Gaurikund Travel Guide Uttarakhand
Gaurikund, located at an elevation of 1982 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas, is an important Hindu pilgrimage site as well as the base camp for the trek to Kedarnath. Hindu pilgrims stop by on their Chardham Yatra to bathe in Gaurikund’s holy water.
This location is named after Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, and visitors can see a temple dedicated to the goddess here. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati dedicated herself to penance, which included ascetic and yogic practises, in order to win Lord Shiva’s affection.
According to legend, Gaurikund is the location where the Goddess lived while performing all of the rituals, and it was here that Lord Shiva finally confessed his love for her. Triyugi Narayan is a nearby location where it is believed the two married.
Gaurikund is also known for having a number of hot springs that have been converted into bathing areas for pilgrims travelling to Kedarnath. It is also believed that Ganesha acquired the head of an elephant at this religious site. When Goddess Parvati was bathing in the kund, she fashioned Ganesha out of the soap froth on her body.
She gave him life and stationed him at the entrance as her guard. Ganesha later stopped Lord Shiva on his arrival. This irritated him, and Shiva beheaded the child, making Parvati sad. She insisted on her husband resurrecting the child.
Shiva resurrected the child by placing the head of a wandering elephant on his torso, and this is how Lord Ganesha received the head of an elephant. If you enjoy nature, there are many reasons to visit, including the elegant view of the greenery surrounding the kund. Vasuki Ganga, which flows from below the kund, adds to the beauty of the view.
Gaurikund is nestled in the lush green forests, providing a picturesque setting and panoramic views. The hot spring in this location was a popular religious tourist attraction prior to the flash flood in 2013. The Kund was wiped out by this disastrous flood, and all that remains is a narrow stream of water flowing down from where the Kund once stood.
Best Time to Visit Gaurikund
The best time to visit Gaurikund is during the summers or monsoons when the Chardham Yatra is in full swing. Due to heavy snow and the closure of the doors of Kedarnath and other Chardham Yatra temples in the winter, Gaurikund is closed to devotees.
The summer season in Gaurikund, which lasts from March to June, is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 24°C. Throughout the season, the cool breeze keeps the temperature cool rather than hot.
The monsoon season lasts from July to September, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. During the month of July, there is a lot of rain and the temperature drops.
The Winter season lasts from October to February, when the area receives heavy snowfall. The temperature ranges from -5°C to 16°C. People avoid Gaurikund in the winter because of the snow.
Hotels in Gaurikund
Gaurikund has a limited number of hotels and guesthouses for accommodation. The hotels in this area are in the budget category and strive to meet all of the guests’ basic needs. There is also GMVN Guest House, which provides a clean and comfortable stay.
Some lodging is also available in the nearby Sonprayag, which is 6 kilometres from Gaurikund. Here, too, guests have the option of staying in low-cost hotels that meet all of their basic needs.
How to Reach Gaurikund
Gaurikund is well connected by road to all of the major destinations in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. There are buses and taxis available to take you to your destination.
BY AIR
The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. Gaurikund is approximately 252 kilometres away. A taxi from Dehradun to Gaurikund is available.
BY RAIL
Rishikesh and Haridwar are the closest railheads, located 212 and 232 kilometres from Gaurikund, respectively. You can take a cab from these locations to Gaurikund at your leisure.
BY ROAD
People who choose to travel by road to Gaurikund benefit from a smooth connection to major tourist attractions such as Son Prayag, Rudraprayag, Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. There is a reliable cab service from these locations to Gaurikund.
