Kedarnath Badrinath Darshan

Early Morning Departure

Today, wake up early, have a hearty breakfast, and then you will embark on a captivating journey to Guptkashi through the scenic Himalayas.

The drive is a beautiful amalgamation of picturesque landscapes, small villages, and the flowing river alongside.

Morning Ganga Aarti (Optional)

We recommend you to wake up early, freshen up and start from Haridwar around 6:30 AM to make the most of your day as the journey is quite long.

If you wish to see the morning Ganga Aarti, then we suggest you to wake up around 5 am, head to Har-ki-Pauri to take a holy dip in the holy Ganga during the ‘Brahmamurat’, and then sit on the stairs to witness the sacred aarti.

However, taking the holy dip in the morning is optional and is a matter of personal choice and faith.

Enroute Scenic Drive

Enroute Guptkashi, you will pass through Rishikesh, Devprayag & Rudraprayag, but will visit them on your back from Badrinath in an orderly manner as per the flow of the river.

Optional Visit to Tehri Dam

Optionally, you can choose to visit the Tehri Dam, which is a large dam built on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand.

The Tehri Dam is about 260 meters (855 feet) high, making it one of the tallest dams in the world.

The dam has created a large reservoir lake, which is now a hub for various water sports activities like boating, jet skiing, and rafting.

If you’re keen on adventure, you can indulge in these water sports, but at your own expense.

Arrival in Guptkashi

Soon, you will depart from Tehri and proceed towards Guptkashi, which is also referred to as the ‘Hidden Benares’ (Hidden Varanasi).

It has been named so, because it is believed that Lord Shiva hid himself from the Pandavas here, before moving further up to Kedarnath.

This makes Guptkashi an important stop for those on their way to the Kedarnath Dham, and is hence often regarded as the ‘Gateway to Kedarnath’.

On your arrival in Guptkashi, you will check into your hotel to grab a little rest and to freshen-up.

Temple Visits in Guptkashi

You will then proceed towards the ancient Ardh-Narishwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his ‘Ardhnarishwar’ form, an embodiment of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Apart from the Ardhnarishwar Temple, you will also visit the Vishwanath Temple and the Manikarnika Kund, which are located within the same temple complex.

This Kund is believed to mark the spot where the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna converge.

Evening at Leisure

After seeking the blessings of the divine, you are free to explore the local markets of Guptkashi on your own.

Later return to your hotel to have a delicious dinner and to settle in for a good night’s rest.

Early Morning Departure

Today, wake up early during the Brahmamuhurta for an auspicious start to your day and then prepare for your journey to Gaurikund, which is the starting point for the Kedarnath trek.

Arrival at Gaurikund

Upon arrival at Gaurikund, enjoy an appetizing breakfast and then you will head to the sacred kund for a holy bath as it is a revered tradition to bathe in these waters before proceeding to the Kedarnath Dham.

Trek to Kedarnath

After taking the dip in Gaurikund, you will begin your 19-kilometer trek to Kedarnath through a well-trodden path that is surrounded by the stunning vistas of the Garhwal Himalayas.

There are several rest points and eateries along the route to make the trek comfortable and spiritually uplifting.

Arrival in Kedarnath

On your arrival in Kedarnath, check-in to your hotel to rest and freshen up.

Visit Kedarnath Temple

After a little rest, visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple, which is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

It is believed that a pilgrimage to this sacred site will free you from the cycle of birth and death.

Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi

Next, you must visit the Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi to pay homage to the great saint at his final resting place in Kedarnath.

Shri Adi Shankaracharya is responsible for establishing the Advaita Vedanta School of Philosophy and the four sacred maths (Hindu Monasteries) in India, namely Jyotirmatha (Joshimath) in the north, Sringeri Sharada Peetham in the south, Dwarka Pitha in the west, and Govardhan Matha in the east.

Bhairavnath Temple Visit

After this, you must walk up the hill for a couple of minutes to visit the Shri Bhairavnath Temple, which is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.

Lord Bhairavnath is considered as the protective deity of Kedarnath.

