Gaurikund – Starting point of Kedarnath Yatra

Gaurikund is a small town in Uttarakhand, famous for its green surroundings and the Mandakini River flowing nearby. This place got its name from the natural Gaurikund hot spring. The 2013 floods affected the spring but it didn’t disappear completely. You can still see some hot water flowing in the same place where the Kund was.
The state government looks after this holy spot and makes sure it stays clean and well-maintained. Many tourists and pilgrims stop here because it’s the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. The Kund is also called the Lake of Compassion and Parvati Sarovar.

Location

Gaurikund is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand at a height of 1,982 metres above sea level.

Famous History Behind Gaurikund’s Importance

Many stories are connected to this place which makes it even more special and meaningful-

• It is believed that Lord Shiva agreed to marry Goddess Parvati at Gaurikund after being impressed by her long meditation. You can see many beautiful statues of them at this place.
• Near Gaurikund, the Sarkara Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This reminds us of the story where Shiva accidentally cut off Ganesha’s head, but later saved him by giving him a new one. Visitors come here to pray for blessings and peace.
• People believe that when Lord Shiva left Lanka, 12 sages went with him. They stopped near rock called Uma Shankar Shila. Today this rock is worshipped in their memory and for their devotion to Lord Shiva..

Places to Visit

There are many great places to visit near Gaurikund that will make your trip special-

Guptkashi

Guptkashi is in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, near the holy Mandakini River. It’s a special place for Hindu pilgrims, surrounded by beautiful nature and old temples. The main idol of Lord Shiva was moved here from Varanasi’s Vishwanath Temple to keep it safe from Aurangzeb. Today, Guptkashi is still a holy place where people come to pray and enjoy the peaceful nature around.

Exploration Time- 1 day

Tungnath

The temple has a peaceful atmosphere that relaxes your mind. People believe it is about 1,000 years old and was founded by Adi Shankaracharya. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and here his hands are specially worshipped. Like other holy places, you reach Tungnath by trekking, but the walk is easier compared to other treks. From the top of Chandrashila Peak, you get a stunning view that refreshes the soul of every visitor and is great for photography.

Exploration Time- 4 to 5 hours

Chopta

Chopta is a small village that not many people know about. It’s called the “Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand” because of its green meadows. Imagine waking up in Chopta to a cool, refreshing atmosphere with birds chirping. This place is far from city noise and crowded hill stations. At night, the clear sky full of stars makes the place even more magical. If visitors want a unique experience, they must visit Chopta.

Exploration Time- 1 to 2 days

Rudraprayag

This small town in the Garhwali Himalayas is special for its natural beauty and the Alaknanda River flowing nearby. It is believed that Lord Narad received Lord Shiva’s blessings here and took the form of Rudra Avatar. Rudraprayag is called the “Abode of Gods”. It is surrounded by wonderful views with many kinds of plants and animals. Tourists get a chance to see and experience Garhwali culture, traditions, and celebrations.

Exploration Time- Half a day to one full day.

Gauri Kund Temple

This temple gets its name from Goddess Gauri, another form of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. It is believed that she mediated to win Lord Shiva’s heart. Going to this holy place is not just about a trip; it's a peaceful and unique experience. Many pilgrims walk here to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views and green valleys and they feel deep connection with nature. The temple’s old architectural design attracts many visitors and makes the journey even more meaningful.

Exploration Time- 2 hrs

How to Reach Gaurikund

The places are well connected by the road, and the buses and taxis make the journey convenient and a relaxed one.

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport located at a distance of 224 km from Gaurikund and from there you can easily get the buses and the taxis.

By Rail

Rishikesh and Haridwar are the two nearest Railway stations and are located at a distance of 202 km and 235 km from Gaurikund, from where you can easily get cabs to reach Gaurikund.

By Road

Buses to Rishikesh and Srinagar start from the ISBT Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. From Uttarakhand cities like Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar, you can easily find buses and taxis to Gaurikund. It’s on National Highway 109, which connects Rudraprayag and Kedarnath.

Best Time to Visit Gaurikund

The weather changes a lot because this place is high in the mountains-

Weather during summer

The weather in Gaurikund is pleasant during summer, with clear skies. May to June is the best time for sightseeing and trekking. During these months, the temperature stays between 15°C and 24°C.

Weather during Monsoon

Generally it’s not a preferred time to visit Gaurikund due to heavy rainfalls, which usually results into landslides. The road even gets blocked, and you might not be able to visit all the places you had planned.

Weather during Winter

September, October, and November are good months to visit if you're okay with the chilly weather. The temperature goes between -1°C and 12°C, and the area also gets heavy snowfall during this time.

Accommodations

There are many places to stay in Gaurikund, like hotels and guesthouses. They are affordable and have basic facilities to make your stay comfortable.

FAQs

1. Where is Gaurikund?

Gaurikund is where the trek to the holy Kedarnath temple starts about 16 km away from Kedarnath. It’s in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.

2. What is the distance from Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek?

The trekking path from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is about 16 kilometers long. The trek takes around 6 to 8 hours.

3. What makes Gaurikund famous?

Gaurikund is well known for its religious importance and is the starting point for the Kedarnath temple trek. It also has a hot spring and a temple dedicated to Goddess Gauri.

Conclusion

Gaurikund is peaceful and holy town known as the starting point of the Kedarnath trek. Surrounded by beautiful green valleys and flowing rivers it has great religious importance with its hot springs and temples. Visitors come here not only for the spiritual experience but also to enjoy nature’s calm and beauty. Nearby spots like Guptkashi, Tungnath and Chopta make the trip even more exciting. Whether you love history, spirituality, or nature, Gaurikund has something special that makes your visit unforgettable.