7-Day Nature Itinerary: Haridwar, Soanprag, Gaurikund, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Mana Village, Rishikesh
Embark on a 7-day nature-filled journey through the enchanting destinations of Haridwar, Soanprag, Gaurikund, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Mana Village, and Rishikesh. This itinerary will take you through breathtaking landscapes, serene temples, and charming villages. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and experience the spirituality of these sacred places.
Thursday, October 5: Haridwar
In the morning, start your day with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Explore the bustling markets of Haridwar, offering a variety of religious artifacts and local handicrafts.
Har Ki Pauri: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Ganga Aarti: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Local Markets: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Chotiwala Restaurant, located in the heart of Haridwar. Enjoy their delicious North Indian dishes such as stuffed parathas and chole bhature. Average cost for a meal is about 150 INR per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Hoshiyar Puri, known for its authentic Rajasthani and Punjabi cuisine. Indulge in their thali meals, which offer a variety of curries, bread, and rice. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Pandit Ji Ka Dhaba, a popular roadside eatery known for its mouthwatering kebabs and tandoori dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Friday, October 6: Soanprag
Head towards Soanprag, a small village known for its natural beauty. Visit the Soanprag Waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a peaceful picnic and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. Take a leisurely walk around the village to experience the local culture and interact with friendly villagers.
Exploring the Village: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Sunrise, a charming cafe offering a variety of freshly baked goods and brewed coffee. The average cost for a breakfast meal is about ₹200 per person.
For lunch, visit Spice Garden Restaurant, known for its authentic Indian cuisine. Indulge in flavorful curries and aromatic rice dishes. The average cost for a lunch meal is about ₹400 per person.
In the evening, dine at Bamboo Garden, a popular restaurant serving delectable Chinese and Thai dishes. Enjoy the cozy ambiance and savor dishes like stir-fried noodles and flavorful dumplings. The average cost for a dinner meal is about ₹600 per person.
Saturday, October 7: Gaurikund and Kedarnath
Embark on a scenic drive to Gaurikund, the base camp for the Kedarnath trek. Begin your trek towards Kedarnath, a revered pilgrimage site. Enjoy the picturesque views of the Himalayan mountains and pristine landscapes along the way. Visit the Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and witness the divine aura of the place.
Kedarnath Trek: Estimated Cost - Varies, Time Spent - Full day
A popular breakfast spot near Gaurikund and Kedarnath is Cafe Buransh, known for its delicious Himalayan breakfast options like aloo paratha and poha. The average cost for a meal here is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to The Pahadi Kitchen, a local restaurant that offers authentic Garhwali cuisine with dishes like bhatt ki daal and mandua ki roti. A meal here will cost you around 300 INR per person on average.
In the evening, satisfy your dinner cravings at The Cliffhanger Restaurant, known for its cozy ambiance and mouth-watering multi-cuisine menu. From Indian to Continental dishes, the average cost for a meal at this restaurant is about 500 INR per person.
Sunday, October 8: Badrinath and Mana Village
Travel to Badrinath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking beauty. Explore the Badrinath Temple and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Afterward, visit the nearby Mana Village, the last inhabited village before the Mana Pass, surrounded by stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.
Mana Village: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Coffee Day in Badrinath, a cozy café offering a variety of hot and cold beverages along with breakfast options like sandwiches and pastries. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try the vegetarian delicacies at Sarovar Portico in Badrinath, a multi-cuisine restaurant known for its impeccable service and scenic views. The average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
For dinner, visit the popular Sukh Sagar Restaurant in Badrinath, where you can enjoy a wide range of Indian and Chinese dishes in a traditional ambiance. The average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
Monday, October 9: Rishikesh
Make your way to Rishikesh, the "Yoga Capital of the World" and a haven for nature enthusiasts. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, suspension bridges offering panoramic views of the Ganges River. Explore the ashrams and temples, and experience tranquility during an evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Ashrams and Temples: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Ganga Aarti: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Restaurants
Head to The Sitting Elephant for a delicious breakfast of fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies. Average cost for a meal is about ₹300 per person.
For lunch, try Pizza Fusion and indulge in their wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
In the evening, dine at The Garden Cafe and enjoy their rooftop seating with stunning views of the Ganges River. Average cost for a meal is about ₹800 per person.
Tuesday, October 10: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring the region, don't miss the hidden gem of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, nestled amidst the lush Shivalik Range. The temple offers breathtaking views and a peaceful ambiance. For a unique experience, indulge in a river rafting adventure on the Ganges River, an adrenaline-pumping activity surrounded by the natural beauty of Rishikesh.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting the Chopta region, also known as the "Mini Switzerland of India." It offers picturesque meadows, lush forests, and stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Another hidden gem is the Kunjapuri Temple, located atop a hill, providing panoramic views of the sunrise and sunset over the mighty Himalayas.