Gaurikund, nestled in the scenic state of Uttarakhand, India, is a picturesque destination that serves as the base for the sacred Kedarnath pilgrimage. Positioned at an elevation of approximately 1,982 meters (6,503 feet) above sea level, Gaurikund holds immense religious and cultural significance, making it a hub for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.
| Location | Rudraprayag |
| Famous For | Temple |
| Best Time to visit | May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov, |
The town is named after Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, and it is believed to be the spot where she meditated to win Lord Shiva as her consort. A natural thermal spring, the Gauri Kund, adds to the mystical aura of the place. Pilgrims often take a ritualistic dip in the hot spring before embarking on the trek to Kedarnath.
Mythology:
According to Hindu mythology, Gaurikund is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, performed intense penance to win the love and affection of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Gauri created Lord Ganesha from the dirt and oil of her body while bathing, and she assigned him the task of guarding the entrance while she was taking a bath. Lord Shiva, unaware of this, returned to find a young boy guarding the entrance. A confrontation ensued, leading to a fierce battle in which Lord Shiva severed the head of the boy.
Realizing her mistake, Goddess Parvati was devastated and pleaded with Lord Shiva to revive her son. Lord Shiva, in his remorse, replaced the severed head with that of an elephant, bringing Ganesha back to life. This incident led to the establishment of Gaurikund as a sacred site associated with the penance and devotion of Goddess Parvati.
How to Reach Gaurikund
By Road: Gaurikund is well-connected by road, and you can reach there by hiring a taxi or taking a bus. The nearest major town is Rudraprayag, and from there, Gaurikund is about 73 kilometers away.
Pilgrimage Route from Sonprayag: Sonprayag is the last motorable point before Gaurikund. From Sonprayag, you need to trek or take a shared jeep to reach Gaurikund. The trek is approximately 16 kilometers, and it is a gradual ascent. Many pilgrims prefer to trek, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Alternatively, shared jeeps are available for those who prefer a faster mode of transportation.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh, which is approximately 215 kilometers away. From Rishikesh, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund. Rishikesh is well-connected to major railway stations in India
Places to See in Gaurikund
sonprayag kedarnath yatra 
Panch kedar 
Vishwanath Temple 
Rudra Cave Kedarnath 
Triyuginarayan 
Tungnath Temple, Chopta 
Triyuginarayan – Wedding Destination of Lord Shiva