Gaurikund
The trailhead where the walk to Kedarnath begins.
- Altitude
- 1,982 m
- Getting there
- By road via Sonprayag
- Difficulty
- Easy access
- Time needed
- Stopover
- Best months
- May–Oct
Why go
Gaurikund is where the walk to Kedarnath begins. Every pilgrim on foot, pony or palki starts the 16–17 km climb from here, and the small temple of Gauri Mata stands at the head of the trail.
Its hot spring was buried by the 2013 floods; a small hot-water kund has since been rebuilt beside the temple, and many pilgrims still bathe there before the climb.
Getting there
Private vehicles stop at Sonprayag. A shared shuttle jeep covers the last 5 km to Gaurikund, and your yatra registration is checked on the way.
The trek starts here. Ponies, palkis and pitthus are booked at the government prepaid counter, not on the path.
The rebuilt kund beside the Gauri Mata temple, a short walk from the shuttle stop.
Gaurikund is narrow and crowded in season, and rooms fill fast. Keep valuables secure, and start the trek early in the morning.
FAQ
Most pilgrims pass through in an hour or two on their way up or down. Stay the night only if you want a very early start on the trek.
It is part of the Kedarnath journey itself — you pass through it on the way up and again on the way down.
No. The trail from here to Kedarnath is paved, busy and clearly marked. If you need help with the climb, book a pony, palki or pitthu at the prepaid counter.
More places to explore
- Chopta sideTungnath & ChandrashilaSunrise above the clouds at 4,000 metres.
- Kedarnath sideVasuki TalA glacial lake beyond Kedarnath, at 4,135 metres.
- Chopta sideDeoria TalAn emerald lake mirroring the Chaukhamba peaks.
- Chopta sideChoptaMeadows and forest — the base for Tungnath.
- Kedarnath sideTriyuginarayanThe eternal flame where Shiva and Parvati wed.
- Chopta sideMadhyamaheshwarThe second of the Panch Kedar, deep in the forest.