Kedarnath and Badrinath Itinerary for a Family Friendly Trip in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad
   Morning: Visit the historic Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the stunning architecture and intricate carvings while learning about the temple's rich history and traditions.
   Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic trek to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and witness the majestic Himalayan wildlife. Keep an eye out for snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan black bears in their natural habitat.
   Evening: Experience a mesmerizing aarti ceremony at the Kedarnath Temple, a Hindu religious ritual of worship where oil lamps are lit and songs are sung in praise of Lord Shiva.
2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   1 hour 20 minutes (4.8 miles) from Kedarnath Temple
   Morning: Embark on a moderate trek to the serene Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake surrounded by stunning snow-capped peaks. Take in the breathtaking views and enjoy a picnic lunch by the lakeside.
   Afternoon: Head to Triyuginarayan Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the site of the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Learn about the temple's significance and admire the stunning architecture.
   Evening: Relax and unwind at the hotel or explore the local markets and try some delicious local cuisine.
3. Day 3: Badrinath Temple
   2 hours 8 minutes (43.9 miles) from Vasuki Tal
   Morning: Visit the iconic Badrinath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines in Hinduism known as Chota Char Dham. Marvel at the stunning architecture and learn about the temple's rich history and traditions.
   Afternoon: Explore the nearby Mana Village, the last village of India on the Indo-Tibetan border. Visit the ancient Vyas Gufa, the cave where the great sage Veda Vyasa composed the Mahabharata, and the spectacular Vasudhara waterfall.
   Evening: Experience a captivating aarti ceremony at the Badrinath Temple, a Hindu religious ritual of worship where oil lamps are lit and songs are sung in praise of Lord Vishnu.
4. Day 4: Valley of Flowers
   1 hour 12 minutes (8.4 miles) from Badrinath Temple
   Morning: Embark on an easy trek to the enchanting Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its vibrant meadows of alpine flowers. Take in the stunning views and enjoy a picnic lunch amid the scenic beauty.
   Afternoon: Visit Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh gurudwara located at the banks of a pristine lake and surrounded by seven majestic peaks. Learn about the gurudwara's history and significance and enjoy a langar, a community kitchen where free vegetarian food is served to all visitors.
   Evening: Watch the sunset and enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley before returning back to the hotel.

Recommendations

Don't miss the opportunity to experience the thrilling helicopter ride to Kedarnath and Badrinath. You can also enjoy adventure activities like river rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding in Rishikesh, which is just a few hours away from Badrinath. You can also opt for a day trip to Auli, a scenic hill station renowned for its skiing and trekking opportunities.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (5 hours, Rs. 500 per person)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (7 hours, free)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (2 hours, free)
• Badrinath Temple (3 hours, free)
• Mana Village (4 hours, free)
• Valley of Flowers Trek (6 hours, Rs. 150 per person)
• Hemkund Sahib (4 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 650 per person