7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Haridwar, Kedarnath, and Rishikesh
Day 1: Haridwar
25 minutes (9.6 km) from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Start your journey with a visit to the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred ghats on the banks of the Ganges. Take a dip in the holy water and visit Maya Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple.
Day 2: Kedarnath
7-hour drive (156 km) from Haridwar
Visit Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Trek to Vasuki Tal and Sonprayag, and visit the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairavnath Temple.
Day 3: Kedarnath
Explore the beautiful and scenic surroundings of Kedarnath. Visit Gandhi Sarovar, Gauri Kund, and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. Trek to Chorabari Tal and Tungnath Temple.
Day 4: Rishikesh
5-hour drive (177 km) from Kedarnath
Visit the Beatles Ashram, where the Beatles spent time meditating and writing music. Take a dip in the Ganges at Triveni Ghat, and visit the Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula. Attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
Day 5: Rishikesh
Visit Neer Garh Waterfall, Vashistha Cave, and Swarg Ashram. Try adventure sports like rafting, bungee jumping, and kayaking.
Day 6: Haridwar
1-hour drive (19 km) from Rishikesh
Visit Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir. Take a walk on the newly constructed Ganga Canal and visit the Shantikunj Ashram.
Day 7: Haridwar
Relax and unwind at Patanjali Yogpeeth and take an Ayurvedic massage. Shop for souvenirs at Bara Bazaar and enjoy the street food at Haridwar's famous food stalls.
Time and Costs Estimates
Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri (1 hour, free)
Visit to Maya Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, free)
Visit to Kedarnath Temple (2-3 hours, free)
Trek to Vasuki Tal and Sonprayag (6-7 hours, free)
Visit to Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairavnath Temple (2 hours, free)
Visit to Gandhi Sarovar, Gauri Kund, and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (6-7 hours, free)
Trek to Chorabari Tal and Tungnath Temple (5-6 hours, free)
Visit to the Beatles Ashram (2-3 hours, INR 150 per person)
Visit to Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula (1 hour, free)
Attend the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan (1 hour, free)
Visit to Daksheswara Mahadev Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, and Bharat Mata Mandir (3-4 hours, free)
Visit to Patanjali Yogpeeth and Ayurvedic massage (2-3 hours, prices vary)
Shopping at Bara Bazaar and street food (2-3 hours, prices vary)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 3000-5000 per person
Recommendations
Don't miss the chance to attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, and try local delicacies like aloo puri, kachori, jalebi, and lassi. Don't forget to carry appropriate clothing and gear for the trekking and adventure sports activities.