7-Day Udaipur to Kedarnath Itinerary

Thursday, November 2: Udaipur

Morning: Begin your journey in the beautiful city of Udaipur, also known as the "Venice of the East." Explore the City Palace, a magnificent palace complex offering stunning views of Lake Pichola. Take a boat ride on the lake in the afternoon and visit Jag Mandir, a picturesque island palace. In the evening, stroll through the bustling markets of Udaipur.

• City Palace: Cost estimate: ₹300 ($4) per person, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Jag Mandir: Cost estimate: ₹350 ($5) per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Exploring Udaipur markets: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Friday, November 3: Chittorgarh

Morning: Travel to Chittorgarh and visit Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent palaces, temples, and towers within the fort walls. Enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings from Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower). In the afternoon, visit Rana Kumbha Palace and the beautiful Padmini Palace.

• Chittorgarh Fort: Cost estimate: ₹100 ($1.50) per person, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Rana Kumbha Palace: Cost estimate: ₹20 ($0.30) per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Padmini Palace: Cost estimate: ₹10 ($0.15) per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours

Saturday, November 4: Rishikesh

Morning: Travel to Rishikesh, a spiritual hub nestled in the Himalayas. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Laxman Jhula suspension bridge. Explore the ashrams and temples along the banks of the Ganges River. In the afternoon, experience the tranquil atmosphere during a yoga or meditation session. Enjoy an evening aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

• Laxman Jhula: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Yoga/Meditation Session: Cost estimate: ₹200 ($3) per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Triveni Ghat Aarti Ceremony: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1 hour

Restaurants

• A quaint riverside café, Ganga View Café offers a picturesque view of the Ganges River. Enjoy their delicious breakfast options such as pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 250 rupees per person.
• For lunch, head to Chotiwala Restaurant, known for its authentic North Indian cuisine. Indulge in their flavorful thalis or try their popular dishes like butter chicken or paneer tikka. Average cost for a meal is around 400 rupees per person.
• For a delightful dinner experience, visit A Tavola Con Te, an Italian restaurant located near Laxman Jhula. Savor their wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes, while enjoying the cozy ambience. Average cost for a meal is about 600 rupees per person.

Sunday, November 5: Haridwar

Morning: Head to Haridwar, another spiritual destination on the banks of the Ganges River. Witness the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a mesmerizing ceremony of lights and chants. Explore the vibrant markets of Haridwar and savor local street food. In the afternoon, visit Mansa Devi Temple by cable car for panoramic views of the city.

• Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti: Cost estimate: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Exploring Haridwar markets: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Mansa Devi Temple: Cost estimate: ₹170 ($2.50) per person (cable car), Time spent: 1-2 hours

Monday, November 6: Rudraprayag

Morning: Travel to Rudraprayag, a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan mountains. Visit Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Explore the serene surroundings and enjoy the tranquility of the location. In the afternoon, trek to Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar temples.

• Koteshwar Mahadev Temple: Cost estimate: ₹50 ($0.70) per person, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Trek to Tungnath: Cost estimate: Varies, Time spent: 4-5 hours

Tuesday, November 7: Kedarnath

Morning: Reach Gaurikund and begin the trek to the sacred town of Kedarnath, home to Kedarnath Temple. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks during the trek. Visit the temple and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance. Take your time to explore the town and its serene surroundings.

• Trek to Kedarnath: Cost estimate: Varies (approx. ₹3,000/$40 for pony/horse), Time spent: 6-8 hours
• Kedarnath Temple: Cost estimate: Free (donations are welcome), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Wednesday, November 8: Departure

Morning: Head back to your respective destinations, cherishing the memories of the breathtaking journey from Udaipur to Kedarnath. Depart with a sense of spiritual fulfillment and the beauty of the Himalayas etched in your mind.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While traveling on a shoestring budget, explore off the beaten path attractions such as the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary near Udaipur, which offers stunning wildlife and nature experiences. In Rishikesh, spend time at the Beatles Ashram, where The Beatles famously stayed during their spiritual quest. Enjoy local street food delicacies like Kachori and Jalebi from the bustling markets of Haridwar and Rishikesh.