Haridwar to Kedarnath Pilgrimage: A Spiritual Journey Through Uttarakhand

Day 1: Arrival and Local Exploration

Haridwar, India on June 27, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Hoshiyar Puri

Start your day with a traditional North Indian breakfast of stuffed parathas and chai at this popular local eatery, open from 7am to 11am.
INR150, 1h0m

10:30am

Har Ki Pauri Ghat Visit

Visit the iconic Har Ki Pauri ghat, the main landmark of Haridwar and a sacred site on the banks of the Ganges River, perfect for spiritual immersion and photography.
Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mohan Ji Puri Wale

Enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal, specializing in puris and aloo sabzi, served fresh from noon until evening.
INR200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Mansa Devi Temple

Take the cable car (ropeway) ride up to Mansa Devi Temple, one of the famous Shakti Peeths, offering panoramic views of Haridwar. The temple is open from 7am to 8pm.
INR120, 2h0m

5:00pm

Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri

Attend the mesmerizing evening Ganga Aarti which starts at sunset, a soulful experience of fire, chants and river worship, usually from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Chotiwala Restaurant

Dine on traditional Garhwali and North Indian cuisine at this well-known restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 2: Journey to Guptkashi

Guptkashi, India on June 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Haridwar

Have a quick meal of idli and sambar at your hotel before departure to Guptkashi, fueling up for the journey ahead.
INR100, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive from Haridwar to Guptkashi

A scenic 8-hour drive (approx. 210 km) through the Himalayan foothills; stop for short breaks and photography opportunities en route.
Transport cost varies, 8h0m

3:30pm

Check-in and Relax at Guptkashi Hotel

Check into a comfortable guesthouse or hotel; take time to relax and acclimatise to the altitude.
INR2000 approx., 1h0m

5:00pm

Visit Vishwanath Temple

Explore the ancient Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi, dedicated to Lord Shiva, reputed as an important stop before Kedarnath pilgrimage. Temple open till 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local dhaba

Sample simple mountain cuisine such as dal, rice, and local vegetables at a nearby dhaba serving till 9pm.
INR250, 1h0m

Day 3: Kedarnath Pilgrimage

Kedarnath, India on June 29, 2025

5:00am

Early Departure to Gaurikund

Drive 16 km to Gaurikund, the base for the trek to Kedarnath (about 6 km trek). Start early to avoid afternoon fatigue.
Transport approx INR500, 1h0m

6:00am

Breakfast at Gaurikund

Enjoy hot tea and light snacks available at small eateries catering to pilgrims before the trek.
INR100, 0h30m

6:30am

Trek to Kedarnath

Begin the picturesque 6 km trek uphill to Kedarnath Temple nestled in the Himalayas. The trek takes around 4-6 hours depending on pace.
Free, 5h0m

11:30am

Kedarnath Temple Visit

Offer prayers at the sacred Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and soak in the majestic Himalayan surroundings. Temple open from 5am to 9pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kedarnath

Savour simple vegetarian meals available nearby, including dal, rice, and vegetables suited to high altitude conditions.
INR200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore surrounding area

Walk around the temple complex to view the stunning Himalayan landscapes and visit nearby places of interest like Bhairavnath temple.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Start return trek to Gaurikund

Trek back downhill to Gaurikund, concluding the spiritual pilgrimage for the day.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Drive back to Guptkashi

Return by taxi or shared vehicle to Guptkashi for overnight stay.
Transport approx INR500, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel in Guptkashi

Enjoy a restful evening meal with local flavours after the trek, available until 9pm.
INR350, 1h0m

Day 4: Return to Haridwar

Haridwar, India on June 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Guptkashi

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast of aloo puri and tea at the hotel or nearby restaurant.
INR150, 0h30m

7:30am

Drive back to Haridwar

Begin the return drive to Haridwar (approx. 8 hours), with regular stops for refreshment and photo opportunities through scenic mountain roads.
Transport cost varies, 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check in to your hotel in Haridwar, relax and freshen up after the long journey.
Hotel stay cost varies, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sagar Ratna

End your trip with a tasty South Indian vegetarian dinner at Sagar Ratna, a popular chain serving coffee and dosas until 10pm.
INR300, 1h0m