Kedarnath 7-Day Itinerary for October 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   Located in the center of the town

   Start the day early by visiting the holy Kedarnath Temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and trying local delicacies. In the evening, attend the aarti ceremony at the temple.

2. Day 2: Vasuki Tal
   9.8 miles from Kedarnath (4-5 hour hike)

   Embark on a scenic 4-5 hour hike to Vasuki Tal, a beautiful high altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and take a dip in the cold waters. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

3. Day 3: Gandhi Sarovar
   6.8 miles from Kedarnath (3-4 hour hike)

   Take a 3-4 hour hike to Gandhi Sarovar, a glacial lake named after Mahatma Gandhi. The lake is surrounded by stunning scenery and is a great spot for photography. Return to Kedarnath by evening and relax at a local cafe.

4. Day 4: Sonprayag
   20 miles from Kedarnath (1-hour drive)

   Take a scenic 1-hour drive to Sonprayag, a small town located at the confluence of two rivers. Visit the Triyuginarayan Temple, believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati got married. In the evening, enjoy a bonfire and stargazing at your hotel.

5. Day 5: Gaurikund
   17.3 miles from Kedarnath (1-hour drive)

   Take a 1-hour drive to Gaurikund, the starting point of the trek to Kedarnath. Visit the Gauri Temple and take a dip in the hot springs. In the afternoon, visit the Guptkashi Temple and spend some time shopping for souvenirs. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

6. Day 6: Tungnath Temple & Chandrashila Peak
   19.8 miles from Kedarnath (2-hour drive)

   Take a 2-hour drive to Chopta and then a 3.5-mile trek to Tungnath Temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Continue the trek for another mile to reach the summit of Chandrashila Peak for stunning views of the Himalayas. Return to Kedarnath by evening.

7. Day 7: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   10.6 miles from Kedarnath (1-hour drive)

   Take a 1-hour drive to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and go on a nature walk to spot musk deer, snow leopards, and other Himalayan wildlife. Visit the Deoria Tal, a serene lake surrounded by forests. Return to Kedarnath by evening and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Recommendations

Consider visiting nearby places like Badrinath and Joshimath. You can also take a helicopter ride to Kedarnath for a unique and breathtaking experience. Don't forget to try local dishes like Bal Mithai and Kachmauli. Make sure to carry enough warm clothes and comfortable shoes for the hikes. Lastly, respect the local customs and traditions.