A 7-Day Adventure Tour to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Tungnath

Saturday, September 23: Kedarnath

Embark on your adventure by heading to Kedarnath, a town in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. In the morning, start your trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Afternoon is the perfect time to explore the surrounding natural beauty and witness the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing evening aarti (ritual) at the temple, followed by a peaceful overnight stay in a nearby guesthouse.

• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Full day
• Trekking in Kedarnath: Estimated cost - Depends on the tour package, Time spent - Half day
• Evening Aarti: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chottu Chai Stall, located near the Kedarnath Temple. This small eatery offers a variety of delicious Indian snacks and refreshing hot chai. The average cost for a meal is about 100 INR per person.
• For lunch, head to Baba Sweets and Restaurant, a popular vegetarian restaurant known for its delectable North Indian cuisine. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes such as paneer tikka, butter naan, and dal makhani. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at Govind Restaurant, a cozy eatery serving authentic Garhwali cuisine. Try local delicacies like Kumaoni raita, bhatt ki churdkani, and mandua ki roti. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, September 24: Badrinath

On the second day, make your way to Badrinath, another significant pilgrimage site in Uttarakhand. In the morning, visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and seek blessings. Afterward, explore the Mana Village, the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border, and marvel at its stunning natural landscapes. In the evening, take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs to rejuvenate yourself. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Badrinath.

• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Half day
• Tapt Kund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot near Badrinath is Shubham Restaurant, which serves delicious south Indian and North Indian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 150 INR per person.
• If you're looking for a place to have lunch, head to Kamal Restaurant, known for its wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about 300 INR per person.
• For a delicious dinner, visit Bhojnalya Restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional Indian thalis with a range of authentic flavors. The average cost for a meal here is about 250 INR per person.

Monday, September 25: Tungnath

Continue your adventure by heading to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. In the morning, start your trek from Chopta to Tungnath, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas along the way. Reach the temple and soak in the divine atmosphere. Afterward, trek further to Chandrashila Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse in Chopta.

• Trekking to Tungnath: Estimated cost - Depends on the tour package, Time spent - Full day
• Tungnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Chandrashila Peak: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours

Tuesday, September 26: Chopta

Take a day to relax and explore the scenic beauty of Chopta. In the morning, go for a peaceful nature walk amidst the lush green meadows and dense forests. Afternoon is the perfect time for bird-watching, as Chopta is home to various species of colorful Himalayan birds. In the evening, witness a magical sunset from the picturesque Tungnath viewpoint. Spend the night in Chopta.

• Nature Walk in Chopta: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Bird-Watching: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
• Tungnath Viewpoint: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Wednesday, September 27: Auli

Head to Auli, a popular skiing destination in Uttarakhand. In the morning, take a thrilling cable car ride to Auli from Joshimath and indulge in adventurous skiing activities on the snow-covered slopes. In the afternoon, visit the Auli Artificial Lake, a picturesque spot offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. As the evening approaches, enjoy a serene walk amidst the coniferous forests. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Auli.

• Cable Car Ride to Auli: Estimated cost - Depends on the package, Time spent - Half day
• Skiing in Auli: Estimated cost - Depends on the package, Time spent - Half day
• Auli Artificial Lake: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Thursday, September 28: Joshimath

Explore the town of Joshimath, known for its religious and natural significance. In the morning, visit the Narsingh Temple, dedicated to Lord Narasimha. Afterward, take a scenic drive to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its vibrant floral display. Spend the afternoon exploring the enchanting meadows and blooming flowers. In the evening, return to Joshimath and relax in your hotel.

• Narsingh Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• Valley of Flowers National Park: Estimated cost - Entry fee, Time spent - Half day
• Relaxation in Joshimath: Estimated cost - Depends on accommodation, Time spent - Evening

Friday, September 29: Rishikesh

Conclude your adventure tour by visiting Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. In the morning, explore the spiritual charm of the city by visiting the iconic Triveni Ghat, where the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers meet. Afterward, experience the thrill of river rafting in the Ganges. In the evening, attend the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram. Spend the night in a riverside hotel in Rishikesh.

• Triveni Ghat: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour
• River Rafting: Estimated cost - Depends on the package, Time spent - Half day
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path attractions, consider visiting Chopta-Kanchula Kedar Trek, which offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience. Another hidden gem is the Vasuki Tal trek near Kedarnath, known for its stunning alpine lake and picturesque landscapes. Locals also recommend exploring the lesser-known villages in the area, such as Kalimath and Urgam Valley, to experience the authentic culture and hospitality of Uttarakhand.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.