On visiting this temple, you will not only witness spiritual fulfillment but also a panoramic view of the Kedarnath Temple and the Mandakini River.

Evening Aarti at Kedarnath

After spending some quality time absorbing the panoramic views of Kedarnath, you must walk downhill to reach the temple by 5:30 pm to experience the captivating evening Aarti, which is a spiritual ceremony filled with rhythmic bell chimes and divine chants.

Dinner & Overnight Stay

After the Aarti, you can either continue exploring the spiritual ambiance of Kedarnath or return to your hotel for a well-deserved dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Morning Darshan & Aarti at Kedarnath

Today, wake up and start your day early to experience the immersive morning aarti and to have a wonderful darshan of Lord Shiva at the Kedarnath Temple.

Following your darshan, witness a truly captivating sunrise comprising of the sight of the temple in tis serene glory, set against the stunning backdrop of snow-covered mountains.

Breakfast & Departure from Kedarnath

Then, head back to your hotel for a hearty breakfast.

Trek Down to Gaurikund

Afterwards, begin your descent back to Gaurikund.

During the trek down, please note that despite the fact that the path may seem simpler and easy, but make sure to place your foot properly to avoid any injuries.

On reaching Gaurikund, take some time to relax and refresh yourself with some light snacks or refreshments (at your own expense).

Drive Back to Guptkashi

Soon, after lunch, you will depart from Gaurikund and will head back to Guptkashi via the scenic route along the river Mandakini.

Evening at Leisure

On reaching Guptkashi, you have the option to relax at your hotel or visit the Manikarnika Kund to bathe and relax amidst a peaceful landscape.

Dinner & Overnight Stay

Later, conclude your day with a delicious dinner at your hotel, followed by a restful night’s sleep.

Today, we highly recommend you to wake up early and depart from Guptkashi at around 6 AM, as the journey to Joshimath is notably long.

You have an option to either reach Joshimath via a scenic and less-travelled route through Chopta & Mandal, or you may choose to travel via a more facilitated route through Rudraprayag & Karnaprayag.

Option 1: Via Chopta & Mandal

The journey through Chopta and Mandal goes through the heart of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and is renowned for offering a tranquil and visually stunning experience.

Apart from the beautiful lush green landscape, you will also see various snow-covered Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba.

Shortly after beginning your journey from Guptkashi, you will visit the Ukhimath Omkareshwar Temple, which acts as the winter home for Lord Shiva from the Kedarnath Dham.

As per the legend, Ukhimath is believed to be the place where Mandhata, an ancestor of Lord Rama, renouned all worldly pleasures and undertook severe penance by standing on one leg for about 12 years.

Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Omkar (sound of Om) and blessed him.

Apart from that, it is also believed that Anirudh (the grandson of Lord Krishna) married Usha (the daughter of Vanasur).

After Ukhimath, you will soon reach Chopta, which is often referred to as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’, as it boasts of lush green meadows and offers a picturesque view of the snow-capped Himalayas.

Chopta also serves as the base for the trek to Tungnath Temple, which is considered as the world’s highest Shiva temple and one of the Panch Kedar.

The other sacred Kedars include Kedarnath, Rudranath, Madhyamaheshwar, and Kalpeshwar Nath.

This route via Chopta is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

Option 2: Via Rudraprayag & Karnaprayag

Alternatively, the route through Rudraprayag and Karnaprayag is generally the most taken road which is known for its better road conditions and ease of access to various amenities like restaurants, shops, and fuel stations.

This route might also offer a faster travel time and is ideal for those prioritizing comfort and convenience during their journey.

Arrival in Joshimath

Upon your arrival in Joshimath by late afternoon or early evening, you will check into your hotel to relax, enjoy a scrumptious dinner, and have a peaceful night’s sleep.

Morning in Joshimath

Today, wake up to a fresh new day in Joshimath, freshen-up, have a delightful breakfast, and then set off on a short trip to Badrinath, which is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in India.

