The mystic place garners great admiration in Mahabharata. It has a blissful environment that is very captivating. For the unversed, the name 'Gupt Kashi' means 'Hidden Benares' as it is considered to be the replica of 'Benaras in Uttar Pradesh'. Also, when you are in this beautiful place, you will be allured by the textured variety of natural elements, such as the wildlife creatures, floras, and those deodars that are indeed magnificent. Also, Guptkashi is home to one of the Jyotirlingas which are considered as part of Chardham Yatra (a holistic journey in Hinduism).
The temple town of Guptkashi is located at a distance of 47 km from the holy town of Kedarnath. Perched at an elevation of 1319 m above sea level, Gupt Kashi enjoys the mesmerizing backdrop of the enchanting snow-covered peaks of Chaukhamba mountains.
Guptkashi 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 traveling to Kedarnath. The fantastic weather, lush green forests, and captivating views of Chaukhmaba Range along with its rich past and heritage make the town a wholesome package for vacation makers.
If you are planning to visit Guptkashi, it is important that you visit the place in the early winter months. So, you can visit here between September and December.
Major Attractions in and Around Guptkashi
1. Deoria Taal
Deodar Taal is one of the most beautiful things around the world. While dispensing the abundant luxuriant greenery, you will get a sense of freedom as well.
2. Vishwanath Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Vishwanath is another form of Lord Shiva. The locals believe the place has an amazing aura that is divine and eternal. One can feel the power of Lord Shiva while exploring the temple.
3. Trekking
The trek from Guptkashi to Hemkund Sahib and Valley of Flowers is an absolute naturalist's 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. If you want to go on a religious trek, GuptKashi has that too. Trek to Tungnath temple is traffic-free and beautiful as well.
How to Reach Guptkashi
If mythology entices you, then Guptkashi, Uttarakhand is the place that will keep you hooked with its Mahabharata roots. Besides the spiritual connection, Guptkashi is a beautiful place to enjoy the scenic views that surround this town. Guptkashi is situated at a distance of nearly 425km via NH7, 1800km via NH 48, 1600km via NH 19, and 2500km via NH 44 from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, respectively.
By Air
The nearest airport is in Dehradun, known by the name Jolly Grant Airport. The airport is 198km away from Guptkashi town. You can take a seat on the local bus or hire a taxi to cover this distance. Here we have listed some direct flights from metro cities to Dehradun airport along with the base airfare estimate for your reference.
- Delhi - Board AirIndia flight from Delhi. The airfare starts from INR 2,000
- Mumbai - Board Indigo flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Intl. Airport. The airfare starts from INR 4,000
- Kolkata - Board AirIndia flight from Kolkata. The airfare starts from INR 6,000
- Bengaluru - Board IndiGo flight from Bengaluru. The airfare starts from INR 6,000
By Train
The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station. The station is nearly 181km away from GuptKashi. You can cover the remaining distance via NH 7, which is a well-maintained stretch leading to Guptkashi. You can book a taxi or get on a local bus which is available outside the station to cover the remaining distance.
- Delhi - Board Delhi RKSH Passenger from Delhi and deboard at Rishikesh station
- Haridwar - Board HW RKSH Passenger from Hardwar Jn and deboard at Rishikesh station
- Katra - Board Hemkunt express from SHMATA VD KATRA railway station and deboard at Rishikesh
- Barmer - Board BME RKSH Link from Barmer and deboard at Rishikesh station
- Chandausi - Board BKI RKSH Passenger and deboard at Rishikesh station
By Road
Traveling by road is a great idea if you are a travel enthusiast or are keen to experience the countryside life and beauty. You may arrive at Guptkashi via inter-state tourist buses or may get behind the wheels and drive to the town in your vehicle.
- Pauri Garhwal - 190km via NH534
- Chamoli Gopeshwar - 84km via NH 107A
- Shimla - 450km via NH 7
- Paonta Sahib - 274km via NH 7
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
