Uttarakhand Double Adventure

Arrive at Delhi by international flight. A KVT representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Afternoon start Delhi sightseeing. We proceed to Old Delhi and visit Jama Masjid – the largest mosque of Old Delhi built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Later go for an exciting cycle rickshaw ride through lively thoroughfares and bustling alleyways of Old Delhi market rarely visited by typical tourists. Arrive at Khari Baoli and see Asia’s largest wholesale spice market. Our exploration continues as we drive past historic colonial landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, and India Gate—a poignant memorial dedicated to soldiers of the First World War. (Meals: Nil)

After breakfast departure to Delhi railway station for train to Haridwar. Meeting on arrival and drive to Rishikesh (45mins to 1hr drive) through the winding mountain roads. Check into camp upon arrival at Shivpuri. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the town on your own. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast we start a long drive (7 to 8 hrs drive) to Baniya Kund, Chopta along the meandering Himalayan roads with ever-changing vistas. En-route we cross two “prayags” or sacred river confluences in the Garhwal Himalayas. First we cross Devprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi and then Rudraprayag, the confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakini. Upon arrival we check in to hotel. (Driving Time: 7 to 8 hours / Meals: Breakfast & Dinner)

Today we start early. After breakfast we start our trek to the first destination for the day, Tungnath, one of the Panch Kedar temples and the highest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. A gradual ascent through a rocky and well paved path brings us to Tungnath. We stop here and offer prayers at the temple. Then we start a steep climb through dwarf rhododendron bushes to the highest point of the trek –Chandrashila peak. This climb is a little demanding, but a slow and steady pace will easily get us to the top. The view from top is a photographer’s paradise offering beautiful views of alpine meadows and snow-clad Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trisul, Dunagiri, Hathi Parvat, Neelkanth, Chaukhamba and Gangotri. After spending some we head back on the same trail to Chopta. (Trekking Time: 7 to 8 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast we drive to Sari village (approx. 1hr drive). Once in Sari, we trek for a short while to the beautiful Himalayan Lake, Deoriatal. This trek does not take long but is steep, passing through Rhododendron and Oak forest and often giving a good view of the surrounding villages. The shadow of the Chaukhamba peak on the crystal clear water of the lake is a sight to behold. Spend some time enjoying the nature and then descend to Sari village. We will then drive to Ukhimath (approx. 1hr drive), where we will spend the night. (Trekking Time: 3 to 4 hrs / Driving Time: approx. 2hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast we drive to Devprayag (2.5 to 3.5 hrs drive). Upon arrival we proceed to the rafting point where we meet the instructor who will give us detailed instructions. After putting on the safety gear we start rafting downstream on the Ganga for about 2 hours till we reach Amarasyu. The first day we raft over a gentle but scenic stretch with few low grade rapids, which also gives us an opportunity to simply swim or body surf along the raft. Rest of the day we relax at the beach camp. (Driving Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hrs / Rafting Time: 1.5 to 2 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today is another easy day of rafting as we cover about 30 kms, negating a few small rapids. Take in beauty of the pristine surroundings and wilderness as the river meanders between the mountains. Here the Ganga flows through a small gorge where nobody except the rafters can have access. We reach Kaudiyala, the day’s destination and check into a beach camp. (Rafting Time: 4 to 5 hrs / Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today is the most interesting day of rafting as we negate some fine grade rapids during the 35 kms stretch. During the first half till Shivpuri we cross grade III rapids such as Daniel Dip, The Wall, Three Blind Mice, Crossfire and Body Surfing. After a break for lunch we begin the final stretch of rafting crossing rapids such as Roller Coaster, Golf Course & Club House. Rafting comes to an end as we reach Rishikesh and proceed to hotel and check in. Rishikesh is a small town famous for meditation and yoga and considered to be the “Yoga capital of the world”. It is surrounded by scenic beauty of the mountains on three sides with the Holy Ganga flowing through it. Early evening we take a walk along the Ganga from Laxman Jhula to Ram Jhula, visiting some temples along the way. We then head to Parmarth Niketan Ashram ghat to witness the Ganga Aarti. (Rafting Time: 4 to 5 hrs / Meals: Breakfast & Lunch)

Early morning we are transferred to Haridwar railway station for train (this train does not run on Thursday) to Delhi. A KVT representative will meet you at the Delhi railway station and assist you to the vehicle. Later transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free for independent activities. (Meals: Breakfast)

After breakfast transfer to airport for international flight back to home country.
(Meals: Breakfast)