Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary for Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kedarnath, Badrinath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Haridwar
   30 minutes (13.3 km) from Jolly Grant Airport

   In the morning, visit the Har Ki Pauri ghat for a holy dip in the Ganges river and witness the famous Ganga Aarti. In the afternoon, visit the Mansa Devi Temple via the cable car for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, take a stroll through the vibrant market and enjoy local street food.

2. Day 2: Rishikesh
   1 hour 30 minutes (50.3 km) from Haridwar

   In the morning, visit the Beatles Ashram to explore the graffiti and artwork created by the ashram's former residents. In the afternoon, visit the Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula suspension bridges for views of the Ganges and surrounding mountains. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at the Parmarth Niketan ashram.

3. Day 3: Kedarnath
   8 hours (244 km) from Rishikesh

   In the morning, trek to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. In the afternoon, visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairon Temple. Spend the evening exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding Himalayan mountains.

4. Day 4: Badrinath
   4 hours 30 minutes (145 km) from Kedarnath

   In the morning, visit the Badrinath Temple, another of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism. In the afternoon, explore the Mana Village, the last village on the Indo-Tibetan border, and visit the Vyas Gufa, a cave where the Hindu sage Veda Vyas is said to have composed the Mahabharata. Spend the evening taking in the beauty of the Neelkanth and Nar Parvat mountains.

5. Day 5: Rishikesh
   9 hours (266 km) from Badrinath

   In the morning, go for a white water rafting adventure on the Ganges river. In the afternoon, visit the Triveni Ghat for a dip in the Ganges and an evening Aarti ceremony. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing session of yoga and meditation at one of the many ashrams in the city.

6. Day 6: Haridwar
   1 hour 30 minutes (50.3 km) from Rishikesh

   In the morning, visit the Chandi Devi and Daksheswara Mahadev temples. In the afternoon, visit the Rajaji National Park for a wildlife safari and nature walk. In the evening, return to Haridwar for a final Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to the scenic hill station of Mussoorie. Additionally, you can explore the local markets for handicrafts, Ayurvedic treatments, and local cuisine. For a unique experience, take a dip in the therapeutic waters of the hot springs in nearby Gaurikund.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Haridwar Ganga Aarti (2 hours, free)
• Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, 400 INR)
• Beatles Ashram (2 hours, 150 INR)
• Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula (2 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Temple (4 hours, free)
• Badrinath Temple (3 hours, free)
• White Water Rafting Adventure (2 hours, 1200 INR)
• Triveni Ghat Aarti Ceremony (2 hours, free)
• Rajaji National Park Safari (4 hours, 1500 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 3650 INR (excluding accommodation and transportation)

Check hotel and flight prices here.