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| Cultural Safari on Nature Trails-Harsil |
| Tour Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days |
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Garhwal Himalaya is one of the most unspoilt regions in the state of Uttranchal in the north of India. Forested foothills lead upward to beautiful bugyals (high altitude meadows) carpeted with wild flowers. Beyond the views extend to the Himalayan peaks from which glaciers descend, carving deep valleys as they make their way down to the lowlands. Some impressive road building in the 1970's made the region more accessible for the pilgrims and now also for the tourists. Garhwal has several wilderness trails through dense forests of Deodar, cypress, oak, pine and rhododendron that harbor a large variety of Himalayan fauna. These lead to lush verdant valleys and undulating green meadows carpeted with alpine flowers in summer. The blue and emerald lakes, majestic waterfalls, meandering rivers, rich thick forests, incredible mountains, green valleys and a wide range of flora and fauna including birds and butterflies, provide a glorious combination. |
Day
- 01
Train to Haridwar and Drive to Rishikesh (25 Km. ? Hrs.)
In the early morning, you will be transferred to the Railway Station for your train to Rishikesh. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your Hotel. Rishikesh is located some 24 km. north of Haridwar, on the right bank of the Ganga, surrounded on three sides by the Himalayan ranges. Legend has it that God revealed himself to Raibhaya Rishi as 'Hrishikesh', after a long penance, and this sacred spot was henceforth known as such. This is essentially a pilgrim town, and the bulk of the pilgrims are simple villagers whose intense devotion gives both Haridwar and Rishikesh a special atmosphere.
At sundown each evening there is a service at the side of the river, at the bathing ghat in the middle of the town, at which tiny candle rafts are lit and let out into the choppy water to float away into the dusk. This is highly recommended as there is a very special ambience at this time.
The northern part of the town is called Muni-ki-Reti and refers to the silver shores of the river where the rishis of old meditated. Across the Ganga, are more temples, Ashrams and museums? These large, sprawling but well-maintained ashrams teach yoga and publish books on the scriptures. Rishikesh is also the starting point of several treks and pilgrimages to the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. In the afternoon, you might like to visit Shivananda Nagar, just north of Rishikesh; the multi-storied and multi-colored temples of Lakshamanjula, straddling the river a little further north; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. Over night in hotel Ganga Kinare. |
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Day
- 02
Drive to New Tehri Camp Hammock (72 Km, 05 Hrs Drive)
Camp Hammock, Rani Chauri is located 72 km from Rishikesh at a height of 7000 ft. amidst the apple orchards and surrounded by the thick Deodar & pine forest. It gives the panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and the great sunset view. Camp is located in an apple orchard near Village Danda Challi, which is also the end of the black top road. From Rishikesh drive 60 km on Gangotri Road to reach small town of Chamba. En route you pass through Narendra Nagar, Phakot, Nangni villages. From the circle of Chamba take right turn on the road going towards Camp Hammock. Over night in camp hammock. |
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Day
- 03
Day excursion to Tehri Dam Lake
Tehri Lake, the reservoir formed by damming the Bhagirathi for the Tehri hydroelectric project, offers tremendous scope for water-based tourism activities within and around the reservoir. This huge lake covers an area of 42 km and extends into Neri in the Bhagirathi valley and into Ghyansali in the Bhilangana valley. Proposals for its development include a ropeway over the lake, and a ring road around it. The sheer scale of the Tehri Dam - it is 855 feet high, the highest in Asia and the fifth highest in the world - is awe-inspiring. Just looking at the dam and the activity around it from a vantage point can be an interesting exercise. The Tehri Lake is no less inspiring: this 42 sq kilometre of body of water is planned to be one of the most sought-after tourist destination in the future. Even now it is a spectacular site: snow-peaked mountains in the background, and the blue lake cupped within hills. Another excursion that you, as a visitor, could contemplate is the charming town of Chamba, 12 kilometres away. The scenic beauty of the lake is such that a long walk on its shores is the perfect way to commune with nature and feel rejuvenated. The calm and serene atmosphere and the blue waters are sure to soothe your nerves and give you a feeling of well-being. To add to the mood, you can also carry a picnic hamper and enjoy your lunch in the lap of nature, making it a perfect get-away from your daily routine. Over night in Camp Hammock. |
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Day
- 04
Drive to Harsil ( 147 Km, 06 Hrs.)
