Discovering Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Arriving at Kedarnath
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get ready for a day of acclimatization to the high altitude. Take a walk around the town to explore local shops and eateries. In the evening, attend the aarti at Kedarnath Temple.

2. Day 2: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.5 km) from your hotel

   Start your day early by visiting the Kedarnath Temple, one of the Char Dhams of India. The temple opens at 6 am, and the darshan timings are from 7 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm. After darshan, trek to Vasuki Tal and spend the afternoon enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake. In the evening, you can attend the aarti at Triyuginarayan Temple.

3. Day 3: Chorabari Tal
   1 hour 30 minutes (6.5 km) from your hotel

   Embark on a trek to Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, a beautiful lake surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The trek is moderate, and it takes around three hours to reach the lake. After spending a few hours at the lake, head back to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.

4. Day 4: Shankaracharya Samadhi
   10 minutes (0.5 km) from your hotel

   Begin your day by visiting Shankaracharya Samadhi, a memorial dedicated to Adi Shankaracharya. The Samadhi is open from 8 am to 5 pm. After visiting the Samadhi, trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges, and spend the day exploring the area. In the evening, return to your hotel and relax.

5. Day 5: Gauri Kund and Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour 10 minutes (31.9 km) from your hotel

   Visit Gauri Kund, a holy site where Goddess Parvati is said to have meditated to win Lord Shiva's love. After visiting the Kund, explore Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to rare and endangered species such as snow leopards, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr. In the evening, return to your hotel and relax.

6. Day 6: Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila
   1 hour 50 minutes (5.5 km) from your hotel

   Start your day early by visiting the Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. After darshan, trek to Chandrashila, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trek is quite challenging, but the views are worth the effort. Spend the day exploring the area, and return to your hotel in the evening.

7. Day 7: Departure
   10 minutes (3.2 km) from your hotel to Kedarnath Helipad

   Check out of your hotel and head to Kedarnath Helipad for your flight back home.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the local cuisine, especially the Garhwali dishes such as Phaanu, Kachmauli, and Bal Mithai. You can also plan a side trip to Badrinath, the other Char Dham of India, or visit the nearby town of Guptkashi. Consider hiring a guide for the treks as some routes may be tricky to navigate.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal (4-5 hours, free)
• Chorabari Tal trek (6-7 hours, free)
• Shankaracharya Samadhi (1 hour, free)
• Gaumukh trek (6-7 hours, free)
• Gauri Kund (2-3 hours, free)
• Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (3-4 hours, free)
• Tungnath Temple and Chandrashila trek (8-9 hours, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: Flight: $500; Accommodation: $200; Food and Transport: $500