The stunning Guptakashi is located at a distance of almost 47kms from the sacred town of Kedarnath. Nestled at an elevation of good 1319m above sea level, this fantabulous Guptakashi enjoys the magnificent backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of the Chaukhamba mountains. This beautiful place has two ancient temples- Vishwanath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar temple. Manikarnika is yet another famous destination here in Guptkashi.
This particular town serves as a fantastic stopover for those travellers who are travelling to Kedarnath. With the salubrious weather, lush green forests and mesmerizing views of the Chaukhamba range along with its rich past and heritage, Guptkashi is indeed the most beautiful location to spend your vacation. Apart from all the scenic places indulge in trekking that starts from Guptakashi to Hemkund sahib and Valley of flowers that is truly a naturalists delight. This valley is open for visitors from April month but the valley is in its prettiest form from Late July till august. This place is around 53kms away from Guptkashi.
One can even indulge in a religious trek that Guptkashi offers to the trekkers. Just trek to Tungnath temple from Guptkashi. Make sure to get indulge in this trek in the months from March to October when the weather is salubrious. One can even get an adrenaline rush as the Auli ski resort and the Alaknanda river rafting is only 5 hours and 4 hours 26 minutes drive from here. Plan a trip to Guptkashi during the summers season which is between April to June when the weather is quite pleasant. If one wants to explore in the winter season then visit in November and December when the temperature goes down to 0-degree Celcius. Avoid monsoon season as the area is prone to landslides.
Places To Visit In Guptkashi
1. Vishwanath Temple
Vishwanath temple is one of the most famous temples and is devoted to Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Vishwanath which means lord of the Universe. It is located on the way to Kedarnath. This temple resemblesthe Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi.Vishwanath temple is made out of regional stones and the tower is adorned with a pretty wooden frame.
This temple creates a blissful aura and offers views of the snow-capped peaks of Chaukhamba at the backdrop. The sacred Vishwanath temple is the place where Lord Shiva proposed to goddess Parvati to marry him.
2. Triyuginarayan Temple
The holy Triyuginarayanan temple or Akhand Dhuni Temple is located in the Triyuginarayan village in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. Tri means three, Yugi means Epochs and Narayan as a synonym for Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is also considered a part of the holy pilgrimage Chardham Yatra destinations in Uttarakhand state. It is believed that the Triyuginarayan temple has been constructed by Adi Shankaracharya and its architecture resembles that of Kedarnath. Triyuginarayan was chosen wedding destination of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
As per the Hindu mythology goddess, Parvati practised penance to please Lord Shiva at Gaurikund that is nestled at a very short distance away from Triyuginarayan. Triyuginarayan was the venue of the celestial marriage of Shiva and Parvati during the Satya Yuga, witnessed in the presence of the holy fire that still burns eternally in front of the temple in a Havana Kund. Lord Vishnu formalised the wedding and acted as Parvati’s brother in the ceremony and lord Brahma played the role of a priest.
Triyuginarayan temple’s architecture is North Indian style architecture. The temple holds 2 feet tall silver idol of Lord Vishnu along with idols of his consort Goddess Laxmi and Goddess Saraswati.
3. Ardhnarishwar Temple
The beautiful Ardhnarishwar temple is situated on the left side of the Vishwanath temple and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The idol in the temple is half man and half women presenting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
4. Kalimath Temple
Nestled in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state this holy Kalimath temple is devoted to the goddess Kali. It is among the most visited temples in Uttrakhand. It is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas in India. as per the mythology, Goddess Kali killed the devil Raktavija that got settled under the earth at the place where Kalimath temple is built. It is one of the most prominent temples in Uttarkhand. Several devotees pay a visit to this temple. This temple pays homage to the lower part of the Goddess whereas the upper part is worshipped in the Dhari Devi temple that is located between Rudraprayag and Srinagar. Along with the Goddess Kali, the deities of Ma Laxmi and MaSaraswati are also worshipped here. Visit this temple in your Uttarakhand pilgrimage trip during the summer season that is between April and June as it is the aptest time to pay a visit.
5. Agastyamuni Temple
Augustmuni temple is the famous temple nestled in Augustmuni of Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand state. This temple is devoted to Agastya sage. This ancient temple is built in the South Indian style. The temple has a Kund of Agastya Muni and the idol of his disciple Bhogajit. As per the legends, sage Augustmuni had meditated on this place for several years.
In this temple, the sage Agastya Muni is worshipped. Augustmuni is a fantastic place to stay during one’s Chardham yatra. Several pilgrims during their Chardham yatra trip stay at Augustmuni for some duration. There is also an open ground where helicopter facilities are available for Chardham pilgrims.
6. Gaurikund
Gaurikund is nestled amongst the tranquil environs of the marvellous Himalayas. It is renowned for being the starting point to and the last road head before the Kedarnath Yatra begins. It is located on the banks of the river Mandakini and is considered to be the gateway to spirituality and salvation.