Arrival in Badrinath & Tapt Kund

Upon your arrival in Badrinath, you will start your spiritual odyssey with a visit to the Tapt Kund, as it is a customary practice for pilgrims to take a dip in these sacred hot springs before entering the Badrinath Temple.

This ritual is not just about purification but also offers a unique sense of peace and rejuvenation.

Badrinath Temple Darshan

After taking a holy bath at the Tapt Kund, you will head towards the Badrinath Temple, which is a very popular sacred temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

This temple isn’t just a religious landmark; it is part of both the Char Dham and Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuits.

Legend has it that Adi Shankaracharya found an idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and he then enshrined it in a temple during the 8th century.

Ever since then, the temple attracts devotees from all across the globe.

Visit to Mana Village

After seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, you will then embark on a short trip to explore the Mana Village, which the last Indian village near the Indo-Tibet border.

A highlight here is the Vyas Gufa, which is believed to be the site where sage Vyasa composed the epic Mahabharata.

Return to Joshimath

Later, you will come back to Joshimath in the evening.

Here, you will check back into your hotel for some relaxation, which will be followed by a delicious dinner, and a peaceful night’s sleep.

Morning in Joshimath

Today, wake up to a beautiful new day, freshen up, and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on today’s captivating journey to RIshikesh.

Visit to Narsimha Temple

But before you start your journey to Rishikesh, you will visit the Narsimha Temple in Joshimath, which is a temple that is dedicated to Lord Narsimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

It is believed that Lord Narsimha protects his devotees and blesses them with prosperity.

Drive to Rishikesh

After this, you will depart from Joshimath and begin your journey towards Rishikesh, which is popularly known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’.

Panch Prayag Darshan

En route Rishikesh, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the spirituality of the sacred Panch Prayags – the holy confluences that contribute to the formation of the holy Ganga river.

Your first stop will be at Vishnuprayag, the place where the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga meet, and is believed to be the place where Lord Narada received the blessings from Lord Vishnu.

After this, you will travel further and visit the Nandaprayag, the site where you will witness the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers converge.

Bathing here in Nandaprayag is believed to wash away the sins.

Next, you will be visiting the Karnaprayag, where the Pindar River joins the Alaknanda River.

Karnaprayag is associated with Karna from Mahabarath and is believed to be the place where he did penance (prayishchit).

After Karnaprayag, you will stop at Rudraprayag, to witness the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.

The Rudraprayag confluence is linked with Lord Shiva’s Rudra form and is known for the fast flow of waters.

After this, you will finally visit Devprayag, to witness the Bhagirathi River merging with the Alaknanda River to form the holy Ganga.

Optional River Rafting

When you are about to Rishikesh, you will you have the option to partake in an exhilarating river rafting experience from Shivpuri to the Ram Jhula.

This is an optional adventure that adds an extra thrill to your spiritual journey (It is a popular activity that comes at an additional cost).

Evening in Rishikesh

In case you reach Rishikesh on time before sunset, you will visit the Triveni Ghat to witness an immersive evening Ganga Aarti, which is one of the major attractions of Rishikesh.

Or else, you will check into your hotel to relax, have a scrumptious dinner, and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

Morning in Rishikesh

Today wake up to a beautiful day in Rishikesh, take time to freshen up and enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Yoga & Meditation Session (Optional)

If you are a nature lover or want to keep up with your fitness goals, you can wake up early, and head towards the nearest ashram situated along the banks of the river Ganga to partake in a revitalizing yoga and meditation session.

After this, come back to your hotel to freshen-up and relish an appetizing breakfast.

Rishikesh Sightseeing

After breakfast you will explore some of the major attractions in Rishikesh like the Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula and the Triveni Ghat.

Lakshman Jhula & Ram Jhula Walk

You will start today’s sightseeing with a visit to the Lakshman Jhula, which is a popular suspension bridge in Rishikesh that is believed to have been constructed at the same point from where Lord Lakshman (Lord Ram’s younger brother) crossed the holy river Ganga on a jute rope.

Here you can not only marvel at the awe-inspiring landscape, but also capture some amazing pictures with a backdrop of the river Ganga.