Start your journey by arriving in Haridwar, a sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River. In the morning, visit Har Ki Pauri, a holy ghat where pilgrims take a dip in the river. In the afternoon, explore the bustling markets of Haridwar and savor local delicacies. As the evening sets in, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, a ritual of worship to the river.
Har Ki Pauri: Free, 2 hours
Shopping in Haridwar: Varies, 3 hours
Ganga Aarti: Free, 1 hour
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its delicious and filling Indian breakfast options. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, try Hoshiyarpuri Restaurant, a popular spot for authentic Punjabi dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
For dinner, indulge in the exquisite flavors of Punjab at Mathura Restaurant, offering a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Rudraprayag
In the morning, depart from Haridwar and drive to Rudraprayag, a scenic town situated at the confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, visit Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, a revered ancient shrine. As the evening sets in, explore the serene beauty of the town and relax.
Koteshwar Mahadev Temple: Free, 2 hours
Scenic drive to Rudraprayag: Varies, 6 hours
Restaurants
A popular breakfast spot in Rudraprayag is Café Rudra, where you can enjoy a variety of freshly brewed coffee and delicious pancakes. The average cost for a breakfast meal here is about ₹200 per person.
Treat yourself to a delightful lunch at Shri Ganesh Dhaba, known for its mouthwatering North Indian cuisine. Don't miss their famous butter chicken and naan. The average cost for a lunch meal here is about ₹300 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, head to Chitrakoot Restaurant, famous for its authentic Garhwali dishes. Savor the flavors of local delicacies like bhatt ki churkani and mandua ki roti. The average cost for a dinner meal here is about ₹400 per person.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023: Kedarnath
In the morning, embark on a trek to Kedarnath, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites located at an altitude of 3,583 meters. Take in the picturesque landscapes and immerse yourself in spiritual vibes as you reach the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend the day exploring the temple complex and enjoying the divine atmosphere. In the evening, witness the magical evening aarti at the temple.
Kedarnath Trek: Varies, 6-7 hours
Kedarnath Temple: Free, 3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Choti Haveli, a cozy restaurant located nearby. Indulge in a variety of Indian and continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
For lunch, head to Himshikhar Restaurant, known for its stunning views and delectable local cuisine. Try their thali meal which includes a variety of traditional dishes. The average cost for a meal is about 350 INR per person.
End your day with a satisfying dinner at Jalsa Restaurant, offering a range of mouth-watering North Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their specialty kebabs and biryanis. The average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
Thursday, October 26, 2023: Guptkashi and Badrinath
In the morning, depart from Kedarnath and drive to Guptkashi, a small town surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Visit the ancient Manikarnik Kund, a natural hot water spring revered by pilgrims. Afterward, continue the journey to Badrinath, one of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage sites. In the afternoon, explore Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. As the evening sets in, witness the enchanting Maha Aarti at the temple.
Manikarnik Kund: Free, 1 hour
Drive to Guptkashi: Varies, 3 hours
Badrinath Temple: Free, 2 hours
Friday, October 27, 2023: Mana Village and Vasudhara Falls
Embark on a day trip to Mana Village, the last village of India near the Indo-Tibetan border. Explore the unique culture and traditions of the village, and visit Vyas Gufa, a cave where Sage Vyas is believed to have written the Mahabharata. In the afternoon, trek to the breathtaking Vasudhara Falls, known for its natural beauty. Return to Badrinath in the evening and relax.
Mana Village: Free, 3 hours
Vasudhara Falls Trek: Free, 4 hours
Saturday, October 28, 2023: Devprayag
In the morning, depart from Badrinath and drive to Devprayag, the sacred confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi, forming the mighty Ganges. Visit the Raghunath Ji Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and soak in the spiritual ambiance. In the afternoon, explore the town and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains. In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti and offering of prayers at the ghat.
Raghunath Ji Temple: Free, 1 hour
Drive to Devprayag: Varies, 3 hours
Ganga Aarti at Devprayag: Free, 1 hour
Sunday, October 29, 2023: Haridwar Departure
End your journey by departing from Devprayag and driving back to Haridwar, where you can catch your return flight or continue exploring the city. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the ghats and witness the morning prayers. In the afternoon, visit the famous spiritual ashrams in Haridwar. As the evening sets in, bid farewell to this sacred land and cherish the memories of your pilgrimage.
Morning Prayers at Haridwar Ghats: Free, 2 hours
Visit Spiritual Ashrams in Haridwar: Varies, 3 hours
Restaurants
The Breakfast Cafe: Start your day with a delicious and hearty breakfast at The Breakfast Cafe, located near the ghats in Haridwar. They offer a wide range of breakfast options including omelettes, pancakes, and Indian breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹200 per person.
The Lunch Bistro: For a satisfying lunch, head to The Lunch Bistro situated in the heart of Haridwar. This restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including local specialities and international cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about ₹400 per person.
The Dinner Hut: End your day with a delightful dinner at The Dinner Hut, a popular restaurant known for its cozy ambiance and scrumptious food. They offer a diverse menu with options ranging from Indian curries to continental dishes. The average cost for a meal is about ₹500 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Kedarnath and Badrinath, don't miss out on visiting the stunning Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world, located amidst breathtaking Himalayan views. Another hidden gem is the Vasuki Tal trek near Kedarnath, which offers serene lake views and a chance to spot Himalayan wildlife. For a taste of local cuisine, try the delicious Garhwali thali at local restaurants. Exploring the lesser-known villages around Badrinath, such as Mana Village and Pandukeshwar, will give you a glimpse of rural Uttarakhand life and traditions.
Check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath!