7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: Kedarnath and Badrinath
Monday, November 13 - Day 1: Arrive in Kedarnath
Start your journey by arriving in Kedarnath, a sacred town nestled in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, and seek blessings in this serene and picturesque setting. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Mandakini River and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. As the evening arrives, witness the mesmerizing Aarti ceremony at the temple.
Kedarnath Temple: Free, Approx. 2 hours
Mandakini River Walk: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Aarti Ceremony: Free, Approx. 1 hour
Tuesday, November 14 - Day 2: Journey to Badrinath
Embark on a scenic drive from Kedarnath to Badrinath, another important pilgrimage site. In the morning, enjoy the picturesque landscapes and stop at Harshil Valley for a delightful picnic amidst nature. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Badrinath and visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As the evening sets in, take a peaceful walk along the Alaknanda River and absorb the tranquil surroundings.
Harshil Valley: Free, Approx. 2-3 hours
Badrinath Temple: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Alaknanda River Walk: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Cafe Nirvana which offers a variety of options including Indian, continental, and Chinese dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Tadka Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. They offer a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Indulge in a flavorful dinner at Punjabi Dhaba, a popular restaurant serving Punjabi and North Indian delicacies. The cozy ambience and lip-smacking dishes will surely leave you satisfied. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Wednesday, November 15 - Day 3: Explore Badrinath
Delve deeper into the spiritual and natural beauty of Badrinath. In the morning, visit Mana Village, the last village on the Indian side, and witness the majestic Vasudhara Falls. In the afternoon, explore the nearby Tapt Kund hot springs for a soothing dip. As the evening approaches, enjoy a peaceful meditation session at Charan Paduka, a rock formation with mythological significance.
Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls: Free, Approx. 3-4 hours
Tapt Kund: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Charan Paduka: Free, Approx. 1 hour
Thursday, November 16 - Day 4: Day Trip to Valley of Flowers
Embark on a breathtaking day trip to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, trek through the vibrant alpine meadows filled with colorful flowers and diverse wildlife. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst nature's beauty. In the afternoon, visit Hemkund Sahib, a revered Sikh pilgrimage site nestled near a glacial lake. Return to Badrinath in the evening.
Valley of Flowers: Entry Fee - Approx. $6 per person, Approx. 6-7 hours
Hemkund Sahib: Free, Approx. 3-4 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Cafe Bliss is a cozy cafe that offers a variety of breakfast options such as freshly baked pastries, eggs benedict, and smoothie bowls. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
Lunch: Mountain View Restaurant is a charming eatery with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. They serve a range of dishes including local delicacies like thukpa and momos. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
Dinner: The Orchard is a fine dining restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delicious cuisine. Their menu features a fusion of Indian and continental dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Friday, November 17 - Day 5: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
Leave Badrinath and start your journey towards Rudraprayag. In the morning, stop at the scenic Vyas Gufa, a cave where the sage Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata. Continue your drive and enjoy the breathtaking views of the river confluence at Rudraprayag. In the afternoon, visit the Koteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and seek blessings. Spend the evening relaxing by the river.
Vyas Gufa: Free, Approx. 1 hour
River Confluence at Rudraprayag: Free, Approx. 1 hour
Koteshwar Temple: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Hotel Mandakini, a popular local eatery known for its delicious aloo parathas and refreshing chai. A breakfast here will cost you around 150 INR per person.
If you're looking for a place to have lunch, try Bheem's Cafe, a quaint restaurant situated by the river. They offer a variety of Indian and continental dishes, and a meal here will cost you approximately 300 INR per person.
In the evening, treat yourself to a dinner at Disha Restaurant. This family-friendly restaurant serves mouthwatering North Indian and Chinese cuisine. The average cost for a meal here is around 500 INR per person.
Saturday, November 18 - Day 6: Rudraprayag to Devprayag
Continue your journey from Rudraprayag to Devprayag, the sacred confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers. In the morning, visit the ancient Raghunath Temple and experience the spiritual aura of the town. Enjoy a scenic drive along the river and stop for a picnic at a picturesque spot. In the afternoon, explore the suspension bridge and witness the confluence of the two rivers. Spend the evening strolling through the local market.
Raghunath Temple: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Picnic by the River: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Confluence at Devprayag: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Dev Restaurant, known for its wide variety of vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 rupees per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Raheja Bhojanalay, a popular restaurant offering authentic North Indian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 rupees per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Madras Cafe, known for its flavorful South Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 rupees per person.
Sunday, November 19 - Day 7: Return to Haridwar
Conclude your journey by returning to Haridwar. In the morning, visit the Har Ki Pauri ghat and take part in the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. Explore the vibrant streets of Haridwar and indulge in some local street food for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Chandi Devi Temple via the cable car for panoramic views of the city. Spend the evening shopping for souvenirs in the local markets.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, Approx. 1-2 hours
Street Food: Cost varies, Approx. 1 hour
Chandi Devi Temple: Cable car fee - Approx. $6 per person, Approx. 2-3 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Haridwar is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious and hearty Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, a local eatery that serves authentic North Indian cuisine. You can enjoy a filling lunch here for an average cost of ₹300 per person.
For dinner, visit The Big Ben, a multi-cuisine restaurant that offers a wide range of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. The average cost for a meal at The Big Ben is around ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kedarnath and Badrinath, don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Rudranath Temple, one of the Panch Kedar, located amidst lush green meadows. For a family-friendly adventure, head to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot various Himalayan wildlife species in their natural habitat. Additionally, consider visiting the nearby hot springs for a relaxing and therapeutic experience.