5-Day Itinerary to Kedarnath

Tuesday August 15: Arrival in Kedarnath

Start your trip by arriving in the holy town of Kedarnath. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Afternoon: Explore the beautiful surrounding landscapes and enjoy a peaceful picnic near the Mandakini River. Evening: Attend the evening aarti (prayer ceremony) at the temple, a mesmerizing experience that fills the air with spirituality.

• Kedarnath Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
• Mandakini River: Free, 1-2 hours
• Evening Aarti: Free, 1 hour

Restaurants

• Head to Das Kuzzu Dhaba for a hearty breakfast of traditional Indian dishes like parathas and masala chai. A meal here costs around 150 INR per person.
• For lunch, try the delicious vegetarian thali at Baba Ramdev Bhojnalaya. This local eatery offers a variety of dishes including dal, rice, vegetables, and roti. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at Choti Haveli Restaurant which serves a range of North Indian and Chinese dishes. Enjoy the ambiance and try their mouthwatering specialties like paneer tikka and butter chicken. A meal at Choti Haveli costs around 400 INR per person.

Wednesday August 16: Trek to Chorabari Tal

Embark on a trek to Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, which is a serene lake situated at an altitude of 3,900 meters. Morning: Start early and begin the trek from Kedarnath towards Chorabari Tal, enjoying the picturesque views of the Himalayas. Afternoon: Reach the lake and spend some time marveling at its natural beauty. Evening: Descend back to Kedarnath and relax at your hotel or guesthouse.

• Chorabari Tal Trek: Free, 7-8 hours

Thursday August 17: Visit Vasuki Tal

Explore the enchanting Vasuki Tal, a glacial lake situated at an elevation of 4,135 meters. Morning: Start your day by trekking from Kedarnath to Vasuki Tal, enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Afternoon: Reach Vasuki Tal and admire its crystal-clear waters amidst the serene surroundings. Evening: Trek back to Kedarnath and rest for the night.

• Vasuki Tal Trek: Free, 8-9 hours

Friday August 18: Explore Gaurikund and Sonprayag

Discover the nearby towns of Gaurikund and Sonprayag, both of which hold religious and mythological significance. Morning: Visit Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath, and take a dip in its hot water springs. Afternoon: Proceed to Sonprayag, located at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Evening: Return to Kedarnath and spend the evening at leisure.

• Gaurikund: Free, 2-3 hours
• Sonprayag: Free, 2-3 hours

Saturday August 19: Return Journey

Conclude your Kedarnath trip with a return journey. Morning: Bid farewell to the holy town and start your journey back to your desired destination.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While in Kedarnath, take a moment to explore the lesser-known gems of the region. Visit the Bhairavnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Bhairav, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings. You can also trek to the nearby Madmaheshwar Temple, another sacred site nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. These off the beaten path attractions offer a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.