Volunteering in Kedarnath: A 4-Day Itinerary in June 2023

1. Day 1: Kedarnath Temple
   5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Kedarnath Helipad

   Start your volunteering journey with a visit to Kedarnath Temple, one of the most sacred temples in India. The temple is located at an altitude of 3,583 meters and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Spend the morning helping the temple staff with cleaning and maintenance work. In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful walk around the temple complex and soak in the serene atmosphere. In the evening, attend the Aarti ceremony and witness the beauty of the temple lit up by lamps.

2. Day 2: Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal Trek
   1 hour 30 minutes (5.4 miles) from Kedarnath Temple

   Embark on a trek to Gandhi Sarovar and Vasuki Tal, two beautiful lakes surrounded by majestic mountains. Start early in the morning and spend the first half of the day trekking to Gandhi Sarovar, which is located at an altitude of 4,745 meters. After reaching Gandhi Sarovar, spend some time volunteering with the local authorities in maintaining the trekking trail. In the afternoon, continue your trek to Vasuki Tal, which is located at an altitude of 4,800 meters. Spend the evening camping near the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings.

3. Day 3: Gaurikund and Kedar Dome Trek
   2 hours 30 minutes (11.3 miles) from Vasuki Tal

   After breakfast, trek back to Gaurikund and spend some time volunteering with the local authorities to maintain the trekking trail. In the afternoon, embark on a trek to Kedar Dome, one of the highest peaks in the Garhwal region. The trek is challenging and will take around 6-7 hours. Spend the evening camping near Kedar Dome and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary
   1 hour (4.5 miles) from Kedar Dome Trek Starting Point

   Spend the last day of your volunteering journey by visiting the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Spend the morning volunteering with the forest department and help them in maintaining the sanctuary. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the sanctuary and spot some of the rare species of animals and birds. Spend the evening relaxing and reflecting on your experience in Kedarnath.

Recommendations

If you have more time, do consider visiting the nearby town of Guptkashi and volunteering at the local schools and hospitals. You can also take a side trip to the beautiful town of Badrinath which is just a few hours drive away. To maximize your fun, try to interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions. Lastly, make sure to carry warm clothing and trekking gear as the weather can be unpredictable.

For hotel and flight bookings, please visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.