Guptakashi, Gupta Kashi or Guptkashi, is a relatively large town in the Kedar-khanda, in the Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, India. Guptkashi is also known for its magnificent valley view. Guptkashi Uttarakhand is the gateway to the celestial city of Kailash, and it is believed that Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati lived on this mountain. Guptkashi is one of the prominent spiritual sites in Uttarakhand. Guptakashi, Gupta Kashi or Guptkashi, is a fairly large town located at an elevation of 1,319 metres in the Kedar-khanda, in the Garhwal Himalayas of Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand, India. It is known for its ancient Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, similar to the one in Varanasi.
Guptakashi Weather
The ideal time to visit Guptakshi is this summer season. Summer starts generally from April till June. Temperature is quite pleasant at this time and ranges from 14 to 28 degrees Celcius. Winters begin to set in November. If one wants to experience a frigid climate, then this is the time you should go. However, one can’t go on trekking or to Kedarnath or Badrinath as those places experience heavy snowfall at this time. Also, heavy fog delays flights and trains for prolonged hours.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Things To Do In Guptakashi In 2024
Guptkashi is one of the prominent spiritual sites in Uttarakhand. It lies en route to Kedarnath, nestled in the lush green Mandakini river valley, which is abundant in magnolias.
1. Vishwanath Temple
This sacred Hindu shrine is on the way to Kedarnath, one of the Chota Kedarnath and Panch Kedars. According to devotees, when the Pandav brothers sought a glimpse of Shiva, Shivji first hid at Guptkashi before fleeing higher up the valley to Kedarnath, where the Pandavas eventually received their wish. The whole district of Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand is named after the numerous temples of Lord Shiva or Lord Rudra, and among these are the prominent Vishwanath Temples. The Vishwanath Temple in Guptakashi has a stark visual similarity with the Kashi Vishwanath Temple of the holy city of Varanasi. This may be the reason for the similarity between the names of the two temples. Aside from this, the Vishwanath Temple is also part of the Rudra temple conglomerate of Rudraprayag that conjures up the temple chain of Panch Kedars and the Chota Kedarnath.
Best time to visit: All time
Timings: 6 Am – 12 Pm
2. Ardhnarishwar Temple
Ardhanarishwar temple is a small, famous temple in Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district. This holy temple is about 2 km away from Guptkashi. Ardhanareeshvara is a combination of three words “Ardha,” “Nari,” and “Ishwara” means “half,” “woman,” and “lord,” respectively, which when combined means the lord whose half is a woman. It is believed that the God is Lord Shiva and the woman part is his consort Goddess Parvati or Shakti. Beside the fascinating idol, one will find the symbol of Swastika. Besides the fascinating idol, one will find the symbol of Swastika.
Best time to visit: All time
Timings: 5 Am – 2 Pm
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3. Manikarnika Kund
Manikarnika Kund, located within the complex of Vishwanath temple, is a place where Shiva Linga is presided over. In front of the temple, the Manikarnika Kund has two underground streams representing Jamuna and Ganga, which constantly bathe the Shiva Linga installed there. Ganga emanates from an elephant-mouth structure, while the Yamuna emanates from a cow-mouth structure. Manikarnika Kund and the main temple are perfectly aligned with each other and present a very soothing image to the devotee.
Best time to visit: From July to October
Timings: From 7 Am
4. Trek to Kedarnath
Embark on the pilgrimage trek to Kedarnath Temple. The trek from Guptkashi to Kedarnath is challenging and takes 6-8 hours, depending on your pace and fitness level. The Kedarnath Trek thus enables one to have a fulfilling journey in terms of divinity and comfort. The trek has changed since the 2013 flood disaster in Uttrakhand, and since then, the 14 km trek to Kedarnath has increased to a 16km trek. The trek offers a deeply spiritual journey and stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.
Best time to visit: April to June
Timings: 4 Am – 9 Pm
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttarkashi
5. Visit Triyuginarayan Temple
Triyuginarayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Triyuginarayan village in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India. This temple is famous as the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. An eternal flame burning before the temple is said to have witnessed this notable wedding. The temple looks a lot like the Kedarnath temple. The Triyuginarayan Trek is a scenic and spiritual journey that leads pilgrims and trekkers to the sacred Triyuginarayan Temple, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are believed to have been married.
Best time to visit: All time
Timings: 6 Am – 7 Pm
6. Camp by Deoria Tal
Image Credit: Mwanner for Wikimedia Commons
Visit Deoria Tal for its serene and picturesque environment. Camping by the lake with reflections of the Chaukhamba peaks is a memorable experience. Camping at Deoriyatal is paid, and you must pay the forest department charges. One has to get permission from the forest officials at the lake for an overnight stay at camps. Visitors can bring their tents or rent according to their needs. The Deoria Tal trek is around 2.5 km, which you can cover in 1-1.5 hours. The trail is entirely paved with stones and is mildly steep.
Best time to visit: April – June
Timings: From 5 Am in the morning
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7. Summit Chandrashila Peak
After visiting Tungnath, continue the trek to Chandrashila Peak for a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks. It’s a relatively short but steep trek that rewards you with stunning vistas. The Chandrashila summit is a vantage point that stands unparalleled among our treks. You see perhaps the most fabulous mountain views from the top of the summit. Chandrashila is not just a destination for adventure enthusiasts but also holds immense spiritual significance, given its proximity to the famous Tungnath Temple. For those who don’t know, this temple is the highest Shiva shrine in the world.
Best time to visit: September – November
Timings: From 5 Am in the morning
8. Attend Local Festivals
The most important festival in Guptkashi is Mahashivratri, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most prominent gods in the Hindu religion. The festival is mainly celebrated inside the premises of the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Guptakashi offers a blend of spiritual experiences, natural beauty, and adventurous activities, making it a perfect destination for all types of travellers. Guptakashi is known worldwide for its festival, and people come to enjoy it.
Phool Dei is another festival of Uttarakhand that celebrates the year’s harvest and the coming of the spring season. It takes place on the first day of the Chaitra season (March-April) per the Hindu calendar and is also known as the harvest festival. It is when flowers blossom, accompanied by the ceremonial pudding called dei, made by the locals using jaggery or Gud, curd, and flour. This dish is an integral part of the festival.
Best time to visit: All time
Timings: From 8 Am in the morning
Further Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand With Family
Explore the captivating allure of Guptakashi, nestled in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand. Guptakashi offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, from the serene landscapes to the majestic temples. Plan your trip to Uttarakhand and immerse yourself in the mystical charm of this hidden gem.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Guptakashi
Why is Guptkashi well-known?
Guptkashi is renowned for its breathtaking valley vista. It is well-known for its historic Vishwanath Temple, which is comparable to the Varanasi (Kashi) temple and is devoted to the god Shiva.
How far is it via road from Kedarnath to Guptkashi?
Kedarnath is roughly 47 km away from Guptkashi; however, due to damage from the 2013 floods, there is no road connection between the two locations beyond Sonprayag.
Which is the most famous temple in Guptakashi?
Vishwanath Temple in Guptkashi is the most famous temple.
How to reach Kedarnath Temple from Guptkashi?
Thus, as of right now, the motorable road only extends as far as Sonprayag, which is around 21 kilometres from Guptkashi. The Kedarnath temple is about a 26-kilometer hike from Sonprayag.
What kind of June weather should one expect in Guptkashi?
June, is the hottest month in Guptkashi, with days with highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C), for instance.
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