Welcome to the Ultimate Kedarkantha Trek Guide! If you're planning a trek to Kedarkantha, one of the most popular trekking destinations in Uttarakhand, India, this guide is here to provide you with all the information you need.

This blog post will take you on a journey through the Kedarkantha trek, starting from Delhi and ending at the summit of the trek, Kedarkantha peak. We will provide you with all the information you need to know before embarking on this trek, including how to reach Sankri Village, what to pack, and how to prepare for the trek.

About Kedarkantha

Kedarkantha is a popular trekking destination located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, in the western Himalayas. It is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges and its diverse natural beauty, including forests, meadows, and glacial lakes. The trek starts from the village of Sankri, at an altitude of 6,500 feet, and ends at the summit of Kedarkantha peak, which stands at an altitude of 12,500 feet.

The Kedarkantha trek is considered a moderate trek, suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, and there are several campsites along the way where trekkers can rest and spend the night. The trek takes anywhere from 4-5 days to complete, depending on your pace and the route you take.

One of the highlights of the Kedarkantha trek is the stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including the majestic peaks of Bandarpunch and Swargarohini. The trek also offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and customs of the mountain communities, who have lived in the region for generations.

Kedarkantha Peak with snow-covered Himalayan ranges

Best time to plan Kedarkantha Trek?

The best time to plan a Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, during the winter and early spring months. During this time, the weather is clear and sunny, making it the ideal time to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 

The snow-covered trail also adds an extra layer of beauty to the trek. However, it's important to keep in mind that the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes, so it's important to pack warm clothing.

In the summer months, from May to June, the weather is warm and pleasant, but the trail can be wet and slippery. It's also the monsoon season in the region, so you may encounter heavy rainfall during your trek.

July to September is considered the monsoon season, and it's not recommended to trek during this time as the trail can be slippery and the weather can be unpredictable.

In conclusion, the best time to plan a Kedarkantha trek is from December to April, when the weather is clear and sunny and the trail is covered in snow. However, it's important to keep in mind that the temperature can drop significantly at higher altitudes, so be prepared with warm clothing.

Kedarkantha Summit in December month without snowfall

How to prepare for Kedarkantha Trek?

Preparation is key to having a successful and enjoyable Kedarkantha trek. Here are some steps to help you prepare for your journey:

Physical fitness: The Kedarkantha trek is considered a moderate trek, but it still requires a certain level of physical fitness. Start by incorporating regular exercise into your routine, such as running, hiking, or cycling, to build up your stamina and endurance.

Gear: Make sure you have the right gear for the trek, including warm clothing, a good quality rain jacket, trekking shoes, and a sturdy backpack. You can also rent or purchase gear in Delhi before you embark on the trek.

Health and Safety: Make sure you are up-to-date on any necessary vaccinations, and bring any medications you need for the duration of the trek. It's also a good idea to have a basic first aid kit on hand.

Research and planning: Before you leave for the trek, research the trail, the local weather conditions, and the best time to visit. Plan your route and make arrangements for transportation and accommodation in advance.

Mentally prepare yourself: The Kedarkantha trek can be physically and mentally challenging, so it's important to be prepared for the challenges you may face along the way. Focus on building a positive attitude and a strong mindset, and remind yourself of why you're embarking on this journey.

Essential items require for the Kedarkantha Trek

How to Reach Sankri Village from Delhi?

There are several ways in which you can reach Sankri village from Delhi, which is the starting point of the Kedarkantha trek. Here are a few options:

By Road: Sankri can be reached by road from Delhi, which is a scenic drive of around 330 km. You can take a private taxi or take a shared taxi from Delhi to reach Sankri. The journey takes around 9-10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

By Train: You can take a train from Delhi to Dehradun, which is the nearest railway station to Sankri. From Dehradun, you can take a taxi or shared taxi to Sankri, which is a drive of around 200 km.

By Flight: The nearest airport to Sankri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 185 km from Sankri. You can take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun and then take a taxi or shared taxi to Sankri.

