Guptkashi - Gateway to Char Dham Yatra & Ancient temple of

2nd Kashi Vishwanath

• Coordinates: 30.526944°N 79.081667°E
• Country : India
• State :Uttarakhand, Region: Garhwal.
• Famous for :- Kedarnath Dham (45 kms)
• District :Rudraprayag
• Guptkashi, famous for an ancient Vishwanath Temple, is situated in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It lies 45 km south of Kedarnath which is one of the most religious places of Hindus.

Guptakashi Travel Guide: Overview

The city Guptkashi, located at an elevation of 1,319 meters, is found between the north latitudes of 30.31 degrees and the east longitudes of 79.04 degrees. It has beautiful milieu of the snow covered peaks of Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Neelkanth peaks and enjoys a wonderful weather throughout the year. Guptkashi's Mandakini river valley has lush green forests with large magnolia trees that scatter its sweet fragrance in atmosphere all around this place.

Legend states that the Pandavas on the advice of Lord Krishna went to Kashi to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. But Lord Shiva was not interested to meet them. Therefore, he turned himself into a Nandi bull to hide himself from Pandavas. Since this act by Lord Shiva was done at this place hence it is named as Guptkashi. 

The facilities like Food, Market, Hospital, Telephone and many more are available at Guptkashi. The prime occupation of the people of this region is agriculture.The nearest big town to Guptkashi is Rishikesh, at a distance of about 200 km.

Location of Guptkashi in Uttarakhand

Post Office: GUPTKASHI,Post Office Type: SUB OFFICE,District: RUDRAPRAYAG

State: UTTARAKHAND,Pin Code: 246439

What is unique in Guptkashi and why?

Guptkashi is well known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to the god Shiva, which is similar to the one in Varanasi (Kashi). The temple has a golden chatra on top which is believed that any wish is fulfilled if it is made after seeing the chartra. Kashi Vishwanath is revered as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. It is also said that Lord Shiva actually stayed here for some time.

Why you must visit Guptkashi  

Guptkashi is situated in one of the most scenic location in uttarakhand, located 47 kms before Kedarnath. This holy town adorned with the many ancient temples and believed to be a part of epic Mahabharata. A visit to the various shrines here can be great experience.This town is bestowed with great religious significance with the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva.

 It is perched at an elevation of 1319 m above the sea level housing two ancient temples namely Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Manikarnik Kund, neelkanth peak, mandakini reaver vally, choukhamba is another popular destination in the town. In fact Guptkashi serves as a perfect stopover for those travelling to Kedarnath. This town is bestowed with great religious significance where the amazing weather, lush green forests and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage.

Guptkashi is a very small town where you will be hiking or trekking most of the time. The spiritual ambiance at this place may pursue you to stay a bit longer here. This exceptional city makes for an incredible religious place to must visit in life.

When to visit Guptkashi

Best Season :The best season to visit Guptakashi is the winters and the onset of summers. The favourable months to visit the place are between October to March. The climate remains pleasant during these months offering tourists the best holiday experience.

Summer Season: Summers are moderately hot in Guptakashi and generally last between the months of April to June. The temperature ranges between a comfortable 15°C - 30°C in these months and relaxing cool breeze lifts up the spirits in the evenings.

Monsoon Season: Guptakashi experiences moderate rainfalls in the months of July and September. The rains bring freshness and rejuvenating greenery to the place.

Winter Season: December marks the beginning of the winter season in Guptakashi and it lasts till the month of February. Winters are extremely cool here with the temperature diving down to a chilling 0°C - 20 °C.

How to reach  Guptkashi

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Guptkashi situated at a distance of 190kms. Jolly Grant Airport is a domestic airport well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Guptkashi is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Guptkashi.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 168kms before Guptkashi on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Guptkashi is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are easily available from Rishikesh to Guptkashi.

By Road: Guptkashi is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Guptkashi are easily available from all major destinations of Uttarakhand like Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, Chamoli etc. Guptkashi lies on National Highway 109 which connects Rudraprayag with Kedarnath.

Himalayan Char Dham 

Chardham is the term given to the 4 religious sites located in the state of Uttarakhand. They are bounded by snow capped mountains of the Himalayas.  Char Dham tour includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath which are known as the most important Hindu pilgrimage circuit in India.

Yamunotri:  Yamunotri Dham is the Source of Yamunotri River and the seat of Godess Yamuna,it is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas,The main attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The deity is made of black marble. The Yamuna has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing.

Gangotri: The Shrine of Gangotri situated at an elevation of 3200 m above sea level amidst captivating surroundings along the right bank of Bhagirathi is 100 km from Uttarkashi. The temple opening is preceded by a special Puja of Ganga both inside the temple as well as on the river bank. 

Kedarnath:  Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector and the destroyer. The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva,  

Badrinath : Badrinath is also known as the Vishal Badri, the largest among the 5 Badris, is revered by all as the apt tribute to Lord Vishnu.  It is considered the holiest of the four important shrines. The town is at an altitude of 3,133 m. above sea level, situated on the left bank of river Alaknanda and exactly between the two mountains Nara and Narayan and the shadow of Nilkantha peak. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnu the preserver and protector of Hindu Divine Trinity. 

Haridwar to Badrinath distance

Distance between Haridwar to Badrinath is 323 km by Road along with an aerial distance of 157 km.

By Train: There is no direct train between Haridwar and Badrinath. You can take Kgm Ddn Express from Haridwar to Dehradun then take a taxi from Dehradun to Badrinath

By Bus: There is direct bus between Haridwar and Badrinath. You can take State Transport Bus from Haridwar to Badrinath

Delhi Rishikesh flight

To reach Rishikesh by Air Dehradun Jollygrant Airport is best option for you. Everyday there are flights from New Delhi to Dehradun on regular basis. Dehradun has no direct flights from other cities than New Delhi. From Rishikesh nearest airport is Dehradun Airport at Jollygrant which is 25 kms far from Rishikesh. Rishikesh to Dehradun Jollygrant Airport is 25 kms and Rishikesh to New Delhi Airprot is 240 Kms.

Haridwar visit

Haridwar is a major pilgrim spot located in the state of Uttarakhand. The origins of the city dates back to the ancient Hindu texts. , Haridwar is a major pilgrim spot located in the state of Uttarakhand. The origins of the city dates back to the ancient Hindu texts.

Har Ki Pauri: Har ki Pauri literally means the Lord’s Footsteps. The most famous land mark at the Ghats is the footprint of Lord Vishnu himself.

Shanti Kunj: Shanti Kunj is known to be the headquarters of the All India Gayatri Pariwar and was founded in 1971 for the moral and spiritual regeneration in the Indian culture.

Mansa Devi Temple:Dedicated to the Hindu deity Mansa Devi, Mansa Devi Temple is placed atop a hillock known as the Bilwa Parvat of the Shiwalik Range of the Himalayas.

Chandi Devi Temple: Built by King Suchat Singh, Chandi Devu Temple is perched on Neel Parvat. To reach the temple one has to trek 3kms from Chandighat or have to take the cable car

Patanjali Yog Peeth: Patanjali Yog Peeth as it is one of the most popular and largest Yoga institutes in India run by Yog Guru Baba Ramdev. Situated on the Delhi-Haridwar Highway,

Sapt Rishi Ashram or Sapt Sarovar: The ashram is at a short distance from the bank of the River Ganga and is also quite a picturesque place. It is also believed that Pandavas while going to Himalaya crossed this place as well.