Kartik Swami Trekking

Best season: Whole Year
Destination Covered: Kartik Swami Trek
Region: Garhwal Himalayas
Base: Rudraprayag District
Max Elevation: Approx. 2500 mtrs

Above the sea level Kartik Swami Temple is located near Kanak Chauri Village at 3048m in Rudraprayag district. This is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikey. In the southern part of India Lord Kartik Swami is also known as Kartik Murugan Swami, Subramanya in Karnataka and Andra Pradesh, Kartikeya in Bengal. About 800 meters can be heard a constant sound from hundreds of bell hung in the Temple. Special attraction for devotees and tourists is Sandhya Aarti, or evening prayers, enchantment of mantras and Maha bhandara or the grand feast organized at the Temple. Birds and uninterrupted view of Himalayan Peaks, it is also popular for its pretty nature. Route is very pretty Pokhri to Karnaprayag excellent views of Nanda Devi peaks and Alaknanada. The most beautiful sunset and moonrise view is visible here.

During the trek, the magnificent view of the lower Himalayan valleys and snow clad mountain peaks are constantly visible. After Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri it was soon going to become the fifth Dham in Uttarakhand Temple as told by locals was more than 200 year old. One of the pretty drive in Uttarakhand from Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri as it passes through culturally rich villages and dense forests overlooking Himalayas. After crossing the bridge on Alaknanda River one has to take the Pokhri Road from Rudraprayag. ‘Swaminath Danda’ (Swaminath Kartik Swami, Danda Mountain in Garhwal) is locally name of Kartik Swami Temple. From Bandar poonch the Himalayan snow clad peaks is starts in the west. Among other peaks Dronagiri and Nanda Devi group of peaks are extending to west forms the backdrop to the Temple. Trekking, Village tourism, Bird watching and Camping are the adventure activities in kartik swami.

Kartik Swami Legend

Mythology says, once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikey that seven round of the universe one of them will get the privilege to worship and one who come first, Kartikey faithfully get starts the round of the universe but Lord Ganesha shows his intelligence and take round of his parents by showing that whole universe is in him parents the Lord Shiva impressed by his intelligence and Lord Shiva gave to his blessing that Lord Ganesha is the honor of being worship before anyone. Kartikey became angry on hearing this and he gave him to his mother’s flesh and bones to his father which is placed on this Temple.

How To Reach Kartik Swami Trek

By Road: From Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri jeep and buses are easily available. Kanakchauri is well connected roads of Badrinath, Kedarnath and Chopta. It is situated 40km from Rudraprayag on Rudraprayag Pokhri route. This is the best way to reach Kartik Swami.