple sits near Kanakchauri in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district, along the Rudraprayag-Pokhari highway. Also, the trek, starting from Kanak Chauri village, spans 3 kilometres and is moderately challenging. Passing through dense forests, it leads to a ridge offering stunning sunrise and sunset views. Moreover, the trek rewards with panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Dronagiri, Neelkanth Parvat, and more.
Exploring the Kartik Swami Temple: A Spiritual Journey
The Kartik Swami temple is dedicated to Kartikeya, Lord Shiva’s eldest son, who symbolises paternal love by offering his bones. In southern India, he’s also known as Kartik Murugan Swami. Also, visitors are drawn to the temple for Sandhya Aarti, evening prayers, the chanting of mantras, and occasional Maha-bhandara feasts.
Accommodation Suggestions for the Kartik Swami Temple Trek:
Settle into the Base Camp at Kanakchauri Village. It is offering a cosy retreat amidst the tranquil surroundings, ensuring a restful stay before your trek.
2-Day Itinerary of the Kartik Swami Temple Trek:
- Day 1: Journey from Rishikesh to Pokhari Village via Karnaprayag
Start your adventure with a 170-kilometre, 5-hour drive from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag. Then, take a left on the bridge at Karnaprayag Sangam and head towards Pokhari Village. It was just 18 km away, which will take about 50 minutes. Relax and spend the night in Pokhari Village.
- Day 2: Trek to Kartik Swami Temple from Kanakchauri Village
Begin by driving 14 km from Pokhari Village to Kanakchauri Village, which will take about 35 minutes. Start the 3-kilometre trek, which will require approximately 2 hours. Also, we spend around 2-4 hours at the temple. Afterwards, return to Pokhari Village. You can then depart for Rishikesh on the same day.
Things to do in Kartik Swami Temple:
Embark on an exciting journey with me as I unveil the captivating experiences awaiting you. Let’s explore the must-see attractions and highlights of this thrilling destination together.
- Trekking: 3km Trek to Kartik Swami Temple. Followed by 380 steps leading to the temple.
- Photography: The trek offers an amazing perspective of the surrounding mountain peaks. The temple’s vantage point provides breathtaking views of the neighbouring mountain ranges on a clear day. Also, sunrises and sunsets are equally spectacular.
- Bird Watching: The Kartik Swami temple is an excellent location for bird watching because of its elevation and the thick forests that encircle it. Also, keep an eye out for eagles, particularly the monal and golden eagle.
- Village Touring: Another option is to explore the nearby Kanakchauri village. Likewise, this place’s rural lifestyle and culture are ideal for a leisurely getaway.
List of Kartik Swami Temple’s Spectacular Views:
Prepare to be mesmerised by the stunning views awaiting you at Kartik Swami Temple. Marvel at the majestic snow-capped peaks that adorn the horizon, enveloping you in the serene embrace of nature’s grandeur. Enjoy panoramic vistas of:
- Bandarpunch
- Neelkanth Parvat
- Meru and Sumeru Parvat
- Dronagiri
- Trishul
- Chaukhamba Peak
- Nanda Ghunti
- The Nanda Devi group
Celebrate with Devotion Hidden Gem: Festivals at Kartik Swami Temple:
- Kartik Poornima in November: Join the festivities at Kartik Swami temple during Kartik Poornima, celebrating Lord Kartikeya’s birthday. Experience the vibrant fair organised at the temple to honour this auspicious occasion.
- 11-Day Kalash Yatra in June: Participate in the Kartik Swami Fair, an 11-day pilgrimage. There devotees gather from afar to seek blessings and spiritual enlightenment from Lord Kartikeya.
Best Time to Visit Kartik Swami Temple:
The ideal time to visit Kartik Swami is from October to June. Also, for the best experience, plan your trip between October and November. Moreover, To enjoy clear 360-degree views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
Travel Tips and Suggestions for Early Preparation:
Start your journey equipped with tailored tips to enhance your experience.
- October through November offer a full 360-degree panorama of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
- Also, there are not many places to stay in Kartik Swami; you can stay at Kanakchauri Village with limited options.
- Moreover, you can also stay at Pokhari or Rudraprayag for multiple stay options.
- Likewise, make sure to witness Kartikswami’s captivating sunset.
My visit to Kartik Swami Temple was more than just a physical journey; it was a pilgrimage of the soul. In the embrace of the Himalayas, I found solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the divine. Also, treat yourself to a buffet of travel journeys at https://sowl.in/stories/ for your wanderlust pleasure!
