If you’re heading to Kedarnath or Badrinath Dham, your first stop should be either Rishikesh or Haridwar. Both are sacred towns along the Ganga River, and honestly, it’s a good idea to get there a day early and settle in.
Once you arrive, find a decent place to stay—there are plenty of guesthouses, ashrams, or budget hotels. Spend the evening unwinding a bit after your journey.
Before nightfall, make sure to head to the ghats for the Ganga Aarti. It’s something you just shouldn’t miss. The chants, the lamps, the crowd—it’s spiritual, yes, but also deeply grounding. Even if you’re not overly religious, you’ll feel something during that moment.
After the Aarti, grab some light food (keep it easy—something sattvic if possible), and just rest well. You’ll need the energy, because the next morning, you’ll begin your yatra to Kedarnath, and trust me, it’s a journey that’s beautiful, but not exactly a walk in the park.
