5-Day Adventure Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   10 minutes (3 km) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Start your day early with a visit to the famous Kedarnath Temple. Morning prayers start at 4:45 AM and offer a serene and spiritual experience. The temple is located amidst the mountains and offers a breathtaking view. Afternoon is the perfect time to trek to Vasuki Tal, a serene high altitude lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks. End your day with a visit to the Gandhi Sarovar, where you can witness the stunning glacier.

2. Day 2: Gaurikund
   1 hour 15 minutes (35 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Begin the day with a thrilling trek to Kedartal, a high altitude lake at the foot of Thalay Sagar. This trek is not for the faint-hearted and should only be attempted by experienced trekkers. In the afternoon, visit Gaurikund, a beautiful town famous for its hot water springs. Take a dip in the hot water and relax after a tiring trek. The evening can be spent exploring the local markets and trying the delicious street food.

3. Day 3: Chorabari Tal
   1 hour 30 minutes (45 km) from Gaurikund

   Start the day with a trek to Chorabari Tal, a stunning high altitude lake surrounded by majestic mountains. This trek is of moderate difficulty and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and explore its diverse flora and fauna. End the day with a visit to the Triyuginarayan Temple, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.

4. Day 4: Rudraprayag
   2 hours (75 km) from Chorabari Tal

   Start the day with a visit to the Mandakini Temple, a beautiful temple dedicated to Goddess Mandakini. After the temple visit, head to Deoria Tal, a serene high altitude lake with crystal clear water. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere. In the evening, reach Rudraprayag and take a dip in the confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. The view of the confluence is breathtaking and is a must-see.

5. Day 5: Rishikesh
   5 hours (160 km) from Rudraprayag

   Start the day early and reach Rishikesh, the spiritual capital of India. Visit the famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, both suspension bridges over the River Ganges. Take a dip in the holy river and witness the Ganga Aarti in the evening. The aarti is a beautiful ceremony where lamps are lit and floated in the river. End the day with a visit to the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band practiced meditation in the late 60s.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting Badrinath, another famous pilgrimage site located 3 hours (92 km) from Rudraprayag. Also, don't miss the opportunity to try the local Garhwali cuisine, which is delicious and unique.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal (6-7 hours, trek cost: INR 2,500)
• Gaurikund Hot Springs (2 hours, free)
• Kedartal Trek (8-9 hours, trek cost: INR 3,000)
• Chorabari Tal Trek (6-7 hours, trek cost: INR 2,500)
• Deoria Tal (3-4 hours, trek cost: INR 1,500)
• Mandakini Temple (1 hour, free)
• Confluence of Mandakini and Alaknanda Rivers (1 hour, free)
• Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula (2 hours, free)
• Beatles Ashram (1 hour, INR 150 entrance fee)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 9,150

Check hotel and flight prices for your trip here.