Gauchar is a Hilltown on the left bank of river Alaknanda in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand state in India, well known for its annual trade fair. This trade fair is held for a week from the 14th of November each year. In 2023, it is from 14 Nov 2022 – 20 Nov 2022, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM. Entry is free.

Wool, black salt, Deer musk, Shilajit, Mumijo, and numerous Ayurvedic products are the main products on display at the annual trade fair. It also features art and craft products from different regions of Uttarakhand. Cultural Performance is also a part of the yearly trade fair, including song and dance. Local cottage industry products are also on sale.

Trade Fair Site – Image Source

Gauchar is 800 meters above sea level, en route to the holy temple town of Badrinath, and is a place of halt for pilgrims to Badrinath. This place is surrounded by seven hills and is located in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand, one of the most significant pieces of flatland.

Gauchar Mela (annual trade fair) is one of the largest trade fairs in Uttarakhand. Traders and merchants from all over the state and other parts of the country participate in this trade fair. Tibetan traders are the significant sellers here. It was started in 1943. The Uttarakhand State Tourism Board organizes it. You can contact the Tourist Information Centre at Joshimath. The phone number is +91-7300799202.

Bhairavnath Mandir, Raul Devta Mandir, and Mata Kali Temple are places worth visiting in this small town. There is a Kendriya Vidyalaya (Sentral School) in this town.

The land used for the trade fair is under the Badrinath Temple.

How Do I Go to Gauchar?

Roads to other parts of India well connect Gauchar by NH 58. Srinagar city in Utterkhand (not the capital of Kashmir) is the nearest city 54 kilometers away.

Rishikesh is the nearest railway station at about 150 kilometers distance.

Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport, around 175 kilometers away. (There is an airstrip at Gauchar used for emergency services.)