Kartik Swami Trek
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Kartik Swami Trek — Guide, Dates & Cost
Kartik Swami Trek is a 2-day easy trek in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,050 m (10,007 ft). It covers about 7 km on foot and starts at Kanakchauri and ends at Kartik Swami Temple. Best time: September to June. Trekkaro price: ₹3,800 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (40 upcoming batches).
Updated
District: Rudraprayag
Duration: 2 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Highest Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,007 ft
Trekking Distance: 7 km
Temperature: Spring/Summer (Mar-Jun): Day 12°C to 22°C, Night 3°C to 10°C | Autumn (Sep-Nov): Day 10°C to 18°C, Night 0°C to 8°C | Winter (Dec-Feb): Day 3°C to 10°C, Night -5°C to 1°C
Some summits make you wait days for their view. Kartik Swami asks for one early alarm and about 3.5 km of forest path. Walk up in the dark from Kanakchauri, climb the last stone steps to a temple hung with hundreds of bells, and watch the first light touch Chaukhamba, the Kedarnath peaks, Neelkanth and Trishul in a single sweep of the horizon. By breakfast you are back in the village with the whole Garhwal skyline still in your eyes.
The Kartik Swami trek climbs to the Kartik Swami temple, a hilltop shrine to Kartikeya, the elder son of Lord Shiva, on a narrow ridge above the village of Kanakchauri in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. Kanakchauri sits on the road between Rudraprayag and Pokhari, about 40 km from Rudraprayag town, and the trail starts right from the village. The temple stands at 3,050 m (10,007 ft), on top of a ridge that falls away steeply on both sides, and that position is what gives it one of the widest mountain panoramas you can reach on foot in Garhwal in a single morning.
Our version is a 2-day trip from Rishikesh. Day 1 is the drive up the Ganga and Alaknanda valleys, through Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag, with the night at a homestay or guesthouse in Kanakchauri. Day 2 starts before dawn: about 3.5 km up to the temple for sunrise, the same 3.5 km back down to the village for breakfast, and the drive back to Rishikesh by evening. Total walking is about 7 km. There is no camping on this trek, and no heavy backpack to carry, which makes it one of the gentlest ways to stand at 10,000 ft in the Himalaya.
Bells Above the Clouds – What Makes the Kartik Swami Trek Unmissable
The first thing you notice at the top is the sound. The temple and the railings along its last steps carry hundreds of brass bells, tied there by pilgrims over the years, and when the wind comes up the ridge they ring together. The second thing is the space. The ridge is so narrow near the top that there is almost nothing between you and the mountains: the valleys of the Alaknanda and the Mandakini lie far below, and the snow peaks rise in an arc from the Kedarnath group in the north-west round to Trishul and Nanda Ghunti in the east.
On a clear morning the names come one after another: Chaukhamba with its four summits, Kedarnath and Kedar Dome, Meru and Sumeru, Neelkanth above Badrinath, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and, on the clearest days, the tip of Nanda Devi far to the east, with Bandarpoonch away in the west. You see them first as grey shapes against a paling sky, then as pink points as the sun reaches them, then as white walls. Sunrise is the reason for the early start, and it is worth every minute of lost sleep.
The temple has its own story. Local legend tells that Kartikeya, after a contest with his brother Ganesha over which of them would be worshipped first, came to this mountain and offered his bones to his father, Lord Shiva. Devotees still climb here to worship him, and the temple holds a stone idol of Kartik Swami. Treat the shrine with respect: shoes come off at the top, and the priest opens the temple after sunrise.
The Trail Itself
The trail is short and well marked. From Kanakchauri it climbs steadily on a stone and earth path through oak and rhododendron forest, past small roadside shrines, for most of the first 2.5 to 3 km. The gradient is steady rather than steep, and there are places to stop and breathe. Higher up the forest opens, a few tea stalls appear, and the path reaches the ridge. The last stretch is the steepest: a narrow flight of about 80 stone steps up the crest of the ridge to the temple itself. Coming down is the same way back, and in the morning light you finally see the forest you walked through in the dark.
Who Is This Trek For?
