An Ancient Shiva Temple in the Secret Varanasi of the Himalayas at 1319 Metres
Guptakashi literally means "Hidden Kashi" — named because Lord Shiva is believed to have taken refuge here (in a hidden form) when the Pandavas were searching for him after the Kurukshetra war. The Vishwanath Temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most important pre-Kedarnath pilgrimage stops in the Garhwal Himalaya.
The temple complex at Guptakashi also includes the Ardhnareshwar Temple and the sacred Manikarnika Kund — two sacred ponds where the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers are said to merge symbolically. Guptakashi is situated at 1319 metres, 47 km from Rudraprayag and 29 km from Chopta, making it an ideal base for Kedarnath pilgrims and Chopta trekkers.
May to June and September to November during Kedarnath season. Temple open year-round but Guptakashi is most visited during pilgrimage season.
Nearest railway: Rishikesh (186 km). Taxi to Guptakashi via Rudraprayag.
Regular buses from Rishikesh/Haridwar to Guptakashi during pilgrimage season.
47 km from Rudraprayag (1.5 hrs). 76 km from Kedarnath (via Sonprayag). Taxi recommended.