Guptkashi

Guptkashi that is also addressed as Guptakashi is an important religious place for the Hindus just like Kashi due to its association with Lord Shiva and also recites the Indian mythological history of Mahabharata. Guptkashi is an important stop for pilgrims as it falls en route to Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham. Guptkashi being a village doesn’t have many attractions but that doesn’t mean it is any less interesting with its already existing attractions like the ancient Vishwanath temple, Manikarnika Kund and Ardhanareshwar. A legend that goes around Guptkashi is that Lord Shiva proposed Mata Parvati for marriage here and the conjugal ceremonies were carried out in Triyuginarayan which is a small village near the confluence of River Mandakini and Son Ganga. Another legend is that during the Mughal rule when Aurangazeb demolished Kashi Vishwanath temple in the year 1669 to build the Gyanvapi mosque, for the safety of Shivlinga it was shifted to Guptkashi and has remained here since the date it was shifted. According to the Puranic literature Kashi and Kanchipuram are believed to be two eyes of Lord Shiva, keeping this nuance six more Kashi were made with equal sacred and spiritual importance so that the pilgrims who cannot travel to Kashi- Varanasi can visit the nearest Kashi to them. Out of the six Kashi, two of them are Uttarkashi and Guptkashi in Uttarakhand. Guptkashi is also related to Mahabharata as after the battle, Pandavas tried reaching out to Lord Shiva to seek his blessing but lord Shiva avoided the meet by disguising himself as the Nandi Bull to Guptkashi but later Pandavas pursued him later recognizing the Nandi Bull as Lord Shiva. Many Lingas can be seen in and around Guptkashi as they believe ‘jitne pathar utne Shankar’ which translates to ‘as many stones those many Shivas’.

Geography of Guptkashi

Guptkashi, located at an elevation of 1319 meters in the Mandakini River valley, is part of the Garhwal region of Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand. Guptkashi is situated on the belt of the Northern Himalayan. The Mandakini River Valley is rich with magnolia flowers which are locally known as Champak or Champa, which bloom in early summers and fragrance the air with their sweet aroma. Guptkashi is a visual paradise with the backdrop of high snow-capped peaks, Chaukhama. The streams of river Yamuna and Ganga meet here in Manikarnika Kund. Many streams and rivulets drain into the river Mandakini. Guptkashi is situated on the route to Kedarnath which lets tourists pay their bows to temples here too.

Plan My Package Recommends: Places to Visit in Guptkashi

Vishwanath Temple

Vishwanath Temple, the main temple of Guptkashi, is a striking resemblance to Kashi Vishwanath, dedicated to the ‘Lord of Universe’, Lord Shiva. The temple has a pleasing aura and silver snow-blanketed Chaukhamba peak as its backdrop. Based on the legends, Lord Shiva proposed Mata Parvati here to marry him. This ancient Vishwanath temple is believed to be as sacred as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham, do stop here at Vishwanath Temple to pay their bows to Lord Shiva as it is situated en route to Kedarnath. The architecture of Vishwanath temple is similar to other ancient temples of Uttarakhand like Kedarnath made up of huge stones, having a high tower over the sanctum and a slanting roof exhibiting the architectural style of the Himalayan region. The temple premises have the famous Manikarnika Kund where the streams of River Yamuna and Ganga meet. The Kund has two streams that flow out from Ganesh’s head and Nandi’s head. The linga of Lord Shiva is bathed in this water of Manikarnika Kund.

Location of Vishwanath Temple: 1km from the main road of Guptkashi

Exploration time required for Vishwanath Temple: 30 mins

Timings of Vishwanath Temple: 6 am to 7 pm

Ardhanarishwar Temple

Ardhnarishwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s half male and half female avatar. It is one of the most famous temples of Guptkashi. It is situated just beside the Vishwanath temple. People here worship the half male and half female avatar of Lord Shiva. The structure of the whole complex is of amazing sculptures. The entrance has two dwarapalakas meaning ‘the guards of the gate’ on both sides. There is an image of Bhairava, Lord Shiva’s most terrible form on the gate. The exterior of the facade is painted with lotuses. At the entrance of this temple, there is a metallic statue of Nandi seated facing the image of Lord Shiva. The statue also has a Swastika, a Hindu auspicious symbol painted on the sides with the arms aligned in clockwise directions indicating an auspicious direction.

