Best Time to visit
May to June & September to October
Duration
06 Nights – 07 Days
Routing
Delhi – Haridwar –- Rudraprayag - Guptakashi – Kedarnath – Rishikesh - Delhi
Places | Best Available Hotels |
Delhi | The Oberoi New Delhi |
Haridwar | Pilibhit House |
Guptakashi | The Village Retreat |
Kedarnath | Punjab Sindh Awas |
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi airport, after traditional Indian style ‘Swagat’ (Welcome) by Exceptional Escapes representative, he would assist you at the Airport & transfer to Hotel for check in.
Rest of the time free for relax.
Overnight Hotel- Delhi
Day 02: Delhi - Haridwar (220 Kms / 4 Hrs Approx)
Post breakfast drive to Haridwar: The holy city of Haridwar translates to "Gateway to God," and the breathtaking city, replete with temples, is a magnet for religious pilgrims from all over the globe. Religious festivals hold even further draw, and tourists can’t helped but be compelled by the city’s aura of intense spirituality. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places of the Hindus, located on the banks of River Ganges. The sheer numbers of people gathering around Har Ki Pauri Ghat give Haridwar a chaotic but reverent feel.
In evening observe witness spectacular view of evening (Aarti) at Har Ki Pauri, sacred Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother Bhartrihari. It is believed that Bhartrihari eventually came to Haridwar to meditate by the banks of holy Ganga. This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund.
Rest of the time is for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Haridwar (B)
Day 03: Haridwar - Guptkashi (200 kms / 6 Hrs Approx) Height: 1319 MTS.
Morning after breakfast, drive to Guptkashi. Enroute 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. Check into the hotel arrival in Guptkashi.
Guptkashi: The name Gupt Kashi means "Hidden Benares. According to mythology when the Pandava brothers were searching for the Lord Shiva, Shiva first concealed himself at Guptkashi. Later from there he went further up tothe valley of Kedarnath, where the Pandavas finally got their wish fulfilled. Kedarnath pandits (priests) live in Guptkashi during the winter months, and after the Kedarnath temple closes for the winter, the image of Kedarnath passes through Gupt Kashi on its way to Ukhimath (across the valley), where it stays for the winter.
Guptkashi Weather: Pleasant in summer, the temperature ranges from 25-30 degree Celsius. Cold in winters.
Overnight Hotel - Guptkashi. (B, D)
Day 04: Guptkashi / Helipad / Kedarnath (30kms by road & Helicopter) Height: 3384 MTS.
Morning after breakfast, today you will go to Kedarnath Dham.
By Helicopter : (Supplement - INR 9500/- Per Person) Subject to availability (Pony ride / Doli Ride ) Morning our driver will transfer you to your Helipad location (Phata, Guptkashi, Sirsi etc) as per helicopter ticket time. Kindly inform the driver timings of helicopter mentioned on the ticket previous day. Different aviation has different location for their helicopter service. Our driver will provide you pick and drop to hotel. Kindly inform the driver timings of helicopter mentioned on the ticket. Advance booking is highly recommended for the helicopter.
After reaching the Kedarnath visit Kedarnath Temple. Check in to the hotel/ashram. Visit Shankaracharya Samadhi.
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. According to 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 PanchKedar.
Kedarnath Weather - Due to its high altitude the weather in Kedarnath remains cold for most part of the 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.
Overnight Hotel - Kedarnath. (B, D)
Day 05: Kedarnath / Helipad / Guptkashi (30kms by road & Helicopter) Height: 3384 MTS.
Morning after breakfast explore nearby areas by walk at Kedarnath. Later reach Guptkashi by Helicopter / Doli Ride / Pony Ride.
By Helicopter: Inform the driver when you leave for Kedarnath about your approximate return time and helipad name according to ticket. Our driver will pick up you from helipad and transfer you to your hotel.
At arrival check in to hotel in Guptkashi.
