7-Day Nature Itinerary for Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Morning: Arrive at Kedarnath and visit the holy Kedarnath Temple. The temple is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. Afternoon: Take a pony ride to Gandhi Sarovar, which is a glacial lake. You will be mesmerized by the crystal-clear water of the lake. Evening: Visit Bhairav Temple, a small and beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   30 minutes (7.5 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Morning: Start your hike to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake situated at an elevation of 14,200 ft. The trek is moderately difficult and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Afternoon: Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers and waterfalls. Evening: Relax by the lake and camp overnight.

3. Day 3: Gauri Kund
   1 hour 20 minutes (25 miles) from Vasuki Tal

   Morning: Start your journey towards Gauri Kund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. The trek is 14 km long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. Afternoon: You will come across beautiful waterfalls and streams while trekking. Evening: Reach Gauri Kund and take rest in your accommodation.

4. Day 4: Sonprayag
   2 hours 30 minutes (49 miles) from Gauri Kund

   Morning: Visit the nearby Triyuginarayan Temple, which is known for its mythological relevance. Afternoon: Start your journey towards Sonprayag, a small town located on the confluence of Mandakini and Basuki rivers. Evening: Visit the beautiful Raghunath Temple and take a dip in the holy waters of the river.

5. Day 5: Deoria Tal
   2 hours (25 miles) from Sonprayag

   Morning: Start your journey towards Deoria Tal, a beautiful lake situated at an elevation of 7,800 ft. Afternoon: The trek to Deoria Tal is easy and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Evening: Camp overnight by the lake and stargaze.

6. Day 6: Chopta
   1 hour (16 miles) from Deoria Tal

   Morning: Start your journey towards Chopta, which is known as the mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand. Afternoon: Visit the Tungnath Temple, which is one of the highest Shiva temples in the world. Evening: Enjoy the scenic beauty of Chopta and camp overnight.

7. Day 7: Chandrashila Peak
   2 hours (5.6 miles) from Chopta

   Morning: Start your trek towards Chandrashila Peak, which is situated at an elevation of 13,123 ft. Afternoon: The trek is challenging and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges from the top. Evening: Return to Chopta and end your trip with beautiful memories.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can also visit Rudraprayag, which is situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. You can also take a side trip to Auli, which is a beautiful hill station and famous for skiing. To maximize your fun, make sure to carry comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes, raincoats and a first-aid kit. Hire a local guide for trekking and to have a hassle-free experience. Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to relish the local cuisine, especially Garhwal ka Fannah and Phaanu.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (1 day, INR 5000 per person)
• Gauri Kund Trek (1 day, INR 2000 per person)
• Sonprayag (2-3 hours, free)
• Deoria Tal Trek (1 day, INR 4000 per person)
• Tungnath Temple (2-3 hours, free)
• Chandrashila Peak Trek (1 day, INR 5000 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 18,000-20,000 per person