Kedarnath and Badrinath 7-Day Itinerary

Tuesday, September 5: Arrival in Rishikesh

Start your journey by arriving in Rishikesh, the gateway to the Himalayas. In the morning, explore the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges River. Enjoy a serene boat ride on the river in the afternoon, and witness the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

• Lakshman Jhula: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Ganges River Boat Ride: Estimated Cost - INR 300-500, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Rishikesh to Guptkashi

On this day, depart from Rishikesh and travel to Guptkashi. In the morning, visit the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi. Afterward, continue your journey to Guptkashi and spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying traditional Garhwali cuisine.

• Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Local Markets and Garhwali Cuisine: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Thursday, September 7: Guptkashi to Kedarnath

Embark on a memorable trek to Kedarnath. In the morning, start your trek from Gaurikund, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Reach Kedarnath by afternoon and visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple. Spend the evening exploring the serene surroundings and witnessing the evening aarti at the temple.

• Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath: Estimated Cost - INR 3,000-5,000 (including guide and mules), Estimated Time Spent - 6-8 hours
• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Friday, September 8: Kedarnath to Rudraprayag

After offering prayers at Kedarnath Temple in the morning, begin your descent towards Rudraprayag. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, and upon reaching Rudraprayag, visit the sacred confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Spend the evening exploring the local attractions.

• Descent from Kedarnath to Rudraprayag: Estimated Cost - INR 3,000-5,000 (including guide and mules), Estimated Time Spent - 6-8 hours
• Confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini Rivers: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Local Attractions in Rudraprayag: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Saturday, September 9: Rudraprayag to Badrinath

Head towards the revered town of Badrinath. In the morning, visit the famous Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Continue your journey to Badrinath and explore the sacred Badrinath Temple and Mana Village, the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-Tibetan border. Witness the evening aarti at Badrinath Temple.

• Tungnath Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Badrinath Temple and Mana Village: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Sunday, September 10: Badrinath to Joshimath

On this day, make your way to Joshimath. In the morning, visit the Narsingh Temple in Badrinath before departing. Upon reaching Joshimath, take a cable car ride to Auli and enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Spend the evening exploring Joshimath and its local markets.

• Narsingh Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Estimated Time Spent - 1 hour
• Cable Car Ride to Auli: Estimated Cost - INR 1,000-1,500, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Local Markets in Joshimath: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Monday, September 11: Departure from Rishikesh

Wrap up your trip by returning to Rishikesh. In the morning, visit the iconic Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed and practiced meditation. Explore the local markets and indulge in some Ayurvedic treatments. Depart from Rishikesh in the afternoon.

• Beatles Ashram: Estimated Cost - INR 150-200, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Local Markets and Ayurvedic Treatments: Estimated Cost - Varies, Estimated Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While on your journey, don't miss the opportunity to visit the lesser-known destinations like Chopta, known as the "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand," or Hemkund Sahib, a sacred Sikh shrine located at an altitude of 4,633 meters. These off the beaten path attractions offer stunning natural beauty and a unique cultural experience.

For checking hotel and flight prices, you can visit this link.