Introduction
Gaurikund Uttarakhand, is a sacred town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. It is one of the major stops for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath and serves as the base camp for the 16 km Kedarnath Trek.
Gaurikund is not just a town, but also a famous sacred site that holds great significance, dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Visiting the ancient Gauri Devi Temple and the holy natural hot spring, Gauri Kund, offers a sacred start to the Kedarnath Temple.
Many pilgrims visit here to take a holy dip in the warm water of Gaurikund before heading to the Temple, as it is believed to purify souls. It is also a great start for the challenging Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek.
Tips for travellers: Taking a bath in this sacred spring not only purifies the soul but also relieves stress and reduces travel fatigue, due to its medicinal healing properties.
You can also check out our Kedarnath Tour Package cost, which include Gaurikund.
Table of Contents
Where is Gaurikund?
Quick Facts About Gaurikund
- Gaurikund Height: 1,982 meters (6,502 feet)
- Highlights: Gauri Devi Temple, Gauri Kund, and Kedarnath Trek
- Best time: April to June and September to October
- Views: Mandakini River and Garhwal Himalayas
- Famous for: Base camp, hot spring, ancient temple, and Madakini river
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railhead: Rishikesh (210 km) and Haridwar (232 km)
Gaurikund History & Story
As per the holy scriptures and folklore, it is believed that Maa Parvati meditated at this point to allure Lord Shiva to marry her. It is a place where Lord Shiva accepted Maa Parvati’s intense penance. Then Lord Shiva proposed Maa Parvati at Guptkashi for marriage and got married at the Triyuginarayan Temple, which is located at a distance of 16 km from Gaurikund.
According to other mythology, it is also believed that this is the place where Lord Shiva beheaded his son Lord Ganesh when he stopped him from entering, as Maa Parvati was taking a bath in the Gauri kund and asked him to guard that area. Later, Lord Shiva replaced Ganesha’s head with the head of an elephant.
Source: Gauri Kund-Legend
Gauri Kund: A Natural Hot Water Spring
Gaurikund, a natural hot water spring, located along the Mandakini River. This sacred hot spring is famous for its naturally boiling water with healing properties. It is believed that taking a bath in this kund is a purifying ritual before continuing their journey to Kedarnath.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati (Maa Gauri) created lord Ganesha from the form of her body and placed him as a Guard outside the spring, when she was taking bath in this sacred kund.
After the Kedarnath flood 2013, the natural hot water spring vanished, and today a small hot water stream remains. The government of Uttarakhand and local villagers reconstructed this lake. The Kund is also known as "Gauri Lake", “Gauri Sarovar” and the “ lake of Compassion.”
Temperature in Gaurikund (Hot Spring): The Natural hot spring, Gaurikund temperature ranges around 55°C (122°F) even in the freezing weather during winter, due to its geothermal energy.
How To Reach Gaurikund Uttarakhand
To reach Gaurikund, you need to reach Sonprayag first from Haridwar / Rishikesh / Dehradun, which is 210-250 km from Gaurikund. You will get a direct flight, train or bus from your home city to this location.
Step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Reach Sonprayag from Haridwar/Rishikesh/Dehradun
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Gaurikund is Jolly Grant Airport, which is also known as Dehradun Airport. You will get a direct flight from your home city to this airport. Then hire cab/taxi to reach Sonprayag.
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to this place are Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Very few direct trains are available for Rishikesh, but you will get many trains from your home city to Dehradun and Haridwar.
From there, you can hire your personal cab, a shared cab, or you can directly take a government bus to reach.
Step 2: Sonprayag to Gaurikund
Gaurikund is located at a distance of 5 km from Sonprayag, beyond which no outside vehicle is allowed. After Sonprayag, you have to take a government-operated taxi to cover these five kilometres. This will cost you ₹50 per person for one side travel.
- Sonprayag to Gaurikund distance: 5 km
- Travel Time: 20-25 minutes
- Travel option: Shared jeep/taxi
- Cost/Fare: ₹50
Distance of Gaurikund from Various Places
Gaurikund to Kedarnath Trek Distance
- Trek Distance: 16 km
- Time Taken: 6-8 hours
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Sonprayag to Gaurikund Distance
Gaurikund to Badrinath Distance
Haridwar/Rishikesh to Gaurikund Distance:
Dehradun to Gaurikund Distance:
Delhi to Gaurikund Distance
Rudraprayag to Gaurikund Distance
Guptkashi to Gaurikund Distance:
Phata to Gaurikund Distance
Sitapur to Gaurikund Distance
Gaurikund To Kedarnath By Helicopter
The helicopter service for the Kedarnath temple is available from various helipads in Uttarakhand, like Phata, Sersi, and Guptkashi, so you need to reach any of these destinations, as the helicopter does not directly depart from Gaurikund.
