Kedarnath Badrinath 6-Day Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (750 meters) from Kedarnath Bus Stand

   Visit the Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, in the morning. This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas. Afternoon, take a dip in the holy Kedarnath Mandakini river. In the evening, explore the nearby markets and try local cuisines like Kachmauli, Phaanu, and Chainsoo.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   1 hour 10 minutes (8.5 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Embark on a trek to the beautiful lake of Vasuki Tal, surrounded by majestic peaks and glaciers. The 6 km trek is moderate and takes around 3-4 hours one way. Carry a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic by the lake. Return to Kedarnath by evening and relax at your hotel.

3. Day 3: Badrinath Temple
   2 hours 50 minutes (98.5 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Get ready for a scenic drive to Badrinath, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Visit the Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and take a dip in the Tapt Kund hot springs. In the afternoon, explore the Mana Village, the last Indian village before the Tibet border. In the evening, attend the mesmerizing Badrinath Aarti ceremony at the temple.

4. Day 4: Valley of Flowers
   1 hour 10 minutes (9.2 miles) from Badrinath Temple

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of Flowers, a breathtaking trek through a meadow of alpine flowers and rare plants. The 7 km trek is moderate and takes around 3-4 hours one way. Carry a packed lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst nature. Return to Badrinath by evening and relax at your hotel.

5. Day 5: Joshimath
   1 hour 10 minutes (31.5 miles) from Badrinath Temple

   Drive to the picturesque town of Joshimath, also known as Jyotirmath. Visit the ancient Narasimha Temple and the Shankaracharya Math. Take the cable car ride to Auli and enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks. In the evening, stroll through the town and savor local delicacies like Aloo ke Gutke, Kafuli, and Singodi.

6. Day 6: Hemkund Sahib
   1 hour 45 minutes (34.5 miles) from Joshimath

   Embark on a challenging trek to the revered Sikh pilgrimage site of Hemkund Sahib, located at an altitude of 4,329 meters. The 6 km trek is steep and takes around 3-4 hours one way. At the top, visit the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara and take a dip in the holy Hemkund Lake. Return to Joshimath by evening and relax at your hotel.

Recommendations

Do not miss the opportunity to witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Haridwar. You can also plan a day trip to the scenic town of Chopta, popularly known as 'Mini Switzerland of India'. For adventure enthusiasts, there are many treks and activities like bungee jumping, river rafting, and camping in the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Kedarnath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Vasuki Tal Trek (7-8 hours, 500 INR)
• Badrinath Temple (2 hours, free)
• Valley of Flowers Trek (7-8 hours, 1500 INR)
• Joshimath Sightseeing (4-5 hours, 1000 INR)
• Hemkund Sahib Trek (7-8 hours, 1000 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs: 3,000 INR (excluding accommodation and transportation)