Pune to Kedarnath via Varanasi Nature Itinerary

1. Day 1: Varanasi
   30 minutes (12 miles) from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport

   Start your day early at the Assi Ghat, one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi, to witness the beautiful sunrise on the Ganges. Visit the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. End your day with a boat ride on the Ganges during the evening aarti.

2. Day 2: Varanasi to Dehradun
   1 hour 15 minutes flight (370 miles) from Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

   Visit the Robber's Cave, a natural cave formation of limestone that is popular for its scenic beauty and trekking. Then, explore the Forest Research Institute Museum, one of the oldest and largest institutes of its kind in the world. In the evening, take a stroll at the Rajaji National Park and enjoy the wildlife.

3. Day 3: Dehradun to Uttarkashi
   3 hours 30 minutes (98 miles) from Dehradun

   Begin your day with a visit to the Kempty Falls, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush green hills. Then head to the Yamuna Bridge and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Yamuna River. End your day with a visit to the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, which offers a glimpse into the history of mountaineering in India.

4. Day 4: Uttarkashi to Gangotri
   2 hours 30 minutes (58 miles) from Uttarkashi

   Visit Gangotri Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the Himalayas and the source of the Ganges River. Take a dip in the holy waters of the River Ganges at the Gangotri Temple, one of the four sacred shrines of Hinduism. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.

5. Day 5: Gangotri to Kedarnath
   9 hours (175 miles) from Gangotri

   Take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath, one of the four holy shrines in Hinduism. Situated at an altitude of 3,583 metres, the Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most sacred places in India. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains.

6. Day 6: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
   2 hours 30 minutes (25 miles) from Kedarnath

   Visit the Vishwanath Temple, a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Take a dip in the holy waters of the Manikarnika Kund, a natural hot water spring. End your day by exploring the Chopta Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in the Himalayas.

7. Day 7: Guptkashi to Pune
   5 hours 30 minutes flight (1075 miles) from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun to Pune Airport

   End your trip with a visit to the famous Aga Khan Palace, a beautiful monument that serves as a reminder of India's struggle for independence. Then, relax at the Osho Ashram, a popular meditation centre. End your trip with a stroll at the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden.

Recommendations

Besides the itinerary, you can also consider visiting Rishikesh, the land of yoga and adventure sports. You can also take a side trip to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and diverse flora. To maximize your fun, you can plan a camping trip in the scenic valleys of the Himalayas or go trekking on the numerous trails in the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Assi Ghat (2 hours, Free)
• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Boat ride on the Ganges (1 hour, INR 200)
• Robber's Cave (2 hours, Free)
• Forest Research Institute Museum (2 hours, INR 50)
• Rajaji National Park (2 hours, INR 350)
• Kempty Falls (2 hours, INR 50)
• Yamuna Bridge (1 hour, Free)
• Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (2 hours, INR 50)
• Gangotri Glacier (3 hours, Free)
• Gangotri Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Vishwanath Temple (1 hour, Free)
• Manikarnika Kund (1 hour, Free)
• Chopta Valley (2 hours, Free)
• Aga Khan Palace (2 hours, INR 100)
• Osho Ashram (2 hours, Free)
• Pune Okayama Friendship Garden (1 hour, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 800