Kedarnath and Badrinath 7-Day Itinerary for Shoestring Budget in September 2023

1. Day 1: Arrive in Kedarnath
   11-hour drive from Haridwar

   In the morning, reach Kedarnath and check-in to your hotel. Afternoon, visit the Kedarnath Temple and explore the natural beauty of the town. In the evening, attend the evening aarti at the temple.

2. Day 2: Kedarnath to Gaurikund
   1-hour drive (28.7 km)

   Start your day with an early morning trek to the Kedarnath Temple and offer prayers. Return to your hotel for breakfast. After checking out, drive to Gaurikund and check-in to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the town and visiting the Gaurikund Temple. In the evening, attend the aarti at the temple.

3. Day 3: Gaurikund to Badrinath
   7-hour drive (233.3 km)

   After breakfast, check-out from your hotel and drive to Badrinath. Once arrived, check-in to your hotel and visit the Badrinath Temple. In the afternoon, explore the town and visit the Tapt Kund and Narad Kund. In the evening, attend the aarti at the temple.

4. Day 4: Badrinath to Mana Village
   1-hour drive (3.5 km)

   Take a morning drive to Mana Village, the last village before the Indo-China border. Explore the village and visit the Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa. Return to Badrinath in the afternoon and visit the Brahma Kapal and Sheshnetra. In the evening, attend the aarti at the temple.

5. Day 5: Badrinath to Joshimath
   1-hour drive (42.3 km)

   Check-out from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Joshimath. Once arrived, check-in to your hotel and visit the Narsingh Temple and Kalpavriksha. Spend the evening exploring the town and its local markets.

6. Day 6: Joshimath to Auli
   1-hour drive (13.7 km)

   Take a morning drive to Auli, a popular skiing destination. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas and visit the Auli Artificial Lake. In the afternoon, explore the town and its local markets. Return to Joshimath in the evening.

7. Day 7: Departure
   10-hour drive to Haridwar

   Check-out from your hotel and drive back to Haridwar. Spend the remaining time exploring the town and its local markets. Depart for your next destination with unforgettable memories of Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Recommendations

If you have more time, you can consider visiting Hemkund Sahib, Valley of Flowers, and Rudraprayag. Do not forget to try local delicacies like Aloo ke Gutke, Kafuli, and Bhang ki Chutney. You can also maximize your fun by going for trekking and camping in the nearby areas. Plan your trip in advance to get the best deals on hotels and flights. Happy traveling!