5-Day Nature Itinerary for Kedarnath, Uttarakhand in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   Located in the town of Kedarnath
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Begin your day with a visit to the famous Kedarnath Temple. This ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated amidst the majestic Himalayas and is one of the four sacred shrines in Uttarakhand. Take a morning darshan and witness the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Kedarnath and its local market. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at the temple.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   Located 7.5km from Kedarnath Temple
   2 hours and 15 minutes (7.5km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Start your day early and embark on a trek to Vasuki Tal. A high altitude glacial lake situated amidst the snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas, Vasuki Tal is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers alike. Witness the beauty of the surrounding landscape, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a packed lunch by the lake. Return to Kedarnath town by evening.

3. Day 3: Chorabari Tal
   Located 3.5km from Kedarnath Temple
   30 minutes (3.5km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Today, take a short hike to Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar. This serene lake is situated at an altitude of 3,900 metres and is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Take in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. In the afternoon, visit the Bhairavnath Temple and the Gaurikund hot springs. Return to Kedarnath town for the evening.

4. Day 4: Ukhimath
   Located 36km from Kedarnath Temple
   2 hours and 15 minutes (36km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Today, take a scenic drive to Ukhimath. This small town is situated at an altitude of 1,317 metres and is home to the Omkareshwar Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is an important religious site for Hindus. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and its local markets. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at the temple. Return to Kedarnath town by night.

5. Day 5: Sonprayag
   Located 18km from Kedarnath Temple
   1 hour and 30 minutes (18km) from Kedarnath Temple

   On your last day, take a drive to Sonprayag. This small town is situated at the confluence of the Mandakini and Basuki rivers and is an important starting point for the Kedarnath trek. Spend the morning exploring the town and its surroundings. In the afternoon, take a dip in the hot water springs of Gaurikund and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region. Return to Kedarnath town by evening.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the Triyuginarayan Temple, which is located 24km from Kedarnath town. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is famous for its eternal flame that is believed to have been burning since the time of the Mahabharata. Another option is to take a day trip to the nearby town of Guptkashi, which is home to the Vishwanath Temple and the Ardhnareshwar Temple.

Make sure to carry enough warm clothes and comfortable trekking shoes. It is also advisable to carry a first-aid kit, water bottles, and some dry snacks. Do not forget to check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on any trip.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal (7-8 hours, INR 500 for guide)
• Chorabari Tal (4-5 hours, INR 300 for guide)
• Ukhimath (4-5 hours, transportation costs)
• Sonprayag (4-5 hours, transportation costs)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 800-1000 per person