Kartik Swami Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya

Kartik Swami Temple is a highly revered shrine set amidst serene environs, at an altitude of 3048 m above the sea level, in Rudraprayag District, Uttaranchal. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son Kartikeya. The splendor of the magnificent views of the snow-clad Himalayas from the temple fills the heart with awe and delight.
There is a legend that once Lord Shiva told their sons Lord Kartik and Lord Ganesha that, one of them will get the privilege to worship first who take a round of the universe and comes first.Kartik started taking round but Lord Ganesha shows his intelligence and takes round of Lord Shiva by saying that whole universe is in him. Lord Shiva impressed by his intelligence and gave the privilege to worship first.
By this Lord Kartik got angry and gave his flesh to mother Parvati and bones to his father Lord Shiva. In this temple, the bones of the Kartik is shown in the idol.
Kartik swami is one of the best places to photography because from the place so many peaks can visualize like Nanda Devi, Nanda-Ghunti, Trisuli, Meru-Sumeru, Chowkhamba Panchachuli, Kamet, Doonagiri Neelkanth, Bandarpoonch, and many more.

How To Reach Kartik Swami Temple
The temple can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the Rudraprayag-Pokhri route, 38 km from Rudraprayag.

Kartik Swami Temple by railways
The nearest rail head is the Rishikesh Railway station.

Kartik Swami Temple by Road
The temple can be reached by a 3 km trek from Kanak Chauri village, which is located on the Rudraprayag-Pokhri route, 38 km from Rudraprayag.

Best time to visit Kartik Swami
The best time to visit Kartik Swami is from October till June. In October-November, the area is a cover of lush greenery, fresh with the recent monsoons. Around March-April the very same cover of forests transforms into bundle of colors due to the flowering of the Rhododendron trees. The climate here is mostly on the cooler side, so you will be required to carry adequate woolen clothes.

Sightseeing in Kartik Swami
Kartik Swami Temple is the only attraction in this area.

Activities in Kartik Swami
Trekking is a major activity in Kartik Swami.

Kartik Swami's Cuisine
Try out some amazing Garhwali and Kumauni cuisines such as aloo ke gutke, gahat, chainsoo and kaapa.