Kedarnath Yatra - Nature Itinerary for July 2023

1. Day 1: Arrive in Dehradun
   Flight: 2 hours from Delhi

   After arriving in Dehradun, take a taxi to Rishikesh where you can enjoy the serene beauty of the Ganges and visit the famous Beatles Ashram.

2. Day 2: Rishikesh to Guptkashi
   Drive: 7 hours (150 km)

   Start early for the long drive to Guptkashi, a small town known for its beautiful temples. En route, visit Devprayag, the holy confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Bhagirathi.

3. Day 3: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
   Trek: 14 km

   Begin your trek to Kedarnath, the most important destination of this itinerary. The beautiful views of the mountains and the sound of the Mandakini river will accompany you on your journey.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath
   Explore the temple and surroundings

   Take a dip in the holy Tapt Kund and visit the Kedarnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Spend the day exploring the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

5. Day 5: Kedarnath to Chopta
   Trek: 20 km

   Start your trek to Chopta via the beautiful Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Reach Chopta in the evening and enjoy the serene beauty of this small town.

6. Day 6: Chopta to Auli
   Drive: 6 hours (160 km)

   Drive to Auli, a beautiful ski resort in the winter and a nature lover's paradise in the summer. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Nanda Devi and other Himalayan peaks.

7. Day 7: Auli to Dehradun
   Drive: 9 hours (290 km)

   Start early for the long drive back to Dehradun. En route, visit the holy town of Joshimath and the famous Narsingh temple. Reach Dehradun by evening.

Recommendations

If you have some extra time, you can consider visiting the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Joshimath. Another option is to take a dip in the hot water springs of Gaurikund. Remember to carry enough warm clothes and rain gear as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

For a side trip, you can visit the beautiful town of Mussoorie, also known as the "Queen of Hills". You can also consider visiting the Rajaji National Park, the Chakrata hill station, or the Kempty Falls near Dehradun.

To maximize your fun, make sure to carry enough water and snacks during the treks. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. You can also hire a local guide for the treks to get more information about the places and their significance.

Lastly, don't forget to try the local delicacies like Kumaoni raita, Bhang ki khatai, and Aloo ke gutke. Happy traveling!