Start your adventure in the spiritual city of Haridwar, known for its sacred Ganges River. In the morning, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, where priests perform a ritualistic worship ceremony. Afternoon calls for a thrilling rafting experience in the Ganges River. In the evening, explore the bustling markets and try local street food.
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri: Free, 1 hour
River Rafting: INR 1,500 per person, 3 hours
Exploring Markets: Varies, 2 hours
Restaurants
A perfect spot for breakfast is Chotiwala Restaurant, serving delicious vegetarian dishes. Grab a plate of their famous aloo puri, and the average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant known for its Punjabi cuisine. Try their flavorful dal makhani with butter naan, and the average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Mathura Walo Ki Pracheen Dukan, a popular restaurant offering authentic North Indian dishes. Indulge in their mouthwatering paneer tikka masala, and the average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Friday, October 6: Soanprag
Embark on a scenic drive to Soanprag, a picturesque village nestled in the Himalayas. Spend the morning hiking to the stunning Soanprag Waterfall and immerse yourself in nature. In the afternoon, visit the ancient Shiva temple and witness panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As the evening sets in, enjoy a bonfire and stargazing session.
Soanprag Waterfall Hike: Free, 2 hours
Shiva Temple Visit: Free, 1 hour
Bonfire and Stargazing: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
Restaurants
Café Himalaya: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at this cozy café with stunning views of the Himalayas. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Mountain Bistro: Refuel with a delicious lunch at this rustic bistro offering a variety of local and international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Summit Grill: Indulge in a gourmet dinner at this upscale restaurant known for its panoramic mountain views and exquisite cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Saturday, October 7: Gaurikund and Kedarnath
Travel to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Begin the morning with a challenging trek through scenic landscapes to reach Kedarnath. Afternoon is dedicated to exploring the ancient temple and taking in the breathtaking views. Stay overnight in Kedarnath.
Trek to Kedarnath: Free, 6 hours
Exploring Kedarnath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Overnight Stay in Kedarnath: INR 1,000 per night
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot near Gaurikund and Kedarnath is The Mountain Cafe, known for its freshly baked pastries and hot beverages. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a delicious lunch, head to The Himalayan Bistro, which offers a variety of regional and international cuisines. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a satisfying dinner, try The Snowpeak Restaurant, offering a range of local delicacies and stunning views of the Himalayas. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Badrinath
Head towards Badrinath, a revered pilgrimage site located in the Garhwal Himalayas. In the morning, visit the famous Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Afternoon can be spent exploring Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-Tibetan border. Witness the scenic vistas and immerse in the local culture. Overnight stay in Badrinath.
Badrinath Temple Visit: Free, 1 hour
Exploring Mana Village: Free, 2 hours
Overnight Stay in Badrinath: INR 1,500 per night
Restaurants
BROTHERS Cafe: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at BROTHERS Cafe, located in the heart of Badrinath. They serve a variety of breakfast options including pancakes, omelettes, and freshly baked goods. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Mana Rooftop Restaurant: For lunch with a view, head to Mana Rooftop Restaurant. Situated in Mana Village, this restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas while serving delicious local cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Char Dham Restaurant: Indulge in a satisfying dinner at Char Dham Restaurant. Known for its authentic Indian dishes, this restaurant offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Rishikesh
Travel to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world and a hub for adventure activities. In the morning, indulge in thrilling water sports like river rafting or kayaking in the Ganges River. Afternoon calls for a visit to the iconic Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles once meditated. As the evening sets in, witness the enchanting Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Water Sports: INR 1,000 per person, 3 hours
Beatles Ashram Visit: INR 150 per person, 2 hours
Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Rishikesh is Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious Indian breakfast dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For a fulfilling lunch, head to The Sitting Elephant, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, try The Little Buddha Cafe, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Ganges River. They serve a mix of Indian, Tibetan, and Continental cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 700 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Rishikesh (Day Trip to Shivpuri)
Embark on a day trip to Shivpuri, a small town near Rishikesh famous for its adventure activities. Morning starts with a thrilling trek to the Neer Garh Waterfall and a refreshing dip in its crystal-clear waters. Afternoon is dedicated to experiencing the adrenaline rush of cliff jumping and rappelling. Return to Rishikesh in the evening.
Trek to Neer Garh Waterfall: INR 500 per person, 3 hours
Cliff Jumping and Rappelling: INR 1,000 per person, 3 hours
Return to Rishikesh: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Chotiwala, a popular restaurant in Rishikesh known for its wide range of Indian and continental dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Sitting Elephant, a cozy restaurant offering a variety of cuisines including Asian and European. Don't miss their mouthwatering Pad Thai noodles. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
End your adventurous day with a satisfying dinner at The 60's Cafe, a retro-themed restaurant serving delicious Italian and Mexican delicacies. Try their wood-fired pizzas and signature margaritas. Average cost for a meal is about 600 INR per person.
Wednesday, October 11: Rishikesh
On your last day, embrace the spiritual and serene side of Rishikesh. Start the morning with a yoga and meditation session by the banks of the Ganges River. Afternoon can be dedicated to exploring the ashrams and temples in Rishikesh, providing a glimpse into its rich spiritual heritage. End the day with a sunset boat ride on the Ganges River.
Yoga and Meditation Session: INR 500 per person, 2 hours
Exploring Ashrams and Temples: Free, 2 hours
Sunset Boat Ride: INR 300 per person, 1 hour
Restaurants
The Breakfast Club: Enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast buffet at The Breakfast Club, located near the Ganges River. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Yogi's Lunchbox: Indulge in a delicious vegetarian lunch at Yogi's Lunchbox, known for its fresh and organic ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $8 per person.
The Mystic Garden: Experience a fusion of Indian and international cuisine at The Mystic Garden, a charming restaurant with scenic views of the river. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure enthusiasts seeking off the beaten path experiences, consider exploring the nearby Chopta region. Chopta offers breathtaking trekking trails, with the highlight being the trek to Tungnath, the highest Shiva temple in the world. The serene Deoria Tal lake is another hidden gem, offering tranquil surroundings and stunning reflections of the Himalayan peaks.
Local favorites in Rishikesh include exploring the lesser-known beaches like Kaudiyala and Byasi, perfect for river-side picnics and relaxation. Additionally, attending a traditional Ayurvedic massage and rejuvenation session can be a blissful experience, leaving you refreshed and revitalized.