The Kartik Swami trek is graded easy, and we recommend it for first-time trekkers, families with children, pilgrims and anyone who wants a big Himalayan view without camping or a multi-day walk. The trekking day is Day 2: about 7 km up and down in 4–5 hours with stops, starting in the dark, with a steep set of stone steps at the very top. The long drive on both days (6–7 hrs each way) is as tiring as the walk, so come rested. Two to three weeks of preparation with regular walks, stair climbing or jogging is enough. Children aged 7 and above can join with a parent or guardian. Above 60: a doctor’s fitness certificate is needed, and an ECG or TMT report is recommended. Season: September to June, except July and August.
Key Highlights of the Kartik Swami Trek
- A Himalayan panorama from 3,050 m (10,007 ft) – Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Kedar Dome, Meru, Sumeru, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul from one ridge
- Sunrise over the snow peaks – a pre-dawn walk timed to reach the top as the first light hits the Garhwal range
- The temple of a thousand bells – brass bells tied along the steps and around the shrine ring when the wind rises
- A shrine to Kartikeya – one of the few temples in Uttarakhand dedicated to Lord Shiva’s elder son
- Only about 7 km of walking – no camping and no heavy backpack, with a night in a village homestay
- Oak and rhododendron forest – red rhododendron blooms along the trail in March and April
- Snow in winter – from December to February the ridge and the temple steps can lie under snow
- The drive of the five prayags – past Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi meet to form the Ganga, and Rudraprayag
Best Time to Do the Kartik Swami Trek
The Kartik Swami trek runs from September to June. We do not run it in July and August, when monsoon rain makes the mountain roads to Rudraprayag prone to landslides and clouds hide the peaks. Each of the three windows gives the same view a different character, and the clearest skies come in autumn.
March to June – Spring and Summer (Rhododendron Season)
March and April bring red rhododendron blooms to the forest, and the snow on the high peaks is still deep and bright. Days on the trail are pleasant at 12°C to 22°C, while the pre-dawn start and the night in Kanakchauri sit at about 3°C to 10°C. From May the afternoon haze can build, so the sunrise view is the one to aim for. Showers can arrive late in June as the monsoon approaches.
September to November – Autumn (Clearest Views)
After the monsoon washes the air clean, autumn gives the sharpest mountain views of the year, and the whole arc of peaks stands out from Kedarnath to Trishul. Day temperatures are 10°C to 18°C, and nights and the dawn climb drop to about 0°C to 8°C, colder in November. Early September can still bring a passing shower, so carry a rain layer.
December to February – Winter (The Snow Season)
Winter turns the ridge white. Snow can cover the upper trail and the temple steps, and the air is crisp and clear. Days are 3°C to 10°C, and the pre-dawn walk and the nights fall to about -5°C to 1°C, with wind on the open ridge. Microspikes and gaiters come with Free Trekking Gear, and a proper set of warm layers is essential for the sunrise wait at the top.
Kartik Swami Trek Cost and Booking in 2026
The Kartik Swami trek costs ₹3,800 + 5% GST per person, for 2 days starting and ending at Kanakchauri, with Free Trekking Gear: Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes. Meals, stays, permits and a certified trek leader are included; transport from Rishikesh is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Book online on this page by choosing a batch date. Booking closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek, and you can reschedule once, free of charge, up to 8 days before departure.
📅 Best months for the Kartik Swami Trek: most of the year (September to June). Still choosing dates? Compare all treks in October, treks in November, treks in December and treks in January.
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Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers, from Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM to Kanakchauri. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Day 1: Rishikesh to Kanakchauri
Route Details:
Drive: Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Kanakchauri | Distance: about 175 km | Duration: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 340 m → Kanakchauri
The day begins at Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station, where the group meets at 06:30 AM and boards shared cabs for the drive into the Garhwal hills. Leaving early keeps you ahead of the traffic and gives you a relaxed arrival in Kanakchauri by mid-afternoon. Have a light breakfast before you leave or carry something to eat, as the first proper stop comes after an hour or two on the road.
The road follows the Ganga upstream through deep green gorges. At Devprayag you look down on the meeting of the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi, the point where the Ganga takes its name. The road then follows the Alaknanda past Srinagar, the largest town in this part of Garhwal, and on to Rudraprayag, where the Mandakini joins the Alaknanda. The group stops for lunch on the way, at your own cost.
