7-Day Itinerary: Haridwar, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Tungnath

Thursday, August 31, 2023: Arrival in Haridwar

Welcome to Haridwar, a sacred city in Uttarakhand. Start your day by visiting Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat on the banks of the holy Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Explore the vibrant markets of Haridwar and indulge in delicious street food.

• Har Ki Pauri: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour
• Explore Haridwar markets: Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours

Friday, September 1, 2023: Journey to Kedarnath

Embark on a thrilling helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath. Explore the ancient Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Himalayas and take a dip in the Mandakini River. Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse in Kedarnath.

• Kedarnath Temple: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 3-4 hours
• Helicopter ride from Phata to Kedarnath: Cost: INR 7,000-9,000 ($95-120), Time Spent: 1 hour
• Guesthouse accommodation in Kedarnath: Cost: INR 1,000-2,000 ($14-27), Time Spent: Overnight

Saturday, September 2, 2023: Explore Rishikesh

Travel to the spiritual town of Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Start your day with a relaxing yoga session. Visit the famous Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges. Explore the ashrams and spiritual centers, and witness the evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.

• Yoga session: Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
• Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Visit ashrams and spiritual centers: Cost: Free or donation-based, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1 hour

Sunday, September 3, 2023: Trek to Tungnath

Embark on a scenic trek from Chopta to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas along the way. After visiting Tungnath, continue trekking to Chandrashila Peak for panoramic vistas. Stay overnight in a guesthouse in Chopta.

• Trek from Chopta to Tungnath: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 5-6 hours
• Trek from Tungnath to Chandrashila Peak: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Guesthouse accommodation in Chopta: Cost: INR 1,000-2,000 ($14-27), Time Spent: Overnight

Monday, September 4, 2023: Return to Rishikesh

Travel back to Rishikesh and spend the day exploring the city further. Visit the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once stayed. Experience adrenaline-pumping activities like river rafting in the Ganges. Enjoy a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or attend a meditation session.

• Visit Beatles Ashram: Cost: INR 150 ($2), Time Spent: 1-2 hours
• River rafting in the Ganges: Cost: INR 600-1,500 ($8-20), Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Ayurvedic massage or meditation session: Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 1-2 hours

Tuesday, September 5, 2023: Explore Rishikesh Part 2

Continue exploring Rishikesh by indulging in activities like yoga, meditation, and attending spiritual discourses. Take a dip in the holy Ganges and experience the rejuvenating effects of the river. Visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

• Yoga, meditation, and spiritual discourses: Cost: Varies, Time Spent: 2-3 hours
• Dip in the Ganges: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 1-2 hours
• Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Cost: Free, Time Spent: 2-3 hours

Wednesday, September 6, 2023: Departure from Haridwar

As your journey comes to an end, bid farewell to the spiritual land of Haridwar. Depart from Haridwar with beautiful memories and a sense of tranquility.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Rishikesh, don't miss out on visiting the Vashishta Gufa, a serene cave where the great sage Vashishta is said to have meditated. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Ganges at the lesser-known Phool Chatti Ashram. Experience the local cuisine by trying out some authentic Garhwali dishes like Bal Mithai and Kafuli.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check prices and availability on Kayak.