Kartik Swami is the sole major temple in Northern India consecrated solely to Lord Kartikeya, the eldest son of Lord Shiva. Located at a dramatic altitude of 3,050 meters along an isolated razor ridge on the Kroncha Parvat, the shrine offers an awe-inspiring 360-degree panorama of greater Himalayan peaks including Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. According to legend, Lord Kartikeya sacrificed his flesh and bones to his father here in eternal penance. Devotees tie thousands of brass bells along the stone staircase that leads up to the wind-swept sanctuary.
Sacred Overview & Architectural Heritage
Essential Pilgrim Facts & Logistics
Verified Data
District
Rudraprayag
Circuit / Cluster
Himalayan Ridge Shrines
Primary Deity
Lord Kartikeya
Altitude
3,050 m
(10,007 ft)
Trek & Roadhead
3 km trek from Kanakchauri Village (Rudraprayag-Pokhari route)
Recommended Season
October to April (Crisp 360-degree Himalayan views)
Pilgrimage Schedule
Opens: Sunrise to Sunset daily (Year-round except during severe blizzards) | Closes: Remains accessible most of the year
Winter Worship Seat (Gaddi Sthal)
Kanakchauri / Benji Village
Priesthood Lineage
Garhwali Bhatt Brahmins
OpenStreetMap Route & Pilgrimage Access Map
Live spatial coordinates and transit route from the most searched transit hub to Kartik Swami Temple.
Est. Road Distance
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Est. Mountain Drive
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On-Foot Trek
3 km from Kanakchauri Village (Rudraprayag-Pokhari route)
Route via Rishikesh: Main pilgrimage base with extensive taxi union, bus depot & rail connectivity.
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