Location of Ardhanarishwar Temple: 1km from the main road of Guptkashi

Exploration time required for Ardhanarishwar Temple: 30 mins

Timings of Ardhanarishwar Temple: 6 am to 7 pm

Places near Guptkashi

Gauri Kund ( approx. 15.3 km )

Gauri Kund located at an altitude of 2000 meters is the starting point and also the last road head of Kedarnath Yatra to begin. It is located on the banks of the river Mandakini. It is believed that Gauri Kund is the gateway to spirituality and salvation. The Gauri Kund temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath do stop here to pay their bows. Gauri Kund Lake or Parvati Sarovar is said to be the Lake of Compassion. This lake is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati breathed Lord Ganesha.

Ukhimath ( approx. 17 km)

Ukhimath is a hill station located at an altitude of 1300 meters that attracts tourists and pilgrims also said as the Winter Kedarnath is an abode to Lord Shiva during winters as the Kedarnath is closed for heavy snowfall reasons and is inaccessible. Ukhimath, which is also written or pronounced as Okhimath, welcomes pilgrims willing to pay their prayers to Lord Kedarnath during winters. Ukhimath offers alluring panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges in the backdrop.

Kedarnath ( approx. 23.5 km)

Kedarnath is one of the most revered temples of India by the Hindus, holds major significance in the Hindu religion, as Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham and one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The ancient name of Kedarnath is ‘Kedar Khand’. Kedarnath, located at an altitude of 3,580 meters near the Chorabari glacier, the source of the Mandakini river with a backdrop of Kedarnath peak, Kedar Dome, and other Himalayan peaks, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple has magnificent architecture built with large and evenly shaped stones. A conical formation of the rock is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his ‘Sadashiva’ form of avtaar. The temple remains closed in winters, while the worshippers pay their bows in Ukhimath, the winter Kedarnath.

Chopta (approx. 45.8 km)

Chopta, also known as the Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand, is the epicenter for Panch Kedar. Encased by the green meadows and snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas. Chopta is base for Tungnath and Chandrashila treks. Chopta offers alluring views of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba Peaks. Chopta is also blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna of the Himalayan species. Best of Chopta can be explored through camping, birdwatching, trekking, and photography.

Best time to Visit Guptkashi

Guptkashi in Summers (March - June)

Guptkashi in Summers has pleasant weather with a moderate temperature ranging from 15℃ to 30℃. The best time to visit Guptkashi is Summer, where the breezy winds and clear sky give a spectacular view of the Himalayas. The maximum exploration of Guptkashi can be done during this season the temples and the nearby places have majestic environments. The weather is not too hot due to its high altitude and is bearable.

Guptkashi in Monsoon (July- August- September)

Guptkashi in Monsoon doesn’t receive heavy rainfall, the place receives moderate rainfall and refreshes the land carpeted with green grasslands. Guptkashi does attract nature lovers during the monsoons but still, there is a risk of Landslides in the monsoon. The temperature of Guptkashi in Monsoon ranges from 16℃ to 26℃.

Guptkashi in Winters (October- February)

Winters in Guptkashi sets from late October. The weather remains chilly till November and from December Guptkashi sees snowfall. People willing to experience extreme cold and want to see this place covered in snow like a white canvas should visit Guptkashi in winters. However, treks to Kedarnath and Badrinath are closed in this season, Guptkashi remains as the winter Kedarnath for pilgrims willing to pay their visits to Kedarnath. The average temperature of Guptkashi in winters ranges between 24℃ to 12℃. Know More

How to reach Guptkashi

Guptkashi By Air

The nearest airport to Guptkashi is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun which connects flights from airports of many metropolitan cities like Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), etc. From the Jolly Grant Airport, the journey can be recommenced by taxis or cabs. The distance from Jolly Grant Airport to Guptkashi is approximately 196.1 km via NH 07.

Helicopter services are available as Kedarnath is located nearby, the nearest helipad to Guptkashi is 14 km away in Phata. Helicopter rides can be starting from Dehradun.

