Kartik Swami Temple: The Best 360-Degree View in Garhwal
You don’t need a tour package for Kartik Swami. This short trek offers perhaps the best return-on-investment in Uttarakhand: a 3km walk for a view that rivals grand summits. If you are from other states of India and don’t know how to reach Kartik Swami from Delhi or Rishikesh then read our detailed guide.
The Trek Details
- Base Camp: Kanakchauri Village (40 km from Rudraprayag).
- Trek Distance: 3 km (One way).
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. The path is well-paved with stairs and railings.
- The Climax: The final stretch involves walking on a narrow ridge with deep valleys on both sides, leading to the temple hung with thousands of bells.
Where to Stay (Accommodation Guide) Most sites won’t tell you this, but you have two distinct options:
- Mayadeep Holiday Home: Good for families, located right near the trek start point. Bamboo huts available.
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: Basic, budget-friendly, and reliable.
- Camping: You can pitch your own tent near the village (ask the Pradhan for permission), but camping at the temple top is prohibited.
Pro Tip: Start your trek at 4:00 AM. Reaching the top for sunrise, seeing the sun hit the Chaukhamba peaks while the bells ring in the wind, is a spiritual experience.
