In the morning, begin your journey by arriving in Haridwar, a holy city on the banks of the Ganges River. Start your day with a visit to Har Ki Pauri, the most famous ghat in Haridwar, where you can witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony. In the afternoon, explore the narrow lanes of the old town, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, or take a dip in the sacred river. As the evening sets in, witness the floating diyas (oil lamps) during the Ganga Aarti.
Head to Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. In the morning, visit the iconic Lakshman Jhula, a suspension bridge over the Ganges, followed by a serene boat ride on the river. In the afternoon, explore the ashrams and temples near the bridge, and visit the Beatles Ashram, where the famous band once meditated. As the evening approaches, attend a yoga or meditation session in one of the many renowned yoga centers in Rishikesh.
Embark on an adventurous journey to Kedarnath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. From Guptkashi, take a helicopter ride or trek to Kedarnath. In the morning, visit the Kedarnath Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the afternoon exploring the stunning natural beauty around the temple, including the Chorabari Tal and Vasuki Tal lakes. Witness the evening Aarti at the temple for a spiritual experience.
In the morning, make your way back to Guptkashi from Kedarnath. Enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas during the journey. Upon reaching Guptkashi, visit the ancient Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the afternoon, relax and rejuvenate amidst the serene surroundings of Guptkashi. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and trying traditional Garhwali cuisine.
Embark on a beautiful journey to Badrinath, another important pilgrimage site in the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Explore the Tapt Kund, a hot spring adjacent to the temple, and take a dip for divine blessings. In the afternoon, visit the Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Indo-China border. Enjoy panoramic views of the Neelkanth Peak and visit the Vyas Gufa, where it is believed that Sage Vyas composed the Mahabharata.
Return to Rishikesh from Badrinath. In the morning, you can opt for a scenic road journey or a helicopter ride, enjoying the breathtaking views of the mountains. In Rishikesh, spend the day indulging in wellness activities such as Ayurvedic massages or another yoga session. In the evening, visit the Triveni Ghat to witness the Maha Aarti, a grand ceremony performed on the banks of the Ganges.
End your trip by returning to Haridwar in the morning. Take some time to explore the markets of Haridwar and buy souvenirs. Spend the afternoon visiting the Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri once more to bid farewell to this holy city.
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting Neer Garh Waterfall in Rishikesh, where you can enjoy a scenic hike and take a refreshing dip in the waterfall pools. Another local favorite is the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple near Haridwar. This temple is situated amidst lush green hills and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It's a serene and peaceful place to immerse yourself in spirituality.
Check here for hotel and flight prices.