Gauri Kund

Gaurikund is the last roadhead and the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath, one of the most sacred and arduous pilgrimages in Hinduism. Named after Goddess Gauri (Parvati), who is believed to have meditated here to win Lord Shiva, the spot is steeped in the mythology of the divine couple.

The village is famed for its natural thermal springs, where weary pilgrims traditionally bathe before beginning the steep ascent — a ritual cleansing at the foot of the great climb. The small Gauri temple marks the goddess's presence at the trailhead.

From Gaurikund the demanding trail of roughly 16–18 kilometres climbs to the Kedarnath shrine, on foot or by pony, palki and porter, with helicopter options from nearby helipads. As the gateway to Kedarnath, Gaurikund pulses with devotion and anticipation throughout the yatra season.

May–June and September–October, aligned with the Kedarnath opening. The route is snowbound in winter and hazardous in the monsoon.