5-Day Nature Itinerary for Kedarnath in October 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   Walking distance from Kedarnath

   Start your day with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 8th century and is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. Afternoon, visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairon Temple. Evening, you may attend the Ganga Aarti at the bank of Saraswati River.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   20.9 km (1.5 hours) from Kedarnath

   Embark on a beautiful trek to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake situated at a height of 14,200 feet above sea level. This trek is full of natural beauty such as waterfalls, lush green forests, and Himalayan peaks. The trek is moderate in difficulty and is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Carry lunch and snacks for a small picnic. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

3. Day 3: Chorabari Tal
   7.1 km (40 minutes) from Kedarnath

   Start your day with a trek to Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar. The trek is of moderate difficulty and takes around 3-4 hours to complete. The lake is located at an altitude of 3,900 meters above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Afternoon, you may visit the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Evening, relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Kedarnath.

4. Day 4: Sonprayag
   20.3 km (1 hour) from Kedarnath

   Take a scenic drive to Sonprayag, a small town located on the banks of Mandakini River. The place is known for its natural beauty and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and enjoying the scenic beauty. You may also visit the Triyugi Narayan Temple, which is located 12 km from Sonprayag. Evening, return to Kedarnath.

5. Day 5: Gaurikund
   15.4 km (50 minutes) from Kedarnath

   End your trip with a visit to Gaurikund, the starting point of the Kedarnath Yatra. The place is located at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by lush green forests. Spend the morning exploring the town and enjoying the scenic beauty. Afternoon, you may visit the hot water springs and enjoy a natural bath. Evening, grab some souvenirs and return to Kedarnath.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, you may consider visiting Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, and Badrinath. These places are located within 100 km from Kedarnath and are known for their natural beauty and religious significance. For adventure enthusiasts, you may also consider river rafting in Rishikesh or bungee jumping in Mohanchatti. Make sure to carry warm clothes and a raincoat during your trip to Kedarnath as the weather can be unpredictable.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Shankaracharya Samadhi (1 hour, free)
• Bhairon Temple (1 hour, free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (6-7 hours, INR 2,000 per person including guide)
• Chorabari Tal Trek (3-4 hours, INR 1,500 per person including guide)
• Sonprayag (3-4 hours, INR 1,500 for taxi)
• Triyugi Narayan Temple (1 hour, free)
• Gaurikund (3-4 hours, INR 1,500 for taxi)
• Hot Water Springs (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 6,000 per person (excluding hotel and flight costs)