Kedarnath Tour Package from Varanasi is an 11 day spiritual tour that is a combination of holy pilgrimage with the beautiful landscapes of north India, the Garhwal Himalayas. The tour starts with the holy city of Varanasi and goes through major cultural and spiritual centers such as Lucknow, Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh and enters the calm Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. On the way, the pilgrims see the holy sources of rivers in Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag and feel the holy atmosphere of those sacred places. The pilgrimage ends with a visit to the holy Kedarnath Temple which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and which is situated amidst snow-clad mountains. This package will be a very rewarding spiritual experience as with strategically designed routes, comfortable stops, and plenty of worshiping and sightseeing time, we will be able to get back to Varanasi through Rishikesh, Delhi, and back.
Detailed Itinerary
Your Kedarnath Yatra starts at Varanasi where you drive to Lucknow. Take pleasure in the picturesque highway, green farm lands and countryside scenes. On arrival, check in to your hotel and have a break. Since this is timely, visit Hazratganj Market or have traditional Awadhi food later. This is the day when you can get mentally and spiritually ready for the long pilgrimage to come. Evening is to be spent at your hotel and the early night rest.
Breakfast, then go by train or plane to Delhi. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and sleep. During the evening, you can go to some local attractions such as India Gate or Connaught place. Delhi is the entry point to the holy Char Dham of Uttarakhand. It is a free evening where you can get ready for the next mountain expedition. Go to bed early to have maximum energy to drive the long distance beginning tomorrow.
Delhi-Haridwar drive, observing fields, riversides and how the landscape is slowly changing. Register in your hotel and have a shower. During the evening, visit the spectacular Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, the experience of which leaves thousands of people in ecstasy. The religious songs and the lamps used produce a memorable ambience. Later, return to your hotel for dinner and rest.
Breakfast, then travel to Rishikesh, which is a peaceful ghat and yoga capital. Go to the local market, Ram Jhula, and Laxman Jhula. Keep on driving further into the Himalayas to Srinagar. Take pleasure in river valleys, pine forests and mountain roads on the way. On arrival at Srinagar, have dinner in your hotel and rest. The day will be used to gradually adapt to the mountain weather and the altitude.
Now, this morning you have started to drive to Guptkashi, through Rudraprayag, the holy town of the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers. Take breaks to take photographs, have tea breaks and beautiful Himalayan sceneries on the way. After arrival at Guptkashi, get into your hotel, have some rest and visit the temples over there around the Guptkashi like Vishwanath Temple or Ardhnareshwar Temple. The mountain air and the quietness of the surroundings get you ready to the next day as you head towards Kedarnath up the steep mountain road.
There is no more important day of your pilgrimage to-day than to-day. In the morning, drive to Sonprayag and drive to Gaurikund. Start walking to Kedarnath (16 km) or you can use a helicopter (depending on availability). The hike is spectacular in terms of landscape, falls, and expansive mountain meadows. Check in to your camp or lodge on arrival. In the evening, go to Kedarnath Temple and have darshan and the divine feel there. This scene is memorable due to the Himalaya aura.
Early wake up early to have another darshan of Shri Kedarnath Temple. Once you are done praying, start your road back to Gaurikund and drive to Guptkashi. The coming back trip gives you time to have the mountain scenery at a slower pace and reflect on your spiritual experience. Arrive at Guptkashi and stay in the hotel. Have a comfortable supper and sleep peacefully after the tedious day of walking.
Then after breakfast, go to the holy Triyuniquearayan Temple, which is considered where Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati got married. Discover the gorgeous landscape, old buildings, and the everlasting fire which is reported to have been burning since their divine union. Then, sightseeing is over, and then go on your way to Rishikesh. Get into your hotel and have a rest of the night. On top of the trekking days, this is a perfect city to relax in.
Today, leave after having breakfast, and commence the drive back to Delhi. The downward tour is very relaxing as you can relax after the heavy pilgrimage. Upon arrival in Delhi, you should check in your hotel and bathe. You can spend the evening shopping around the local markets or just do nothing but recline in the comfort of your hotel room. Sleep well to-night and then go back to Varanasi.
Breakfast and then fly or take a train back to Varanasi. Come home and change houses. This is the end of your Kedarnath pilgrimage full of piety, adventure, and blessings of the Himalayas. Take some rest after such a great journey and enjoy the memories and spiritual experiences acquired in this religious pilgrimage.
What You'll Experience
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Spiritual tour to Kedarnath Dham, which is among the twelve holy Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
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Holy is Varanasi, the eternal city on the banks of the Ganga start and end.
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Touring to large pilgrimage cities: Haridwar and Rishikesh.
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Be a part of divine Ganga Aarti in Haridwar and explore the spiritual aura of Rishikesh.
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Drives through the Garhwal Himalayas and Devprayag, Srinagar, and Rudraprayag.
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See the confluence of the holy rivers, at Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi make the Ganga.
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Guptkashi is one of the bases of Kedarnath pilgrimage and overnight stay is done here.
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Stunning scenery of snow-white mountains and fertile valleys on the way to Kedarnath.
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Properly designed itinerary including Varanasi- Lucknow- Delhi- Uttarakhand- Delhi- Varanasi.
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Moderate combination of spiritual worship, nature and culture.
Inclusions & Exclusions
β What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off from Delhi/Haridwar/Dehradun/Rishikesh (as per package).
- Private cab/tempo passenger service with an experienced driver for the entire trip.
- Fuel, toll tax, parking, and driver allowances.
- Hotel/guesthouse accommodation on twin/triple sharing basis.
- Breakfast and dinner at hotels daily during the trip.
- Sightseeing and temple visits in Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath as per the itinerary.
- Assistance with registration arrangements for the Char Dham Yatra.
- Meet-and-greet assistance.
- 24x7 customer support throughout the trip.
β Not Included
- Airfare/train tickets to Delhi or Haridwar.
- Helicopter tickets to Kedarnath.
- Pony, palanquin/doli, or porter charges at Yamunotri and Kedarnath.
- Temple donations, darshan passes, or special puja fees.
- Lunch, snacks, and beverages are not included.
- Professional tour guide services (unless specified).
- Personal expenses (shopping, laundry, tips, phone calls, hotel heater charges, etc.).
- Camera/video camera fees at attractions.
- Additional sightseeing or vehicle use outside the prescribed itinerary.
- Government taxes/GST (if not specified).
Your Journey
Common Questions
What is the total duration of the Kedarnath tour from Varanasi?
This is a 11-day package which encompasses travel, acclimatization, darshan and transport back.
Which route is taken for this trip?
The route followed is Varanasi - Lucknow - Delhi - Haridwar - Rishikesh - Srinagar - Guptkashi - Kedarnath.
Is helicopter service available for Kedarnath?
Yes, it has helicopter service between Guptkashi, Phata and Sersi, which is available depending on weather and availability.
How difficult is the Kedarnath trek?
The walk is approximately 16 km and fairly challenging. There is an availability of ponies and palkis.
What is the best time to travel?
The best months to visit Kedarnath Yatra are May- June and September- October.
Are meals included during the trip?
The hotels normally provide breakfast and dinner as a part of the Kedarnath tour.
Can senior citizens go on this tour?
Yes, but a check-up is recommended to me by a doctor. Helicopter flights simplify the trip.
What should I carry for the Kedarnath trek?
Warm garments, trekking footwear, raincoat, pharmaceuticals, gloves, wool socks, and a water bottle.