Celebrated
in Hindu mythology and religion, the Garhwal Himalayas are said
to be "Abode of Gods". The river Ganges and the river Yamuna,
have their sources at the sacred shrines of Gangotri and Yamnotri
respectively. Kedarnath and Badrinath are the other popular pilgrim
centers. The trekking trails pass under the shadows of majestic
peaks of the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Trishul and Dunagiri, through
valleys carpeted with spectacular hues of flowers and dark mysterious
forests, over icy glaciers and along misty blue lakes, gushing
rivers and picturesque villages. Explore this little known paradise
and discover yourself.
1. TREK AND RAFT : A combination of trek and
raft in the lower Garhwal Shivaliks, where the Ganges emerges
from Himalayas flowing down to the plains. The Camp is situated
on the riverside amongst thick deciduous forests harbouring a
variety of flora and fauna. Easy treks into nearby villages give
an interesting glimpse of the way of life of the sturdy hill folk.
• Duration 3 to 7 days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek 8 kms. per day
• Maximum height 6000 ft
• Grade Easy
• Best time October to April
2. GANGOTRI KEDARNATH TREK : This trek passes
through some of the most beautiful locales of Uttarakhand.
• Duration 9 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek : 13 kms per day
• Maximum height : 72000 ft
• Grade Moderate
• Best time June to September
3. BINSAR TREK : Wanderlust River Camp - Pauri
- Thalisain - Binsar. The trekking point is Thalisain.
• Duration : 6 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek : 10 kms per day
• Maximum height : 9000 ft
• Grade : Light
• Best time : October to April
4. MUSSOORIE / NAGTIBBA TREK : The trekking point
is Dhanaulti. The villagers come here to perform their prayers
to the Snake God for protection of their cattle.
• Duration : 6 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek :15 kms per day
• Maximum height : 9500 ft
• Grade : Moderate
• Best time : October to May
5. SOURCE OF GANGES : On the western side of
the Garhwal Himalayas lies the famous pilgrim trail towards Gaumukh
(45OOm) the actual source of the Ganges at the tip of the Gangotri
glaciers. The Gangotri glacier is a sea of ice almost 30 kms long.
All around is a vast concourse of moraine, ice falls and smaller
glaciers issuing forth from the legendary mountains that form
a circle around Gangotri, i.e Shivling the three peaks of Bhagirathi,
Sudarshan and Meru. The trek continues into the breathtaking high
altitude pastures of Nandanvan and Tapovan.
DELHI / RISHIKESH / UTTARKASHI / GANGOTRI / GAUMUKH / DEHRADUN
/ DELHI
• Duration 9 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek :10 kms per day
• Maximum height :13000 ft
• Grade Moderate
• Best time May to October
6. ABODE OF GODS : This trail covers three of
the great Hindu pilgrimage centers of Garhwal:
a. Kedarnath - with a spectacular panorama of the Rohtangian ranges
from Kedarnath,Trishul to Nanda Devi. Through the heartland of
nature to the sound of pealing bells of the Shiva temples.
b. Gangotri - the source of the river Ganges.
c. Yamunotri - the source of the river Yamuna.
DELHI / RISHIKESH / KEDARNATH / GANGOTRI / YAMUNOTRI / MUSSOURIE
/ DELHI
• Optional Kedarnath - Vasukital Trek extra three days.
• Duration :19 days Delhi to Delhi
Average trek :10km per day
• Maximum height 10,000ft.
• Grade Moderate
• Best time May to October
7. HAR - KI - DOON VALLEY : This 20 km trek takes
you to this cradle shaped valley surrounded by snow capped peaks
on one side and dense towering forests on the other. The trek
leads on along the upper banks of the supine river, through thick
forests, terraced mountain fields and grassy meadows to a world
of flowers and nature, birds and wildlife.
