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Exploring Kedarnath and Badrinath: A 7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary

Monday, October 2: Arrive in Haridwar

Start your journey by arriving in Haridwar, a holy city in Uttarakhand. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges, and witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets of Haridwar and savor local street food. As the evening approaches, take a peaceful stroll along the riverbank and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

  • Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2 hours
  • Local Market: Variable, 2 hours
  • Riverbank Walk: Free, 1 hour
Tuesday, October 3: Rudraprayag and Guptkashi

Embark on a scenic drive to Rudraprayag, a picturesque town situated at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. In the morning, visit the Rudraprayag Temple and seek blessings. Afterward, head to Guptkashi and visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the town, enjoying the mountain views.

  • Rudraprayag Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Vishwanath Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Town Exploration: Free, 1 hour
Wednesday, October 4: Kedarnath

Today, embark on a spiritual journey to Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. In the morning, trek or take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the day exploring the temple premises and admiring the majestic Himalayan vistas. In the evening, attend the evening aarti ceremony and experience the divine atmosphere.

  • Kedarnath Temple: Free, 4 hours
  • Himalayan Trek/Helicopter Ride: Variable, 2-3 hours
  • Evening Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Thursday, October 5: Guptkashi and Joshimath

After returning from Kedarnath, proceed to Joshimath, a scenic town nestled amidst the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Narsingh Temple and seek blessings. Then, take a cable car ride to Auli, a popular ski destination, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. In the evening, wander around Joshimath, visiting local markets and savoring regional delicacies.

  • Narsingh Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Auli Cable Car Ride: INR 750 per person, 2 hours
  • Market Exploration: Variable, 2 hours
Friday, October 6: Badrinath

Explore the sacred town of Badrinath, home to the famous Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the morning, visit the temple and admire its intricate architecture. Afterward, take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs for a rejuvenating experience. Spend the afternoon exploring Mana Village, the last inhabited village before the Indo-Tibetan border. In the evening, witness the evening aarti ceremony at Badrinath Temple.

  • Badrinath Temple: Free, 3 hours
  • Tapt Kund: Free, 1 hour
  • Mana Village: Free, 2 hours
Saturday, October 7: Devprayag and Rishikesh

On your way back, visit Devprayag, the holy confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. In the morning, visit the Raghunath Temple and enjoy the serene beauty of the confluence. Afterward, continue to Rishikesh, a spiritual town renowned for its ashrams and yoga centers. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges, and explore the ashrams. As the evening sets in, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan.

  • Raghunath Temple: Free, 1 hour
  • Lakshman Jhula: Free, 1 hour
  • Ashram Exploration: Variable, 2 hours
  • Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Free, 1 hour
Sunday, October 8: Haridwar and Departure

Conclude your trip with a visit to Haridwar before departing. In the morning, take a dip in the holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri and seek blessings. Spend the day exploring the temples and ashrams in Haridwar, soaking in the spiritual vibes. In the afternoon, indulge in some last-minute shopping for souvenirs. Bid farewell to the enchanting land of Uttarakhand and depart for your onward journey.

  • Ganges Dip at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1 hour
  • Temple and Ashram Exploration: Variable, 3 hours
  • Shopping: Variable, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For an off-the-beaten-path experience, consider visiting the tranquil town of Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand." Surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, it offers breathtaking hiking trails and camping opportunities perfect for a family adventure. Another hidden gem is Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can witness a vibrant display of alpine flowers and enjoy scenic treks in the Himalayas.

Check out KAYAK for hotel and flight options to plan your trip according to your preferences and budget.

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