As I embarked on journey to witness the snow-covered mountains and hike through the Himalayan range, I was blessed to witness some of the most beautiful rivers in the world. From the peaceful flow of the Mandakini to the spiritual significance of the Ganga, each river offered a unique glimpse into the natural wonders of this incredible landscape. The crisp air and the stillness around me only served to enhance the experience, as I trekked along the winding paths, discovering waterfalls, serene lakes, and quiet stretches of shoreline that seemed almost untouched by time. Every step was a new opportunity to explore and appreciate the power and beauty of nature. And as I stood at the summit, taking in the stunning panoramic views, I knew that this was a journey that would stay with me forever - a journey of awe-inspiring beauty and adventure that I will always treasure.
Salem -------TRAIN-------> Chennai.
We booked over night train (9.45PM) and we will reach Chennai by next day morning 3.30AM . Then our flight was @7.45AM to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.
Chennai ----> Flight ----> Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (through connecting flight in Bangalore)
There is only cab/taxi are available in airport and that are too expensive. So we have to walk around 2KM to reach Rishikesh - Haridwar bypass road. From there we can get transport(bus/cab) to Rishikesh or Haridwar.
Jolly Grant Airport ----walk(2KM)----> Rishikesh-Haridwar Bypass ----share auto/bus (Rs.15/ppl)-----> Bhaniyawala ----cab (Rs.100/ppl)----> Haridwar
After reaching Haridwar, booked a room near bus stand for Rs.300/day for 2ppl. Then also booked tickets to Sonprayag (Last bus stop for Kedarnath) for Rs.650/ppl.
Then refreshed ourselves and spent rest of the evening by visiting Manasa devi temple & Ganga Temple (Ganga Aarati).
Mansa Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Mansa Devi, who is believed to fulfill the wishes of her devotees. The temple is situated atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Shivalik Hills, and can be reached either by a steep climb of around 1.5 kilometers or by a cable car ride. The temple is one of the most visited temples in the region and is considered to be one of the Siddh Peethas (holy places where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell) in India. Devotees come from all over India to offer their prayers to the goddess and seek her blessings. The temple also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Haridwar.
Har Ki Pauri is a sacred ghat located in the city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India. It is believed to be the spot where Lord Vishnu left his footprint during a cosmic journey. Hindus consider a dip in the holy Ganges at this ghat to be extremely auspicious, and thousands of pilgrims visit Har Ki Pauri every year to do so. The ghat is particularly renowned for its nightly Ganga Aarti, a breathtaking ceremony that involves the lighting of lamps and the chanting of hymns, all in honor of the goddess Ganga. The spectacle draws huge crowds of locals and tourists alike, making Har Ki Pauri a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Haridwar.
Already it was late at night, so started back to our room. While on the way we finished our dinner at a shop in the street. We have to wake up next day morning a little early to catch our bus at 5 AM to Sonprayag.
Haridwar -------Bus-----> Sonprayag.
Usually Bus services will be from around 4am to 6am, after that there wont be any buses to Sonprayag because the travel covers almost 8hrs. The ghat road is bad and there may be landslides too. So bus services are limited and only on morning times.
we have got our bus on time (5 AM) and also got our seats for experience Uttarakhand through our window.
The route is scenic & a visual treat to our eyes.
"A bus journey can be a unique and memorable experience that offers a different perspective on a place and its people. As you travel by bus, you have the opportunity to see the landscape change gradually, observe the local way of life, and interact with fellow travelers. The bus journey can take you through bustling cities, serene countryside, or remote mountainous regions, providing"
We met many kind and nice people throughout our journey. As we don't know hindi, they helped us in many places and become our travel partners. Travel teaches us there is no barrier between people, We can always find wonderful people around us.
We reached Sonprayag around 12.30PM, we are 3hrs ahead of our estimated time to reach).
Haridwar ----> Sonprayag ---> Gaurikund
Immediately we packed light for our trek & then placed our luggage's in Cloak room in Sonprayag and reached Gaurikund (Kedarnath base and trek starting point) by Jeep. Had our meal (Roti) in Gaurikund and started our Journey to Dev Bhoomi around 1.30PM.
Kedarnath one way is 22KM (Other options are Heli services around @Rs.2400/ppl for one-way & Horse services around @2K one way or Doli services)
We started our Journey by trek to the Kedarnath Temple. There is proper path till the temple and the trek is moderate level. We have seen many children's and ladies on the way and they look more energic than us. The entire trek is filled with many views, valleys & waterfalls.