DELHI / MUSSOURIE / HAR K DOON / DEHRADUN / DELHI
• Duration :72 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek : 10 kms per day
• Maximum height : 9000 ft
• Grade : Moderate
• Best time : April to November
8. KHATLING, SAHASRATAL &' MASRATAL TREK :
Legend has it that a celestial nymph tried to lure Shiva while
he was meditating. She was spurned by him and converted into liquid
form. Thus originated the river Bilangana. The trek starts from
Ghutu, which is connected by a motorable road to Rishikesh. Trek
through thick forests and rolling meadows to the lateral glacier
of Khatling, the source of the river Bhilangana. Sahasratal and
Masratal are two sapphire lakes nearby with scenic views to match.
DELHI / RISHIKESH / KHATLING GLACIERS / DODITAL / UTTARKASHI
/ DELHI
• Duration : 16 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek :10 to 12 kms per day
• Maximum height: 11000ft.
• Grade : Moderate - Difficult
• Best time : April to June and September to November
9. KUARI PASS TREK : Discovered by Lord Curzon,
the British Viceroy, the pass at a height of 4265 m has spellbinding
views of the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Dunagiri, Bethatoli
and Devasthan. The Nanda Devi sanctuary can also be visited.
DELHI / RISHIKESH / JOSHIMATH / TAPOVAN / KUARI PASS /
DEOPRAYAG / DELHI
• Duration :13 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek :10 to 12 kms per day
• Maximum height :13000 ft
• Grade : Moderate - Difficult
• Best time : April to June and September to
10. ROOPKUND TREK : A mystery lake since human
skeletons and remains of horses were found here. Legend has that
either they are remains of General Zorawar Singh's men on a mission
to Tibet or of pilgrims on a yatra to Trishul base some 200 years
ago. There is a motorable road to Tharvi from Rishikesh. Trek
winds its way along the Pinder river on rocky terrain. The magnificient
lake is surrounded by rock strewn glaciers and snow-clad peaks.
DELHI / RISHIKESH / THARALI / ROOPKUND / NANDPRAYAG
/ HARIDWAR / DELHI
11. KALSI - LAKHAMANDAL TREK : This is an historical
and cultural starting from ahead of Mussourie. At Kalsi the inscriptions
of Lord Buddha's teachings are found. At Lakhamandal the ruins
of Lac Palace built by Kauravas are seen.
• Duration : 8 Days Delhi to Delhi
• Average trek :13 kms per day
• Maximum height : 9500 ft.
• Grade : Light
• Best time : October to May
12. VALLEY OF FLOWERS / HEMKUND : The high altitude
regions of Uttar Pradesh hills are home to some of the most exotic
species of flora and fauna of the world. The Valley of Flowers
( 2000 ft.) a dale less then 3 sq. km in expanse, becomes a place
fit for Gods to wander in mid-monsoon with millions of wild flowers
of over 300 identified species in full bloom. Surrounding snow
peaks and glaciers provide a spectacular back drop to the "Garden
of Gods."
DELHI / RISHIKESH / GOVINDGHAT / GHANGARIA / VALLEY OF
FLOWERS / CHILLA / DELHI
Day 1. DELHI / RISHIKESH ( 224 kms - 6 hrs ) : Drive to
Rishikesh beautiful holy town on the bank of the holy Ganges.
We drive past the town and check into our camp and resort on the
banks of the river. Rest of day at leisure. In the evening participate
in / view "Aarti" at the banks of Ganga in Haridwar. Overnight
at the exotic Ganga Banks riverside resort
Day 2. RISHIKESH / GOVINDGHAT (117 kms 15 hrs) :
Drive into mountainous terrain past small Garhwal villages. Overnight
camp.
Day 3. GOVINDGHAT / GHANGARIA (14 kms ) : This is
an uphill trek ( best done on a pony ) to Ghangaria through lush
green hilly terrain. Afterwards we have time to explore the ambience
of this valley and its surroundings. Night camp.
Day 4. & 5. VALLEY of FLOWERS : Both these days are
free to explore the valley of flowers and also trek upto Hemkund
Sahib 114 kms uphill the holy mountain lake at 15000 ft. Overnight
in camp at Ghangaria.