From Rudraprayag the road turns off onto the Pokhari route and climbs through terraced villages and pine and oak forest for about 40 km. The air grows cooler with every bend. Kanakchauri is a small roadside village on the ridge, and on a clear evening you get your first glimpse of the snow peaks you will see from the temple the next morning.
After check-in at the homestay, the trek leader runs a short briefing on the pre-dawn start, the route and the cold at the top, and checks everyone’s SpO2 and pulse. Dinner is early and simple, and lights out is early too: the alarm for the sunrise climb rings at about 4:00 AM. Lay out your warm layers, headlamp and water bottle before you sleep.
What to Expect:
- 06:30 AM pickup at Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station
- Views of the Devprayag confluence, where the Ganga is born
- Drive along the Alaknanda past Srinagar and Rudraprayag
- First glimpse of the snow peaks from the Kanakchauri ridge
- Evening briefing and health check by the trek leader
- Overnight: homestay or guesthouse at Kanakchauri
Day 2: Kartik Swami Temple and Drive to Rishikesh
Route Details:
Trek: Kanakchauri → Kartik Swami Temple → Kanakchauri | Distance: 7 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: Kanakchauri → 3,050 m | Drive: Kanakchauri → Rishikesh, about 175 km, 6–7 hrs
The day starts at about 4:00 AM with a hot drink, and the group leaves Kanakchauri by headlamp at about 4:30 AM. The trail climbs at a steady gradient through oak and rhododendron forest, a stone and earth path that is easy to follow even in the dark. Walk at a pace where you can still talk; the trek leader sets short breaks so that nobody is rushed. Carry at least one litre of water, as there is no water point on the trail.
After about 2.5 to 3 km the forest thins, the sky turns pale and the path reaches the ridge, where a few tea stalls open as the morning brings the pilgrims. The last stretch is a narrow flight of about 80 stone steps along the crest, lined with bells. In winter these steps can carry snow or ice, and the trek team helps you up where needed. Reaching the top before sunrise gives you time to find a spot and pull on your warmest layer.
As the sun comes up, the snow peaks light up one after another: the Kedarnath group and Chaukhamba to the north, Neelkanth and Dronagiri beyond, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul to the east, and Bandarpoonch far to the west on a clear morning. The temple opens after sunrise; remove your shoes before you step up to the shrine. Spend time on the ridge, take your photographs and enjoy the quiet before the day’s visitors arrive.
The descent is the same 3.5 km back to Kanakchauri, about 1.5 hours, and in daylight you see the forest you walked through in the dark. Breakfast waits at the homestay, and then the group packs up for the drive back to Rishikesh: about 175 km and 6–7 hrs down the Alaknanda and the Ganga. Expect to reach Rishikesh by evening, and plan onward travel for late night or the next day.
What to Expect:
- Pre-dawn start at about 4:30 AM by headlamp
- Steady climb through oak and rhododendron forest
- About 80 stone steps lined with bells to the temple
- Sunrise over Chaukhamba, Kedarnath, Neelkanth and Trishul
- Breakfast at Kanakchauri after the descent
- Drive back to Rishikesh, arriving by evening
- Overnight: no stay (trek ends in Rishikesh)
How To Reach
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun, about 20 km / 40–50 min from Rishikesh, with direct flights from Delhi and other metros. The cab leaves Rishikesh at 06:30 AM, so fly in the day before and stay in Rishikesh.
From Rishikesh to Kanakchauri: about 175 km, 6–7 hrs by road via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs from Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: After the sunrise climb and breakfast on Day 2, the cab takes 6–7 hrs and is expected in Rishikesh by evening. Book your flight home for the next day.
Nearest railway station: Yog Nagari Rishikesh (YNRK), which is also the pickup point. Haridwar (HW), about 25 km away, has many more trains from Delhi and the rest of India.
- To Rishikesh: a few direct trains, including overnight services from Delhi; check current timings.
- To Haridwar: Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, Vande Bharat and overnight express trains from Delhi; take a cab or auto on to Rishikesh, about 1 hr.
For a 06:30 AM pickup, arrive the evening before and stay near the station.
From Rishikesh to Kanakchauri: about 175 km, 6–7 hrs by road. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The cab reaches Rishikesh by evening on Day 2. Plan your train home for late night on Day 2 or the next day.
