Nag Karkotaka Temple in Bhimtal: History, Mythology, How to Reach, Trek, and More

Karkotaka Nag Temple is one of the most popular temples in Bhimtal, dedicated to the serpent god Karkotak Maharaj, perched atop Karkotak Hill, the highest peak in Bhimtal.

From the temple, visitors can catch the mesmerizing views of the Bhimtal Lake and a 360-degree view of the Kumaon Hills. A large number of devotees visit the temple during the Rishi Panchami festival, and it is a must-visit place in Bhimtal, especially for those interested in trekking.

Where is Karkotak Temple Located?

The Karkotak Nag temple rests atop the Karkotak Hill, the highest peak in Bhimtal, at an elevation of about 6319 feet or 1927 meters.

To reach the temple, one needs to trek 3 kilometers from Pandey Gaon (6 KM from Bhimtal). The trek is moderate-to-difficult depending on the trekker’s experience and will take 2.5 to 3 hours to complete for beginners.

There are a number of different routes to the Karkotak Temple. There is a trek that begins at Sanguri Gaon in Bhimtal, which is 5 kilometers and perfect for those looking to enjoy trekking the Kumaon Hills.

With the ongoing construction of a road, soon the temple will be accessible by roads, but for now, you can park your vehicles around 1.5 KM away from the temple if you cannot trek for long distances.

What is the story of Karkotak Temple?

The story of the Karkota Temple is really fascinating. After talking to the temple priest, we learned that the serpent God’s head resides at the Kachula Devi temple in Bhimtal, while the remaining body resides at the Karkotak Temple.

It is believed that on the day of Rishi Panchmi, the head of the serpent god visits the temple, and therefore, hundreds of devotees visit the temple on that day.

It is believed that whoever visits the temple, the serpent god protects them from snake bites for all of their lives. After talking to the locals, we also learned that there is a cave near the temple, and it is believed that it leads straight to Haridwar, one of the holiest places in Hinduism.

How to Reach Karkotak Temple in Bhimtal?

To reach the Karkotaka Nag Temple in Bhimtal, one must first reach Bhimtal and then to Pandey Gaon, and from there, an arduous 3 KM trek will take you to this magnificent place of worship and nature.

By Road

Bhimtal is quite well-connected with motorable roads connecting major cities and towns of Uttarakhand state. You can take a bus to Kathgodam from Dehradun and Delhi and then book a cab or take a shared taxi to Bhimtal and Pandey Gaon.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is the Kathgoda railway station, which is only 22 Kilometres away. The Kathogdam railway station is well connected to major railway stations like Delhi and Dehradun.

By Air

The nearest airport to Bhimtal is the one at Pantnagar, 55.4 Kilometres away, and at Jolly Grant Dehradun, 290 Kilometers away. From these airports, you can either take a bus, book a cab, or take the train.

Important Cities Near Nag Karkotak Temple

Places to see Near Nag Karkotak Temple

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Karkotak Nag Temple in Bhimtal?

If you like a bit of adventure, nature, and spirituality, then Karkotak temple in Bhimtal provides all three in the form of a challenging trek, breathtaking views, and the Nag temple. The history and religious beliefs of this area create a stunning vibe in this place that one must feel at least once in their life.

You can also visit the ancient Hanuman Mandir near the Karkotak Village and meditate for a while if that is what you like. The Karkotaka Temple in Bhimtal is a must-visit destination for people who believe in the power of the serpent god and are seeking spiritual growth.

Videos for your reference:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcqV2OPpek8&t=80s
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PxenFpz33g