05/03/2026
The Kartik Swami Temple trek is a 3-4 km (one way) moderate hike in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag district, leading to a hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Kartikeya at 3,048 meters. Starting from Kanakchauri village, it features 380+ steps to the top, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Chaukhamba and Kedarnath.
Key Details:
Location: Kanakchauri Village, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand.
Trek Distance/Time: ~3 km, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours to ascend.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Best Time: March to June (pleasant) and September to November (clear views). Winter (Dec-Feb) offers snow.
Highlights: Stunning sunrise/sunset views of the snow-capped Himalayas, peaceful environment, and the temple, which is unique for displaying the bones of Lord Kartikeya.
How to Reach:
Road: Reach Kanakchauri (40 km from Rudraprayag, 38 km from Pokhri) by taxi or personal vehicle.
Railway: The nearest stations are Rishikesh (165 km) or Haridwar (140 km).
Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant in Dehradun (192 km).
Tips:
It is a steep climb, so trekking poles are helpful.
Accommodation (home stays/guest houses) is available at Kanakchauri.
The trek is steep in the final section, leading to the shrine.