Overnight Hotel – Guptakashi (B, D)
Day 06: Guptkashi - Rishikesh (180kms / 5 ½ hrs approx)
Post breakfast drive to Rishikesh attracts people from all over the world like a magnet since decades owing to its religious and scenic attributes. Also, one of the most sought-after destinations for adventure seekers, this locale is nestled amidst the foothills of Himalayas. Surrounded by lush green forests and with the fast-flowing crystal clear Ganges crisscrossing this town, Rishikesh is indeed a place for perfect holidays. Rishikesh is also a popular name amongst health fanatics as it is believed to be the ‘Yoga capital’ of the world. on arrival check into your Hotel.
Later proceed for local sightseeing of Rishikesh visiting
LaxmanJhula; suspension Iron Bridge LakshmanJhula was built in 1929. This is where Rama's brother Lakshman is said to have crossed the river on jute ropes. One can enjoy the spectacular surroundings & the cool breeze from the River while standing on the bridge.
Ram Jhula; another suspended bridge close to LakshmanJhula is the Ram Jhula- This suspended bridge was recently built between Shivanand&Sawarg Ashram. It is similar to the LakshmanJhula. It is also known as ShivanandJhula.
Geeta Bhavan; famous for its attractive paintings and statues from the Hindu mythology. Situated just across the LakshmanJhula.
In the evening Ganga Aarti at ParmarthNiketan is organized and performed by ashram residents, particularly the children who are studying the Vedas there. The ceremony commences with the singing of bhajans, prayers, and a purifying and sacred ritual that takes place around a fire, with the offerings made to Agni, the fire god. The lamps are lit and the aarti takes place as the final part of the ceremony. The children sing along with the spiritual head of the ashram, in sweet, haunting voices. A huge statue of Lord Shiva overlooks the proceedings.
Rest of the time is free for relax.
Overnight Hotel –Rishikesh (B)
Day 07: Rishikesh - Delhi (240 Kms / 5 Hrs Approx)
Departure
Post breakfast drive to Delhi & Transfer to Airport to board the flight for onward journey, taking back a wonderful experience of Kedarnath Tour
The arrangement of our trip was so perfectly done, that i could not find even a single fault or drawback for which i could provide a suggestion. We are so much impressed and touched by the hospitality and services provided. To be frank, we have already started to plan for our next holiday, may be sometime in the end of the year. We will get back to you soon :-) Thanks again Exceptional Escapes.....you guys are truly EXCEPTIONAL!!!! - read more...
The trip in general has been exceptional
The driver was a sweetheart. Always bringing me something to eat or drink and also always carrying a beautiful smile - read more...
Airport Representative was very Good Tour & Guide Services was very Good Ground Services was excellent Hotel Services was excellent - read more...
Generally all are good except that in shimla. Silverine hotel is not a suitable hotel for elderly people as they need to walk up and downhill to the hotel….though the place is ideal for shoppers - read more...
Thank you so very much for going above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip. I have been telling everyone about your hospitality. I truly had a great time and I especially am thankful for all your organizing and to take time to show us your family and invite us to your home. You have a beautiful family and I think Choti (your little sister) is so adorable - read more...
Hi Gaurav, thanks for following up and for all your efforts in making all the necessary arrangements for my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. A few suggestions on how you might improve your services for future bookings - read more...
Many thanks for putting together a wonderful and memorable vacation for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We did not find anything lacking from your side. It was our first visit to India and it seems like we are already planning to be back. The pace was hectic so we did not find much time to visit the local markets which we will have to make up next time - read more...
We reached home safely on Sunday morning (USA time) and slept most of the day. I cannot thank you enough for all your help and efforts in making our trip such a wonderful success. I will never forget the experiences we had and fun time we enjoyed all throughout the trip. I will send you pictures soon.....'not to worry!!!' - read more...
We waited almost two years to meet again and it was well worth it. Everybody had a fantastic time and loved every moment of it. Your friend speaks very good English now and we all wish her well in the future. It seems that shopping with your friend was the highlight of the trip, the ladies would not stop talking about it - read more...