7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Kedarnath and Badrinath in September 2023
Day 1: Kedarnath
10 hours (230 km) from Haridwar
Visit the Kedarnath Temple in the morning and take a dip in the holy Kedarnath Tirthankara in the afternoon. In the evening, enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas from the Kedarnath viewpoint.
Day 2: Gaurikund
1 hour (30 km) from Kedarnath
Take a dip in the Gauri Kund, a natural hot water spring, in the morning. Visit the Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal in the afternoon. In the evening, hike to the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary for a chance to see some wildlife.
Day 3: Badrinath
8 hours (190 km) from Gaurikund
Visit the Badrinath Temple in the morning and take a dip in the Tapt Kund in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the town and visit the Badrinath Museum to learn more about the history and culture of the region.
Day 4: Joshimath
1 hour (45 km) from Badrinath
Visit the Narsingh Temple in the morning and explore the town of Joshimath. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the Auli Ski Resort for some breathtaking views of the Himalayas. In the evening, visit the Kalpavriksha, one of the oldest trees in India.
Day 5: Valley of Flowers National Park
4 hours (170 km) from Joshimath
Go on a trek to the Valley of Flowers National Park, known for its stunning meadows of alpine flowers and diverse wildlife. Spend the whole day exploring the park.
Day 6: Hemkund Sahib
1 hour (25 km) from Valley of Flowers National Park
Take a trek to Hemkund Sahib, a Sikh shrine located at an altitude of 4,633 meters. Spend the whole day exploring the shrine and the surrounding area.
Day 7: Rishikesh
10 hours (270 km) from Hemkund Sahib
Visit the Triveni Ghat in the morning for a holy dip in the Ganges. In the afternoon, explore the town of Rishikesh and visit the Beatles Ashram. In the evening, attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Parmarth Niketan.
Recommendations
If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby town of Haridwar and attending the evening aarti at Har Ki Pauri. You could also take a side trip to the beautiful town of Rudraprayag. To maximize fun, try some local street food and go on a rafting trip in Rishikesh. Lastly, make sure to carry appropriate clothing and gear for trekking and hiking.