Discover Kedarnath and Badrinath with Family - 7 Day Itinerary for October 2023

1. Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun
   45 minutes (17 miles) from Jolly Grant Airport

   Begin your journey by arriving in Dehradun. Spend the day exploring local markets and food joints. Visit the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India and enjoy the serene environment. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

2. Day 2: Badrinath
   8 hours (190 miles) from Dehradun

   Drive to Badrinath and visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take a dip in the hot water springs of Tapt Kund, known for their medicinal properties. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Vasudhara Falls and Mana Village, believed to be the last village before the Indo-China border.

3. Day 3: Badrinath
   10 minutes (2 miles) from Badrinath Temple

   Explore the local markets and food joints of Badrinath. Visit the Bheem Pul, a natural rock bridge over Saraswati River. Visit the Vyas Gufa, a cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have written the Mahabharata. Spend some time at the Charan Paduka, a rock which bears the footprints of Lord Vishnu.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath
   9 hours (170 miles) from Badrinath

   Drive to Kedarnath and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Visit the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and take blessings. Enjoy the tranquility of Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake near Kedarnath. Take a dip in the hot water springs of Gaurikund, believed to be the spot where Goddess Parvati meditated to win the heart of Lord Shiva.

5. Day 5: Kedarnath
   10 minutes (0.5 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Explore the local markets and food joints of Kedarnath. Visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married according to Hindu mythology. Take a dip in the hot water springs of Agastyamuni, believed to have medicinal properties. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake named after Mahatma Gandhi.

6. Day 6: Joshimath
   8 hours (125 miles) from Kedarnath

   Drive to Joshimath and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Visit the Narsimha Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take a ride on the Asia's highest and longest cable car, Auli Ropeway and enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas.

7. Day 7: Departure from Dehradun
   9 hours (254 miles) from Joshimath

   Depart for Dehradun and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Visit the Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation where the river disappears underground. Shop for souvenirs at Paltan Bazaar. Depart for your next destination.

Recommendations

Visit the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and the rare blue Primula. Take a day trip to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh place of worship, situated at an altitude of 15,200 feet. Maximize your fun by taking a trek to the Kedarnath Temple or skiing in Auli.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Entry fee to Badrinath Temple (1 hour, INR 250)
• Cable car ride in Joshimath (2 hours, INR 1000)
• Souvenirs shopping at Paltan Bazaar (2 hours, INR 500)
• Food and beverage expenses (INR 4000)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 5750