Gaurikund is the base camp for the Kedarnath Yatra and the last point accessible by road before the 16 km trek to the temple begins. The site is named after Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri, who is believed to have meditated here for years to win Lord Shiva's acceptance as her husband. The Gauri Temple at Gaurikund is dedicated to her and is visited by pilgrims before beginning the trek. A natural hot water spring here is used by pilgrims for a ritual bath before the yatra. The town has accommodation, medical facilities, and equipment rental for the trek.
- Address: Gaurikund, Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand 246471
- Hours: Open May to mid-November. Hot spring and temple accessible throughout the day.
- How to Reach: Gaurikund is 220 km from Haridwar and about 30 km from Guptkashi. Regular buses and shared taxis run from Rishikesh and Haridwar during the yatra season.
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