By bus: Overnight ordinary and Volvo buses run from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate to Rishikesh, about 6–7 hrs. Prefer Uttarakhand Roadways (government) buses from inside the ISBT. Arrive the evening before and stay in Rishikesh for the 06:30 AM pickup at Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station.
From Rishikesh to Kanakchauri: about 175 km, 6–7 hrs by road. Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
Return: The cab reaches Rishikesh by evening on Day 2. Plan your bus home for late night on Day 2 or the next day.
Things To Carry
The Kartik Swami trek is short, but you start in the dark and wait for sunrise on an open, windy ridge at 3,050 m, so warm layers and a headlamp matter more than a big backpack.
- Trekking shoes – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear (one refundable deposit of ₹3,000 + ₹200 washing charge covers the whole kit); your own broken-in pair with ankle support is welcome too.
- Trekking poles – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; they save your knees on the descents.
- Microspikes and gaiters – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, for the snow sections.
- Backpack (30–40 L) – with a rain cover.
- Day pack (20–30 L) – needed if you offload your main backpack; carries water and a warm layer.
- Two water bottles (1 L each) – an insulated one in the cold months.
- Headlamp – with spare batteries, for early starts and camp evenings.
- Lunch box – reusable, for packed lunch on the trail.
Pre-dawn temperatures on the ridge are about 3°C to 10°C from March to June, 0°C to 8°C from September to November and -5°C to 1°C from December to February: carry 3 warm layers in spring and autumn and 4-5 in winter.
- -10°C padded jacket – Provided free with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear; your main warm layer at camp and on the high sections.
- Thermal inners (top and bottom) – 1 set, for camp and the night.
- Fleece jackets or woollen sweaters – 1 in the warmer months, 2 in the cold months.
- Rain jacket or poncho – for sudden showers or wet snow.
- Trek pants x2 – quick-dry, no jeans.
- Quick-dry collared T-shirts x2–3 – full sleeves protect from sun.
- Socks – 3–4 pairs: sports socks for walking and woollen socks for the night.
Keep these handy for the bright open sections and the cold evenings.
- Sun cap – for the open ridges and meadows.
- Woollen cap – covering the ears.
- Balaclava or buff – a balaclava in winter, a buff or scarf in other months.
- Gloves – a woollen pair plus a waterproof pair (essential in snow).
- UV sunglasses – for sun and snow glare.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and lip balm – for the exposed sections.
- Quick-dry towel and toiletries – small and light; no wet wipes, as they are not biodegradable.
- Plastic or ziploc bags – for wet clothes and to carry back your waste.
- Snacks – dry fruits, energy bars and chocolates for the trail.
- Power bank – there is no charging point on the trail.
- Personal medicines – and a small first-aid pouch; tell the trek leader what you carry.
- Cash in small notes – cards are not accepted on the trail.
- Original government photo ID – Aadhaar, passport, driving licence or voter ID, with a photocopy.
- Medical certificate signed by a doctor – download the format from your booking.
- Signed disclaimer form – from your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kartik Swami Trek is a 2-day easy trek in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, reaching 3,050 m (10,007 ft). It covers about 7 km on foot and starts at Kanakchauri and ends at Kartik Swami Temple. Best time: September to June. Trekkaro price: ₹3,800 per person + 5% GST, with Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes; ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing). Next batch: 24 Oct 2026 (40 upcoming batches).
The Kartik Swami trek is in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, and starts from Kanakchauri village on the Rudraprayag–Pokhari road, about 40 km from Rudraprayag. The trail climbs about 3.5 km through oak and rhododendron forest to the Kartik Swami temple on a narrow ridge, then returns the same way to Kanakchauri. Trekkaro picks up the group at Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM on Day 1.
The Kartik Swami trek takes 2 days from Rishikesh. Day 1 is the drive from Rishikesh to Kanakchauri, about 175 km and 6–7 hrs, with the night in a homestay. Day 2 is the pre-dawn climb to the temple for sunrise, the walk back to Kanakchauri for breakfast and the drive back to Rishikesh by evening. Total walking is about 7 km.
The Kartik Swami temple stands at 3,050 m (10,007 ft), the highest point of the Kartik Swami trek. It sits on the crest of a narrow ridge above Kanakchauri, and the height gain from the village is spread over about 3.5 km. At this altitude Acute Mountain Sickness is uncommon on a short visit, but the trek leader still checks your SpO2 and pulse, and you should report any headache or dizziness at once.
