Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary: Badrinath, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar

Day 1: Badrinath Exploration

Badrinath, India

8:00AM

Visit Badrinath Temple

Start your day with a visit to the famous Badrinath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
The temple is located in the town of Badrinath itself, easily accessible by walking.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Mana Village

Take a short drive to Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border, known for its scenic beauty.
Mana Village is just 3 km from Badrinath and can be reached by a quick taxi ride.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhaba

Enjoy a traditional North Indian meal at a local dhaba for an authentic culinary experience.
There are several dhabas in Badrinath offering budget-friendly meals.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tapt Kund

Relax and rejuvenate at Tapt Kund, a natural thermal spring known for its medicinal properties.
Tapt Kund is located near the Badrinath Temple complex.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Evening Aarti at Badrinath Temple

Witness the mesmerising evening aarti ceremony at Badrinath Temple, a spiritual experience not to be missed.
Head back to the temple for the evening aarti ceremony.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: More of Badrinath

Badrinath, India

8:00AM

Morning Yoga and Meditation

Start your day with some peaceful yoga and meditation amidst the serene surroundings of Badrinath.
Find a quiet spot near the river or in a garden for your yoga session.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Vasudhara Falls

Embark on a trek to Vasudhara Falls, a picturesque waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
The falls are around 5 km from Badrinath. You can hire a local guide for the trek.
£10 (including guide), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant, sampling Garhwali cuisine.
Explore the eateries in Badrinath for a budget-friendly lunch option.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping at Badrinath Market

Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts at the bustling Badrinath Market.
Take a leisurely stroll to the market from your hotel.
Variable, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Relish a delicious dinner at a local eatery, trying out regional delicacies.
Choose a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy the authentic flavours of the region.
£7, 1 hour
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Day 3: Kedarnath Arrival

Kedarnath, India

Morning

Travel to Kedarnath

Start your journey to Kedarnath, a holy town known for the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Take a shared taxi or bus from Badrinath to Sonprayag, then a 20 km trek or pony ride to reach Kedarnath.
£10 (transportation), Varies

Afternoon

Check-in to Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation in Kedarnath and freshen up after the journey.
Check in at your pre-booked guesthouse or budget hotel.
£20 per night, 1 hour

Evening

Dinner and Rest

Enjoy a simple dinner at a local eatery and rest for the night to prepare for the next day's temple visit.
Explore the nearby eateries for a budget-friendly dinner option.
£6, 1 hour
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Day 4: Kedarnath Temple Visit

Kedarnath, India

Morning

Visit Kedarnath Temple

Embark on a spiritual journey as you visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
The temple is located in Kedarnath town itself, a short walk from most accommodations.
Free, 2 hours

Afternoon

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Relish a traditional meal at a local restaurant, getting a taste of the regional cuisine.
Choose a nearby restaurant for lunch and enjoy the local flavours.
£8, 1 hour

Evening

Explore Kedarnath

Take a leisurely stroll around Kedarnath, soaking in the serene atmosphere and mountain views.
Walk around the town and enjoy the scenic beauty it has to offer.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Rishikesh Arrival

Rishikesh, India

Morning

Travel to Rishikesh

Head to Rishikesh, a spiritual town on the banks of the Ganges River, popular for yoga and meditation.
Take a shared taxi or bus from Kedarnath to Rishikesh, a journey of approximately 200 km.
£15, 6 hours

Afternoon

Check-in to Accommodation

Check in to your hotel or guesthouse in Rishikesh and unwind after the long journey.
Settle in at your pre-booked accommodation in Rishikesh.
£25 per night, 1 hour

Evening

Visit Triveni Ghat

Witness the Ganga Aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat, a spiritual ritual by the banks of the Ganges.
Triveni Ghat is a short walk from most accommodations in Rishikesh.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Rishikesh Exploration

Rishikesh, India

Morning

Yoga Session by the Ganges

Start your day with a rejuvenating yoga session by the Ganges River, the perfect way to connect with nature.
Find a quiet spot along the riverbank for your yoga practice.
Free, 1 hour

Late Morning

Visit Beatles Ashram

Explore the Beatles Ashram, a place of spiritual retreat where the Beatles once stayed.
Beatles Ashram is a short walk from the Ganges River, easily accessible.
£3, 1 hour

Afternoon

Lunch at a Riverside Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside cafe, savouring the beautiful views and peaceful ambiance.
Choose a cafe along the Ganges for a scenic dining experience.
£10, 1 hour

Evening

Ganga River Rafting

Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ganges River, a popular adventure activity in Rishikesh.
Book a rafting session with a local operator along the riverbanks.
£15, 2 hours
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Day 7: Haridwar Visit

Haridwar, India

Morning

Travel to Haridwar

Travel to Haridwar, another spiritual town known for its ghats and temples along the Ganges River.
Take a bus or shared taxi from Rishikesh to Haridwar, a short journey of around 20 km.
£5, 1 hour

Afternoon

Explore Har Ki Pauri

Visit Har Ki Pauri, a famous ghat in Haridwar where the Ganga Aarti takes place every evening.
Har Ki Pauri is easily accessible from the main market area in Haridwar.
Free, 1 hour

Evening

Attend Ganga Aarti

Witness the grand Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri, a spiritual and visually stunning experience.
Head to Har Ki Pauri in the evening to secure a good spot for the aarti ceremony.
Free, 1 hour
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