Hiring a helicopter service is a convenient option, as it avoids any physical exertion, which makes your journey more comfortable, and it also saves your time.
Safety Tips: Book the ticket online through the official website of IRCTC Heliyatra (heliyatra.irctc.co.in); only valid site.
You can also check out our blog on "Kedarnath helicopter services"
Helicopter Ticket Price for Kedarnath:
The fare for the Helicopter service for Kedarnath is around ₹8,000 to ₹12,500 per person; it can vary due to factors like the helipad and the demands and availability of the seats, so you can check the exact price through the IRCTC Heliyatra website or any tourism website.
Prices for the year 2025, from different helipads, are:
- From Phata to Kedarnath Temple: Around ₹8,842 per person for a round trip.
- From Sersi to Kedarnath Temple: Approximately ₹8,839 per person for a round trip.
- From Guptkashi to Kedarnath Temple: Around ₹12,444 per person for a round trip.
Gaurikund Temperature & Weather Overview
This beautiful location is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, which experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. Let’s discuss the full weather forecast season-wise.
Summer Season (April-June): During the summer months, Gaurikund experiences pleasant weather with clear skies, and the scenery also becomes fresh and lush green, making it an ideal time for temple visiting and sightseeing.
- Temperature: The Gaurikund temperature ranges from 15 °C to 25 °C during the day and 10 °C to 15 °C at night.
- Conditions: At this time, the snow had cleared from the trails, and the days were warm and crisp. It experiences a huge crowd at this time, as the Kedarnath temple is open for the General public. Pleasant weather and accessible trails make it one of the best times to visit.
Monsoon Season (July-August): The monsoon season is marked by huge rainfall and high humidity.
- Temperature: During the day, the Gaurikund temperature ranges from 10°C to 20 °C , and it drops to 10 °C to 5 °C at night.
- Conditions: Heavy rain causes dangerous situations, like landslides, thunderstorms, and floods, which make the trails inaccessible. The visibility of the scenery is also very poor. Not the ideal time for travelling in this region.
Autumn Season (Sep-Oct): The rain starts retreating, and the weather again becomes more pleasant with clear skies and views. Visibility of the peaks is excellent, which makes it another ideal time to visit.
- Temperature: The daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 15°C , and 5°C to 10°C at night.
- Conditions: At this time, the surroundings become lush green, and excellent visibility and accessible trails are ideal for trekking and sightseeing. The days and nights feel cool with crisp air, as it is getting cold in the last of October.
Winter Season (Nov-Mar): During the winter months, it will feel cold and freezy at this time, and the temperature becomes extremely harsh.
- Temperature: From 0°C to 5°C in the daytime and 0°C to -5°C at night.
- Conditions: Gaurikund experiences heavy snowfall, which leads to snowstorms. The Lake also freezes at this time. Due to harsh weather conditions, the trek might be impossible, and the Kedarnath temple also gets closed during this period.
Best Time To Visit Gaurikund
| Season | Temperature (Day/Night) | Conditions | Travel Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (April – June) | 15°C to 25°C (day) / 10°C to 15°C (night) | Clear skies, lush greenery, snow cleared from trails, huge pilgrim crowds | ✅ Best time to visit – Pleasant weather, temple open, trails accessible |
| Monsoon (July - August) | 10°C to 20°C (day) / 5°C to 10°C (night) | Heavy rainfall, high humidity, landslides, floods, and poor visibility | ❌ Not recommended – Unsafe travel conditions |
| Autumn (September – October) | 10°C to 15°C (day) / 5°C to 10°C (night) | Clear skies, lush green surroundings, excellent peak visibility, cool & crisp air | ✅ Great time for trekking & sightseeing |
| Winter (November – March) | 0°C to 5°C (day) / 0°C to -5°C (night) | Heavy snowfall, freezing lake, snowstorms, harsh weather, temple closed | ❌ Not suitable – Extreme cold, trek closed |
Places To Visit Near Gaurikund
Gaurikund is itself a marvelous place and surrounded by natural beauty all around. The Madakini River flows just beside the hot water spring, and the high mountains surround this place. If you have time and wish to explore some more beautiful places around, then you can visit some other places listed below. In addition to natural beauty, these places also hold great divine power and importance in our tradition.