Day 6. VALLEY of FLOWERS / RISHIKESH : We drive
back to Rishikesh to our comfortable riverside resort.
Day 7. RISHIKESH / CHILLA NATIONAL PARK / DELHI
: In the morning drive to Chilla National Park, home to abundant
wildlife and birds. Arrive by late evening by road I train.
• Options and Extensions
Trek to Kuari Pass, Badrinath / Kedarnath areas.
• Grade: Moderate
• Best time : June to September
Day 13. DODITAL - CAMPING, TREKKING & TROUT FISHING
: Dodital, a beautiful lake situated at an altitude of
10000 ft in the Garhwal Himalayas is nestled amongst steep and
thick forested hills on all sides. It abounds in brown trout,
fresh and clean environment with none to disturb your tranquil
thoughts and ample opportunity to trek especially towards the
Bunderpunch massif. The area is full of Himalayan flora and fauna.
DELHI / GANGA BANKS / UTTARKASHI / KALYANI / AGORA / DODITAL
/ AGORA / UTTARKASHI / RISHIKESH / DELHI
Day 1. DELHI I GANGA BANKS: Morning Shatabdi train or drive
to Rishikesh (12 hrs). Check into the exotic Ganga Banks
riverside cottages. Evening view the "Aarti" on the banks of the
Ganges and way of life at the ghats. Overnight Ganga Banks (Rishikesh).
Day 2. GANGA BANKS / UTTARKASHI ( 7 hrs ) Interesting
mountain drive past scenic hill towns. Overnight tourist bungalow.
Day 3. UTTARKASHI / KALYANI / AGORA : Trek
to Agora from Kalyani through dense forests. Overnight camp.
Day 4. AGORA / DODITAL : Interesting jungle
trek ( 5 hrs) . Overnight camp on the lakeside full of trout and
surrounded by pine, deodar and oak trees.
Day 5. & 6 : Trek and fish in and around the lake.
Day 7. DODITAL / AGORA / UTTARKASHI :
Trek to Agora and drive to Uttarkashi. Overnight tourist bungalow.
Day 8. UTTARKASHI / GANGA BANKS : Drive ( 6 hrs ). Evening
at leisure to relax on the riverside. Optional to enjoy river
rafting or floating on the Ganges. Overnight Rishikesh.
Day 9. GANGA BANKS/ DELHI : Drive ( 6 hrs ), arrive
by lunch
OPTIONAL
i) Trek from Dodital - Hanumanchatti -Yamunotri and then drive
to Delhi
via Mussourie ( 5 days).
ii) Drive to Dehradun and return by evening train to Delhi.
iii) Trek from Dodital - Gangotri.
Ganga Banks is the most Eco - friendly resort in India.
14. BEST OF GARHWAL - MOUNTAIN BIKING, TREKKING
& RAFTING : An excellent combination of mountain
biking, trekking and rafting to few of the most important, isolated
temples, high altitude Himalayan meadows,and lakes to please the
best anglers.The first leg involves biking from Mussourie to Ukhimath
- the winter abode of Lord Kedarnath. The second leg involves
trek to Tungnath, the highest and best Shiva temple in India with
a climb of Chandrashilla peak ( 3920 m) to encounter the best
view of central Himalayas. The first leg ends at Mandal and then
drive to Joshimath from where one can visit Auli - a skiing resort
with the longest and highest ropeway. The third leg involves rafting
on the Ganges, from Devprayag to Rishikesh. Only few rivers in
the world have the mystique of the Ganges, the mother Goddess
of India. Rafting on the water of wisdom is certainly an unusual
experience.
Day 1. DELHI / DEHRADUN / MUSSOURIE / TRAIN /
DRIVE) Morning transfer to station to board Shatabdi to Dehradun.
Transfer to Mussourie. Evening at leisure. Overnight at your mountain
resort.
Day 2. MUSSOURIE : After breakfast take charge of your
mountain bikes. Acclimatize with cycle and roads you cycle upto
Kempty falls. Overnight Mussourie.