In conclusion, there are several ways to reach Sankri village from Delhi, including by road, by train, and by flight. The most convenient option will depend on your personal preferences and budget. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, be sure to plan ahead and make arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

We traveled by cab from Delhi to Sankri arranged by a travel company from where we booked our package

We have booked our Kedarkantha trek package from one of the companies, which includes a transfer from Delhi to Sankri, accommodation in Sankri Village, a trekking guide for our complete trek along with food for 4-5 days during the trek.

So we took our accommodation in one of the homestays offered by our trekking company but there are plenty of options if you haven't taken any package or planning to come by yourself.

Homestays: Many local families in Sankri offer homestays, where you can stay with them and experience local life and culture.

Campsites: There are several camping sites in and around Sankri, where you can pitch a tent and enjoy the great outdoors.

Guesthouses: There are also a few guesthouses in Sankri that offer basic accommodation facilities.

Resorts: For a more luxurious stay, a few resorts in the surrounding areas offer comfortable rooms and amenities.

Our stay in Sankri Village

The trekking route from Sankri to Kedarkantha summit is as follows:

Day 1: Sankri to Juda ka Talab

The trek starts from the village of Sankri, which is located at an altitude of 6,400 feet. The first day of the trek is a relatively easy one, and you will cover a distance of about 4 km. The trek takes you through a dense forest of pine and oak trees. You will cross a few small streams on the way and reach the campsite of Juda ka Talab. This is a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains, and you will camp here for the night.

Juda Ka Talab

Day 2: Juda ka Talab to Kedarkantha base

The second day of the trek is a bit more challenging, and you will cover a distance of about 6 km. The trek takes you through dense forests and steep ascents. You will also cross a few meadows on the way, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You will reach the base of Kedarkantha in the afternoon and camp here for the night.

Kedarkantha Base Camp

Day 3: Kedarkantha base to Kedarkantha summit and back to Juda Ka Talab

The third day of the trek is the most challenging one, and you will cover a distance of about 6 km. You will start the day early in the morning around 2 AM and begin the climb to the summit of Kedarkantha. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5 hours to reach the summit. 

The summit offers stunning views of the snow-clad mountains, and you can see spectacular views of the Himalayas and some important peaks like Swargarohini peak, Black peak, and Bandarpoonch Peak from here. You will spend some time at the summit and then start the descent back to the Kedarkantha base camp. From the base, you will continue your descent to Juda Ka Talab, where you will camp for the night.

Kedarkantha Summit

Day 4: Juda Ka Talab to Sankri

The fourth day of the trek is an easy one, and you will cover a distance of about 4 km. You will start the day with a descent through a dense forest of pine and oak trees. You will cross a few small streams on the way and reach the village of Sankri in the afternoon.

On my way to Juda Ka Talab

I planned for Kedarkantha Trek after I saw one reel on Instagram which shows the trail full of snow I couldn't resist exploring more about this amazing trek and decided to do it after watching lots of videos on YouTube.

After researching a couple of tour operators who help in covering the complete itinerary, I settled for one with a good package that includes a return journey from Delhi to Sankri, accommodation, a trekking guide, and food for all trekking days all-inclusive.

I planned my trek for the month of December 25-30 in the year 2022 keeping in mind that this is the best month in which we can experience snowfall, I asked a few of my friends to accompany me on this trek and unfortunately, no one was ready to go along with me, but at last moment one of my friend in Delhi agreed to accompany me in the trek.

I traveled from Jaipur to Delhi where I met my Delhi friend and a few other trekkers who also booked their package from the same company. We started our journey from Delhi on 24th Dec late at night and we reached Dehradun early in the morning. Afterward, we changed our vehicle which is again arranged by our tour company to take us to Sankri village.

We were waiting in Dehradun for our next cab to Sankri

The distance between Sankri Village from Dehradun is around 200KM and it took us 8 hours to reach Sankri village. After reaching we could literally feel the chills as the temperature is around 1 degree Celsius, we all went to our accommodation which is again covered in our package.

