7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for Haridwar and Kedarnath in October 2023

1. Day 1: Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar
   Located in the heart of Haridwar
   Time and distance from previous location: 0 minutes

   In the morning, witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri. In the afternoon, take a dip in the holy Ganges and explore the local markets. In the evening, visit the Chandi Devi Temple, a beautiful hilltop temple with scenic views.

2. Day 2: Mansa Devi Temple and Rajaji National Park in Haridwar
   Mansa Devi Temple - 2.5 kilometers from Har Ki Pauri
   Rajaji National Park - 50 kilometers from Mansa Devi Temple

   Start your day early by visiting the Mansa Devi Temple via cable car. In the afternoon, head to Rajaji National Park to spot wildlife like tigers, leopards, and elephants. In the evening, return to Haridwar and enjoy the local food.

3. Day 3: Rudra Cave in Kedarnath
   Kedarnath - 240 kilometers from Haridwar
   Rudra Cave - 1 kilometer from Kedarnath

   Travel to Kedarnath and visit the Rudra Cave, a cave that is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The cave is a short trek from Kedarnath Temple. Spend the evening exploring the serene town of Kedarnath.

4. Day 4: Kedarnath Temple
   Kedarnath Temple - located in Kedarnath
   Time and distance from previous location: 0 minutes

   Visit the famous Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the Garhwal Himalayan range and can be reached by a trek through beautiful mountain views. Spend the evening exploring the local culture and cuisine.

5. Day 5: Badrinath Temple
   Badrinath Temple - 230 kilometers from Kedarnath
   Time and distance from previous location: 7 hours and 30 minutes (230 kilometers)

   Travel to Badrinath, one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, and visit the famous Badrinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take a dip in the Tapt Kund, a natural hot spring near the temple. Spend the evening exploring the local markets and food.

6. Day 6: Mana Village in Badrinath
   Mana Village - 3 kilometers from Badrinath
   Time and distance from previous location: 10 minutes (3 kilometers)

   Visit the last village of India, Mana Village, located just 3 kilometers from Badrinath. Explore the village and visit the Vyas Gufa, where Sage Vyas is believed to have written the Mahabharata. In the evening, return to Badrinath and enjoy the local food.

7. Day 7: Departure
   Time and distance from previous location: 0 minutes

   Depart from Badrinath and head back home with unforgettable memories of the holy towns of Haridwar and Kedarnath.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to consider include the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh, the Triveni Ghat in Haridwar, and the Vasudhara Falls in Badrinath. For a side trip, you can visit Auli, a beautiful skiing destination just 55 kilometers from Badrinath. To maximize your fun, try to plan your trip during a festival like Diwali or Navratri when the towns are lit up with lights and colors. Finally, don't forget to carry warm clothes as the weather in October can get chilly.

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