Day 3. MUSSOURIE / DHANAULTI : Breakfast at hotel.
Bike little further to Dhanaulti and then trek 3 kms to Surkunda
Devi, the highest Goddess Durga temple in the area, from where
one can encounter a 200 mile Himalayan range and major peaks of
Garhwal Himalayas. Trek down to roadhead and bike back to Dhanaulti.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 4. DHANAULTI / CHAMBA / TEHRI : After
breakfast bike to Chamba and then bike to Tehri - an ancient capital
of Garhwal. Arrive and check into tourist bungalow. Overnight
Tehri.
Day 5. TEHRI / GHANSHALI Bike to Ghanshali,
approx. 45 kms, enroute hot lunch. Afternoon arrive and camp /
rest house. Overnight Ghanshali.
Day 6. GHANSHALI / AGUSTYAMUNI : Bike to Agustyamuni
- a miniature paradise for anglers and rich for trout fishing
- enroute hot lunch. Afternoon drive and camp. Overnight camp.
Day 7. AGUSTYAMUNI / UKHIMATH : Breakfast
at camp. Bike to Ukhimath (120 kms) - The winter abode of Lord
Shiva. Afternoon free for acclimatization - Meals and overnight
at camp.
Day 8. UKHIMATH / DEORIYATAL / SARI : Breakfast
at camp, start trek to Deoriyatal - a beautiful high altitude
Himalayan lake. Witness the reflection of greater Himalayan peaks
on the lake and trek down to Sari. Overnight at camp.
Day 9. SARI / DUGALVITTA / CHOPTA After breakfast,
trek to Dugalvitta. Hot lunch. Continue trek to Chopta. Overnight
at camp.
Day 10. CHOPTA / CHANDRASHILLA / TUNGNATH :
Breakfast at camp. Trek to Tungnath and continue to Chandrashilla
from where one can enjoy the grand view of greater Himalayan peaks
Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Panchauli, Kedarnath etc. Explore
the area and trek down to Tungnath. Meals and overnight at camp.
Day 11. TUNGNATH / MANDAL / GOPESWAR Morning, visit
the temple, the highest in India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It
is here that the arms of lord Shiva re-emerged after sinking into
earth at Kedarnath. After breakfast trek to Mandal (5 hrs ). Arrive
and drive to Gopeswar. Overnight at tourist bungalow.
Day 12. GOPESWAR / JOSHIMATH : Morning, drive
to Joshimath. Enroute hot lunch, afternoon arrive Joshimath and
free for independent activities. Overnight at tourist bungalow.
Day 13. JOSHIMATH / AULI / DEVPRAYAG :
After breakfast walk to ropeway point. This ropeway is the
highest and longest in India. Auli is a ski resort. Arrive and
explore the snow capped peaks and slopes. After packed lunch trek
down to Joshimath for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 14. JOSHIMATH / DEVPRAYAG : Morning,
drive along the river Alaknanda to Devprayag , the starting point
of rafting. Overnight stay at tourist bungalow.
Day 15. DEVPRAYAG / KAUDIYALA : Morning,
visit the ancient temples of Devprayag. Then walk down to confluence
of Alakhnanda and Bhagirathi which becomes river Ganges. Then
take a boat and raft to Kaudiyala ( 5 - 6 hrs). In the beginning,
we float through the excellent gorge of Devprayag. Overnight at
beach camp.
Day 16. KAUDIYALA / SHIVPURI : Rafting from
Kaudiyala to Shivpuri ( 4 hrs ). Today, we encounter the most
challenging rapids, e.g . the wall, three blind mice, cross fire
etc. Overnight, the fascinating and eco-friendly Ganga Banks riverside
resort.
Day 17. SHIVPURI / RISHIKESH Rafting to Rishikesh
(4 hrs.) Today, we hit the most exciting rapids, e.g roller coaster,
golf course, double trouble etc. Overnight Ganga Banks.
Day 18. SHIVPURI / DELHI : Morning, drive
to Delhi. Arrive by lunch.
