Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 72 travelers

17-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary: kedarnath, haridwar, gangotri, yamnotri, badrinath

Day 1: Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - Arrival in kedarnath

Start your journey by arriving in kedarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India. Spend the morning exploring the awe-inspiring Kedarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the tranquil Mandakini River. In the evening, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony, a spiritual ritual on the banks of the river.

  • Kedarnath Temple: Free entry, 3-4 hours
  • Mandakini River: Free, leisurely walk
  • Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
  • A popular breakfast spot in kedarnath is Café Mountain View, offering a stunning view of the surrounding mountain peaks. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes and a hot cup of coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
  • For lunch, head to Restaurant Ganges View which overlooks the sacred Ganges River. Indulge in their delicious vegetarian thali, featuring a variety of regional dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 300 INR per person.
  • In the evening, dine at Badri Vishal Restaurant located near the Kedarnath Temple. Try their mouth-watering North Indian specialties, such as butter chicken and biryani. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.

Day 2: Thursday, October 26, 2023 - kedarnath Local Sightseeing

Embark on a full day of local sightseeing in kedarnath. Start by visiting the Shankaracharya Samadhi and Bhairavnath Temple. Enjoy a scenic trek to the Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar. In the evening, take in the panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks from the Vasuki Tal viewpoint.

  • Shankaracharya Samadhi: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Bhairavnath Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Chorabari Tal (Gandhi Sarovar): Free, trekking time varies
  • Vasuki Tal viewpoint: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 3: Friday, October 27, 2023 - kedarnath to haridwar

Travel from kedarnath to haridwar, a city considered the gateway to the Himalayas. In the morning, visit the iconic Har Ki Pauri ghat, where the sacred Ganges River descends into the plains. Take a dip in the holy river and experience the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony in the evening. Enjoy the bustling markets and indulge in local delicacies.

  • Har Ki Pauri ghat: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Ganga Aarti Ceremony: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Local Markets: Cost varies, explore at your leisure

Day 4: Saturday, October 28, 2023 - haridwar Exploration

Discover the rich cultural heritage of haridwar today. Visit the Maya Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Maya, and the Mansa Devi Temple, perched atop the Bilwa Parvat. Take a cable car ride to the hilltop and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Explore the bustling streets of haridwar, known for their traditional markets and shops.

  • Maya Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Mansa Devi Temple: Cable car ride cost, 2-3 hours
  • Exploring haridwar Streets: Cost varies, explore at your leisure

Day 5: Sunday, October 29, 2023 - haridwar to gangotri

Embark on a scenic drive from haridwar to gangotri, located at the source of the Ganges River. In the morning, take a dip in the sacred Bhagirathi River. Visit the famous Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, and seek blessings for your journey. Take a stroll along the river and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Himalayas.

  • Bhagirathi River: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Gangotri Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Exploring gangotri: Cost varies, explore at your leisure

Day 6: Monday, October 30, 2023 - gangotri Sightseeing

Explore the natural beauty of gangotri today. Embark on a trek to Gaumukh Glacier, the source of the Ganges River. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the pristine glacier. In the evening, visit the nearby Tapovan, a serene meadow surrounded by snow-capped mountains.

  • Gaumukh Glacier Trek: Trekking arrangements needed, 6-8 hours
  • Tapovan: Free, 2-3 hours

Day 7: Tuesday, October 31, 2023 - gangotri to yamnotri

Travel from gangotri to yamnotri, another significant pilgrimage site. Upon arrival, visit the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Take a dip in the hot springs of Yamunotri and enjoy the serene surroundings. Explore the quaint town and interact with the friendly locals.

  • Yamunotri Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Yamunotri Hot Springs: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Exploring yamnotri Town: Cost varies, explore at your leisure

Day 8: Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - yamnotri to badrinath

Enjoy a picturesque drive from yamnotri to badrinath, one of the holiest towns for Hindus. On the way, stop to admire the scenic beauty of Devprayag, the confluence of Bhagirathi and Alaknanda rivers. Upon reaching badrinath, visit the Badrinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs and explore the local market.

  • Devprayag: Free, short stop for photos
  • Badrinath Temple: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Tapt Kund Hot Springs: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Exploring badrinath Market: Cost varies, explore at your leisure

Day 9: Thursday, November 2, 2023 - badrinath Local Sightseeing

Discover the beauty and spirituality of badrinath today. Visit the Mana Village, the last inhabited village near the Indo-China border. Explore the Vasudhara Falls and marvel at its cascading beauty. In the evening, attend the evening aarti ceremony at the Badrinath Temple, a soul-stirring experience.

  • Mana Village: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Vasudhara Falls: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Badrinath Temple Evening Aarti: Free, 1-2 hours

Day 10-17: Friday, November 3 - Friday, November 10, 2023 - free time for leisure

During these eight days, you have the flexibility to explore the beautiful surroundings at your leisure. You can enjoy the serene ambiance, take gentle walks, visit nearby villages, or participate in local cultural events and festivals. Take this time to truly immerse yourself in the spirituality and tranquility of the region.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals, consider visiting Auli, a picturesque hill station known for its stunning skiing slopes and panoramic views of the Himalayas. It's a perfect destination for family-friendly adventures, including skiing lessons and cable car rides. Another hidden gem is Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh pilgrimage site nestled amidst beautiful mountains and a serene lake. Its breathtaking beauty and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and spiritual seekers.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices on KAYAK.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version