Day 1: ARRIVE RISHIKESH

Upon arrival in Rishikesh, transfer to hotel. Temples Sight Seeing – Laxman Jhulla, Ram Jhulla.

Rishikesh: Rishikesh ‘place of sages’ is a celebrated spiritual town on the bank of Ganga and is surrounded by Shivalik range of the Himalayas on three sides. It is said that when Raibhya Rishi did hard penances, God appeared by the name of “Hrishikesh” and this area hence firth came to be known as Rishikesh.

Named after the Lord Vishnu, Rishikesh is a holy city for Hindus. Located in the foothills of the Himalaya in northern India it is also known as the yoga center of the world and is home to many world renowned ashrams. Rishikesh styles itself as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, with masses of ashrams and all kinds of yoga and meditation classes. The fast-flowing Ganges is surrounded by forested hills inside the city. Apart from temples and ashrams Rishikesh is now a popular white-water rafting centre, backpacker hang-out, and gateway to treks in the Himalaya.

Day 2 : RISHIKESH – GUPTAKASHI (165 kms 7-8hrs)

On 6th day morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi via Lambgoan. On the way you can see the beautiful river Mandakini at Tilwara. The Mandakini River comes from Kedarnath, drive alongside the river to reach Guptakashi, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple in Guptakashi .Afterwards smooth transfer to the hotel and overnight stay at Guptkaashi Hotel.

Guptakashi: The name Gupt Kashi means “Hidden Banaras”. Mythology describes how the Pandava brothers were searching for a glimpse of Shiva. Shivji first concealed himself at Guptkashi, but after that he walked up to Kedarnath valley, where the Pandava’s wish got fulfilled. Kedarnath is identified for its ancient Vishwanath Temple devoted to the lord Shiva, which is equivalent to the temple situated in Varanasi (Kashi). The other well-known temple here is Ardhanareshvara Temple, a half man half woman form of Shiva and Parvati.
Guptkashi Weather – Pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in WINTERS.

Day 3: GUPTKASHI – KEDARNATH(30 KM + 16 KM TREK)

Morning after breakfast, either walk or take helicopter to Kedarnath. Overnight stays at Kedarnath.

By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you to Helipad. Car will wait until you come back from Kedarnath and transfer you to hotel.

By Trek: Morning our driver will drop you at Sonprayag then you have to take local jeep for Gauri kund and then your trek start for Kedarnath ji. After Darshan you follow same route back to Sonprayag. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no. is not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver and send the message by any other driver.

Kedarnath: The Kedarnath shrine, one of the 12 jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is a scenic spot situated, against the backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath range. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva. Accordingto legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kaurava in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own brothers and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.

On being followed he dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madhmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. Kedarnath and the four above-mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar.

Kedarnath Weather – Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part ofthe year. Summer here is cool and pleasant while winter is severe. During summer season the temperature varies around 20°Celsius. Light woolen wear is recommended. Winter season in Kedarnath is severe with mercury falling to as low as 0°Celsius. During this time the place experiences snowfall as well. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually avoided by tourists.

Day 4: KEDARNATH – GUPTKASHI (16 KM TREK + 30 KMS)

Morning after Pooja and breakfast & back your hotel. Overnight stays at Guptkashi.
By Helicopter: Morning our driver will transfer you to Helipad. After Back our car will drop you at Hotel for rest.

By Trek: You have to come by trekking to Gauri kund then take local jeep for Sonprayag where your driver will wait. There is big parking issue so driver will back other palace if his contact no. is not working then you have to arrange other taxi or wait for your driver.

Day 5: GUPTKASHI – BADRINATH (200 KM / 8-9 HOURS)

On this fresh morning after breakfast, drive to Badrinath. On arrival at Badrinath, our representative will help you for smooth transfer to the hotel. Pilgrims after having a bath in the Taptkund go for the Darshan of Badrivishal and Aarti in evening. Brahamakapal is significant for Pinddan Shraddh of ancestors (Pitras). There are other interesting sightseeing spots like Mana, Vyas Gufa, Maatamoorti, Charanpaduka, Bhimkund and the “Mukh” of the Saraswati River. Just within the three kms of Badrinathjee. Overnight stay at Badrinath.