Guptkashi By Rail

The nearest railway station to Guptkashi is Rishikesh Railway Station (RKSH). Trains from all major cities of Uttarakhand and India halt at Rishikesh Railway Station. Taxis, buses, and cabs are available from Rishikesh Railway Station to Guptkashi at a distance of approximately 179.2 km via NH 07. Trains that run from Delhi to Rishikesh take a maximum of eight and half hours. Daily trains are available frequently.

Guptkashi By Road

Guptkashi is well linked through the roads of national highways and state highways. The nearest accessible road to Guptkashi is NH109. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi. Buses and taxis are easily available at reasonable prices from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, etc.

Places to Stay in Guptkashi

Char Machan Resort

Char Machan Resort located in Narayankoti offers ultimate comfort for the pilgrims on their way to Kedarnath Dham. It is one of the best accommodations in the region. With 24 cottages finished with local taste and aesthetic ambiance. It is perfect for people looking for a safe and relaxing stay over with ample space and seating area. They provided a good Wifi connection with power backup, free parking, and a fully accessed restaurant serving amazing food. The cottages are fully equipped with modern amenities and luxuries. Cottages have wide windows offering panoramic views of the Madhyamaheshwar range. Roof covered with shingles and veranda made of local Pathal will give you an amazing experience for the guests.

Location of Char Machan Resort: Narayankoti, Guptkashi

Char Machan Resort Check-In time: 2 pm

Char Machan Resort Check-Out time: 11 am

Distance :

Char Machan Resort from Dehradun Airport / Jolly Grant Airport: 197.4 km

Char Machan Resort from Rishikesh Railway Station: 180.8 km

Kailash Residency

Kailash Residency is a primer luxury residency with 19 fully equipped modern amenities and classic furnishing. Every cottage has LCD TVs, Intercom facilities, Hot and cold water availability, room service, and additional space on the veranda with sunrise and sunset views over Chaukhamba Peaks. Kailash residency is one of the best known for its Satvik Restaurant owing to the religious spirituality the restaurant serves completely organic and vegetarian food.

Location of Kailash Residency: Narayankoti, Guptkashi

Kailash Residency Check-In time: 2 pm

Kailash Residency Check-Out time: 12 pm

Distance :

Kailash Residency from Dehradun Airport /Jolly Grant Airport: 196.7 km

Kailash Residency from Rishikesh Railway Station: 180 km

Kedar Resorts

Kedar Resorts offer the ultimate comfortable stay in fully equipped cottages with amenities and luxuries. The property offers facilities like free parking and a multicuisine restaurant. With Luxury suite cottages, Dlx wooden cottages, and Super Dlx Bamboo Cottages. Kedar Resorts give an experience of camping with these cottages, bonfires, nature encased around.

Location of Kedar Resorts: Navoday Vidhyalay road, Guptkashi

Kedar Resorts Check-In time: 3 pm

Kedar Resorts Check-Out time: 11 am

Distance :

Kedar Resorts from Dehradun Airport / Jolly Grant Airport: 198.4 km

Kedar Resorts from Rishikesh Railway Station: 181.6 km

Camp Nirvana Guptkashi

Camp Nirvana in Guptkashi, located at an altitude of 1319 meters, offers a luxury camping stay en route to Kedarnath Dham with alluring views of Mandakini valley along with Chaukhamba, Mandakini Darshan, Badrinath, Neelkanth, Ukhimath, and snow blanketed ranges of Kedarnath. The camps are equipped with comfortable beds and in-tent bathrooms. Each tent can accommodate a maximum of three people at ease.

Location of Camp Nirvana: Jakhdhar road, Guptkashi

Camp Nirvana Check-In time: 3 pm

Camp Nirvana Check-Out time: 10 am

Distance :

Camp Nirvana from Dehradun Airport / Jolly Grant Airport: 197.8 km

Camp Nirvana from Rishikesh Railway Station: 181 km

Do’s and Don’ts In Guptkashi

Do’s

Do wear your masks and carry sanitizer
Carry woolen clothes, jackets, and boots during winter
Carry sun protection stuff during summers.
Wear appropriate clothes and cover your head while entering the temples or attending any religious place