We took a halt to have tea in Mori Village just before reaching Sankri

The accommodation is decent with twin sharing and basic amenities, we took some rest and then we had our dinner in the night. before going to sleep our trek guide briefed us about the complete trek journey for the next 4 days and what all trekking gear and equipment we would require during the trek. 

The next morning we all are set to start our trek journey, we had our breakfast and those who have not bought their trekking gear, they rented out from the shop in the Sankri which cost under 2000/- INR. We left extra luggage in the clock room at the accommodation itself, so we can trek only with the essential items.

We are all set to start our trekking journey from Sankri

So we started our trek journey from Sankri Village around 9 AM in the morning, The initial trail was easy and with the help of our trek guide we reached Juda Ka Talab around 2 PM. After reaching we got our tent which was already been set up by our trek company. So it is our first stop where we will stay for the whole night, we had our lunch and dinner at the campsite only and we made some friends and did some photography.

On our way to Juda Ka Talab

In the morning we left for Kedarkantha Base camp which is around 6KM from Juda ka Talab, Now the trail started to become a bit inclined and steep, As there is no snowfall trails clearly visible and we didn't get the chance to use any gaiters and crampons. We reached Kedarkantha base camp in the afternoon and at the base camp, we found a few snow patches with incredible views. Also, the temperature is below 0 degrees and it is recommended to use layering clothes.

On our way to Kedarkantha Base Camp

From the base camp, the Kedarkantha peak was clearly visible which is our final trekking point. So we rested for the whole day at Kedarkantha Basecamp and enjoyed the perfect sunset there.
Now comes the final patch of our trek which is the Kedarkantha Summit, for that we need to wake up at around 1 AM in the morning so that we can reach the Kedarkantha Summit early in the morning and witness the sunrise.

We left our heavy-weight baggage in the camp and took a small bag with a water bottle and some snacks in it so it would be easy to climb, we started our trek for the summit around 2:30 AM and it was completely dark, all we can see is the headlamp on all the trekkers. 

We left for Summit from Kedarkantha Base Camp at night

So we started slowly climbing taking small steps and as we climb more the temperature at the top froze with a temperature close to -10 degrees. We took a halt at one place before reaching the summit to hydrate ourselves with warm water and some snacks, then we continued on our trail. 

Now the trek inclination is very sharp and we could feel the pain and started to feel a bit of breathing issue due to lack of oxygen at 12000 feet but still somehow pushing our limits. After 5 hours around 6:30 AM in the morning we reached the Kedarkantha Summit and to be honest that was one the best feeling I have ever experienced.

Finally, we made it to the Kedarkantha Summit early in the morning

Watching the morning sunrise from the top heals all our pain and all we could see is the incredible views of the snow-covered Himalayas. I captured the entire summit on my camera and offered prayer to Baba Kedar(God Idol made up of stones at the Kedarkantha Summit). we all celebrated the summit by taking lots of photographs and after spending around half n hour. 

We clicked photographs to celebrate the victory of completing the Kedarkantha Trek

We started our return journey from the summit and we reached Base camp in the afternoon. we grabbed our baggage and straight away left for Juda ka Talab where we have to take a halt at night.

Returning back from Summit towards Sankri

In the morning we decent to reach Sankri where we collect our remaining baggage from the clock room and left from Snakri for Dehradun.

In conclusion, the Kedarkantha trek is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Himalayas. With its stunning views, diverse natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder that this trek has become one of the most sought-after trekking experiences in the region. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a beginner, the Kedarkantha trek is an adventure that you won't soon forget.

I will cherish this trekking experience for my life.

With the beginning of the new Festive Season of Navratri in the country, I am here with one of the most ravishing, adventurous, and religious treks in Jaipur, the Amba Mata Trek. The trek is as beautiful and special as its destination, the Amba Mata Temple. I am going to share all the necessary details and information required for this trek. So keep reading!

But before that, let's get to know something about the Amba Mata Temple - 

Amba Mata Temple

Amba Mata Temple is one of the most promising, holy, and peaceful places, situated in the midst of the beautiful Aravalli ranges, which surround the city of Jaipur. Although, the temple was built way back even before the settlement of Jaipur city, around the 16th century. 