Badrinath one of the ‘Ancient Four Dhams’ and also one of the most celebrated pilgrimage spots of the country and is situated at an elevation of 3,133 meters, guarded on either side by the two mountain ranges known as Nar & Narayan with the towering Neelkanth Peak providing a splendid backdrop. This revered spot was once carpeted with wild berries. Thus the place got the name “Badri van”, meaning “forest of berries”.

Tapt Kund: Natural thermal springs on the bank of the river Alaknanda, where it is customary to bath before entering the

Badrinath temple.
Mana Village: Inhabited by an Indo-Mongolian tribe, it is the last Indian village before Tibet.

Vasundhara: As the name suggests, vasundhara is a magnificent water fall. This place is 5 km from Badrinath out of which 2 km is motor able up to Mana.

Bhim Pul: On the other side of Mana village, a massive rock forming a natural bridge, lies over the roaring Saraswati River. It presents a spectacular view of water thundering down through the narrow passage under the rock and is believed to have been placed there by Bhim, the second eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

Vyas Gufa (cave): Near Mana Village, this is a rock-cave where Ved Vyas is believed to have composed the Mahabharata and the pauranic commentaries.

Badrinath Weather: The average maximum temperature will be around 18° Celsius and the average minimum is 8° Celsius. Warm and woolen clothes are hence required for a stay in Badrinath throughout the year. Winter in Badrinath is often accompanied by snow falls. Winter is very chilly with an average temperature of 5° Celsius. Due to the extreme climatic conditions, this time is usually closed for tourists.

Day 6: BADRINATH – RUDRAPRAYAG VIA JOSHIMATH (165 KM / 5-6 HOURS)

This day morning will start with breakfast and afterwards move forward for Rudraprayag via Joshimath. On the way, visit Narsingh Temple at Joshimath further drive for Rudraprayag. On the arrival at Rudraprayag, check into the hotel. Overnight stay at Rudraprayag hotel.

Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the rivers Alaknanda and Dhauliganga. One of the four ‘Maths’ established by Adi Shankaracharya. Joshimath is the winter seat of Badrinath. The idol is brought down to Joshimath and installed in the temple for people to worship. There are many other temples in the township. The most important is the temple of Narsingh with the idol of Lord Vishnu. The left arm of this deity is getting destroyed with time and the popular belief holds that the day the arm completely withers Badrinath valley will cease to exist and the Gods will transfer the residence into the neighboring Niti Valley at Bhavishya Badri.

Rudraprayag is one of the Panch Prayag (five confluences) of Alaknanda River. It is confluence of rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini. Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town is located 86 km from Rudraprayag.

Rudraprayag Weather – Generally hot in summer, the temperature ranges from 35-40 degree Celsius, winter: The Days are pleasantly cool but the nights are cold, temperature ranges from 20o C to 05o C.

Day 7: : RUDRAPRAYAG – HARIDWAR (165 KM / 5-6 HOURS)

On this last day morning after breakfast, drive to Haridwar. Arrive and check into hotel.

It is believed that when the Gods left their footprints on the land of Haridwar, metaphorically they also left an indelible mark on the spiritual etho- of every Hindu- more so, the devout, who (would later follow their holy paths all across this blessed land. It has earned it’s sobriquet of honor as ‘The Gateway to the Gods’.  Visit Bharat Mata Temple – 4 kms from Haridwar and is a multistory six-floor structure. The ground floor has the exquisite sculpture of Bharat Mata. The temple also contains sculptures of Buddha, Mahavir, Guru Nanak, Kabir, Tulsi Das, Meera, and Natraj. This is a real beautiful temple to see.   Evening witness the Ganga Aarti at Har-ki –Pauri.  Har-ki-Pauri is the main ghat known as Brahmakund, popular legend has it that Lord Vishnu left his footprint at Har-ki-Pauri. The whole environs echoes with the sounds of conch shells and bells and priests perform ritual worship of the river. Thousands of earthen lamps are floated in the water, which twinkle like gold in the darkness makes it an enthralling sight.  Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: DEPARTURE HARIDWAR

Breakfast at hotel.  Mansa Devi Temple -The temple on the top of Siwalik Hills is dedicated to the Goddess Mansa Devi, who was the daughter of Lord Shiva. One can enjoy the splendid view of the city from such a great height. The ropeway carriage operates between Upper Road, and Mansa Devi Temple. It is believed that whoever worships Goddess Mansa Devi, their wishes get fulfilled. Later transfer to airport.