The Kartik Swami trek is graded easy and suits beginners. The walk is about 7 km up and down in 4–5 hours with stops, on a clear stone and earth path. The harder parts are the pre-dawn start in the cold and the last stretch of about 80 narrow stone steps to the temple. The long drive on both days is as tiring as the walk, so come rested and with two to three weeks of regular walking behind you.
The best time for the Kartik Swami trek is September to November, when the skies after the monsoon give the clearest views of the snow peaks. The trek also runs from December to February for snow, and from March to June for rhododendron blooms and pleasant days. We do not run it in July and August, when monsoon rain brings landslides on the roads to Rudraprayag and clouds hide the mountains.
Yes, the Kartik Swami trek can have snow from December to February. Snow can cover the upper trail, the ridge and the temple steps, and after a heavy winter it can linger into early March. The steps can turn icy in the early morning. Microspikes and gaiters come with Trekkaro’s Free Trekking Gear, and the trek team helps you on the steep steps when they are slippery.
On the Kartik Swami trek, pre-dawn and night temperatures are about 3°C to 10°C from March to June, 0°C to 8°C from September to November and -5°C to 1°C from December to February. Days are milder: 12°C to 22°C in spring and summer, 10°C to 18°C in autumn and 3°C to 10°C in winter. Wind on the open ridge makes the sunrise wait feel colder, so keep your warmest layer handy.
The minimum age for the Kartik Swami trek is 7 years. Trekkers under 18 must come with a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit: trekkers above 60 are welcome if they are fit and in good cardiovascular health, with a doctor’s fitness certificate, and we recommend an ECG or TMT report. The pre-dawn start and the steep temple steps are the parts to prepare children for.
The pickup for the Kartik Swami trek is at Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM on Day 1. Reach Rishikesh the evening before:
- Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, about 20 km away
- Train: to Rishikesh, or to Haridwar and then about 1 hr by road
- Bus: overnight buses from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate, about 6–7 hrs
From Rishikesh the group drives about 175 km to Kanakchauri.
The Kartik Swami trek costs ₹3,800 + 5% GST per person, for 2 days starting and ending at Kanakchauri. It includes Free Trekking Gear (Decathlon trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes, against a ₹3,000 refundable deposit and ₹200 washing charge), the night’s homestay at Kanakchauri, meals from Day 1 dinner to Day 2 breakfast, trail entry charges, a certified trek leader and the safety kit. Transport and backpack offloading (₹800) are not included.
You can book the Kartik Swami trek online on this page: choose a batch date, add the trekkers and any add-ons, and pay securely. Booking for a batch closes at 5 PM on the day before the trek starts.
- Price: ₹3,800 + 5% GST per person, with EMI options shown in the price box
- Pickup: Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM
- Free Trekking Gear: shoes, -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes, with a ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
- Change of plans: one free reschedule to another batch, a booking transfer or a 100% TrekCash voucher (valid 1 year), up to 8 days before departure
After booking you get a confirmation with the batch details, the medical certificate format and the packing list.
No, transport is not included in the Kartik Swami trek fee. We help the group book shared cabs from Yog Nagari Rishikesh Railway Station at 06:30 AM to Kanakchauri and back; the fare is paid directly to the driver and split among the trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare before departure. The drive is about 175 km and 6–7 hrs each way, via Devprayag, Srinagar and Rudraprayag.
There is limited mobile network and no ATM on the Kartik Swami trek. Jio and Airtel signal is available but patchy at Kanakchauri and on the open ridge, and it can drop in the forest section. The last reliable ATMs are in Rudraprayag, about 40 km before Kanakchauri, so carry cash from Rishikesh or Rudraprayag in small notes for tea stalls and offerings.
No special trekking permit is needed for the Kartik Swami trek, but there is a small entry ticket at the counter at the start of the trail, which Trekkaro covers in the trek fee; a camera charge, if applied, is yours. Carry an original government photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID or driving licence) for the homestay check-in and any police checks on the road.
