6-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.6 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Visit one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, Kedarnath Temple, which is located at an elevation of 3,583 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is open from 4 AM to 9 PM daily. It is recommended to start your journey early to witness the morning aarti.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   11.6 miles from Kedarnath Temple

   Embark on a scenic trek to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The trek is challenging but worth the effort. It is recommended to start early in the morning and pack plenty of food and water for the journey. You can expect to spend the entire day trekking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

3. Day 3: Gandhi Sarovar
   4.7 miles from Kedarnath Temple

   Visit Gandhi Sarovar, a beautiful lake named after Mahatma Gandhi. The area is perfect for a picnic and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is recommended to visit in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the nearby glaciers.

4. Day 4: Sonprayag
   20.6 miles from Gandhi Sarovar

   Visit Sonprayag, a scenic town located at the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers. The area is known for its natural beauty and is perfect for a relaxing day trip. It is recommended to spend the morning exploring the town and the afternoon hiking to the nearby waterfalls.

5. Day 5: Triyuginarayan Temple
   20.5 miles from Sonprayag

   Visit Triyuginarayan Temple, a sacred Hindu temple located at an altitude of 1,980 meters. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. It is recommended to visit in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring the nearby forests.

6. Day 6: Gaurikund
   11.6 miles from Triyuginarayan Temple

   Visit Gaurikund, a holy town located at the base of Kedarnath Temple. The area is known for its natural hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. It is recommended to spend the morning relaxing in the hot springs and the afternoon exploring the town and its nearby temples.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby town of Chopta, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is known as the "Mini Switzerland of India". You can also take a day trip to Badrinath Temple, another sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

To maximize your fun, make sure to pack comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothing, and plenty of snacks and water for your treks. It is also recommended to hire a local guide for your hikes to ensure your safety and to learn more about the area's history and culture.

Finally, it is recommended to book your accommodations well in advance, as Kedarnath is a popular tourist destination during the summer months.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (8-10 hours, free)
• Gandhi Sarovar (4-5 hours, free)
• Sonprayag (4-5 hours, free)
• Triyuginarayan Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Gaurikund Hot Springs (2-3 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: Free