A Week in the Lap of Nature: Kedarnath and Badrinath Itinerary

Sunday, August 20: Arrival in Dehradun

Start your journey by arriving in Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand. Spend the morning exploring Robber's Cave, a natural limestone cave known for its picturesque beauty and a stream that flows through it. In the afternoon, visit the Mindrolling Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along the iconic Rajpur Road, lined with shops and eateries.

• Robber's Cave: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Mindrolling Monastery: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1.5 hours
• Rajpur Road: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours

Monday, August 21: Journey to Kedarnath

Embark on an adventurous journey to Kedarnath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Start in the morning and reach Sonprayag, the base camp for Kedarnath, by afternoon. In the evening, take a holy dip in the Mandakini River and visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are said to have tied the knot.

• Sonprayag: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Mandakini River: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Triyuginarayan Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1.5 hours

Tuesday, August 22: Kedarnath Trek

Embark on a memorable trek to Kedarnath, a spiritual experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty. Start early in the morning and reach the Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters, by afternoon. Spend the evening exploring the temple premises and witnessing the evening aarti.

• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 4-5 hours

Wednesday, August 23: Return to Sonprayag

Begin your descent from Kedarnath to Sonprayag. Enjoy the scenic views and serenity of the mountains as you make your way back. In the evening, relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot water springs of Gaurikund, known for their healing properties.

• Gaurikund Hot Springs: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Thursday, August 24: Journey to Badrinath

Continue your pilgrimage journey by proceeding to Badrinath. Reach Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath, by afternoon. In the evening, visit the Narsingh Temple and witness the evening aarti at the Badrinath Temple.

• Joshimath: Estimated cost - Varies, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Narsingh Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Friday, August 25: Exploring Badrinath

Spend the day exploring the sacred town of Badrinath. Visit Mana Village, the last village on the Indian side before the Mana Pass. Explore the Vasudhara Falls, a magnificent waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. In the evening, take a dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot water spring believed to have medicinal properties.

• Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Vasudhara Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 3-4 hours
• Tapt Kund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Saturday, August 26: Return to Dehradun

Start your journey back to Dehradun, cherishing the memories of the spiritual and nature-filled experience. Reach Dehradun by afternoon and spend the evening exploring the picturesque Robber's Cave once again or visit the beautiful Tapkeshwar Temple.

• Robber's Cave: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Tapkeshwar Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For nature lovers seeking off the beaten path experiences, Panch Kedar trek is a hidden gem. This trek takes you to five different temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each nestled amidst stunning landscapes. Another local favorite is Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its vibrant alpine flowers and scenic beauty.

Plan your trip with ease by checking hotel and flight prices on KAYAK.