For the Kartik Swami trek, carry warm layers, a headlamp and water; the main gear comes with Free Trekking Gear. Pack:
- Thermal inners and 1–2 fleece or woollen layers (more in winter)
- Headlamp with spare batteries for the 4:30 AM start
- One or two 1-litre water bottles, as there is no water point on the trail
- Woollen cap, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen
Trekking shoes, a -10°C jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes are part of Free Trekking Gear.
On the Kartik Swami trek you stay one night in a homestay or guesthouse at Kanakchauri, on twin or triple sharing; there is no camping. Meals run from Day 1 dinner to Day 2 breakfast: simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food, with hot tea or coffee before the pre-dawn start. Lunch on both drive days is at roadside dhabas at your own cost. Tea stalls near the top of the trail sell tea and light snacks.
Terms & Conditions
1. Free Trekking Gear (FTG)
- Decathlon trekking shoes
- Decathlon jacket rated to -10°C
- Trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No rental fee: ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge
2. Accommodation
- Day 1: homestay or guesthouse in Kanakchauri, on twin or triple sharing
3. Meals
- All meals from Day 1 dinner at Kanakchauri to Day 2 breakfast
- Simple, freshly cooked vegetarian food
- Tea, coffee, soup and snacks on the trail and at camp
4. Permits & Camping Fees
- All forest permits and entry charges for the trek
5. Safety Equipment
- First-aid kit on the trek
- Pulse oximeter and blood-pressure checks during the trek
6. Trek Team
- Certified trek leader and local guide throughout the 2-day trek
- Cook, helpers and support staff
1. Transport
- Not included: Rishikesh to Kanakchauri and back
- Transport is not included in the trek fee: we help the group book shared cabs, paid directly to the driver and split among trekkers. Your trek coordinator will confirm the cab fare.
- Travel to and from Rishikesh, arranged by you
2. Food During Transit
- Meals on the drive between Rishikesh and Kanakchauri
3. Backpack Offloading (optional)
- ₹800 + 5% GST for the entire trek
- Maximum weight: 9 kg; no suitcases, trolleys or duffel bags
4. Personal Equipment
- Your backpack, clothing and other personal gear (trekking shoes, jacket, poles, gaiters and microspikes come with Free Trekking Gear)
5. Trek Insurance
- Travel insurance is mandatory and not included. It must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.
6. Anything Not Mentioned Under Inclusions
- Personal expenses and tips
We know that cancelling a trek can be genuinely disappointing. Plans change, life intervenes, and sometimes the mountains have to wait. That is why Trekkaro has designed one of the most trekker-friendly cancellation policies in the industry — to reduce the financial impact on you and give you real options when things do not go as planned.
Important: Bookings made on trekkaro.com are cancelled online from My Bookings. Bookings made offline with our team must be cancelled in writing by e-mail by the person who originally booked the trek. Requests over the phone, via WhatsApp, or through third parties are not accepted.
How to Cancel Your Trek
Booked online on trekkaro.com:
- Log in and open My Bookings.
- Choose Cancel Booking on the trek you want to cancel.
- Pick a refund (as per the charges below) or Get TrekCash Voucher instead — the voucher is issued instantly and appears under My TrekCash Vouchers.
Booked offline with our team:
- Compose an e-mail from the registered e-mail ID used at the time of booking.
- Attach a copy of your tax invoice to the e-mail.
- Send both to info@trekkaro.com.
- Your cancellation is effective from the date Trekkaro receives and acknowledges your e-mail.
How to Reschedule Your Trek (Free)
- Once per booking, to another batch of the same trek, free of charge. A request we decline doesn’t count.
- Up to 8 days before departure, also in the 8–14-day window when there is no cash refund. The new batch must start at least 7 days after the day you ask.
- Subject to seat availability for every trekker on the booking.
- Not available for bookings paid fully or partly with a TrekCash Voucher.
- No fee or price difference; add-ons and the number of trekkers stay as booked.
Booked online: My Bookings → Reschedule free → pick a batch. Our team confirms by e-mail and your booking moves once approved. Booked offline: e-mail info@trekkaro.com.
How to Transfer Your Booking
You can give your booking to another trekker up to 8 days before departure. E-mail info@trekkaro.com from your registered e-mail ID with your booking ID and the new trekker’s name, age, phone number and ID proof. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of the trek. We confirm the transfer by e-mail.