It is believed that the divine icon of the Goddess appeared by itself and it is not human-made. You can only view the head portion, the face of the Goddess. You will be amazed by seeing such a godly image of Amba Mata.

The locals take care of the temple, they decorate the face and the image of Mata every morning at proper timings. The temple and the vibe are very peaceful and the feeling of calmness emerges once you this place. The locals believe and have faith that, every wish asked from the whole-hearted will come true. 

Goddess Amba Mata's idol was placed inside the temple

Trekking Details

What is the Trekking Route to Reach Amba Mata Temple?

The trekking route to reach Amba Mata Temple is quite simple. You need to follow the following steps:

• Reach Sagar Lake, Amer near Kheri gate.

• Park your vehicle in the parking area and climb up the stairs.

• Take right till the end and then left to walk 50 meters, you will find a big rock, with an expression of "Jai Shree Ram" written over it.

• Keep following the same route and you will reach the Chohde Ke Hanuman Ji temple.

• From the temple follow the path in the right direction and keep walking through the same trail.

• You will find marking on the board of "Mata Ji Ka Rasta" on your way.

Trekking Route Map from Sagar Lake to Amba Mata Temple

What is the Best Time for Amba Mata Trek?

Monsoon Season: One of the best times to plan your trek to Amba Mata Temple is the monsoon season. The trekking route will be covered with greenery and the whole Aravalli range would look complete green, full of vegetation, creating an eternal beauty view. Also, the weather will be wonderful, just complementing the scenic aroma of nature.

Winter Season: Another great time to plan this trek is during the winter season or early winter. The climate will be good, you can still witness the beautiful greenery all over your trekking trail, which will remain for some time just after the spring. The morning will be amazing, foggy, and misty.

Summer Season: You can plan your trek in the summer season as well but make sure you do it in the mornings the afternoon would be sweltering hot reaching the temperature of 40 degrees. But you may not have a green view on your trails due to extremely hot climatic conditions.

Gorgeous view of Sagar Lake early morning in the monsoon season

My Experience of Amba Mata Trek

I am very eager to share my experience of one of the most beautiful, striking yet simple treks which I recently did in Jaipur. The main intention which drove us to choose the Amba Mata Trek is the festive vibe of Navratri. As we know Navratri is considered one of the main festivals in the country, which brings out a religious, enthusiastic, and colorful vibe in the entire country.

As planned we left in the early morning and reached Sagar Lake near Amer Fort. We easily and quickly reached Chohde Ke Hanuman Ji temple as we had already done a few treks via the same route. 

On my way to reach Chohde Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

After reaching the temple, we took right and started walking straight on the trail. The trail was as beautiful as thought, full of greenery, an amazing aura, and an enthusiastic vibe in such pleasant weather. We found a few signs on the board on our way which indicated the correct way and we reached the temple without any hassle and confusion.

We pass through the ruins of Kuntal Garh fort in our trek

There is a Kund in front of the temple full of water, and after a long discussion, we finally decided to take a dive in that pool. The water was chilled and there were a few more groups of friends enjoying inside the pool. We had a great time and fun there. 

We found a small pond which got formed after monsoon rain

Then we entered the temple and met a very kind and gentle man, who was already there with a big bag full of dozens of bananas and grains. We were surprised for a moment when we saw him calling all the monkeys around and feeding them bananas and grains.

Amba Mata Temple

That was such an incredible view to watch. I was personally amazed that still there are so generous and humble people around us. I was kind of moved by his selfless gesture towards the animals.

We in fact got a chance to have a conversation with him. He was very kind to us and took us inside the temple, showing us the divine idol of Mata Rani. Again I was moved by looking at the image of the Goddess inside the small cave-like structure. They were decorating the idol and offered pooja when we were there. It was such an unforgettable experience, I had there. It was so calm, and peaceful surrounded by kind and wise people.

In fact, that uncle along with his friends, made us sit there and prepared tea in an earthy container, which tasted so different and amazing than normal tea. I was so happy that we decided to come here.

After spending some time, we returned to our starting point and finally came back.

