Gaurikund

Gaurikund lies beside the Mandakini River in the Garhwal Himalayas, at more than 6,000 feet. For a long time it was the base where pilgrims rested before climbing to Kedarnath Temple, though the trek now begins from Sonprayag. Its hot spring is still visited, and pilgrims believe a dip in it cleanses body and spirit.

The Gauri Devi Temple marks the place where Parvati is said to have meditated to win Shiva, before their wedding near Triyuginarayan. Gaurikund is also linked to the birth of Ganesha: Parvati formed him from the lather on her body, Shiva cut off his head without knowing him, and he was revived with an elephant's head.