Cancellation Charges
| When you cancel | Cash refund | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days or more before departure | 70% refund (30% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 15 to 29 days before departure | 50% refund (50% cancellation charge) | Or instead: a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule or a transfer |
| 8 to 14 days before departure | No cash refund of the trek fee | You can take a 100% TrekCash Voucher (valid 1 year), a free reschedule (once per booking) or a transfer to another trekker |
| 7 days or less before departure, or no-show | No refund of the trek fee | None: no voucher, reschedule or transfer |
A 100% voucher instead of a refund. From the day you book until 8 days before departure, you can take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of the amount paid, valid for 1 year on any Trekkaro trek. This works in every slab above, including 8–14 days, when there is no cash refund. Online bookings take the voucher from My Bookings → Cancel Booking (issued instantly). Offline bookings ask for it by e-mail to info@trekkaro.com.
If you paid the FTG security deposit and the washing charge, both are refunded in full when you cancel before the trek starts, in every slab.
Cancellation of Voucher-Based Bookings
- The standard cancellation policy applies to voucher-based bookings in the same way it applies to direct bookings.
- Any remaining balance after the applicable cancellation charge has been deducted will be credited back to your Trekkaro account as a new voucher.
- If your voucher has already expired at the time of cancellation, no refund, credit, or extension will be issued under any circumstance.
- If a voucher is set to expire on a Sunday or public holiday, it must be redeemed before the expiry date.
Additional Terms
- Free Rescheduling: Switching to a different batch of the same trek is free of charge once per booking, up to 8 days before departure, subject to seat availability. Not available for bookings paid with a TrekCash Voucher. See “How to Reschedule Your Trek” above.
- Trek Transfers: You can transfer your booking to another person up to 8 days before departure, by e-mail. The new trekker must meet the fitness, age and document rules of that trek. See “How to Transfer Your Booking” above.
- No Refund Post-Commencement: Once the trek has commenced from Day 1 of your confirmed itinerary, no refunds or TrekCash Vouchers will be issued for any reason, including early exit, illness, or dissatisfaction with services.
- Policy Changes: Trekkaro reserves the right to amend or withdraw this cancellation policy at any time without prior notice. The version in effect at the time of your booking confirmation governs your booking.
Early Exit or Removal from Trek
A trekker may be required to leave the trek before completion for health concerns (AMS, hypertension, cardiac symptoms, or fitness that poses a safety risk), rule violations (alcohol or non-prescribed drugs on trail, smoking in prohibited zones, reckless behaviour, or misconduct), or by their own decision. In all cases of early exit or removal, no refund, partial refund, or TrekCash Voucher will be provided, and any additional transport or exit expenses are the trekker's responsibility. The trek leader's decision on health and safety grounds is final.
If Trekkaro Cancels Your Trek
In rare circumstances beyond our control — natural disasters (extreme snowfall, avalanche, floods, landslides, earthquakes) or unforeseen civil events (government curfews, lockdowns, political unrest) — Trekkaro will issue a TrekCash Voucher for the full trek fee paid, valid for 12 months on any trek listed on Trekkaro.com. If the new trek costs more, the difference is payable by the trekker. The voucher is sent to your registered e-mail within 10 working days and may be transferred to another person who meets Trekkaro's eligibility requirements.
Refund Processing
Refunds are processed within 10 working days of cancellation approval and credited to the original payment method only (credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or wallet). Your bank may take another 3–5 business days. Office hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.
The full policy is part of our Terms & Conditions (Section 09).
