How to Reach Kartik Swami: The Missing Guide
Most travel blogs say “Take a taxi from Rudraprayag,” but they don’t tell you where to find it. If you go to the main bus stand, you might wait for hours. This guide fixes that.
The Route Map (Visualizing the Journey)
- The Highway: Delhi → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag.
- The Turn: At Rudraprayag, you leave the main Badrinath/Kedarnath highway and take the Pokhari Route.
- The Destination: Kanakchauri Village (The base camp).
By Public Transport (Budget Guide)
This is the cheapest way to travel (Total Cost: ~₹800 – ₹1000).
- Step 1: Delhi to Rishikesh/Rudraprayag
- Take a roadways bus to Rishikesh (ISBT Kashmere Gate).
- From Rishikesh Natraj Chowk, take a direct bus to Rudraprayag.
- 2026 Fare: Approx ₹500 – ₹700 (Non-AC/AC).
- Tip: Start early (5 AM) to reach Rudraprayag by 1 PM.
- Step 2: Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri (The Tricky Part)
- The Secret: Do not look for jeeps at the main highway drop-off. You must walk to the Pokhari Jeep Stand (near the old bridge/market area).
- Look for Maxx/Bolero jeeps heading to Pokhari.
- Ask the driver to drop you at Kanakchauri. You can find hotels in Kanakchauri at very affordable pricing as per your budget all type of hotels and camps are available at Kanakchauri Kartikswami.
- Fare: ₹100 – ₹150 per seat.
- Timing: The last shared jeep usually leaves around 4:00 PM. If you miss this, you will have to book a private taxi (~₹1500).
Self-Drive Road Conditions (2026 Update)
- Delhi to Rudraprayag: The “All Weather Road” is smooth double-lane tarmac. Watch out for landslides near Sirobagad.
- Rudraprayag to Kanakchauri (40 km): This is a single-lane mountain road. It is scenic but narrow. Drive slow.
- Parking: There is ample roadside parking near the Mayadeep Resort in Kanakchauri.
Once you arrive, read our Activities in Kartik Swami Guide to find the best camping spots.”
