8-10 Day Travel Itinerary: Haridwar, Rishikesh & Kedarnath

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar & Local Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Haridwar, check into your hotel, and freshen up. Brief rest after travel.

Afternoon: Visit Har Ki Pauri and enjoy the sacred vibes of the Ganges ghats. Explore the local markets nearby.

Evening: Witness the magnificent Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, a spiritual and colorful ritual.

Day 2: Haridwar Temples and Surroundings

Morning: Visit the Mansa Devi Temple and optionally take the cable car for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Explore Chandi Devi Temple and stroll through the sacred lanes around it.

Evening: Relax at Shantikunj Ashram and enjoy some serene nature walks.

Day 3: Transfer to Rishikesh & Initial Sightseeing

Morning: Depart for Rishikesh (approx. 1 hr drive). Check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and explore nearby shops and cafés.

Evening: Attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh, a serene spiritual experience.

Day 4: Adventure & Spirituality in Rishikesh

Morning: Experience white-water rafting on the Ganges River or opt for a yoga session at a local center.

Afternoon: Visit the Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia) and explore its murals and history.

Evening: Walk along the banks of the Ganges and soak in the peaceful atmosphere near Ram Jhula.

Day 5: Day Trip to Neer Garh Waterfall & Local Exploration

Morning: Trek to the picturesque Neer Garh Waterfall and enjoy nature and a refreshing dip.

Afternoon: Return to town and visit some local cafés or take a meditation class in Rishikesh.

Evening: Free time to shop at Rishikesh’s local bazaar or relax by the river.

Day 6: Journey to Kedarnath Base Camp (Gaurikund)

Morning: Early morning departure from Rishikesh to Gaurikund (approx. 8-9 hours by road). Check into guesthouse or campsite.

Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. Prepare for the trek next day.

Evening: Light walk around Gaurikund area; enjoy local food and early night rest.

Day 7: Trek to Kedarnath & Sightseeing

Morning: Begin the trek (approx. 16 km) from Gaurikund to the Kedarnath Temple through scenic mountain trails.

Afternoon: Reach Kedarnath, check into accommodation, and visit the Kedarnath Temple for darshan.

Evening: Enjoy sunset views of the Himalayas and participate in evening prayers at the temple.

Day 8: Kedarnath Exploration & Return Trek

Morning: Visit nearby natural spots such as Vasuki Tal or enjoy the peaceful mountain surroundings.

Afternoon: Begin the trek back down to Gaurikund.

Evening: Rest in Gaurikund guesthouse and share experiences with fellow travelers.

Day 9: Return to Rishikesh

Morning: Depart from Gaurikund back to Rishikesh (approx. 8-9 hours by road).

Afternoon: Check in to your hotel and relax after the long journey.

Evening: Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river or a casual dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 10: Departure or Extra Day in Rishikesh

Morning: Optional yoga session or visit any missed spots like Parmarth Niketan Ashram.

Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting.

Evening: Prepare for onward journey or relax; depart based on your schedule.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Har Ki Pauri (Haridwar): 2 hours, ₹0 (free)
• Mansa Devi Temple Cable Car: 2 hours, ₹350 per person
• Chandi Devi Temple: 2 hours, ₹30 entry + ₹200 cable car (optional)
• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri & Triveni Ghat: 1.5 hours each, ₹0 (free)
• Laxman Jhula & Ram Jhula (Rishikesh): 2 hours total, ₹0 (free)
• White-water Rafting: 3-4 hours, ₹700-₹1500 per person
• Beatles Ashram Entry: 2 hours, ₹150 per person
• Neer Garh Waterfall Trek: 3 hours, ₹0 (free)
• Road Transport Rishikesh to Gaurikund: Approx. 9 hours, ₹1500 per vehicle (shared)
• Kedarnath Trek (Gaurikund to Kedarnath): 8-10 hours one way, ₹0 (free)
• Kedarnath Temple Donation & Accommodation: Variable, approx. ₹500-₹1500
• Return Transport Gaurikund to Rishikesh: ₹1500 per vehicle (shared)

Total Estimated Cost: ₹6000 - ₹9000 per person (excluding food and personal expenses)

Tips

For travelers looking to extend the trip, consider adding a day in Rishikesh to attend advanced yoga retreats or explore other nearby natural attractions like Rajaji National Park. Alternatively, you could spend an extra day acclimatizing in Gaurikund before trekking to Kedarnath to make the trek less strenuous.

If you prefer to reduce the duration, you can combine the Haridwar exploration into a single day and allocate just a day and a half in Rishikesh. Also, consider a helicopter ride from Phata or Sonprayag to Kedarnath to save trekking time, reducing the itinerary to 7 days efficiently.