Exploring Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Rishikesh - 7-Day Itinerary

1. Tuesday, August 1: Kedarnath
   6 hours (156 miles) from Rishikesh

   Morning: Begin your spiritual journey by visiting the Kedarnath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Enjoy the serene ambiance and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

   • Kedarnath Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
2. Wednesday, August 2: Badrinath
   7 hours (173 miles) from Kedarnath

   Morning: Explore the sacred town of Badrinath and pay homage at the Badrinath Temple. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund to cleanse your sins.

   • Badrinath Temple: Free entry, 2-3 hours
3. Thursday, August 3: Rishikesh
   9 hours (220 miles) from Badrinath

   Morning: Immerse yourself in the spirituality of Rishikesh. Visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula, and experience the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in the evening.

   • Lakshman Jhula: Free entry, 1-2 hours
   • Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Free entry, 1 hour
4. Friday, August 4: Rishikesh
   Explore local attractions in Rishikesh.

   Morning: Begin with a visit to the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once stayed. Later, indulge in a rejuvenating yoga or meditation session.

   • Beatles Ashram: INR 150 (~$2) entry fee, 2-3 hours
   • Yoga/Meditation Session: INR 500-1000 (~$7-14), 1-2 hours
5. Saturday, August 5: Rishikesh
   Embark on an adventurous day in Rishikesh.

   Morning: Head to Shivpuri, a popular spot for river rafting. Experience the thrill of navigating the rapids of the Ganges River. Afternoon: Visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and enjoy panoramic views from its scenic location.

   • River Rafting in Shivpuri: INR 1,500-2,500 (~$21-35), 3-4 hours
   • Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Free entry, 1-2 hours
6. Sunday, August 6: Rishikesh
   Explore more of Rishikesh.

   Morning: Visit the Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a spiritual retreat and attend the Ganga Aarti in the evening. Afternoon: Explore the markets for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

   • Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Free entry, 2-3 hours
   • Shopping for Handicrafts: Varies, 2-3 hours
7. Monday, August 7: Departure
   8 hours (223 miles) from Rishikesh to nearest airport.

   Morning: Depart from Rishikesh with fond memories of your spiritual journey through Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Rishikesh.

   • Travel to Nearest Airport: Travel time and cost to be determined based on airport location

Recommendations

If you have extra days, consider exploring Haridwar, another spiritual city near Rishikesh. You can also plan a day trip to the beautiful Valley of Flowers National Park from Badrinath. To make the most of your trip and save money, book your accommodations and flights in advance. Check here for the best deals on hotels and flights.