7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary: Hyderabad to Kedarnath in July 2023

1. Day 1: Hyderabad
   Flight from Hyderabad to Dehradun (2 hours 30 minutes)
   Drive from Dehradun to Rishikesh (45 minutes, 15 miles)

   Explore the holy city of Rishikesh, known for yoga, meditation and adventure sports. Visit the Beatles Ashram, Ram Jhula, and Triveni Ghat. Try white water rafting on the Ganges river.

2. Day 2: Rishikesh
   Drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath (9 hours, 160 miles)

   Travel by road to reach Joshimath, the winter home of Lord Badri and a popular base for treks to Kedarnath. En-route, visit Devprayag, Rudraprayag, and Karanprayag – the holy confluences of the Alaknanda river.

3. Day 3: Joshimath
   Cable car ride from Joshimath to Auli (25 minutes)

   Take a scenic ropeway ride from Joshimath to Auli, a picturesque skiing destination with stunning views of Himalayas. Take a nature walk, go birdwatching, or try skiing if you visit in the winter.

4. Day 4: Auli
   Drive from Auli to Gaurikund (9 hours, 215 miles)

   Embark on a long road journey to Gaurikund, the last motorable point before Kedarnath. En-route, stop at Rudraprayag, and Guptkashi for some scenic views and photographic opportunities.

5. Day 5: Gaurikund
   Trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath (5 hours, 9 miles)

   Start the 16-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath, one of the most revered shrines of Hinduism. The trek is moderately difficult but filled with natural beauty and stunning views of the Himalayan range. Have an early dinner and rest in preparation for the next day.

6. Day 6: Kedarnath
   Take a helicopter ride from Kedarnath to Phata (10 minutes)
   Drive from Phata to Haridwar (5 hours, 130 km)

   Visit the Kedarnath temple, take a dip in the holy Kedarnath water pond, and enjoy the spiritual ambiance of this ancient shrine. Take a helicopter ride back to Phata and drive to Haridwar for the evening Ganga Aarti, a ritual of offering prayers to the river Ganges.

7. Day 7: Haridwar
   Drive from Haridwar to Dehradun (1 hour, 34 km)
   Flight from Dehradun to Hyderabad (2 hours 30 minutes)

   Explore Haridwar, one of the seven holiest places for Hindus. Take a dip in the Ganges river, visit the Har Ki Pauri ghat, and shop for souvenirs in the colorful local markets. Catch the flight back to Hyderabad, concluding the trip.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider adding a visit to the Valley of Flowers National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its alpine flowers and meadows. Alternatively, you can visit the Badrinath temple, which is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes, warm clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

If you want to experience more adventure, you can try bungee jumping, zip-lining or mountain biking in Rishikesh or Auli. For a unique cultural experience, you can attend the annual Kedarnath Urs festival, which takes place in June.

For maximizing your fun on this trip, book accommodation and transportation in advance, and check the weather forecast before starting the trek to Kedarnath.