Triyuginarayan Temple
Do you know the marriage spot of lord shiva still exists and is very close to Gaurikund? Yes, you heard right, the Triyuginarayan Temple Uttarakhand, which is a marriage spot of lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, is yet in existence and is just 16 km from Gaurikund.
This temple got its name as Triyuginarayan as it has seen three yugas and has witnessed the first love marriage on earth. People offer wood and Sesame seeds in the perpetual fire or Akhand dhuni, which his burning there since the marriage of lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
The best time to visit Triyuginarayan Temple is during the summer and post-monsoon months, and travelers often combine this visit with other sacred attractions due to its close proximity to Kedarnath and Sonprayag.
Tungnath Temple
One of the highest Shiva temples on earth is Tungnath temple, which is just 71.5 km from this place. On the way, you will also get to visit Chopta, which is also famous as the Switzerland of India due to its immense beauty all around.
Chopta Tungnath Trek is the combination of spirituality and nature’s beauty here you can get the blessings of lord shiva this temple is open for 6 months and also closed for 6 months due to heavy snowfall in winter time.
If you planning to visit Tungnath temple then decide then don’t plan in the monsoon season because at this time you can face weather problems like landslides or other problems.
Kedarnath Temple
One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Everyone visiting this place must visit Kedarnath. It is an integral part of the Char Dham Yatra and Panch Kedar Temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, holding great spiritual significance.
The Temple requires a 16 kilometres trek from Gaurikund, which is considered moderately challenging. The best time to visit Kedarnath is from May to June and September to October, alligning with this site.
Vasuki Tal Trek
Vasuki Tal is a beautiful, untouched lake nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, and it’s just 8 kilometres away from the Kedarnath temple. It is a pristine lake located at a distance of 8 km from the holy Kedarnath temple.
It is a lake which is similar to the snake shape which is found on the neck of lord Shiva. This lake is also famous for the Brahma Kamal, which is very favourite to lord shiva.
The trek to Vasuki tal begins from Kedarnath, taking you through a rugged yet breathtaking path surrounded by majestic mountains and sweeping views of the Himalayas. 
Conclusion
Visiting Gaurikund Uttarakhand not only gives a spiritual experience but also serves as an adventure of the hazardous Kedarnath trek. This site is ideal for all the pilgrims seeking devotion, history, adventure, and scenic Himalayan views of nature.
Explore this sacred site, including the Gaurikund Temple and its natural hot water spring, along with nearby attractions, including the divine Kedarnath Temple.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and embark on your sacred journey to Gaurikund Uttarakhand, to explore one of the best experiences of your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Gaurikund famous for?
Gaurikund is famous for its natural hot spring and Gaurikund temple. Also, it is popular among the pilgrims, as it serves as the base camp for the Kedarnath trek and the last motorable point. Gaurikund is known for its significance and treks alike.
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Can we bathe in Gaurikund?
Yes, pilgrims can bathe in the water of the natural hot spring in Gaurikund. It is a traditional ritual performed by pilgrims to purify themselves before starting the trek to the sacred Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand.
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How many hours from Gaurikund to Kedarnath?
It generally takes 6 to 8 hours to complete the Kedarnath trek , but it depends on physical fitness, weather, and rest stops. Gaurikund to Kedarnath distance is 16 km, which includes the most scenic views of the Himalayas, but it also requires physical effort to reach the temple.
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What is the difficulty level of the Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek?
The difficulty level of the Gaurikund to Kedarnath trek is considered moderate to challenging, especially for beginners who are not used to high altitudes. The trek is challenging due to its high altitude of around 3,583 meters (11,755 feet) above sea level, with extreme cold and shortness of breath.
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Can we stay at Gaurikund?
Yes, you can stay at Gaurikund, as it serves as the base camp for the Kedarnath Dham. It offers accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, dharamshalas, and ashrams, with basic to decent facilities. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
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How far is Gaurikund from Kedarnath?
The distance between Gaurikund and Kedarnath is 16 km, which is generally covered in 6 to 8 hours by trek, or Kedarnath pony, palki, and Kandi services, or you can book the Kedarnath helicopter service from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi to avoid trek.
