Lord Kartikeya’s ridge shrine
A hilltop temple over the Alaknanda Valley
Kartik Swami Temple sits on a narrow ridge near Kanak Chauri village, dedicated to Lord Kartikeya — the elder son of Shiva. At 3,050 m it looks across the Garhwal Himalayas, the Alaknanda Valley, and peaks including Chaukhamba and Nanda Devi.
The walk is about 3 km from the village: oak and rhododendron forest, then an exposed ridge, then stone steps hung with bells. Most guests stay at Chopta Resort, drive to Kanak Chauri in the morning, and climb for sunrise or a clear afternoon.
