Gaurikund

Gaurikund is the commencement point of the trek of 14kms to the sacred shrine of Kedarnath. It is situated at an elevation of 1,982mts above sea level. The place is named after Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva and a temple Gauri is also situated here. According to myths and legends this is the place where Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva did penance involving ascetic and yoga practices to win over Shiva’s heart. It is believed that Lord Shiva accepted to marry Parvati at this place and married her in Trijuginarayan. The place offers vivid greenery with Vasuki Ganga flowing from below. It is located amidst lush green forest offering serene environs and panoramic views. Gaurikund is situated 28kms from Ukhimath. This quaint little hamlet is named after a thermal spring.

According to myths and legends this is the place where Goddess Parvati was taking a bath and Lord Ganesha was at the door. Lord Ganesha did’nt let Lord Shiva enter the kund and in furious anger he chopped the head of Ganesha. It was later restored with the head of an elephant. Budget hotels, lodges and a small market at Gaurikund is usually crowded throughout the day. You can hire buggies, ponies and porters from Gaurikund.

Gaurikund in Char Dham Road Route Map

Char Dham Yatra Route: Haridwar - Rishikesh - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Chamba - Tehri - Dharasu - Barkot - Sayana Chatti - Hanuman Chatti - Jankichatti - Yamunotri - Uttarkashi - Harsil - Gangotri (Gaumukh) - Srinagar - Rudraprayag - Augustmuni - Phata - Sitapur - Guptkashi - Gaurikund - Kedarnath - Ukhimath - Chopta - Gopeshwar - Chamoli - Pipalkoti - Joshimath (Auli) - Govindghat - Hanuman Chatti - Badrinath - Nandprayag - Karnprayag - Devprayag