WHICH IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

The Kartik Swami Temple, nestled in the serene lap of the Himalayas in Chopta, Uttarakhand, is a magnificent destination dedicated to the god Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. The ideal time to pay a visit to this sacred place is between the months of April and June. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool with minimal rainfall, making it highly conducive for trekkers and pilgrims to enjoy the scenic beauty and the trekking route to the temple. The skies usually remain clear, offering spectacular views of the snow-clad peaks and lush green valleys. Visitors can partake in the comfortable pilgrimage without facing the extreme cold or slippery paths that can occur in other seasons.

Another suitable time to visit the Kartik Swami Temple is from September to November, post the monsoon season. This period is marked by the aftermath of the rains which amplify the region's greenery. The clear and crisp weather provides an excellent trekking experience up to the temple. However, tourists should be cautious as post-monsoon the trails could be a bit tricky with loose soil and scattered debris. It's a time when nature is fully revived, and the panoramic views of the Himalayan range are simply breathtaking. It's important to note that the winters, especially from December to March, are extremely cold with heavy snowfall that makes the region inaccessible. Hence, planning the visit in the recommended months will ensure both a spiritual and a comfortable journey.

HOW TO REACH FROM DELHI

➤ By Train :- Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, around 140 km away. From Rishikesh: You can take a taxi or a bus to Rudraprayag.

➤ By Air :- JNearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport, about 180 km away. From Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Rudraprayag.

➤ By Road:- LThe primary route from Delhi to Rudraprayag is approximately 430 km and takes you through Meerut, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Devprayag.

                              PLACE TO VISITE

1. Ukhimath is situated at an elevation of 1317 mts above sea level in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state. Ukhimath is also written as Okhimath sometimes. Ukhimath is the home of Lord Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar during winters. Worship is performed at the Omkareshwar Temple here during winters, when the temple of Kedarnath remains closed. Ukhimath is mainly inhabited by the Rawal's who are the head priests (pundits) of Kedarnath. Snow capped peaks of the splendid Himalayan range are distinctly visible from Ukhimath.

2. Devariyatal is an emerald lake perched at a height of 2438 mts above sea level. During the early morning on a clear day, Devariya Tal blesses the tourists with miraculous reflections of Chaukhamba peaks on its crystal clear water.

3. Chopta is a picturesque hamlet, still largely unexplored by travelers, and is also known as the 'Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand' for its vast, abundant green meadows found in the Chopta Valley.

4. Sari Village :- Located at an elevation of 2000 mts, Sari Village is a scenic hamlet at a distance of about 20 kms before Chopta hill station. The village is enclosed by oak and rhododendron trees and resides calmly in the lap of the Himalayas.

5. Tungnath Temple peacefully adorned on the Chandranath Parvat is the highest Shiva temple in the world and the highest Panch Kedar temple of Uttarakhand. It is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars. Tungnath is perched at an elevation of 3, 680 metres above sea level and is considered to be more than 1,000 years old.

6. Chandrashila that literally suggests the ‘Moon Rock’ is the summit of the Chandranath Parvat on which the Tungnath temple of Panch Kedar is situated. The majestic Chandrashila summit serves as a vantage point that offers a heavenly panorama of the Great Himalayas.

WHICH IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT

➤ The best time to visit the temple is from October to June. A large number of devotees visit the temple during Kartik Purnima, which is usually celebrated between October and November. You can also plan a visit during the Kalash Yatra in June.