About Guptkashi
The gateway to Kedarnath, Guptkashi is one of the most famous pilgrimage location in Uttarakhand. It was the place where lord shiva came from Kahi to meditate and deceive Pandavas. The place where lord shiva meditated for so long is now known as Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi. This temple is believed to be constructed by Pandavas some 5000 years ago. Two temple are found in the compound of Guptkashi temple, one is of lord shiva while second temple is on Ardhnareshwar, which is a dynamic form of lord shiva and Maa Parvati.
It’s a tradition that every year lord kedar doli take a short pause at Guptkashi temple before moving ahead for Kedarnath. The Guptkashi temple is also constructed in the similar design as of Kedarnath temple made with stone till the sanctum and sloping roof and the exterior facades are painted with lotus. Two dwarpalakas are present on the gate with firce incarnation of lord shiva i.e Bhairav Nath on the top of main gate of temple. A bold statue of Nandi dev is placed in front of temple with his face in the direction of temple. This marvelous temple is a part of three kashis present in India.
The manikarnika kund which have two streams of water flowing in is believed to be like this since eternity. One stream is believed to be of river ganga and second stream is of river yamuna. The water level of this kund always stays intact and it neither get overflowed or dry. As per holy scriptures and folk lore its a strong belief that by bathing in this kund you can get prosperity in your life. It’s also a cure for many dedly diseases which can be cured just by taking bath in this kund. It is believed that lord shiva had created this kund on the request of Maa Parvati during his penance.
In addition to cultural importance, Guptkashi temple is also located at a very beautiful location, with snow capped mountains all around. Dense pine forest and himalayan peaks make it even more attractive for tourists. Every year millions of tourist visit this place to take blessing of lord shiva before or after completing kedarnath yatra. You can get your kedarnath tour package customised and include visit to Guptkashi temple in your itinerary with no extra cost.
How to reach Guptkashi:-
Air:- Nearest airport to Guptkashi is Jolly Grant airport also known as Dehradun airport. All domestic flights operated by major airlines companies have direct flight to Dehradun. Nearest international flight to this location is Indra Gandhi International (IGI) airport.
By Train:- Three railway stations like Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun are some of the nearest railway stations to Guptkashi. You can book your train from your home down to any of these railway stations. If you don’t get any train to these stations then you can also book your train till New Delhi railway station.
By Road:- Road is the only means to reach Guptkashi from Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun. Dehradun is about 218 kms away from Guptkashi. No direct mode of transport is available tto reach Guptkashi from these cities. Mainly we have three options are available to reach these location. First is to hire a personal cab to reach Guptkahsi and this will stay with you till the completion of your trip. Second option is to hire a shared cab which will drop you to Guptkashi. Third option is to take a government bus from Haridwar to reach Guptkashi. This option is the most economical but bit uncomfortable one.
Best time to visit Guptkashi:-
Guptkashi is located on the foothills of himalaya and is on the gateway of Kedaranath temple. So best season to visit Guptkashi temple is similar to Kedarnath i.e in the month of May to June and September to October. November to April this region experience moderate to heavy snowfall in this area making it inaccessible. In the month of July and August this region experience heavy rainfall resulting in landslide, slippery roads, road blockage etc.
Places to visit near Guptkashi temple:-
Guptkashi is naturally very beautiful, and have thousands of places around to visit. But here I am going to list some of the most beautiful places and must to visit near Guptkashi.
Kedarnath Temple
One of the most prominent pilgrimage spot in India is Kedarnath temple. It is a part of 12 Jyotirilingas in India, Panch Kedar and Chota Char Dham. In addition to pilgrimages, this location is also famous as a adventure destination due to it’s beautiful location. You can book your kedarnath tour package with Manchala Mushafir including visit to Guptkashi or other nearby places.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Anoter most prominent tourist destination is Triyuginarayan Temple which is also know as akhand Dhuni temple. It is the only living witness of lord shiva and Maa parvati’s mairrage. Located at a distance of 38 kms from Guptkashi, this is a must to do trek in India.
