10-Day Spiritual Journey to Kedarnath and Badrinath: Himalayan Pilgrimage Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Haridwar, India on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hoshiyar Puri

Start your day with traditional North Indian breakfast items like aloo puri and jalebi at this popular local eatery known for authentic flavors.
INR150, 1h

10:00am

Har Ki Pauri Visit

Explore the famous riverfront ghat where pilgrims take holy dips in the Ganges. It's a spiritual experience to witness the piety and tranquility here.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Enjoy a fulfilling vegetarian meal with authentic Garhwali cuisine including rajma-chawal and kadhi pakora.
INR300, 1h

3:00pm

Mansa Devi Temple Cable Car

Ride the cable car to the revered Mansa Devi Temple, offering peaceful views and spiritual ambiance. The temple opens from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
INR160, 2h

7:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Attend the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti, a must-see cultural and spiritual ritual involving chants, lamps, and devotional music.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Mohan Ji Puri Wale

Relish stuffed parathas with various fillings, a perfect way to end your day with warm local flavors.
INR200, 1h

Day 2: Journey to Guptkashi

Haridwar to Guptkashi, India on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Haridwar

Have a wholesome breakfast featuring poha, bread omelette, and chai to fuel your travel day.
INR150, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi

An approximately 8 to 9 hour scenic drive covering about 230 km through the foothills of the Himalayas with beautiful landscapes en route.
INR3000 (taxi fare approx.), 9h

5:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Settle into your hotel in Guptkashi to rest and acclimatize for the upcoming trek to Kedarnath.
Included in room cost, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy a simple mountain meal featuring dal, rice, mixed vegetables, and hot soup to prepare for the trek.
INR350, 1h

Day 3: Kedarnath Pilgrimage

Guptkashi to Kedarnath, India on April 27, 2025

5:00am

Early Breakfast

Have an early light breakfast at the hotel, including fruits and parathas, before starting the trek.
INR150, 30m

5:30am

Drive from Guptkashi to Gaurikund

Travel approximately 20 km to Gaurikund, the base from where the Kedarnath trek starts.
INR500 (taxi fare approx.), 1h

6:30am

Kedarnath Trek

Trek 16 km uphill from Gaurikund to Kedarnath temple, a challenging yet spiritually rewarding journey through picturesque Himalayan terrain.
Free, 6h

12:30pm

Darshan at Kedarnath Temple

Visit the revered Kedarnath temple. Open hours typically 4:30am to 7:00pm during pilgrimage season for darshan and prayers.
Free, 1.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kedarnath Local Dhabas

Have a simple lunch with local food like rajma, chawal and dal maharani served at small eateries near the temple.
INR250, 1h

3:00pm

Return Trek to Gaurikund

Descend 16 km back to Gaurikund to continue your journey back to Guptkashi.
Free, 5h

8:00pm

Drive back to Guptkashi

Drive from Gaurikund to Guptkashi for overnight stay and rest after the arduous day.
INR500, 1h

9:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Dinner featuring warm, nutritious dal, vegetables and chapati to recuperate energy.
INR350, 1h

Day 4: Travel to Joshimath

Guptkashi to Joshimath, India on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with eggs, toast, and fresh fruit to prepare for driving day.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Joshimath

Travel approximately 180 km via Rudraprayag to Joshimath through scenic mountainous roads over 7 hours.
INR3500 (taxi fare approx.), 7h

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest at Joshimath

Settle into your hotel to relax after the long journey and prepare for Badrinath visit.
Included in room cost, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Dine on local delicacies such as kashmiri pulao and rajma at a recommended eatery known for mountain cuisine.
INR400, 1h

Day 5: Badrinath Darshan

Joshimath to Badrinath, India on April 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light vegetarian breakfast with poha and tea, conducive for a spiritual day ahead.
INR150, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Badrinath

Short 46 km drive from Joshimath to Badrinath over approximately 2 hours.
INR800 (taxi fare approx.), 2h

10:00am

Badrinath Temple Visit

Attend darshan at the iconic Badrinath temple which is open from 6:00am to 8:00pm during the pilgrimage season.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Badrinath Local Cafe