Oxygen, first aid, daily SpO₂ checks, trained leaders — tap to read
1. Trained Trek Leaders
- Trek leaders hold NIM (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering) certification or an equivalent qualification
- Their training covers casualty assessment, high-altitude medical response, rope work and evacuation
2. Daily Health Checks
- Blood oxygen (SpO2) and pulse are checked for every trekker every day
- A falling SpO2 reading is acted on early, before it turns into Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
- If you are not fit to continue, the trek leader will ask you to rest or descend; the trek leader’s decision on health and safety is final
3. Emergency Equipment
- Portable oxygen cylinders carried with the group
- First-aid and medical kit with the trek team
- Stretchers for emergency evacuation
- Radio communication across the trek team, as mobile signal is not reliable on the trail
4. Proper Trekking Gear
- Free Trekking Gear, with no rental fee: Decathlon trekking shoes with good grip, a jacket rated to -10°C, trekking poles, gaiters and microspikes
- No one walks in worn-out or wrong gear, the cause of many slips and cold injuries
5. Snow and Steep Sections
- On snow, ice or exposed ground, the trek team fixes ropes and cuts steps where needed and helps you across
6. Risks on the Kartik Swami Trek
- Highest point: 3,050 m (10,007 ft)
- Pre-dawn start on a forest path by headlamp, with a narrow, steep flight of stone steps to the temple on an exposed ridge
- Snow and ice on the upper trail and the temple steps from December to February
- Long mountain drives of 6-7 hrs each way on roads prone to landslides after rain
7. Your Part
- Build your fitness before the trek with running, cycling or swimming
- Tell the trek leader about any medical condition and the medicines you carry before Day 1
- Report a headache, nausea, dizziness or breathlessness to the trek leader at once
- Carry travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
What a day on the trek feels like — tap to read
1. What You Can Expect From Us
- Safety first on the Kartik Swami trek: daily SpO2 and pulse checks, oxygen cylinders and a stretcher with the group
- Personal attention: batches of up to 20 trekkers, so the trek leader knows each trekker’s health and pace
- NIM-certified trek leaders (Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, or an equivalent qualification), with local guides who know the Kartik Swami route, its weather and its campsites
- An itinerary planned for altitude, with daily distance and height gain set so your body can adjust
- Clear pricing: everything included and excluded is listed under Terms & Conditions, with the price of each optional add-on
2. What We Expect From You
- A willing attitude: cold nights, steep climbs and sudden weather changes are part of the mountains
- Physical preparation: you do not need to be an athlete, but train before the trek so the longest day feels comfortable
- Trust in your trek leader: follow their calls on route, pace, start times and turning back, as they are made for the group’s safety
Last ATM and phone network on the route — tap to read
1. Last ATM
- Last reliable ATMs: Rudraprayag, about 40 km before Kanakchauri; carry cash from Rishikesh or Rudraprayag
- There is no ATM at Kanakchauri or on the trail
- Carry small notes: cards are not accepted on the trail
2. Mobile Network
- Jio, Airtel and BSNL work in Rudraprayag; at Kanakchauri and on the open ridge, Jio and Airtel signal is available but patchy
- Signal can drop in the forest section of the trail
- Make your important calls and tell your family about the limited connectivity before you leave Rudraprayag
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What Trekkers Say About Trekkaro
Reviews left on trekkaro.com by trekkers across our treks.
"Winter Kuari Pass trek with the team of Trekkaro. Food was amazing for breakfast, lunch and diner. Views on top and during the track are amazing. Trek in total was completely amazing. Big thanks to all of hard work from trek leader, superhuman cooks, the mule team, our driver."
"I have trek with Trekkaro for kuari pass and it was an amazing experience ,food was excellent and experience trek trainer."
"Trekkaro was simply amazing from the guidance to food to stay everything was very good!!! Local guides and trek leaders where always motivating, fun and made sure entire group had always been together and interacted with each other!!!"
"Had an amazing experience! Thanks for making this an amazing experience - Trekkaro Team"
"Trekkaro has a amazing team capable of leading anyone over a trek. Had an amazing experience!"
"Very amazing experience with Kedartal trek. Awesome views, Trek leaders and coordinators were very helpful."
Why Trekkaro?
Leaders in providing Free Trekking Gear for 8+ years — redefining the way everyone must trek.
World's first free trekking gear company — Decathlon trekking shoes, -10°C jacket, trekking poles, gaiters & microspikes. ₹3,000 refundable deposit + ₹200 washing charge.
Up to 8 days before departure, reschedule to another batch for free or take a TrekCash Voucher worth 100% of your amount — valid for 1 year on any future trek.
Rated 4.9/5 on Facebook & 4.7/5 on Google by trekkers who trekked with us.
We keep you safe from the moment you book to the moment you head home — certified leaders, first aid & emergency support.
Well-planned itineraries balanced with the freedom to make the experience your own — no matter the trek difficulty.
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to making trekking a force for good — for people and the planet.
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