Adventure-packed Itinerary for Kedarnath and Badrinath in June 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath
   2 hours (37 miles) from Rudraprayag

   In the morning, embark on a challenging trek to Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The trek takes around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of 14 km. A pony or palanquin ride can also be arranged if you prefer. Afternoon lunch can be savored at the nearby local restaurants. Spend the evening exploring the beautiful Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and a diverse range of flora and fauna.

2. Day 2: Badrinath
   4 hours (126 miles) from Kedarnath

   Start your day with a visit to the iconic Badrinath Temple, one of the four Char Dham shrines. The temple is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. In the afternoon, take a dip in the natural hot springs of Tapt Kund, which are believed to have medicinal properties. Spend the evening exploring Mana Village, which is the last inhabited village before the Indo-China border and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

3. Day 3: Valley of Flowers
   1 hour (9 miles) from Badrinath

   Embark on a breathtaking trek to the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and diverse wildlife. The trek takes around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of 10 km. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning vistas of the valley. Spend the evening exploring the nearby Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh place of worship located on the banks of a glacial lake.

4. Day 4: Auli
   2 hours (55 miles) from Valley of Flowers

   Begin your day with an adrenaline-packed adventure in Auli, a popular ski resort town with stunning views of the Nanda Devi and Neelkanth peaks. You can choose from a variety of adventure activities, including skiing, cable car rides, and trekking. Afternoon lunch can be savored at the local restaurants. Spend the evening exploring the beautiful Gurso Bugyal, a high altitude meadow offering stunning views of the Himalayan landscape.

Recommendations

Other local attractions you should consider include the Rudranath Temple, Vasudhara Falls, and the Bheem Pul. If you have time for side trips, visit the nearby town of Joshimath, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and is home to several ancient temples. To maximize your fun, make sure to carry comfortable trekking shoes, warm clothes, and sunscreen. Do not forget to stay hydrated and carry dry snacks during the treks.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple trek (5-6 hours, no cost)
• Mana Village (2-3 hours, no cost)
• Badrinath Temple (2-3 hours, no cost)
• Tapt Kund hot springs (1-2 hours, no cost)
• Valley of Flowers trek (5-6 hours, INR 150 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for foreign visitors)
• Hemkund Sahib trek (4-5 hours, no cost)
• Auli adventure activities (2-3 hours, INR 500-2000 depending on the activity)
• Gurso Bugyal (2-3 hours, no cost)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 750-2600