The Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike was parked. We immediately started trekking. Almost empty trek surrounded by dense jungle, but yes, birds are present.

At 3:30 pm, we reached the Kartik Swami temple.

It was a cloudy day, but still behind/around the temple, one can watch snow-capped Chaukhamba, Tungnath, Bedini Bugyal.

History of Kartik Swami temple as narrated by priest Nand Puri Ji –

Once Lord Shiva told his sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya, whoever reaches first after taking a round of the Universe will receive blessings to be worshiped first by devotees. As Ganesha was unable to do so because of the mouse in his vehicle, he used his intelligence and took a round of his mother Parvati and father Shiva, as he considers them as the Universe and had the blessings to be worshiped first by devotees. When Kartikeya returned and heard about the blessings and the reason for the same, he was angry. He sacrificed his flesh and bones. In this temple bones of Kartikeya is as an idol worshiped by devotees.

Kartik (also known as Kartikeya) Swami temple is situated at Krounch Parvat (mountain). Krounch was a senapati (commander) with demon Tarakasur army. Kartikeya was born to kill Tarakasur. When Tarakasur was killed, Krounch surrendered.

Jeth Maas (June month), as per the Hindu calendar, 10 days festival is celebrated at the Kartik Swami temple. This year it is starting on the 6th of June and will end on the 15th of June. Last day of the festival, 151 devotees wearing white dhoti bring holy water (known as Jal Yatra) from a cave situated approx. 1 km further from the temple.

Note: Visitors are advised not to visit the cave due to the strenuous trek route.

The construction around the temple is of 1836, though the temple is very old, situated at an altitude of 3,048 meters. Earlier, it was very difficult to reach the temple. In recent years approx. 70+ stairs are made, and work is still in progress.

Re: Accommodation at Kartik Swami Temple

One may stay at a Dharamshala nearby temple, having very basic facilities without electricity.

Or,

Mayadeep Holiday Home, Kanak Chauri village – the starting point of the Kartik Swami Temple trek.

How to reach Kanak Chauri village (starting point for the Kartik Swami temple trek)? – I question because many aren’t traveling by their own vehicle.

8 am to 4 pm minibus is available every one hour from Pipal Tree, Rudraprayag town for *Pokhari passing via Kanak Chauri village.

*Pokhari is 15 km approx. further from Kanak Chauri village

Or,

One has to hire a jeep to reach the temple, which may cost somewhere between Rs. 1500 – 2000 to and fro.

Thank you – said I. Thanks a lot. Donation offered.

As I liked the temple and the nature around, I decided to revisit. And I did watch Sunrise. I started trekking at 4:30 am with a local villager as the trek route was completely dark. Though there were clouds, a glimpse of the Sunrise was seen. All I can suggest to blog readers is to visit the Kartik Swami temple at least once, especially during Sunrise.

Tapovan, Rishikesh to Kanak Chauri village (starting point Kartik Swami Temple trek) distance is approx. 181 km.

Total journey hours from Tapovan, Rishikesh to Kanak Chauri village (starting point Kartik Swami Temple trek) by Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike was 7 hours and one hour trek.

Road condition is almost fine except at a few landslide locations. For example few km after crossing Srinagar.