8 Days Uttarakhand Tour Package: Rishikesh, Auli & KedarNath Itinerary

Begin your day in Dehradun with a hearty breakfast. Today's journey takes you from Dehradun to Rishikesh, with a captivating stop in Haridwar.

After checking out from your Dehradun hotel, embark on a scenic drive towards Rishikesh. The total distance to Rishikesh is approximately 83 km, with an estimated travel time of around 2.5 to 3 hours, excluding time spent in Haridwar.

En route, visit the following attractions in Haridwar:

• Har Ki Pauri: A sacred ghat on the banks of the Ganges, believed to be the point where the river descends from the Himalayas.
• Mansa Devi Temple: A popular hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Mansa Devi, accessible by a cable car offering panoramic views.
• Chandi Devi Temple: Another significant hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chandi, offering spiritual solace and scenic vistas.

After exploring Haridwar, continue your drive to Rishikesh. Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this holy town.

Begin your day with an early breakfast in Rishikesh. Ensure you have completed any remaining sightseeing in Rishikesh before departing, as the focus today is the scenic drive to Joshimath.

The drive from Rishikesh to Joshimath is approximately 250 km and will take around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. This route offers spectacular views of the Ganges River, dense forests, and towering mountains.

En route, you will experience the following:

• Devprayag: Witness the majestic confluence of the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers, forming the holy Ganges. This is a significant pilgrimage site.
• Rudraprayag: Observe the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers.
• Karnaprayag: See the meeting point of the Alaknanda and Pindar rivers.
• Nandaprayag: Another significant confluence where the Alaknanda and Nandakini rivers meet.

Upon arrival in Joshimath, check into your hotel. Joshimath is a significant spiritual center and the gateway to several Himalayan treks and pilgrimage sites. (Sites will be visited based on the availability of time mostly next day in the morning)

After settling in, you can explore:

• Narsingh Temple: A historic temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Tapovan: Known for its hot springs and panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Enjoy a peaceful evening in Joshimath, reflecting on the day's incredible journey.

Embark on a picturesque drive from Joshimath to Badrinath. The distance is approximately 45 km, and the travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions.

En route, enjoy the stunning Himalayan vistas and the roaring Alaknanda River. While there are no specific designated sightseeing stops between Joshimath and Badrinath, the entire drive offers breathtaking natural beauty.

Upon arrival in Badrinath, your primary focus will be the sacred Badrinath Temple. Experience a VIP Darshan, allowing for a more streamlined and personal visit to the revered shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Take time to soak in the divine atmosphere and the spiritual significance of this holy site.

After your temple visit, explore the immediate surroundings of Badrinath. Consider a brief visit to:

• Tapt Kund: Natural hot springs believed to have medicinal properties, located near the temple.
• Narada Kund: A sacred spot where Sage Narada is said to have meditated.
• Brahma Kapal: A flat platform where Hindus perform rituals for their ancestors.

After a spiritually enriching day, begin your return journey to Joshimath. The drive back will offer another opportunity to appreciate the majestic mountain scenery as the day draws to a close.

Begin your day in Joshimath. After a leisurely breakfast, prepare for your ascent to Auli. The primary mode of transport for this segment is the Joshimath-Auli Ropeway, a spectacular cable car system offering unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

Key Highlights of the Day:

• Joshimath to Auli Ropeway: Experience one of the longest cable car rides in India, spanning approximately 4 kilometers. Enjoy stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys as you glide upwards.
• Auli Exploration: Upon arrival in Auli, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this popular hill station.
• Outdoor Activities: Depending on the season, engage in activities like short treks around Auli, photography, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air.
• Return Journey: Descend back to Joshimath via the ropeway in the late afternoon or early evening, cherishing the memories of your mountain escapade.

The Joshimath-Auli Ropeway is the main attraction, and there are no significant en route sightseeing spots between the two locations as the journey is directly via cable car. Your focus will be on the ascent, the views, and the activities available in Auli itself. Enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas on this memorable single-day transfer.

Begin your day with an early morning checkout from your hotel in Joshimath. Today's journey takes you on a scenic drive to Guptkashi, a town revered for its spiritual significance and proximity to the Kedarnath shrine. The drive covers approximately 75 km and is expected to take around 3 hours.

En route Sightseeing (If not visited so far):

• Narsingh Temple (Joshimath): Before departing, a brief visit to this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is recommended.
• Hanuman Chatti: A small settlement often considered the starting point for treks to Yamunotri, offering picturesque views.
• Pandukeshwar: Another significant religious site with temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

Upon arrival in Guptkashi, check into your hotel. The rest of the day is dedicated to exploring the spiritual heart of this sacred town.

• Vishwanath Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is the main attraction in Guptkashi, believed to be the site where Lord Shiva appeared before the Pandavas.
• Ardhanarishvara Temple: A unique temple depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in a single form, symbolizing the union of masculine and feminine energies.

Your day begins in Guptkashi, where you will proceed to the helipad for your helicopter journey to Kedarnath. This experience offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas.

Itinerary:

• Morning: Arrive at the Guptkashi (Or any other) helipad based on the booking. Complete the check-in formalities for your helicopter ride.
• Helicopter Journey: Embark on a scenic helicopter flight to Kedarnath. Enjoy panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and the winding Mandakini River. The flight duration is approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Kedarnath Darshan: Upon arrival at the Kedarnath helipad, you will be assisted for your VIP Darshan at the Kedarnath Temple. Immerse yourself in the divine atmosphere of this sacred pilgrimage site.
• Return Flight: After your spiritual experience, board your helicopter for the return journey to Guptkashi.
• Afternoon: Arrive back at the Guptkashi (Or any other) helipad based on the booking. Your day concludes here, filled with the blessings of Kedarnath Baba and unforgettable memories of a Himalayan flight.

Begin your day in Guptkashi. After completing your morning rituals and any remaining local sightseeing, check out from your hotel. The drive from Guptkashi to Rishikesh is approximately 170 km and will take around 6-7 hours, depending on road conditions and en route stops.

Upon arrival in Rishikesh, check into your hotel. The rest of your day is dedicated to exploring the spiritual heart of this vibrant city.

Sightseeing in Rishikesh:

• Laxman Jhula: A famous suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the Ganges River and surrounding hills.
• Ram Jhula: Another iconic suspension bridge, often bustling with activity and leading to ashrams and temples.
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram: A renowned ashram known for its spiritual programs and the evening Ganga Aarti.
• Triveni Ghat: A sacred confluence of three rivers, popular for its evening Aarti ceremony.
• Beatles Ashram (Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram): Explore the ruins of this ashram, once a hub for meditation and creativity.

Begin your day with an early morning visit to the captivating Neer Garh Waterfall. This multi-tiered cascade offers a refreshing escape and stunning photo opportunities. After soaking in the natural beauty, make your way to the iconic Beatles Ashram. Explore the serene grounds where the legendary band once found inspiration, and admire the unique graffiti art that adorns the structures.

Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Rishikesh's local markets. Browse for spiritual artifacts, handicrafts, and local delicacies. Enjoy a final taste of Rishikesh before preparing for your onward journey.

You will then embark on a scenic drive from Rishikesh to Dehradun. The distance is approximately 45 km, and the journey typically takes around 1.5 hours.

Upon arrival in Dehradun, depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a brief exploration of the city's charming streets before heading to the airport for your departure.