About Gauri Kund
Gauri Kund is a small pilgrim village at about 2,000 metres in the Mandakini valley of Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand. It is the starting point of the trek of about 16 km to Kedarnath, so almost every Kedarnath pilgrim passes through it. The village is named after Gauri, a name of Goddess Parvati, and its Gauri Devi temple is the main shrine. Devotees traditionally bathe in the warm water of its springs and pray to the goddess before beginning the climb to Kedarnath.
Local tradition says that Parvati lived here while performing long and severe penance to win Shiva as her husband, and that Shiva finally accepted her love at this spot. The couple are believed to have been married at nearby Triyuginarayan, where a sacred fire is said to have been burning ever since. Another popular story places here the tale of how Parvati created Ganesha to guard her while she bathed, and how he came to have an elephant head. The village was badly damaged in the 2013 floods, which also affected the hot springs and many buildings, and much has been rebuilt since.
The Gauri Devi temple is a modest stone shrine in the mountain style, with images of Parvati and Shiva, standing close to the river amid shops, lodges and the busy start of the trail. The hot water from the springs is collected in a bathing tank (tapt kund), and a separate cold-water kund was traditionally associated with the goddess. From Gauri Kund, the paved path climbs past waterfalls and forests towards Kedarnath, with ponies, palkis and porters waiting at the trailhead.
Gauri Kund timings & aarti
The village and temple are busiest during the Kedarnath yatra season, usually from about late April or May to October or November. The temple is usually open from early morning to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Gauri Kund
By air
Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is about 235 km away.
By train
Rishikesh is the nearest major railway station, about 210 km away.
By road
Drive via Rudraprayag and Guptkashi to Sonprayag, where private vehicles are usually parked; shared jeeps cover the last 5 km or so to Gauri Kund.
Festivals at Gauri Kund
- Opening of Kedarnath yatraApr/May
- Shravan monthJul/Aug
- Sharad NavaratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Warm, layered clothing and rain gear are essential; modest dress in the temple.
- Entry
- Free entry. Kedarnath pilgrims must complete the yatra registration required by the state government.
- Register for the Kedarnath yatra before you travel; registration is checked on the route.
- Start the Kedarnath trek early in the morning to avoid afternoon rain.
- Lodges fill up quickly in peak season; book a room in Sonprayag or Gauri Kund in advance.
- Check weather and road updates during the monsoon, as the route is prone to landslides.
- Carry warm clothes, a raincoat and basic medicines for the altitude.
Places to visit near Gauri Kund
- Kedarnath TempleJyotirlinga shrine at the end of the trek, about 16 km away on foot
- SonprayagConfluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers, about 5 km away
- Triyuginarayan TempleWhere Shiva and Parvati are believed to have married, about 17 km away
- GuptkashiTown with the Vishwanath and Ardhanareshwar temples, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
What is the significance of Gauri Kund?
Tradition says Parvati (Gauri) performed penance here to win Shiva. Pilgrims pray at the Gauri Devi temple before starting the Kedarnath trek.
How far is Kedarnath from Gauri Kund?
The trek from Gauri Kund to Kedarnath is about 16 km one way.
Can vehicles go up to Gauri Kund?
Private vehicles usually stop at Sonprayag, and shared jeeps cover the last stretch of about 5 km to Gauri Kund.
Are there hot springs at Gauri Kund?
Yes, there are hot springs used for bathing, though they were affected by the 2013 floods. Check locally for the current condition.
What is the aarti time at Gauri Kund?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Gauri Kund timings?
The village and temple are busiest during the Kedarnath yatra season, usually from about late April or May to October or November. The temple is usually open from early morning to evening. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Gauri Kund?
Warm, layered clothing and rain gear are essential; modest dress in the temple.
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