Gaurikund
Gaurikund is a sacred pilgrimage site and gateway to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the Char Dhams of Hinduism. Located in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag district at 1,982 meters (6,503 feet), this small town is surrounded by the Himalayan peaks of Garhwal and lush green valleys.
Gaurikund is named after Goddess Parvati (Gauri), who meditated here to win Lord Shiva’s affection. The natural hot water spring (Kund) is a major attraction where pilgrims take a holy dip before trekking to Kedarnath.
The town serves as the starting point for the 16 km trek to Kedarnath, making it a crucial stop for devotees and trekkers. Despite its religious significance, Gaurikund offers serene landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas, making it appealing to nature lovers as well.