7-Day Adventure Itinerary: Rishikesh, Kedarnath, and Badrinath

Saturday, September 30: Arrival in Rishikesh

Start your adventure in Rishikesh, known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." In the morning, head to the iconic Laxman Jhula suspension bridge and take a peaceful walk along the Ganges River. Afternoon is the perfect time to experience the thrill of white water rafting in the Ganges. In the evening, visit the famous Parmarth Niketan Ashram for a mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony.

• Laxman Jhula: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• White Water Rafting: Estimated cost - INR 1,500-2,000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Sunday, October 1: Kedarnath Trek Begins

Embark on a breathtaking trek to Kedarnath, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Start your trek early in the morning and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, reach the holy town of Gaurikund and visit the ancient Gauri Temple. Spend the evening exploring the serene surroundings and preparing for the next day's trek to Kedarnath.

• Gaurikund: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Trek to Kedarnath: Estimated cost - INR 3,000-4,000 per person (includes guide and accommodation), Time spent - 6-8 hours

Monday, October 2: Kedarnath Temple and Return to Rishikesh

Visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple, located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Spend the morning exploring the temple and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Afterward, begin your descent back to Gaurikund. In the evening, return to Rishikesh and relax by the river or indulge in some rejuvenating yoga and meditation sessions.

• Kedarnath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund: Estimated cost - INR 3,000-4,000 per person (includes guide and accommodation), Time spent - 6-8 hours
• Return to Rishikesh: Estimated cost - INR 500-700 by shared taxi, Time spent - 6-7 hours

Tuesday, October 3: Thrilling Adventure in Rishikesh

Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling adventure activities in Rishikesh. Start the day with a thrilling session of bungee jumping at the Jumpin Heights Adventure Park. In the afternoon, try your hand at cliff jumping and rappelling. As the evening approaches, enjoy a peaceful sunset hike to the famous Neer Garh Waterfall.

• Bungee Jumping at Jumpin Heights: Estimated cost - INR 3,500-4,000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Cliff Jumping and Rappelling: Estimated cost - INR 1,500-2,000 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Neer Garh Waterfall Hike: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 4: Badrinath Pilgrimage

Embark on a scenic road trip from Rishikesh to Badrinath, one of the holiest sites for Hindus. In the morning, visit the ancient Mana Village, the last village on the Indian side before the Tibet border. Explore the stunning Vasudhara Falls and witness the mystical beauty of the Badrinath Temple in the afternoon. Spend the evening soaking in the spiritual ambiance of Badrinath.

• Mana Village: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Vasudhara Falls: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Badrinath Temple: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, October 5: Badrinath to Rishikesh

After breakfast, start your journey back to Rishikesh. Enroute, visit the picturesque Auli, known for its skiing slopes and breathtaking views. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Auli ropeway and enjoy panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. Return to Rishikesh in the evening and relax by the riverside.

• Auli: Estimated cost - INR 2,000-2,500 per person (including cable car ride), Time spent - 4-5 hours
• Rishikesh: Estimated cost - Free, Time spent - Rest of the day

Friday, October 6: Explore Rishikesh

Spend your last day in Rishikesh exploring its spiritual and cultural attractions. In the morning, visit the iconic Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles stayed in 1968. Attend a yoga or meditation session in one of the renowned ashrams in the afternoon. As the evening sets in, enjoy a serene boat ride on the Ganges River and witness the beautiful Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

• Beatles Ashram: Estimated cost - INR 150 per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Yoga/Meditation Session: Estimated cost - INR 500-1,000 per session, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Ganges River Boat Ride and Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Estimated cost - INR 500-700 per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure enthusiasts, a hidden gem in Rishikesh is Shivpuri. Located about 16 kilometers from the city, Shivpuri offers thrilling white water rafting experiences and camping along the Ganges. Another local favorite is the Kunjapuri Devi Temple, perched on a hilltop and known for its panoramic sunrise views. Don't miss the opportunity to hike to the temple and witness the majestic beauty of the Himalayas.

Check hotel and flight prices here.