Ukimath Temple
Winter seat of lord Kedar is in Ukhimath. If you wish to take blessing of lord Kedar then you have to visit Ukhimath temple which is also very beautiful one and is located at a short distance 15 kms.
Gauri Mata Temple, Gaurikund
Another most pristine lake and magic of moter nature is Gaurikund, a hot water pond located on the bank of Mandakini river. It’s a strong belief that if you will take a dip in this pond, you will get prosperity and can get rid of mainy deadly diseases.
Chopta Tungnath Temple
Visiting to the Switserland of India and the wold’s highest shiva temple is an amazing experience. Both can be achieved in one go by visiting Chopta tungnath which is just 32 kms away from Guptkashi temple.
Kalimath Temple
The Kalimath temple is At a distance of about 12 Km from Guptkashi. it is dedicated to the Goddess Kali considered one of the 108 Shakti Peethas. Surrounded by stunning views, this is an important place of worship that provides a peaceful journey to believers. In its nature, the temple is quite different from most others.
Gaurikund Temple
The Gaurikund Temple is on the track of Kedarnath and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati or Gauri. In folklore, this is believed to be the place where Parvati: one of the forms of Goddess Shakti did the rituals to win over Lord Shiva. This temple is constructed near the natural hot water spring; Many of the people bathe in this water before performing the pilgrimage to Kedarnath
Manikarnika Kund
Manikarnika Kund is a small shrine, which is a natural spring of water, situated near the Guptkashi Temple. It is considered to have been the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had lost their earrings. It is a special water body as we see two streams with the Ganga and Yamuna names which are holy rivers for the population.
FAQ For Guptkashi
Q1. What is the itinerary from Guptkashi to Kedarnath?
To cover the journey between Kedarnath and Guptkashi, normally every traveler starts the journey from Gaurikund, the last point of the motorable road. From Gurikund, you will need to cover the 16 km trek to reach Kedarnath. Some people also spend a night in Guptkashi before starting the trekking. In addition, the are other facilities like rides and even helicopters to hire for easier travel.
Q2. What is the distance from Guptkashi to Kedarnath?
Kedarnath is situated about 40 km away from Guptkashi. This encompasses A road journey from Guptkashi to Gaurikund that takes roughly about 1 to 2 hours. the trekking distance is around 16 km from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple.
Q3. How many kilometers are there from Guptkashi to Badrinath?
Guptkashi is situated about 185 km away from the Badrinath temple by road transport. The route provides a scenic view of the beautiful mountains and the rivers which many a pilgrim prefer it is route, part of the Char Dham Yatra
Q4. What is the weather like in Guptkashi?
The Guptkashi weather depends on the season. There is moderate summer in mild and pleasant that falls between 15°C to 30°C, best for the perfect time for traveling. and the winter season is the ideal time for traveling giving you the cold temperature from November to February. The temperatures can go very low to freeze and there is usually snowfall.
Q5. What is the Haridwar to Guptkashi distance?
The road distance for travel from Haridwar to Guptkashi is nearly 205 kilometers. This journey is approximately 8-9 hours by car or bus.
Q6. What is the Guptkashi temperature in all seasons?
Summertime in Guptkashi temperature is between 15-30 degrees Celsius, however, winter has a chilling climate starting from -5 degrees, especially in December and January.
Q7. What is the Guptkashi to Gaurikund Distance?
from Guptkashi to Gaurikund the distance is approximately 32 km by road. the drive distance is around 2-3 hours depending on the weather conditions.
Q8. What is the distance from Delhi to Guptkashi?
The distance between Delhi to Guptkashi is about 415 Kilometers. The drive normally takes between 12 – 14 hours which may take through the long drive from the foothills of the Himalayas.
Q9. Where is Guptkashi Temple located?
Guptkashi Temple is located in the town of Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district, It is also known as the name of Vishwanath Temple. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. for devotees, the temple is a popular pilgrim to visit.