Guptkashi Travel Guide Chopta Uttarakhand
Guptkashi is a religiously significant town located about 47 kilometers from Lord Shiva’s holy temple in Kedarnath. Lord Shiva stays in the form of Vishwanath in Guptkashi (Lord of the Universe). Guptkashi is located at an elevation of 1,319 meters on the east side of the Mandakini River valley, facing the town of Ukhimath in the Rudraprayag District of Uttarakhand.
It is an important Hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, with beautiful flora and ancient temples such as Vishwanath and Ardhnarishwar. This location justifies its name, Guptkashi, which means “Hidden Benares,” by being linked to the Mahabharatha epic. It is also said that after the Mahabharata battle, the Pandavas went in search of Lord Shiva.
However, Lord Shiva later fled from them to five different locations known as the Panch Kedars. Guptkashi is also said to be the location of the original Shiva Linga of Varanasi’s Vishwanath Temple, which was relocated here to ensure its safety during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Our Guptkashi travel guide is jam-packed with information on the best places to visit and amazing things to do, making it a must-have for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience.
Best Time to Visit Guptkashi
Summertime is the best time to visit Guptkashi. The best months to visit are between March and June, as well as October and November, because the weather remains pleasant during these months, providing tourists with the best holiday experience possible.
Summers in Guptakashi are moderately hot and generally last from April to June. The temperature rises from a comfortable 15°C to 30°C during this season. The weather is pleasant in the evenings when the cool breeze soothes the soul.
Guptakashi does not receive a lot of rain. During the months of July to September, it receives moderate rainfall. Rains bring freshness and rejuvenation to the area, attracting nature lovers.
The winter season in Guptakashi begins in December and lasts until the end of February. Winters are bitterly cold here, with temperatures plummeting to a bone-chilling 0°C.
Places to Visit in Guptkashi
This town is more for nature lovers, but it also attracts a large number of devotees who come to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings.
1. Vishwanath Temple
The main attraction in Guptkashi is the Vishwanath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The shrine is an important Hindu pilgrimage site, and it shares a central location with the original Shiva Linga from Varanasi’s Vishwanath Temple.
2. Manikarnika Kund
This holy water pond is located near Vishwanath temple, where two streams representing the rivers Ganga and Yamuna meet. The pond is considered sacred and is frequently visited by pilgrims who come to the temple.
3. Gaurikund
It is another small town about 34 kilometers from Guptkashi. It is well known as the starting point for the trek to Kedarnath. It is said that devotees who make the pilgrimage to Kedarnath swim in this pool of water.
Hotels in Guptkashi
If you are visiting Guptkashi, you can choose from luxury camps to budget hotels for a comfortable stay. Aside from that, resorts and lodges are available for tourists to stay in. Guptkashi also has cottage hotels as well as deluxe hotels.
These establishments are welcoming, comfortable, and reasonably priced. Apart from this, accommodation is available for visitors in Rudraprayag and Ukhimath, both of which are located near Guptkashi.
How to Reach Guptkashi
Guptkashi is well-connected by motorable roads to major Uttarakhand state destinations. Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, and Srinagar are all nearby.
The nearest airport to Guptkashi is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 190 kilometers away. Bus and taxi services connect it to motorable roads from Dehradun.
Rishikesh is the nearest station, located 168 kilometers from Guptkashi. There are taxis (both private and shared) and buses that run at regular intervals from the railway station to Guptkashi.
NH 109 connects this region to nearby tourist attractions such as Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Srinagar, and Chamoli. Gutpkashi is well connected to the motorable road, and tourists rarely have difficulty choosing road as their mode of transportation. Apart from your own vehicle, you can take interstate buses from Uttarakhand to Guptkashi from other cities.