Guptakashi Tourism
The temple town of Guptakashi is located at a distance of 47 kms from the holy town of Kedarnath. Perched at an elevation of 1319 m above the sea level, Guptakashi enjoys the mesmerising backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba mountains.
It houses two ancient temples namely Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ardhnareshwar Temple. Manikarnika Kund is another popular destination in the town. In fact, Guptkashi serves as a perfect stopover for those travelling to Kedarnath. The fantastic weather, lush green forests and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage, the town is a wholesome package for vacation makers.
Situated 47 kms before Kedarnath, the holiest shrine of Lord Shiva, this town is bestowed with great religious significance. 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 is another popular destination in the town. In fact Guptkashi serves as a perfect stopover for those travelling to Kedarnath. The amazing weather, lush green forests and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage, the town is a wholesome package for vacation makers.
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Things to do in Guptakashi
1. Vishwanath Temple, Guptakashi
One of the most popular temples of Guptkashi is Vishwanath Temple. The presided deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in form of Lord Vishwanath meaning 'Lord of the Universe'.
2. Manikarnik Kund
Manikarnik Kund located within the complex of Vishwanath temple is a place where Shiva Linga is presided. The Shiva Linga is bathed there from two source of water namely Ganesha's head and cow's head.
3. Ardhanarishwar Temple
Situated on the left side of Vishwanath Temple, Ardhanarishwar Temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding idol in the temple is actually half man and half women presenting Lord Shiva and Go (Read More)ddess Parvati. Beside the fascinating idol, one will find the symbol of Swastika.
4. Gaurikund
Gaurikund in Guptakashi is famous for being the starting point and the last road head before the Kedarnath Yatra begins. Gaurikund is located on the banks of the River Mandakini and is rightly conside (Read More)red to be the gateway to spirituality and salvation. Located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level, the Gaurikund Temple and Gauri Lake are important landmarks that the place is famous for.
5. Ukhimath
Ukhimath is a popular destination which is better known as home of Madhyamaheshwar and Kedarnath during the winter season. The place is situated just 12 km from Guptkashi with an enchanting view of Ma (Read More)jestic Himalayas covered in snow. Ukhimath mainly houses the Rawal's, the head priest of Kedarnath.
6. Chopta
Chopta is a small quaint village blessed with pristine beauty of nature. Perched at an elevation of 2900 m above the sea level, this place serves as the entryway to the renowned Tungnath temple as wel (Read More)l as the other Panch Kedar temples.
7. Kedarnath
If you are an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, this place is not to be missed. Kedarnath is believed to be one of the holiest shrines with the presiding deity as Lord Shiva.
Top Hotels In Guptakashi
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Etymology
Guptakashi, as the name suggests translates to 'hidden Kashi (old name for Benaras)'. Myth has it that the history of Guptakashi goes back in the times of Mahabharat. When the Pandavas were searching for Lord Shiva, He first hid in Guptakashi before he fled to Kedarnath.
Trekking for Adventure Lovers
The trek from Guptkashi to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers is an absolute naturalists delight. Nearly 10 km long and 2 km wide, the valley is open for tourists from April, but it is from late July till August when this beautiful valley is in its grandest form. This place is just 53 km away from Guptkashi. If you want to go on a religious trek, Guptkashi has that too. Trek to Tungnath temple is traffic free and beautiful as well. The best time to go on this trek is from March to October. You can get an adrenaline rush as The Auli Ski Resort and Alaknanda river rafting are just 5 hours and 4 hours 26 minutes drive from here.
Suggested Itinerary for Guptakashi
Guptkashi is a peaceful place set amid a stunning backdrop of Chaukhamba range and lush green valley. A one day in this holy place can do wonder to relax your mind. After a beautiful sight of sunrise and warm breakfast, start your journey with Vishwanath Temple. Visit Manikarnik Kund and Ardhanarishwar Temple next that will leave you in complete serenity. Break for lunch and Ukhimath will be your next stopover. This winter home of Kedarnath is quite stunning with the view of Majestic Himalayas. Head back to your hotel in time for rest and a nice home cooked dinner.
