7-Day Itinerary to Kedarnath - August 5, 2023

Saturday, August 5: Arrive in Dehradun

Start your journey to Kedarnath by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. In the morning, explore the lush greenery of Rajaji National Park and enjoy a peaceful nature walk. In the afternoon, visit Robber's Cave, a scenic spot known for its natural caves and waterfalls. As the evening approaches, take a stroll along the iconic Clock Tower and experience the lively atmosphere of the local market.

• Rajaji National Park: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Robber's Cave: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Clock Tower: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Sunday, August 6: Guptkashi and Sonprayag

Start your day by driving to Guptkashi, a picturesque town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. In the morning, visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and seek blessings. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Sonprayag, a scenic spot known for its confluence of rivers. Enjoy the serene beauty and take a dip in the holy waters. As the evening sets in, explore the local market and indulge in delicious local cuisines.

• Vishwanath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Sonprayag: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, August 7: Gaurikund and Kedarnath

Begin your day by driving to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. In the morning, embark on a thrilling trek through the scenic mountains, passing by picturesque waterfalls and mesmerizing landscapes. Reach Kedarnath by afternoon and visit the ancient Kedarnath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend the evening exploring the spiritual aura of the temple premises.

• Trek to Kedarnath: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 5-6 hours
• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot near Gaurikund is Gaurikund Restaurant, offering a variety of breakfast options such as parathas and omelettes. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 150 per person.
• For lunch, head to Shivalik Restaurant in Kedarnath, known for its delicious North Indian thali meals. This restaurant also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 250 per person.
• In the evening, dine at Trishul Restaurant, which offers a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes. Located in the heart of Kedarnath, this restaurant provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The average cost for a meal here is about Rs. 300 per person.

Tuesday, August 8: Kedarnath

Devote this day to further explore the enchanting town of Kedarnath. In the morning, take a dip in the holy Mandakini River and experience the spiritual cleansing. Afterward, hike to Vasuki Tal, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Spend the evening in tranquility, witnessing the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony at the Kedarnath Temple.

• Mandakini River: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Vasuki Tal: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Kedarnath Temple Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its vegetarian dishes and traditional Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Himalaya Darshan Restaurant and enjoy a variety of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• Indulge in a scrumptious dinner at Madhuban Restaurant, offering a range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Wednesday, August 9: Return to Sonprayag

After a spiritually fulfilling experience, begin your journey back to Sonprayag. In the morning, trek downhill to Gaurikund and enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. Reach Sonprayag by afternoon and relax by the riverside. In the evening, immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance and savor the local delicacies.

• Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Sonprayag: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, August 10: Rudraprayag and Guptkashi

Embark on a scenic drive to Rudraprayag, a holy town situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. In the morning, visit the famous Koteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and seek blessings. Afterward, proceed to Guptkashi and explore the ancient Ardhanarishvara Temple, a unique half-male and half-female deity shrine. Spend the evening relaxing in the serene surroundings.

• Koteshwar Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Ardhanarishvara Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, August 11: Return to Dehradun

Conclude your journey by driving back to Dehradun. In the morning, visit the famous Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist centers in India, and witness its magnificent architecture. In the afternoon, explore the picturesque Robber's Cave once again or visit the serene Sahastradhara waterfalls. As the evening approaches, indulge in some last-minute souvenir shopping at Paltan Bazaar.

• Mindrolling Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Robber's Cave or Sahastradhara Waterfalls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Paltan Bazaar: Estimated cost - Variable, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kedarnath, don't miss the opportunity to visit the picturesque Triyuginarayan village, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married according to Hindu mythology. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a tranquil ambiance. Additionally, Nag Tibba, a nearby trekking destination, is a hidden gem loved by locals for its panoramic vistas and biodiversity.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices on KAYAK.