Key Points to keep in Mind

1. Carry a water bottle with you to keep yourself hydrated along with some protein bars or snacks for munching.

2. Try to wear a good pair of trekking shoes for your smooth journey.

3. If you are interested to enter the Kund (pool), try to carry a pair of extra cloth with you.

3. Maintain cleanliness in nature. Do not throw any garbage or wrapper in the open to make your nature clean.

I hope you like reading this post on Amba Mata Trek, Please let us know in the comments section.

If you are keen to explore more trekking places in Jaipur, please visit Best Trekking Places in Jaipur

Thank you for Reading!

I am here with another incredible trekking venture, the Chor/Chour Ghati trek, within the boundaries of the beautiful city of Jaipur. With an assurance that this is going to be one of the most adventurous treks that you can have in Jaipur, I am going to provide all the necessary details and information required for this trek.

Chor Ghati trek is an unforgettable and one of the most adventurous treks, crowned around the green Aravallis Hills, with incredible verdure, lush green tints of deciduous trees, and calm nature. After reaching the top, all you can hear is the melodious voice of birds chirping and the rhythmic sound of breezy air. Being one of the most serene canyons surrounding Jaipur city, Galta valley has a lot to showcase.

Let's begin with knowing something about the Chor Ghati - 

About Chor/Chour Ghati

Chor Ghati is located in the wide range of the Galta sanctuary. situated, near the Galta Ji Temple also known by the name the Monkey Temple, the zone is far from the commercial province. Being in the wild zone area, the place is the home of wild animals, especially the Leopards. 

There is a shattered fort named Raghunath Garh Fort on the spot. After reaching the top of that fort, you will be rewarded with one of the best views you can ever imagine in Jaipur. The magnificence and beauty of the leftover Aravalli range, covered in green vegetation, especially during the monsoon will keep you stunned. The greenery and the scenery of Galta valley showcase the best of nature's offerings. 

Trekking in this location can be considered one of the most adventurous and thrilling experiences that you can have specifically because of the wildlife zone and also the steep trails with ample bushes.

After accomplishing the trek and reaching the viewpoint of Chor Ghati, the view of the beautiful and stunning Galta valley that you will witness will definitely keep you stunned, making this one of the most recognized trekking spots in Jaipur. 

Myth Story: I have also heard of a tale that earlier, the thieves and robbers used to hide in this Ghati after stealing the jewelry and stuff from the Royal Palace. Hence the name Chor/Chour Ghati.

Some people also say that this story is a fake story, instead, the place is considered one of the sacred places in Jaipur as it is just above the Galta Ji Temple.

Ruins of Raghunath Garh Fort at the top of Chor Ghati Trek

What are the Trekking Details?

Starting Point: The trek starts and ends at the Galta Ji Temple main gate.

Trek Completion Time: Total Trekking Time is 3-4 hours (round way).

Distance: Trek is 2-3 kilometers Approx.

Difficulty Level: The difficulty level is moderate.

What is the Trekking Route to Reach the Chor/Chour Ghati?

• The trek starts from the very famous Galta Ji Temple main gate. 

• Reach Galta Ji Main Gate --> Enter inside the gate and find the stairs to climb up at the end of the temple area. 

• Cross three Kundas, behind the temple and find the trek path indicated on the map below.

• Once you got the trekking trail, start climbing the cliff till you find a ramp walk made of stones.

• Walk straight through the ramp walk (avoid going in the right direction from that ramp walk).

• Keep walking on the straight trail, which might be bushy and may have long grasses.

• Finally, you would see the broken fort in front of you. You need to climb the stairs of the fort to reach the top and finally your viewpoint.

Chor Ghati Trek Map

What is the Best Time for Chor/Chour Ghati Trek?

You can plan this trek anytime throughout the year, provided that you plan in the early morning.

Monsoon Season: The most preferable season to plan Chor Ghati trek is definitely the monsoon season. This is the best season to witness the best of nature which is the impressive vegetation and beautiful scenery.

Winter Season: Winter is another great time to plan this trek. Although you won't find much greenery like in the rainy season still, the foggy and dew around the hills will definitely take your heart away.

