Kartik Swami – the oldest Murugan Temple is in the Himalayas, well over 10,006 ft above sea level. An ideal destination for Himalayan snow trekking on the way to Badrinath yatra. The route to reach Kartik Swami temple is from Kanak Chauri village which is on the way to Pokhri – from Rudraprayag, one has to climb the narrow pathway to reach the ancient Temple 

Kanak Chauri is 39 km. from Rudraprayag which falls in the Badrinath – Kedarnath tri-junction. Kartik Swami is in the Himalayas, well over 10,006 ft above sea level. An ideal destination for Himalayan snow trekking on the way to Badrinath yatra. The route to reach Kartik Swami temple is from Kanak Chauri village which is on the way to Pokhri – from Rudraprayag, one has to climb the narrow pathway to reach the ancient temple. Kanak Chauri is 39 km. from Rudraprayag which falls in the Badrinath yatra – Kedarnath tri-junction.

History

Legend: Lord Kartik (Muruga in south India), and Lord Ganesh were put to a test by their parents Shiva, and Parvati. Lord Kartik lost the test to his younger brother Lord Ganesha, got so angry that he migrated from the Himalayas to the state of Tamilnadu in the south. Kartik Swami is the only temple for lord Kartik on Badrinath yatra The ancient stories about Lord Kartik in Tamilnadu all started from here. This is the first temple of Lord Kartik, only after this, the ‘Aarupadai veedu’ of Tamilnadu came into existence. Equipements to carry: Climbing shoes with spikes, a powerful torch, a pair of binoculars, heavy winter clothes, and a trekking stick.

How to reach 

The best way to reach Kartik Swami is as follows.
By Air – Chennai to New Delhi

New Delhi to Dehradun (Rishikesh is very close to the airport). From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Kanakchauri village via Rudraprayag town, which is on the way to Pokhri village. Rudraprayag falls on the way to Badrinath and Kedarnath.

By Train – No. 12687 – Dehradun Express (Twice weekly)
Chennai to Haridwar, from Haridwar you can hire a taxi to Kanakchauri via Rudraprayag town which is on the way to Pokhri village. Rudraprayag falls on the way to Badrinath and Kedarnath.

From Kanak Chauri village you have to trek 3 Km to reach Kartik Swami temple (Murugan Koil), there are no lodging facilities on the hill. You can stay in Kanak Chauri or better to stay in Rudraprayag town.

Special advice: Please avoid trekking after 3 pm. wild animals are there.

“Nandri”