Garhwal Himalayas

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

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.