Category: Uttarakhand

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 

Gandhi Sarovar, also known as Chorabari Tal, is a pristine glacial lake situated near Kedarnath in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This high-altitude lake holds cultural significance as it is believed to be the spot where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed after his cremation in 1948. The serene lake is surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan peaks, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.

Location	Near Kedarnath Temple
Trek	4 Km trek from Kedarnath Dham
Best Time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,

How To Reach Gandhi Sarovar

Places to Visit in Kedarnath 

GMVN’s Rudra Meditation Cave in Kedarnath is a special place for people who love meditation. It’s a stone cave with a wooden door and a window that looks out to the Kedarnath Temple and Bhairavnath Temple. This cave is perfect for anyone who wants to stay alone and focus on their meditation in Kedarnath Dham. It’s a small space but well-equipped with a bed, attached bathroom, geyser, heater, SIP phone, and a calling bell. These meditation caves are built by the Nehru Mountaineering Institute and managed by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. In Kedarnath, there are three of these Rudra Caves.

Location	Near Kedarnath Temple
Trek	1 Km trek from Kedarnath Dham
Rudra Meditation Cave Charge	RS  990/-
Best Time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,

How to book Rudra Cave

1. Booking through GMVN:
   • Visit the official website of Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
   • Look for the section related to accommodation or Cave booking.
   • Follow the instructions provided on the website for booking procedures.
2. Reservation Details:
   • Keep in mind that only one person is allowed to stay in the cave at a time.
   • You can book the cave for a minimum of 24 hours, up to a maximum of three days.
3. Extension of Stay:
   • If you wish to extend your stay beyond the initially booked period, you’ll need to obtain special permissions from GMVN.
4. Cost:
   • The cost for a one-day stay at Rudra Cave is less than Rs. 990.

For Online BookingClick Here 

Places  to Visit in Kedarnath

Vasuki Tal, nestled in the breathtaking Garhwal Himalayas, is a pristine high-altitude lake that captivates travelers with its natural splendor. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush meadows, Vasuki Tal offers a serene retreat for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Location	Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
Trek	8km trek from Kedarnath
Best Time to visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,

At an altitude of approximately 14,200 feet above sea level, VasukiTal is not only a visual delight but also a trekker’s paradise. The trek to VasukiTal typically starts from Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, and takes adventurers through challenging yet rewarding terrain. This trek presents an opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including vibrant alpine flowers and elusive Himalayan wildlife.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Lake provides a unique experience away from the crowded tourist spots. The crystal-clear waters of the lake mirror the surrounding peaks, creating a surreal landscape that’s perfect for photography enthusiasts. The tranquility of the location also makes it an ideal spot for meditation and introspection.

Trekking Package  Vasuki Tal

How to Reach Vasuki Tal 

• The most common and convenient way to reach Gaurikund from Rishikesh is by road.
• It is approximately 204 kilometers from Rishikesh.
• The journey usually takes about 7-8 hours,depending on road conditions and traffic.
• Regular bus services operate from Rishikesh. You can check the bus schedule at the Rishikesh bus station or book tickets in advance. Click here to Book your Bus Uttarakhand transport corporation 
• It is 8km trek from Kedarnath and 24 kms trek from nearest road head at Gaurikund

Places to See in Kedarnath Dham 

Overview
Location	In Kedarnath Dham  Behind Kedarnath temple
Distance From Gaurikund	20 Km Trek
Best time to Visit	May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov,
Famous For	Holy Place

Adi Shankaracharya (788 – 820 CE), born in Kaladi, Kerala who was a philosopher and theologian is believed to have died at Kedarnath.

Kedarnath Yatra           Panch Kedar yatra          Char Dham Yatra         Adi Kailiash Yatra  

 The Shankaracharya Samadhi is located at a distance of about 600 meters from the Kedarnath Temple, and it can be reached by foot. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water and snacks, as the walk to the Samadhi can be tiring,  The Samadhi is made of black stone and is surrounded by a small garden. The area around the Samadhi is peaceful and serene, and it offers a quiet place for meditation and introspection.  At the age of 32, he decided to attain moksha (freedom from body) at Kedarnath and merged under the land near Kedarnath temple. Hence this place called as Shankaracharya Samadhi place.

Places to See in Kedarnath

Char Dham Yatra       Do Dham Yatra        Kedarnath Yatra       Panch Kedar Yatra       Adi Kailash Yatra 

Nestled at the confluence of divine rivers amidst the towering peaks of Uttarakhand, Sonprayag emerges as a sacred gateway to spiritual enlightenment. As the starting point for pilgrimages to Kedarnath and Triyuginarayan Temple, this quaint hamlet plays a pivotal role in the religious tapestry of the region.  Sonprayag’s geographical allure is undeniable, with the convergence of the Mandakini and Vasuki Ganga rivers creating a serene ambiance. Surrounded by the Himalayan panorama, this picturesque town offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance.  Pilgrims and adventure seekers alike embark on the trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, tracing a path through breathtaking landscapes and challenging terrains. The town’s religious fervor comes to life during annual festivals and ceremonies, providing a glimpse into the vibrant cultural tapestry that defines.

How to Reach Sonprayag 

• The most common and convenient way to reach Sonprayag from Rishikesh is by road.
• It is approximately 204 kilometers from Rishikesh.
• The journey usually takes about 7-8 hours,depending on road conditions and traffic.
• Regular bus services operate from Rishikesh. You can check the bus schedule at the Rishikesh bus station or book tickets in advance. Click here to Book your Bus Uttarakhand transport corporation

Place to See in Sonprayag