Try local vegetarian fare including khichdi and curd served at cafes near the temple.
INR300, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Tapt Kund Hot Springs

Relax and experience holy hot springs located a short walk from the temple. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Mana Village

Explore the last Indian village on the India-Tibet border known for its mythological significance and traditional crafts.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Drive back to Joshimath

Return drive to Joshimath for overnight stay.
INR800, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

End your day with nutritious meal including vegetables, dal, and chapati at the hotel restaurant.
INR350, 1h

Day 6: Badrinath & Relaxation

Joshimath and Badrinath, India on April 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Joshimath Hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast including fresh fruits, eggs, and toast.
INR200, 1h

9:00am

Day Trip to Badrinath for Morning Aarti

Return to Badrinath temple to witness the morning aarti, experience the morning chants and rituals (6:00am to 8:00am).
Free, 2h

11:30am

Free Time for Leisure or Local Shopping

Explore Joshimath local markets for souvenirs including woollens and religious offerings.
Varies, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Joshimath Local Restaurant

Enjoy local delicacies like bhatt ki churkani and rice dishes.
INR350, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Narsingh Temple and Shankaracharya Math

Explore these historic religious sites offering insight into local culture and spirituality.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Finish the day with a warm, homely meal at your hotel.
INR350, 1h

Day 7: Joshimath to Rishikesh

Joshimath to Rishikesh, India on May 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Joshimath

Have a wholesome breakfast with eggs and traditional breads to prepare for the long drive.
INR200, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Rishikesh

Approximately 220 km journey taking 8 hours along scenic roads towards the foothills in Rishikesh.
INR4000 (taxi fare approx.), 8h

4:30pm

Hotel Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel, relax after the long journey, and enjoy the riverside atmosphere.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner by the River at Beatles Cafe

Dine at the iconic cafe near the Laxman Jhula bridge serving fresh continental and Indian dishes.
INR500, 1.5h

Day 8: Rishikesh Sightseeing & Leisure

Rishikesh, India on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sitting Elephant

Enjoy a healthy breakfast featuring smoothies, eggs, and local fruits in a tranquil setting.
INR400, 1h

9:30am

Visit Beatles Ashram

Discover the famed ashram known for its artistic graffiti and Beatles history, open from 8:00am to 6:00pm.
INR150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chotiwala Restaurant

Savor authentic sattvic vegetarian cuisine, complementing the spiritual vibe of Rishikesh.
INR350, 1h

2:00pm

Yoga Session at Parmarth Niketan Ashram

Join a guided yoga session to rejuvenate physically and mentally; typically runs around 1.5 hours.
Donation based, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit to Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula

Explore the iconic suspension bridges and nearby temples, offering splendid views of the Ganges.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat

Experience an enchanting aarti ceremony illuminated by diyas and devotional music, held every evening at 7:00pm.
Free, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Little Buddha Cafe

Enjoy a multicultural dinner menu focusing on fresh, organic ingredients and relaxing ambiance by the river.
INR600, 1h

Day 9: Leisure and Local Culture

Rishikesh, India on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Your Hotel

Have a convenient and quick breakfast to start a relaxed day, perhaps including traditional aloo paratha.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Neer Garh Waterfall

Short trek to beautiful waterfall on the outskirts of Rishikesh suitable for nature lovers and photo opportunities.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pure Soul Cafe and Organic Kitchen

Enjoy nutritious vegan and vegetarian dishes prepared with organic ingredients in a peaceful environment.
INR450, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Swarg Ashram and Local Market

Explore spiritual ashrams and shop for handicrafts, spiritual books, and clothes in local bazaars.
Varies, 2h

6:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Unwind after a long day with some rest at your hotel.
Free, 2h

8:00pm

Dinner at The Sitting Elephant

Dine once more at this highly recommended location offering a mix of Indian and continental favorites.
INR500, 1h

Day 10: Departure

Rishikesh, India on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy your final breakfast in Rishikesh before preparing for your onward journey.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Departure to Next Destination or Airport

Arrange transport back to nearest airport or onward destination, concluding your spiritual Himalayan pilgrimage.
Varies, Varies