Mandakini River, a tributary of the River Alaknanda originates from the Charabari glacier. The river, after being fed by the River Vasukiganga at Sonprayag, meets River Alaknanda at Rudraprayag, and finally merges into Bhagirathi in Devprayag to form the holy River Ganga.
The Mandakini River is not only a sight to behold, but it also serves as a path for the pilgrims seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva at the Kedarnath Temple. Trekking along the Mandakini River, one can reach the Kedarnath Temple. The journey is a spiritual experience in itself, with the river's gentle murmur providing a soothing background to the trek. The trail takes you through picturesque valleys and breathtaking landscapes, making it a treat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
We have reached the temple around night 11.00PM and immediately searched for accommodation. We got a shared tent stay there for 600/ppl for a night.
Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism, has a rich history that spans centuries. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas from the Hindu epic Mahabharata around 1000 BCE. The current structure dates back to the 8th century CE and is believed to have been constructed by the Adi Shankaracharya, a revered Hindu saint and philosopher. The temple, located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. It stands tall at an altitude of 3,583 meters above sea level, surrounded by breathtaking mountainous terrain.
We started our day very early around 5AM and went to temple for Darshan.
Life is full of beauty and wonder. Embrace every moment with a sense of curiosity and gratitude, and you'll find that even the simplest things can bring the greatest joy.
The Bhairavnath Temple, nestled amidst the stunning Kedarnath Valley in Uttarakhand at a distance of 500 m from Kedarnath Temple. Bhairavnath Temple is situated on a hillock towards northern side of the Kedarnath Temple. Bhairavnath is considered the guardian deity of Kedarnath temple. According to legend, Bhairavnath was blessed by Vaishno Devi that he would be offered respects by everyone who come to visit her holy abode. Temple offers breathtaking views of the Kedarnath Valley, and the temple's peaceful aura provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The chill of the -5 degree cold air only added to the excitement, as I layered up and prepared myself for the adventure ahead. As I trekked along the winding paths, I feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the mountains towering above me. The crisp air and the stillness around me only served to enhance the experience, and I found myself feeling more alive than ever before
The beauty of the snow-covered mountains was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was a sight that filled my heart with joy and wonder. ❄️🏔️
Then we planned to return from the temple. Started our way back to Gaurikund by horse and booked room here for Rs.800/night for two people.
Tip : Avoid Horse ride, we got more back pain. I felt trekking we have done while climbing is better than horse ride.
Sonprayag -------> Badrinath in Bus
We met two more people and they also travelling to Badrinath. In that one of the person knows Tamil, Hindi & English. He helped us to get a bus from here to reach Badrinath & we all boarded our bus at 1PM and it reached Badrinath at 11PM as the roads was very worst & more possibility of landslides. Try to get window seat as the views are breathtaking. In Badrinath, we booked Room @Rs.1800/night for four people.
The Badrinath Temple, located in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, is a highly revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites and a part of the Chota Char Dham circuit.
The temple is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. The temple features a 1.5-meter tall black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. The temple has been rebuilt several times due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. The current structure was built in the 19th century by the Garhwal kings. The temple has a hot water spring called Tapt Kund, which is believed to have medicinal properties and is used by pilgrims for bathing before entering the temple. The temple is open for only six months every year, from April to November, due to heavy snowfall during the winter months.
After temple visit those two friends were leaving back to their hometown. As we both planned to visit Mana village (last Indian village). Here we met one family & we are all together shared a cab to reach Mana from Badrinath.
Mana village is a quaint and picturesque village located near the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. It is considered the last village on the Indian side of the Indo-China border. The village is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Himalayan Mountains. The village is believed to be the home of the Pandavas during their exile and has several mythological and historical references. It is also known for its handicrafts, woolen garments, and shawls made by the local artisans. Visitors can also witness the ancient Vyas Gufa, where Ved Vyasa is said to have composed the Mahabharata.
Mana is located at an altitude of 3,200 meters. This beautiful hamlet is 24 km from the Indo-China border, making it the last village of India.
"The Himalayan range is more than just a mountain range - it's a place of spirituality, of peace, of awe-inspiring beauty that fills my soul with happiness and gratitude."
