Bangalore to Kedarnath - 5 Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Bangalore to Haridwar
   1 h 40 min flight from Bangalore to Dehradun, followed by a 45 min drive to Haridwar (approx. 35 miles)

   In the morning, explore the holy city of Haridwar and take a dip in the sacred Ganges river. Visit the Har Ki Pauri ghat, one of the most important landmarks in the city, where the evening aarti takes place. In the afternoon, visit the Chandi Devi Temple and Mansa Devi Temple, both located on hilltops and offer stunning views of the surrounding areas. End the day with a walk through the local markets and try some delicious street food.

2. Day 2: Haridwar to Guptkashi
   5 hours drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi (approx. 135 miles)

   In the morning, visit the ancient temples of Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar, both located in the surrounding areas of Guptkashi. These temples are known for their beautiful architecture and offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. In the afternoon, take a trek to the Vasuki Tal Lake, located amidst the beautiful mountains and offering stunning views of the surrounding areas. End the day with a traditional dinner and cultural performance by the locals.

3. Day 3: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
   2 hours drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund, followed by a 14 km trek to Kedarnath

   In the morning, start the trek to Kedarnath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The trek takes you through stunning landscapes and offers views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Kedarnath Temple, the main attraction of the town and a must-visit for anyone visiting the region. Take a dip in the hot springs nearby and end the day with a visit to the Shankaracharya Samadhi, a monument dedicated to the famous saint.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath to Rudraprayag
   20 km trek from Kedarnath to Gaurikund, followed by a 2.5 hours drive to Rudraprayag (approx. 45 miles)

   In the morning, start the trek back to Gaurikund and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding areas. In the afternoon, drive to Rudraprayag and visit the Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, located on the banks of the Alaknanda river and known for its beautiful architecture. Take a dip in the river and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding areas. End the day with a visit to the local markets and try some delicious local delicacies.

5. Day 5: Rudraprayag to Bangalore
   8 hours drive from Rudraprayag to Dehradun, followed by a 1 h 40 min flight to Bangalore (approx. 235 miles)

   In the morning, visit the famous Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, located in the nearby village of Kalimath. This temple is known for its ancient architecture and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, drive to Dehradun and take a flight back to Bangalore.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the famous Badrinath Temple or taking a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs in the town of Badrinath. You can also take a side trip to the scenic village of Auli, located in the nearby Chamoli district. To maximize your fun, plan your trip during the annual Kedarnath Festival, which takes place in the month of September and offers a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Other suggestions include trying the local Garhwal cuisine and shopping for souvenirs in the local markets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Flight from Bangalore to Dehradun (1 h 40 min, £100)
• Car rental for 5 days (£200)
• Accommodation for 4 nights (£150)
• Local guides and entrance fees (£50)
• Total Estimated Costs: £500