Best Time to Visit Guptakashi
Nearby Places
How to Reach Guptakashi
How to Reach Overview
Guptakashi is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport located in Dehradun. There are numerous airport taxis available that will take you to the required destination in Guptkashi. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh with connections to major Indian cities. NH109 Highway connects Guptkashi to Delhi, Rishikesh, Srinagar and other major cities.
How to reach Guptakashi by flight
Jolly Grant Airport serves as the nearest airport to Guptkashi located about 190 km away. Well connected via motorable road, one can easily avail taxi from outside the airport to the desired destination.
How to reach Guptakashi by road
Guptkashi is located on NH109 and is approachable via its neighbouring cities and states through a well-maintained network of roads. State-owned and private buses can be taken from Delhi till Rishikesh or Srinagar and can be reached Guptkashi again by bus or taxi.
How to reach Guptakashi by train
Located about 168 km before Guptkashi, Rishikesh is the nearest railway station. Located on NH58, it is well connected to many major cities via trains. Taxis and buses are available outside the station till Guptkashi.
Local transport in Guptakashi
Guptkashi is a very small town where you will be hiking or trekking most of the time. Other than that you can also hire taxi or even better book a private car for comfortable commutation from one place to another. However, make sure you plan your trip timing according to the weather conditions prevailing in the area.
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Guptakashi Photos
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FAQs on Guptakashi
What is the local food in Guptakashi?
Guptkashi is a small hamlet where the only option for eating is the hotel you will be staying at. Other than that, there might be some dhabas around but not many so do carry food while going around the place.
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What are the places near Guptakashi?
The top places near to Guptakashi are Auli which is 47 km from Guptakashi, Valley of flowers which is located 55 km from Guptakashi, Nainital which is located 132 km from Guptakashi, Kedarnath which is located 23 km from Guptakashi, Madhyamaheshwar which is located 17 km from Guptakashi
What are the things to do in Guptakashi?
The top things to do in Guptakashi are Vishwanath Temple, Guptakashi, Manikarnik Kund, Ardhanarishwar Temple, Gaurikund, Ukhimath, Chopta. You can see all the places to visit in Guptakashi here
How much does a package cost for Guptakashi?
The packages for Guptakashi start at INR 20000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here
What is the best way to reach Guptakashi?
Guptakashi is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant International Airport located in Dehradun. There are numerous airport taxis available that will take you to the required destination in Guptkashi. The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh with connections to major Indian cities. NH109 Highway connects Guptkashi to Delhi, Rishikesh, Srinagar and other major cities.
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What is the best time to visit Guptakashi?
The ideal time to visit this place is during summers. The weather remains pleasant during these months. If you want to enjoy chilly winters then November and December are the months to come here as the temperature goes down to 0 degrees Celcius. However, if you are planning to visit Kedarnath and Badrinath, then winters are not an ideal time to come. The temple closes its gates on the Yam Duj, which is the second day after Diwali and opens the gates again on Akshay Tritya, that is in May starting. For 6 months the idol of Lord Shiva is placed in the temple in Ukhimath. In winters all the trekking routes and helicopter rides are also closed because of heavy snowfall.
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Who should visit Guptakashi?
Guptkashi is ideal for Adventure lovers as well as for devotees. It is a perfect stopover for people travelling to Kedarnath.
What is not so good about Guptakashi?
Remotely located. Difficult to access especially in winters. Very few accommodation options are available.
What is famous about Guptakashi?
Considered as second most holy place after Varanasi. Near to Kedarnath.
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Guptakashi Reviews
Your rating
Devyani Chandra
6 years ago
- Carry extra food and supplies with you, facilities are not present at proper intervals.
- Winters are excruciatingly cold but beautiful at the same time, so carry heavy woolens if travelling dur (Read More)ing the season.
- Avoid travelling during monsoon season as the area faces landslide and poor road conditions.
- Winters are excruciatingly cold but beautiful at the same time, so carry heavy woolens if travelling dur (Read More)ing the season.
- Avoid travelling during monsoon season as the area faces landslide and poor road conditions.