Summer Season: In fact, you can plan this trek in the summer season as well but of course in the early mornings. As we are well aware that the summer season in Jaipur is extremely hot and you would not enjoy your trek under the burning sun.

Incredible view of Jaipur from the top viewpoint of Chor Ghati Trek

My Experience of Chor/Chour Ghati Trek

In the list of my adventurous treks in Jaipur, I would keep the Chor Ghati trek on the top not because the trails were difficult but because of the wildlife zone. 

When I was doing research on this trek, As per locals it's a leopard zone and they have spotted it a couple of times that scared me even to attempt this trek in the first place but I was totally flattened by the stunning view I was going to witness from the top of the viewpoint. So to be on the safer side, I called up a few of my local friends to join me on this trek, and surprisingly they were even more excited than I was.

As planned, we gathered in front of Galta Ji Temple Gate in the early morning. As we thought of doing a small picnic-style fun at the viewpoint, we also grabbed some eatery items like chips, some biscuits, and tea with us. 

Once all of us gathered, we started our adventurous trek by climbing the stairs at the end of Galta Ji Temple. After climbing we reached the starting point of our trail inside the forestry zone. I could view our goal point from the place where we were standing, at the top of the hill. This made me even more excited.

Chor Ghati Trek Start Point

After walking on the trail for some time, we got a ramp walk type of stage made of big stones and concrete. We walked through that ramp walk in a straight direction to avoid going in the right direction.

After walking continuously for some time the trail became a bit tougher as there was steep climbing with large bushes. About after an hour, we reached a point where we saw trails in two different directions(For reference: Please refer map above), one was with a clear track and the other was a bit scary as it was bushy with gigantic grasses. We got confused and took the clear route, but luckily my google map was working and we got to know that we took the wrong path.

Captured the gorgeous view of the city, while we are climbing the trails

Then we went back to the same point and moved towards the bushy lane. And that was the point we got spooked a bit, only because of the largely grown grasses as we couldn't see the trail clearly. After seeing those bushes, the thought of panthers definitely came into our minds. Slowly we kept walking and finally saw the broken fort in front of us.

Instead of entering the fort, we directly took the stairs and reached the top. The view from the top was just very beautiful and stunning. We became relaxed and cozy in that outstanding viewpoint. The spot was perfect for us to enjoy beautiful nature with friends. We had a tea party and spend a very good time with friends surrounded by stunning nature.

Stunning view of Trek View Point

The impressive view of nature, the distant though the fabulous view of Nahargarh, Garh Ganesh, Charan Mandir, and, Jai Garh Fort appearing in between the Aravalli ranges created a marvelous view altogether. We took a lot of memorable photographs, and I took amazing shots for my Vlog - Chor Ghati Trek Jaipur. All together we had a lot of fun on this trek.

After around an hour, we headed back and finally reached our starting point, Galta Ji Temple.

My overall experience was very memorable and amazing. The trek was not so tough as the trails were clear in most of the parts, it's just the bushes were dense because of the monsoon season. At some point, we had a thrilling moment, because actually the site is defined as a leopard zone area.

Key Points to Keep in Mind

1. Try to plan this trek with a group of around 4-5 people as this is a leopard zone area.

2. Be aware of wild animals as this site comes under a wildlife zone, especially leopards. Do not move forward if you notice any unusual movement in between the bushes. Try to be calm in such a situation and be with your group. 

3. Carry a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated and some snacks or protein bars for munching.

4. Try to wear a good pair of trekking shoes with a good grip as the trail is steep and has stones.

5. Carry a wooden stick with you while trekking into the forest to clear the trek trails and any obstacles.

6. Maintain cleanliness in nature. Do not throw any garbage in open. If you plan to carry snacks with you carry the leftover wrappers and keep the surroundings clean for our next fellow trekkers.

7. Try not to visit this place or plan this trek in dark. Morning time, after sunrise is the best time for this trek.

I hope you like reading this post on Chor/Chour Ghati Trek, Please let us know your experience in the comments section would love to read it.

