3-Day Relaxing Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Hotel

   Morning: Start your day early with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple opens at 6:00 am, and you can witness the morning aarti which starts at 7:00 am. The divine atmosphere and the serene surroundings will evoke a sense of calmness in you.

   Afternoon: Post breakfast, take a leisurely walk around the temple complex, and offer your prayers to Lord Shiva. You can also explore the nearby Vasuki Tal and Bhairavnath Temple.

   Evening: Spend your evening sitting by the river Mandakini, watching the sunset and listening to the soothing sound of the flowing water.

2. Day 2: Gandhi Sarovar Trek
   1 hour (13 miles) from Hotel

   Morning: On day two, embark on a trek to Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake situated at an altitude of 14,100 ft. The trek is around 14 km long, and it takes about 4-5 hours to reach the destination. The views of the snow-capped mountains and the lush green valleys are breathtaking.

   Afternoon: After reaching Gandhi Sarovar, take some time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the place. Click some pictures, have a packed lunch, and get ready for the descent.

   Evening: Once back to the base, relax your tired muscles with a hot cup of tea and have a peaceful evening in your hotel room.

3. Day 3: Son Prayag
   1 hour 30 minutes (25 miles) from Hotel

   Morning: On the last day, head to Son Prayag, which is a holy confluence of two rivers, Son and Mandakini. The place is surrounded by mountains and has a peaceful ambiance. Take a dip in the river and seek blessings at the nearby Raghunath Temple.

   Afternoon: Enjoy your lunch at the local dhabas, serving authentic Garhwali cuisine. The place is also famous for its woolen shawls and handicrafts.

   Evening: After shopping for souvenirs, return to your hotel, pack your bags, and bid adieu to the beautiful town of Kedarnath.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, you can plan a visit to the nearby town of Guptkashi, which is around 30 km from Kedarnath. The town has some ancient temples and is known for its scenic beauty. You can also plan a trip to the famous Valley of Flowers, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Gandhi Sarovar Trek (8-9 hours, $30 for guide)
• Son Prayag (2-3 hours, free)
• Local Dhabas (1-2 hours, $10-15)
• Total Estimated Costs: $40-45

For hotel and flight bookings, check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.