Kartik Swami Temple and Chopta Tungnath: A Divine Himalayan Journey

Introduction

Uttarakhand, often called Devbhoomi or the Land of Gods, is dotted with sacred shrines and breathtaking trails. Among these, two stand out for their spiritual charm and natural beauty—Kartik Swami Temple on Kraunch Parvat and Tungnath Temple in Chopta, the world’s highest Shiva temple. Together, these destinations create a journey where myth, devotion, and mountain adventure come alive.

The Sacred Kartik Swami Temple

Mythology and Significance

At about 3,050 meters, the Kartik Swami Temple stands proudly on Kraunch Parvat. It is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to legend, Lord Shiva once asked his sons to circle the universe. Kartikeya set out on his peacock, while Ganesha simply walked around his parents. Impressed by Ganesha’s wisdom, Shiva blessed him. This left Kartikeya heartbroken. Out of deep devotion, Kartikeya offered his body to his father, and it is said that his bones remained on Kraunch Parvat. Because of this sacred story, the temple holds rare importance. In fact, it is the only Murugan temple in North India.

Trek to the Temple

To reach the Kartik Swami Temple, you first travel by road up to Kanak Chauri village, located about 40 km from Rudraprayag. From this point, a scenic 3 km trek begins. The trail takes you through dense oak and rhododendron forests, filling the air with fresh mountain fragrance. As you climb higher, the path grows more exciting. Finally, when you reach the ridge-top temple, you are rewarded with breathtaking 360° views of the Himalayas. Peaks like Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Trisul, and Bandarpunch stand tall in the distance, making the journey truly unforgettable.

Chopta and Tungnath Temple

Why Chopta is Special

Often called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand,” Chopta is a quiet meadow set at 2,680 meters. Thick forests and shining snow peaks surround this place, making it a favorite escape for nature lovers. In addition, Chopta is the starting point of the trek to Tungnath Temple, one of the sacred Panch Kedars. At 3,680 meters, Tungnath stands as the highest Shiva temple in the world. Therefore, a visit here brings both spiritual peace and adventure in the heart of the Himalayas.

Trek to Tungnath and Chandrashila

The trek from Chopta to Tungnath covers about 3.5 km on a well-paved trail. From Tungnath, the path continues for another 1.5 km uphill to reach the Chandrashila summit. Along the way, the climb grows steeper, but every step feels rewarding. Once you stand at the top, the summit greets you with unmatched views of the mighty Himalayas. From here, you can see Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, and Kedarnath peaks shining in all their glory. While Tungnath Temple fills the soul with devotion, Chandrashila peak fills the heart with awe and wonder.

How to Combine Kartik Swami with Chopta Tungnath

Many travelers prefer to combine both of these spiritual sites in a single journey. Since Rudraprayag lies along the route, you can first visit the Kartik Swami Temple and immerse yourself in the divine energy of Lord Murugan. After that, you can continue your drive to Chopta, which is about 70 km away. By following this route, you not only experience Murugan’s sacred shrine but also get the chance to trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. This way, one trip gives you the blessings of both Kartikeya and Mahadev, along with unforgettable Himalayan views.

How to Reach These Destinations

By Road (Bus/Taxi)

From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you can either take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Rudraprayag. From there, if you are traveling by bus, you can continue the journey by a shared jeep for the 40 km drive to Kanak Chauri, the starting point of the Kartik Swami trek. After visiting the temple, you can again use the same mode of transport to proceed toward Chopta. However, for a smoother and more comfortable trip, it is better to hire a cab for these destinations, as it gives you flexibility and saves time on the road.

By Rental Scooter

If you love both freedom and adventure, you can choose to hire a rental scooter from Rishikesh for Chopta Tungnath & Kartik swami. The ride takes you through scenic roads as you travel towards Rudraprayag, Kanak Chauri, and finally Chopta. This option works perfectly for solo travelers and backpackers who prefer flexibility over fixed schedules. Moreover, it allows you to stop at villages, click photos, and soak in the Himalayan charm at your own pace. However, you should be confident in riding on hilly and winding mountain roads, as the terrain can be challenging. Click Here To Hire a Scooter rental HIRE NOW

By Train/Flight

The nearest railway station lies in Haridwar, while the closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From both of these points, you need to continue the journey by road. Buses, shared jeeps, or taxis will take you toward Rudraprayag, and from there, you can easily proceed to Kanak Chauri for Kartik Swami or further to Chopta for Tungnath.

Best Time to Visit

• March to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies, and blooming rhododendrons.

• September to November: Crisp air and sharp Himalayan views.

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Chopta turns into a snow paradise, but treks become tougher.

• Monsoon (July–August): Not recommended due to slippery trails and landslides.