Saraswati River is a mythical river believed to have originated from Mana village in Uttarakhand, India. According to Hindu mythology, the Saraswati River is one of the three holy rivers, along with the Ganges and Yamuna. The river is said to have flowed underground for centuries and reemerged in Mana village as a small stream. The Saraswati River is considered sacred and is believed to have mystical powers, including the ability to purify the mind and soul. Visitors to Mana village can witness the spot where the river is believed to have reemerged and offer prayers to this sacred water source. The river is an important part of Indian mythology and continues to hold cultural and religious significance for Hindus.
There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati located near the Saraswati River. The temple is known as the Saraswati Temple and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple is small and simple in design, but it holds immense religious and cultural significance for the locals and visitors. The idol of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, and art, is worshipped in the temple. Visitors can offer prayers and seek the blessings of the goddess. The temple is situated in a serene and picturesque location near the river, making it a peaceful and spiritual place to visit.
"Life is full of beauty and wonder. Embrace every moment with a sense of curiosity and gratitude, and you'll find that even the simplest things can bring the greatest joy."
After a full day visit, we started back to Badrinath and booked a room for Rs.600/night for two people for rest. Also booked bus to Rishikesh from here (We can book offline tickets in Badrinath bus stands).
We started our day @5AM from Badrinath to Rishkesh. Its a full day travel.
We reached Rishikesh by evening around 4PM and searched for accommodation. Then we booked a room for 1200/2ppl for two days. We booked rooms backside to bus stand and also share auto are available nearby room to roam around.
Rishikesh is on the backdrop of the Himalayas and with the pristine Ganga flowing through it, the ancient town of Rishikesh is one of the major tourist and pilgrimage hubs in northern India, where people from across the world arrive in search of peace. Rishikesh is commonly referred to as the ‘yoga capital of the world’ and rightly so. The destination is abuzz with visitors, who come here to learn yoga and meditation.
Ganga, a river that holds deep spiritual significance for millions of people around the world. As I stood on its banks and watched the water flow by, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before. It was as if the river itself held the secrets of the universe, and I was lucky enough to bear witness to its beauty.
We planned to explore Rishikesh by walk (one full day around 20KM walk)
We started our walk from, Laxman Jhula --> Tera Manzil Temple --> Ram Jhula --> Triveni Ghat
Today first half we went for Shopping at Rishikesh and packed our luggage for return to home. We are physically ready for our return journey and keeping our soul in Dev Bhoomi.
We tried various street foods on our journey.
By Afternoon we have reached room and got an auto to Jolly Grant Airport from Rishikesh (we paid Rs.400/ for auto to shop inside airport).
Whether you're a spiritual seeker, an adventure lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, a journey along the Ganga and its tributaries is an experience you won't forget. So pack your bags, and get ready for a journey of a lifetime.
Jolly Grant Airport -------------> Bangalore Airport ----------------> Hometown
The road journey to Kedarnath & Badrinath by bus is an incredible experience that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Indian Himalayan Range mountains. The bus winds its way through narrow mountain roads that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The air is fresh and cool, and the silence is punctuated only by the sound of gurgling streams.
As the bus ascends, the lush greenery of the valley gives way to snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The route is dotted with colorful prayer flags and small shrines, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the journey. Along the way, you may encounter locals going about their daily lives, tending to their fields or livestock, providing an insight into the local way of life.
Trip Info Overview :
Places Travelled : Salem --> Chennai --> Dehradun --> Haridwar ---> Kedarnath --> Badrinath --> Rishikesh --> Bangalore --> Salem
Mode of transport : Train, Flight, Buses, Auto, Cab, Trekking, Horse, Cable Car or Rope-car & Walk
No of Days : 10 Days
Cost per Person : Rs.25000/- including Transport, Room & Food
Cloak Room : Kedarnath Trek - Available in Sonprayag & Gaurikund (Rs.150 for 2 days)
Food : Mostly Roti & Maggi on Kedarnath and rest of the places have some options
Trek : Kedarnath one way - 22KM (Other options Heli services around @Rs.2400/ppl for one-way & Horse services around @2K one way or Doli services)
Temperature : lowest we have experienced is -10 in Kedarnath & Badrinath
Clothes Must required : Winter wear Jacket (withstand -10 at least is required), Gloves, Neck warmer, Winter Knit Cap & shoe is important
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