If you are keen to explore more trekking places in Jaipur, please read Best Trekking Places in Jaipur

Thank you for Reading!

A  perfect trek for Religious + Nature's Lover in Jaipur

I am here with another exhilarating trek, which starts from Garh Ganesh and ends at Charan Mandir and it passes through the lush green valley of Nahargarh hills. This trek will be one of the best combinations of religious and adventurous treks you can have in Jaipur. 

So if you are a nature lover, and in search of such ravishing and unique treks in and around Jaipur, then this is your next place to visit. I will provide you all the details, trekking routes, and necessary information required for this trekking.

Let's begin with knowing something about Garh Ganesh Temple and Charan Mandir - 

About Garh Ganesh Temple

Garh Ganesh is one of the most famous and historic temples in Jaipur. Situated at the top of Kadamb Dungri, Nahargarh hill, exactly at the North -East corner of the city, the temple overlooks Jaipur city on one side and the Nahargarh Fort on the other side. 

Garh Ganesh is the only temple in India where Lord Ganesh is worshipped in his young avatar which is the human look, also known by the name Purushakriti. That means Ganesh's idol without a Trunk. 

The temple was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, who performed a Yagna called Ashwamedha Yagna before establishing Jaipur city. The temple was constructed and placed in such a manner, with the idea that it will protect and keep auspicious eyes on Jaipur city. 

The temple was built at the top of a hill as a small fort. Fort in Hindi means Garh, hence the name Garh Ganesh was kept as in "Ganesh in the Fort".

Interesting Fact: It is said that the Raja Sawai Jai Singh II used to take a glimpse of Ganesha's idol from his Palace using binoculars every morning.

Gorgeous view of Garh Ganesh Temple from trekking route

About Charan Mandir

Charan Mandir is the ancient Lord Krishna Temple where the footprint of Lord Krisha is worshiped and is very famous in Jaipur. The temple is located close to the Nahargarh Fort. The temple was built long back, even before the establishment of Jaipur city by Mirza Raja Man Singh I in the 16th century. 

It is believed that he was a great devotee of Lord Krisha and Lord Krishna came to his dream and expressed his footprint hidden in the forest of Amer (Ambika forest then). Later, Raja found the footprint in the forest and then constructed this temple.

Mythological Story behind the Charan Mandir

In Shri Bhagwat Gita, the holy book of Hindus, one of the chapters mentions the footprints of Lord Krishna. 

According to the book, the son of Indra God, Sudarshan once made fun of saint Angira and as a result, he was cursed to become a Python.

During Dvapara Yug, Lord Krishna was passing by the forest Ambika along with Nand Baba on his way from Dwarika to Vrindavan. On the way, Nand Baba was caught by the Sudarshan Python due to which he called Krishna for help. After hearing the voice of Nand Baba, Krishna touched the Python with his foot and as a result, Sudarshan became free from the curse after the holy touch of Lord Krishna. 

The sacred foot of Lord Krishna melted the rock and the shape of his foot emerged in that area. That's how the foot of Lord Krishna along with his cows marked permanently in that spot. As a result, the site has become so precious and faithful for the devotees of Lord Krishna.

Beautiful Charan Mandir located in Nahargarh Hills

What are the Trekking Details?

Start Point: The trek starts from Gaitor Ki Chhatriyan, which is located at the base of Garh Ganesh Temple, and from there you need to climb up to Garh Ganesh Temple.

Trek Completion Time: Total trekking time is 2-3 hours (round way).

Distance: Trek is 2-3 kilometers Approx.

Difficulty Level: The trek level is easy.

What is the Trekking Route?

The complete trek can be divided into two parts. The first part is to reach Garh Ganesh Temple and the second part, which is the main trek is from Garh Ganesh Temple to Charan Mandir. 

Trekking route map from Garh Ganesh to Charan Mandir

What is the Route to Reach Garh Ganesh Temple?

The Garh Ganesh Temple is situated at the center of the city. You can reach Gaitor ki Chhatriyan by your vehicle or by using public transport. There is a parking area to park your vehicle at the foot of the hill.

