About Kartik Swami
Kartik Swami is the sole temple dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (son of Shiva, god of war) in all of Uttarakhand, at 3,048 m on Kranteshwar hill above Kanakchauri village in Rudraprayag district. A 3 km forest trek leads to a summit offering one of the finest accessible 270-degree Himalayan panoramas in mid-Garhwal — Kedarnath Peak, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, and Trishul are all visible on clear days.
Places to See
• Kartik Swami Temple (only Karthikeya temple in Uttarakhand, at 3,048 m)
• 270° Himalayan Panorama (Kedarnath Peak, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trishul simultaneously visible)
• Dense Rhododendron and Oak Forest Trail (3 km trek, beautiful in every season)
• Kanakchauri Village (base, traditional Garhwali stone houses)
• Rudraprayag Town (28 km below, Panch Prayag confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini)
How to Reach
Road: Rishikesh → Rudraprayag → Kanakchauri (180 km, ~5.5 hrs). From Kanakchauri: 3 km trek uphill (~2 hrs). Rail: Rishikesh (180 km to Kanakchauri).
Tips
Arrive at the summit by 8 AM for clearest Himalayan views before clouds build. Perfect add-on to the Kedarnath or Chopta circuit — Kanakchauri is on the Rishikesh–Kedarnath highway. Carry warm layers — the summit is always windy.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kartik Swami depends on the experience you seek.
