6-Day Itinerary: Rishikesh to Hemkund Sahib in July 2023

1. Day 1: Rishikesh
   0 minutes from Rishikesh
   Travel: 0 km, 0 hours

   In the morning, visit Lakshman Jhula, a popular suspension bridge over the Ganges River. In the afternoon, explore the Beatles Ashram, a spiritual retreat where the Beatles once meditated. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, a Hindu ritual of worship to the goddess Ganga.

2. Day 2: Joshimath
   256 km from Rishikesh
   Travel: 10 hours by car

   In the morning, travel to Joshimath, a beautiful town located in the Chamoli district. Visit the Nanda Devi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in the afternoon. In the evening, take a stroll around the town and try some local food.

3. Day 3: Govindghat
   22 km from Joshimath
   Travel: 1 hour by car

   In the morning, travel to Govindghat, a small town located at the confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga rivers. Take a 13 km trek to Ghangaria in the afternoon. In the evening, relax and enjoy the beautiful views of nature.

4. Day 4: Valley of Flowers National Park
   3.2 km from Ghangaria
   Travel: 3 hours trek

   In the morning, visit the Valley of Flowers National Park, a stunning park with a variety of flowers and plants. In the afternoon, explore the park more and enjoy the beautiful scenery. In the evening, relax and enjoy the peace and calm of nature.

5. Day 5: Hemkund Sahib
   6.2 km from Ghangaria
   Travel: 4 hours trek

   In the morning, visit Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh shrine situated at an altitude of 4,632 meters. In the afternoon, take a dip in the holy Hemkund Lake. In the evening, attend the evening prayers at the gurudwara and enjoy the peaceful environment.

6. Day 6: Rishikesh
   251 km from Hemkund Sahib
   Travel: 10 hours by car

   In the morning, travel back to Rishikesh and explore the city more. In the afternoon, go for some adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, or zip-lining. In the evening, relax at one of the cafes or visit Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a spiritual experience.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can also consider visiting Badrinath, a holy town located close to Joshimath. It is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. You can also plan a side trip to Auli, a popular skiing destination, located 13 km from Joshimath. To maximize your fun, make sure to carry comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes, and a raincoat. You can also hire a local guide for the trek. Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated and carry some snacks for the trek.

For hotels and flights, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.