7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Kedarnath in April 2024

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Kedarnath Bus Stand

   Begin your journey by visiting the Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva. Morning offers a perfect time to visit as the temple is less crowded. Afternoon is great to explore the nearby market, and in the evening you can witness the Aarti ceremony.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal Lake
   4 hours (8.5 miles) trek from Kedarnath Temple

   In the morning, start your trek to Vasuki Tal Lake, a crystal-clear lake with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. The trek could take around 4 hours, so carry packed lunch and enough water bottles. Spend some time relaxing by the lake in the afternoon, and descend back to Kedarnath by evening.

3. Day 3: Shankaracharya Samadhi
   15 minutes (1.1 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   In the morning, visit Shankaracharya Samadhi, a revered place where Adi Shankaracharya took samadhi. You can then explore the nearby market in the afternoon and enjoy a delicious local meal. In the evening, witness the Kedarnath Aarti ceremony.

4. Day 4: Sonprayag
   1 hour (3.7 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Take a bus to Sonprayag, a picturesque town located at the confluence of Basuki and Mandakini rivers. You can take a dip in the holy waters, visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

5. Day 5: Gandhi Sarovar Trek
   6 hours (9.7 miles) trek from Kedarnath Temple

   In the morning, start your trek to Gandhi Sarovar, a serene glacial lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks. The trek could take around 6 hours, so carry packed lunch and enough water bottles. Spend some time relaxing by the lake in the afternoon and return to Kedarnath by evening.

6. Day 6: Gaurikund
   1 hour 15 minutes (17.1 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Take a bus to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath Trek. You can visit the Gauri Temple, take a dip in the hot water springs, and have lunch in one of the local restaurants. Return to Kedarnath in the evening.

7. Day 7: Bhairav Nath Temple
   10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   In the morning, visit the Bhairav Nath Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairav, considered as the protector of the Kedarnath Temple. Spend the afternoon exploring the market and having local foods. In the evening, witness the Aarti ceremony and enjoy the last day in Kedarnath.

Recommendations

You can also consider visiting the Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world and Deoria Tal, a pristine lake with reflections of the Chaukhamba mountain range. You can also plan a side trip to Badrinath or Gangotri, two of the char dham destinations. To maximize your fun, try local cuisines and shop for souvenirs in the local markets. Carry enough cash, as ATMs are limited here.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal Lake Trek (8 hours, free)
• Shankaracharya Samadhi (1 hour, free)
• Sonprayag (4 hours, ₹200 for bus)
• Gandhi Sarovar Trek (10 hours, free)
• Gaurikund (4 hours, ₹150 for bus)
• Bhairav Nath Temple (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹350 for bus tickets

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