7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kedarnath

Monday August 21: Arriving in Kedarnath

Start your trip by arriving in Kedarnath and checking into your hotel. Take some time to relax and acclimatize to the high altitude. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of Mandakini River.

• Kedarnath Temple: No entry fee, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Tuesday August 22: Chopta and Tungnath Trek

Embark on a day trip to Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." Start the morning with a scenic drive through the mountains, reaching Chopta. From there, begin the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. In the evening, return to Kedarnath for a relaxing evening at your hotel.

• Trek to Tungnath: No entry fee, Estimated time: 6-8 hours

Wednesday August 23: Vasuki Tal Lake

Experience the natural beauty of Vasuki Tal Lake today. Start early in the morning and trek to this serene high-altitude lake known for its clear blue waters. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and take in the stunning surroundings. Return to Kedarnath in the evening and spend some time exploring the local markets.

• Trek to Vasuki Tal Lake: No entry fee, Estimated time: 6-8 hours

Thursday August 24: Helicopter Ride and Rudra Cave

Take a thrilling helicopter ride to get a bird's eye view of the majestic Himalayan peaks surrounding Kedarnath. After the helicopter ride, visit Rudra Cave, a sacred cave believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Explore the cave and soak in the spiritual ambiance. In the evening, you can relax and enjoy the facilities at your hotel.

• Helicopter Ride: Cost varies, Estimated time: 30 minutes
• Rudra Cave: No entry fee, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Friday August 25: Gaurikund and Sonprayag

Embark on a day trip to Gaurikund and Sonprayag, the starting points for the trek to Kedarnath Temple. Explore Gaurikund, which is believed to be the place where Goddess Parvati meditated to win Lord Shiva's heart. Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and take a dip in the hot water springs. In the evening, visit Sonprayag, a scenic spot where the rivers Mandakini and Basuki merge.

• Gaurikund: No entry fee, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Sonprayag: No entry fee, Estimated time: 1-2 hours

Saturday August 26: Guptkashi and Chorabari Tal

Visit Guptkashi, a small town known for its ancient temples and religious significance. Explore the temples and immerse yourself in the local culture. In the afternoon, head to Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake and the stunning mountain views. Return to Kedarnath in the evening.

• Guptkashi: No entry fee, Estimated time: 2-3 hours
• Chorabari Tal: No entry fee, Estimated time: 3-4 hours

Restaurants

• Mukku Dhaba: A popular local dhaba serving authentic North Indian breakfast dishes such as parathas and chai. Average cost for a meal is about ₹100 per person.
• Usha Restaurant: A cozy eatery offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian lunch options including thalis and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
• Madhuban: A multi-cuisine restaurant known for its delicious Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan dinner specialties. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.

Sunday August 27: Departure

Say goodbye to Kedarnath as you check out of your hotel and depart for your next destination. Take with you the memories of the scenic beauty, spiritual experiences, and the warmth of the local culture. Safe travels!

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Kedarnath, consider visiting the nearby Madhyamaheshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which offers a serene and less crowded alternative to the Kedarnath Temple. Another off the beaten path attraction is the Chopta Bugyal, a meadow known for its beautiful flowers and breathtaking views. Locals also recommend trying the local Garhwali cuisine, especially dishes like Kumaoni Raita and Aloo Gutuk, for an authentic culinary experience.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.