Start driving to Harsil after breakfast. Harsil in Uttaranchal is a beautiful place to experience boundless nature. The place is also known for its delicious apples. You can drive your way through the unending stretch of green grass. Harsil is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Situated at a height of 2800m above the sea level, it is merely 25 km away from Gangotri, the birthplace of the great Ganges. A small town with a sparse population, Harsil can be made a base for exploring nearby areas. Breathtaking views of snow-clad mountains surround the town.
Here the nature expresses itself in breath-taking variations from charming valleys, natural lakes, fountains and beauteous landscapes luxuriously decked with vegetation punctuated by streams, brooks and rivers to high rise awesome rocky ridges and mountains with snow-capped peaks. Sighting here includes the Wilson Cottage, built in 1864 and Sat Tal it means seven lakes, is situated just above Dharali, 2 km beyond Harsil. The 7 km trek is rewarding, as this group of lakes is situated amids beautiful natural surrounding. It also provides a lovely camping site. The adventurous tourists have the choice to set off on various treks that introduces them to beautiful meadows, waterfalls and valleys. Situated amidst the incredible beauty of mountain peaks, Harsil is counted amongst some of the most beautiful places in the Garhwal region. Upon arrival check in to Harsil camps and have lunch. Afternoon free to explore the beautiful valley and an evening visit to the Tibetan village. Over night stay in the camp. |
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Day
- 05
Excursion to Gangotri (20 Km, 01:30 Hrs drive (altitude 3140 m)
Drive to Gangotri after breakfast with the pack lunch. Explore this beautiful place known as pilgrimage center for Hindus, on the bank of holly river Ganges in the Himalayas.
Gangotri the name brings an image of solitude, tranquillity, mystery, adventure, and reverence. It is the ultimate destination to fulfil all your wishes—be it the urge to placate the gods above, the thirst for adventure, or just to seek the tranquillity of the Himalayas. Nevertheless, Gangotri, more than anything else, is known as the origin of the sacred river Ganges and attracts tourists in large numbers every year. Legend has it that the Ganges came down to earth after prolonged penance by King Bhagirath to Lord Shiva. However, since the earth would be devastated if the Ganges came down in her full force and pride, Lord Shiva caught her in his locks. It was proclaimed that Shiva/’s consort Parvati would bathe in the Ganges daily.
Gangotri Temple the most important attraction in Gangotri is its temple believed to have been built in the 18th century by a Gorkha commander, Amar Singh Thapa. The temple was renovated in the 20th century by the Maharaja of Jaipur. It is a white marble structure with a height of 20 feet. The statue is taken to Mukhimath village for six months every year during the winters and worshipped there. Evening drive back down to Harsil.
Over night stay in the camp. |
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Day
- 06
Explore Dharali and visit to Mukhba village
This is a fantastic place to enjoy a camping holiday. It offers lovely views of huge snow peaks all around with the Bhagirathi flowing gently past. Although lying on the Gangotri road, which gets extremely busy in summers, Dharali still remains a place relatively untouched by the machinations of man.
Nearby are the lost temples of Mukba, mentioned for the first time in the summer of 1860, by James Hulme: "At Derallee, the highest of villages on the Ganges, I found Wilson's camp. It is the nicest camp ground, with the village's noise and dust out of sight in the rear, the apricot trees forming a nice shade, with a carpet of fresh green beneath, and the river running close by. A few yards from my camp, half buried in the sands of the river, were three temples, two very small and the other with a tower about thirty feet high."
Over night stay in the camp. |
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Day
- 07
Drive to Rishikesh (205 Km, 08 Hrs drive)
Early morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh.
The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hamlets and settlements on both sides of the river Ganges. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburban Muni-ki-Reti or the "sands of the sages"; Shivananda Nagar, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhulla, a little further north; and the assorted Ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the East bank. The various ghats and temples assist the human spirit in its endeavor to be one with the ultimate source of all creations. The whole place is considered to be sacred as it is believed that meditation at this place leads to attainment of salvation. Evening visit to the Triveni Ghat for the Gunga Arti.
Over night stay in the hotel Gunga Kinera. |
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Day
- 08
Rishikesh to Delhi (230 Km, 05 Hrs. Drive)
Morning enjoy the breakfast Drive to Shivpuri for to Raft down to Rishikesh. Enjoy your lunch in Hotel. After Lunch drive to Haridwar for the sight seeing and late afternoon transfer to Haridwar railway station to board the shatabdi train to Delhi. |
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