You will find the stairs to reach the top of the hill where the temple is situated. You can use the stairs to reach the top. There are 365 stairs to climb, believing each stair for a day to reach to Ganesha temple.

Another way is to go by trekking following the trails, which cross the exquisite green nature and stunning landscape. 

What is the Trekking route from Garh Ganesh to Charan Mandir?

You will find the temple in the left direction of the trail. But to start the trek to Charan Mandir, you need to keep walking straight through the same trail.

The trekking trails are clear with very gorgeous green surroundings. Keep walking for around half an hour and you will find a divergent, one going in the right direction and one going straight.

Keep walking straight and you will reach a location where one side is bordered by the metal net. Keep following the trail straight along with the net.

You will finally reach the Doordarshan Office. After crossing this office you will easily find the main road. Your destination, the Charan Mandir, will be just in front of you once you cross the main road.

Captured trek route path on our enroute to Charan Mandir from Garh Ganesh Temple

What is the Best Time to trek from Garh Ganesh to Charan Mandir?

You can plan this trek throughout the year. This is an all-season trek but try to plan in the early morning so that you can enjoy it the most.

Monsoon Season: The best time to enjoy this trek to the fullest is the monsoon season. The complete trekking trails would be covered with stunning green vegetation, the climate would be fantastic and the surroundings will be just marvelous. You will definitely enjoy this trek during the monsoon season.

Winter Season: Winter season is also a great time to plan this trek. If you start in the early morning, you can witness the fog and dew everywhere while trekking up the hill, offering the most beautiful view. 

Summer Season: You can plan this trek in the summer season as well, provided you must start in the early morning. As summer in Jaipur is incredibly hot and you may not enjoy the trek.

My Experience of Garh Ganesh to Charan Mandir Trek

Both Garh Ganesh and Charan Mandir Temples are extremely famous in Jaipur hence, I was quite eager to plan this trek to get a religious vibe in my series of trekking. I and my brother decided to go on this trek on one of the weekends.

So as planned, we started in the early morning from our home at around 5 and reached Gaitor ki Chatriyan, the base point of Garh Ganesh temple around 5.45. We parked our car in the parking area and surprisingly there were many visitors and trekkers already. 

Trek starting point where one can park their vehicle in front of Gaitore ki Chhatriyan

We started climbing up the stairs. After climbing around 50 stairs we found a divergence from where there were two options to reach the temple. One option is by climbing the stairs and the second option is the trekking route which we opted for, as the trails were beautiful and full of greenery.

We started our trekking to reach Garh Ganesh temple. The route was so stunning, the trail was full of vegetation and greenery everywhere. While climbing up the trail, we witnessed the remarkable beauty of Gaitore ki Chhatriyan. I was so impressed and engraved by catching such scenery. 

Gaitore ki Chhatariyan looks spectacular from the top of Garh Ganesh Temple

We walked straight and crossed the steep ascent, and finally reached the Garh Ganesh temple, which is in the left direction of the trekking path. There were many visitors, even families, and trekking groups already in and near the temple.

We took a pause for some time there and clicked some photographs. Although photography is not allowed inside the Garh Ganesh temple, we took pictures from outside and proceed further in our trek to Charan Mandir.

Captured the beautiful view of Jal Mahal peeking out from the bushes from trek view point

We followed the same trekking route and continue our trekking from that point. The routes were quite clear and easier as compared to other treks that I did earlier in Jaipur. We kept walking for around half an hour and reached a spot where there was a divergent path, we kept walking straight instead of turning anywhere and found the iron net hooked on one side of the land. We kept walking along with the iron net and reached the Doordarshan office center.

From there, we walked straight and got to the main road. Once we crossed the main road we found Charan Mandir straight in front of us.

We entered the Charan Mandir and spent some time there. The temple was crowded as it was a weekend. After spending some time, we started our return journey and reached back to our starting point.

The trek was beautiful and very lively. I enjoyed the trails and the beauty along my way. My overall experience was awesome. In simple words, I can say that the trek was simple and beautiful. Even you can plan with your family. I will be planning this trek again with my family.

Key Points to Keep in Mind