Adventure-packed 7-Day Itinerary: Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath (June 2023)

1. Day 1: Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar
   30 minutes (18.6 km) from Jolly Grant Airport

   Start your adventure by taking a dip in the holy Ganges at Har Ki Pauri, one of the most sacred Ghats in Haridwar. Later, visit Mansa Devi Temple on the foothills of the Himalayas and attend the divine Ganga Aarti in the evening.

2. Day 2: Auli, Badrinath
   9 hours (315 km) from Haridwar

   Hit the road to Badrinath and take a detour to Auli. Indulge in some adrenaline-pumping activities like skiing, camping, and trekking. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Nanda Devi, the highest peak in India, along with other surrounding mountains. Spend the night in Auli.

3. Day 3: Badrinath Temple, Badrinath
   2 hours (54 km) from Auli

   Offer your prayers to Lord Badri Vishal at the Badrinath Temple, one of the four Char Dham sites. Explore Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Indo-China border, and witness the confluence of Alaknanda and Saraswati rivers at the Sangam. Spend the night in Badrinath.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath Temple, Kedarnath
   9 hours (238 km) from Badrinath

   Head towards Kedarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva. Trek your way through the picturesque landscapes of the Garhwal Himalayas to reach the Kedarnath Temple. The trek is challenging but absolutely worth the effort. Spend the night in Kedarnath.

5. Day 5: Vasuki Tal, Kedarnath
   6 hours (5.5 km) from Kedarnath Temple

   Begin your day with a trek to Vasuki Tal, a high altitude lake situated amidst snow-capped mountains. Explore the flora and fauna of the region. You can also try your hand at fishing in the lake. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

6. Day 6: Rudraprayag, Haridwar
   9 hours (225 km) from Kedarnath

   Start your journey back to Haridwar and make a pitstop at Rudraprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Take a dip in the holy waters and explore the ancient temples in the area.

7. Day 7: Rajaji National Park, Haridwar
   1 hour (27.3 km) from Haridwar

   End your adventure-filled trip with a visit to Rajaji National Park, home to a variety of flora and fauna including tigers, elephants, and leopards. Go on a jungle safari, take a nature walk, and spot some wildlife. Return to Haridwar by evening.

Recommendations

If you have time, visit the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, located in the Pauri Garhwal district. You can also indulge in some white-water rafting at Rishikesh, which is known as the 'Gateway to Garhwal Himalayas'.

For an all-around experience, you can opt for a helicopter ride to Kedarnath and Badrinath. This will save you time and energy and give you a bird's eye view of the scenic beauty of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Har Ki Pauri (2 hours, Free)
• Mansa Devi Temple (2 hours, Rs. 300 for cable car ride)
• Ganga Aarti (1 hour, Free)
• Auli activities (1 day, Rs. 5000 approx.)
• Badrinath Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Mana Village (2 hours, Free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (1 day, Rs. 3000 approx.)
• Rudraprayag (2 hours, Free)
• Rajaji National Park (1 day, Rs. 1500 for safari)
• Total Estimated Costs: Rs. 9800 (excluding travel and accommodation)