Start your adventure by exploring the holy cities of Rishikesh and Haridwar, located at the foothills of the Himalayas near the river Ganges. Begin your day with an early morning dip in the sacred Ganges river and participate in the daily Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri Ghat in Haridwar. Then, head to Rishikesh, the ‘Yoga Capital of the World,’ and enjoy a refreshing breakfast overlooking the river at one of the cafes on the Laxman Jhula suspension bridge. Visit the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band stayed in the 1960s to learn transcendental meditation. End your day with an adrenaline rush by trying bungee jumping or river rafting offered by local adventure operators.
Start your day with a scenic drive to Gaurikund from where the 16 km trek to Kedarnath begins. The Kedarnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters amidst snow-capped mountains and glaciers. The trek can take around 7-8 hours depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions. You can choose to hire a porter, mule, or helicopter ride for an easier ascent. On arrival, explore the beautiful temple complex, and take in the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Spend the night in one of the dharamshalas or campsites and enjoy a bonfire with fellow trekkers.
If you have more time, consider visiting Yamunotri and Gangotri, two of the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand. You can also indulge in local cuisines like aloo puri, kachori, and jalebi. For those with less time, you can opt for a helicopter ride to Kedarnath instead of trekking. Also, make sure to pack warm clothes and comfortable shoes as the region can get very cold, especially at night.