Kedarnath 3N&4D

Here’s a 4-day, 3-night itinerary for a trip to Kedarnath, which includes visits to some of the key places and activities:

Day 1: Arrival in Haridwar or Rishikesh – Journey to Sonprayag

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Haridwar/Rishikesh: Begin your journey from either Haridwar or Rishikesh. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is in Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport), and from there, you can drive to Haridwar or Rishikesh.
  • Travel to Sonprayag: After arrival, start your drive toward Sonprayag, the last road head before Kedarnath (approximately 6-7 hours from Haridwar or Rishikesh).
  • Lunch Break: Stop along the way for a meal.
• Evening:
  • Arrive at Sonprayag: This is where your trek to Kedarnath begins. If you’re traveling during the peak season (May–October), you’ll find many pilgrims and services available.
  • Stay Overnight at Sonprayag: You can opt for simple guesthouses or camps for a budget-friendly stay.

Day 2: Sonprayag to Kedarnath (Trek)

• Early Morning:
  • Start the Trek from Sonprayag to Kedarnath: After an early breakfast, start your trek to Kedarnath. The trek is about 16 km (approximately 6–8 hours), and it is a steep, but scenic route. The trek is relatively challenging, so be prepared with proper trekking shoes, warm clothing, and water.
  • Alternative: Helicopter Ride: For those who prefer not to trek, there are helicopter services available from Phata, Sitapur, and Guptkashi to Kedarnath.
• Afternoon:
  • Arrive at Kedarnath: Once you reach Kedarnath, check into your accommodation. You can choose to stay in one of the guesthouses or camps near the temple complex.
  • Visit the Kedarnath Temple: Spend some time in the serene environment of the temple, offering your prayers and exploring the surroundings.
• Evening:
  • Evening Aarti: Don’t miss the evening aarti at the Kedarnath Temple, which is an extraordinary experience.
  • Overnight Stay at Kedarnath: Enjoy a peaceful night in the holy town.

Day 3: Explore Kedarnath & Return Trek

• Morning:
  • Morning Aarti at Kedarnath Temple: If you’re up early, attend the morning aarti at the temple. It’s a peaceful and spiritual way to start the day.
  • Explore the Area: Take some time to explore the surroundings of Kedarnath. You can visit the nearby shrine of Adi Shankaracharya’s Samadhi, which is near the temple and has a peaceful aura.
  • Optional: Visit Bhairavnath Temple: You can do a short 3 km trek to the Bhairavnath Temple for panoramic views of Kedarnath and the surrounding valleys.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch and Rest: Enjoy a peaceful lunch and relax for a while before preparing for your descent.
• Evening:
  • Trek Back to Sonprayag: Begin your descent back to Sonprayag. The return trek is slightly easier, but still be cautious as it’s long.
  • Stay at Sonprayag: Arrive at Sonprayag and check into your stay.

Day 4: Sonprayag to Haridwar/Rishikesh – Departure

• Morning:
  • Drive back to Haridwar/Rishikesh: After breakfast, start your journey back to Haridwar or Rishikesh. The drive back is about 6–7 hours, so leave early to reach by afternoon or evening.
• Afternoon:
  • Lunch on the Way: Stop for lunch at a local eatery along the way.
• Evening:
  • Arrive in Haridwar/Rishikesh: Once you arrive at your destination, you can either take a flight or train back home, or explore Haridwar or Rishikesh a little more (optional).
  • End of Trip: The trip concludes, and you can continue your onward journey or rest for the night.

Additional Tips:

• Weather: Pack appropriate clothing for cold weather, especially in the evenings and mornings. Even in summer, temperatures in Kedarnath can be cold.
• Health: If you’re not used to high altitudes, take it slow to avoid altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water.
• Accommodations: There are a few dharamshalas, guesthouses, and camps in Kedarnath. Make reservations in advance if possible.
• Trekking Gear: Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, a trekking pole, water bottles, and some light snacks are essential for the trek.
• Travel Light: Since the trek to Kedarnath involves long walking hours, try to pack light.

This itinerary will give you a fulfilling and spiritual experience, balancing the trek with moments of relaxation and reverence at Kedarnath.