It is situated at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level. Gaurikund is also the base camp for the trek to the sacred Kedarnath temple that is nestled high up in the mountains. The major attraction here is the Gaurikund temple- which has an idol of the Goddess Parvati in it. Devotees on their way to Kedarnath make it a point to stop here to pay a visit to this holy temple, Gauri Kund- also named as Gauri Lake or Parvati Sarovar or the lake of Compassion, this lake is the lake where Goddess Parvati had breathed life into Lord Ganesha. The Hindu considered this lake to a holy spot and take a ritual bath here. The aptest time to pay a visit to this beautiful place is from March to November when the snow is cleared out and all the roads are easily accessible.
7. Sonprayag
Sonprayag is located between Rudraprayag and Gaurikund in-route to Kedarnath. It is a place of religious significance. Prayag means confluence and Sonprayag lies at the confluence of two holy rivers- Basuki and Mandakini. As per Hindu belief taking bath in the holy confluence of these two rivers can wash out their sins. Visit this place between May to October asthis is the peak season and severalpilgrims visit Kedarnath and Badrinath. This beautiful place offers majestic views of snow-covered mountains and lush green Sonprayag valley. It is situated at an elevation of 1829m above sea level. Sonprayag is also nature’s paradise. This place beautifully flaunts the high altitude mountains all covered with snow, pretty valleys with blooming colourful flowers, serene streams, cascading waterfalls and gushing rivers too.
Helipads & Accommodation
1. Sirsi
Sirsi is a small village located at a height of 6500 feet from sea level in the Rudraprayag district of Uttrakhand state. It is known for its helipad. Numerous aviation companies provide helicopter services to Kedarnath from the Sersi helipad. The best nearby places where several budget hotels are available in Guptkashi is 22kms from Sirsi. An accommodation facility is also available at Sirsi.
2. Phata
Phata is a small hamlet nestled in route to Kedarnath in the state of Uttarakhand state. Situated on the Gopeshwar- Gaurikund road, Phata is known for having a helipad that is used by the pilgrims visiting the Kedarnath Dham. this pretty village is located at around 32kms from Kedarnath and has an open ground that is used as a helipad. Several pilgrims stop at Phata for a night stay while visiting Kedarnath. Pilgrims who are unable to trek to Kedarnath Dham use Phata for darshan by helicopter. From Phata is an 8minutes journey to Kedarnath Dham by chopper. Pawan Hans, Pinnacle air andother air companies provide 5-7 seater charter helicopter service to reach Kedarnath.
4. Sitapur
Sitapur is a beautiful hamlet. It is just 7kms away from Gaurikund and 26kms away from Gaurikund and 26kms from Guptkashi. It is a perfect halt during the peak season of Chardham yatra in the summer season. There are a handful of hotel and lodges available in Sitapur like budget and deluxe hotels offering all the facilities and amenities to the travellers travelling to Kedarnath Dham. Apart from its unparalleled beauty, this village is known for this helipad- Sitapur helipad from where one can book one’s chopper ride to Kedarnath.
5. Sonaprayag
There is a lot of accommodation available at Sonprayag. One can make their stay comfortable at Sonprayag by staying at some of the best hotels and lodges available here. It also has a helipad from where one can ride to Kedarnath Dham.
6. Guptkashi
The place Guptkashi holds fantastic accommodation that will surely make one’s stay comfortable. Guptkashi is the major halt towards Kedarnath. From Helipad in Guptkashi one can ride to Kedarnath. Make your stay comfortable at Guptkashi as a lot of accommodations are available here.
The stunning Guptakashi is located at a distance of almost 47kms from the sacred town of Kedarnath. Nestled at an elevation of good 1319m above sea level, this fantabulous Guptakashi enjoys the magnificent backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of the Chaukhamba mountains. This beautiful place has two ancient temples- Vishwanath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar temple. Manikarnika is yet another famous destination here in Guptkashi.
This particular town serves as a fantastic stopover for those travellers who are travelling to Kedarnath. With the salubrious weather, lush green forests and mesmerizing views of the Chaukhamba range along with its rich past and heritage, Guptkashi is indeed the most beautiful location to spend your vacation. Apart from all the scenic places indulge in trekking that starts from Guptakashi to Hemkund sahib and Valley of flowers that is truly a naturalists delight. This valley is open for visitors from April month but the valley is in its prettiest form from Late July till august. This place is around 53kms away from Guptkashi.
One can even indulge in a religious trek that Guptkashi offers to the trekkers. Just trek to Tungnath temple from Guptkashi. Make sure to get indulge in this trek in the months from March to October when the weather is salubrious. One can even get an adrenaline rush as the Auli ski resort and the Alaknanda river rafting is only 5 hours and 4 hours 26 minutes drive from here. Plan a trip to Guptkashi during the summers season which is between April to June when the weather is quite pleasant. If one wants to explore in the winter season then visit in November and December when the temperature goes down to 0-degree Celcius. Avoid monsoon season as the area is prone to landslides.
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