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| Foothills of Garhwal Himalayas |
| Tour Duration: 13 Nights / 14 Days |
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Kumaon & Garhwal, two glorious, former mountain kingdoms, make up an area known as Uttaranchal. More commonly known by these names, it is the holiest area of the Himalayas, home to the source of the Ganges and with a plethora of temples. It is a region of outrageously beautiful scenery with winding roads, breathtaking views and ever-changing vegetation. Travel through rolling hills, thick with acacia and teak forest; along the base of the hills, in wide open bowls, covered with banana plantations, grassy meadows and green paddy fields; or through narrow valleys, accompanied by the deafening noise of crashing rivers. Stay in some wonderful small hotels, situated high in the hills, miles from the nearest town - perfect for walking and getting to know life in the Himalayan foothills. |
Day
- 01
Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi you are met at the arrival lounge of the International airport and transferred to your hotel. Late morning leave for full day sightseeing of Old and New Delhi visiting Jamia Masjid, enjoy rickshaw ride in narrow alleys of old Delhi through Kinari Bazaar and 400 years old Chandni Chowk, Red Fort, Crematory of Mahatma Gandhi, Birla Temple, Parliament House, Presidential House, India Gate, Government buildings & Humayun's Tomb. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day
- 02
Delhi- Nainital
After an early breakfast depart on the 7-hour drive to Nainital, a lake resort set at a height of 1,938 meters in a beautiful wooded valley. Surrounded by seven hills, the sparkling waters of a natural lake make it a gem among hill resorts. Naina (eyes) Tal (lake) thus gave the lake its name. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day
- 03
Nainital
Spend the day exploring Nainital, a maze of colourful bobbing yachts, paddle and rowing boats, quaint houses and bazaars. Places of interest include the Naina peak, which commands a panoramic view of the valley; Snow View, a most easily accessible mountain peak ideal for a quiet picnic; Land's End which offers a magnificent view of Kurpa Tal, terraced fields and verdant plains; Hanumangarhi, a religious spot with a temple dedicated to the Monkey God Hanuman, which also offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas, particularly at sunset and Khurpa Tal - an angler's delight. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day
- 04
Nainital- Ranikhet
After breakfast drive to Ranikhet or "queen's field", an idyllic hill station with snow capped Himalayan peaks in the background. The salubrious climate attracts holiday makers all year round. According to legend, this site was so breathtaking in its scenic beauty that a visiting royal princess preserved the area as her private encampment and gave it its name. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day
- 05
Ranikhet
Spend the day exploring Ranikhet and its environs. Nearby places of interest include Jhoola Devi, known for its temples devoted to Goddess Durga and Lord Rama; Chaubatia a major apple growing area which offers fascinating views of the Himalayas; Upat - one of the best golf links in mountainous terrain and Kalika which has a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day
- 06
Ranikhet- Joshimath
After an early breakfast depart on the 8-hour drive to Joshimath. An important Hindu pilgrimage spot and the winter home of Shri Badrinthji, Joshimath is situated on the slopes above the confluence of the Alakananda and Dhauliganga rivers. Overnight at Hotel. |
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Day
- 07
Joshimath - Auli, Trek to Gurson Bugyal (9,805 FT/3,017 M): 4 TO 5 Hours
After breakfast drive 30 minutes to Auli to begin the trek. A moderate climb is followed by a steep ascent through meadows to Gurson Bugyal. The day's walk offers you awesome views of the Eastern Garhwal Himalayas. Overnight camping. |
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Day
- 08
Trek Gurson Bugyal/Kuari (14,084 FT/4,268 M) - 5 TO 6 Hours
A gradual climb through cedar forest is followed by a steep climb through meadows up to Kuari. Kuari Pass used to be grassland all the way up from Dhakwani. However, erosion and landslides have changed the shape of the pass, which now consists mainly of loose rubble and rocks. Leave camp early in the morning in time to see the sunrise. A steep climb of two hours takes you to Kuari Pass (14,084 ft/4,268 m). Take a right turn and walk along the grassy slopes full of shepherds. Cross a small tricky stream coming from Kuari Top. Camp is set near the stream. Stop for a while at the campsite before starting the hour and a half's steep climb to Kuari Top, from where you get magnificent panoramic views for which Kuari Pass is renowned. Arranged in a stupendous arc lie the Himalayas - from the gorges of Trishul to the peaks of Kedrnath, Kamet's pyramid of granite, Nilkanth, the square-topped summits of Gori Parbat and Hathi Parbat and in the far east, the icy crest of Dunagiri gleaming in the sunlight. Overnight camping. |
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Day
- 09
Kuari
Spend the day exploring the surroundings. Walk up to Panduropa, from where you get a magnificent view of the eastern Garhwal Himalayas. Overnight in camp at Kuari. |
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Day
- 10
Trek Kuari - Tapovan (6,517 FT/1,975M) - 4 to 5 Hours, Drive to Joshimath - 1 Hour
The trail circles around the curving meadows to the left and descends gradually to the lower parts of the grazing grounds. Then descend steeply for about four hours through rhododendron, oak and pine forests to the village of Kulari. Cross Kulari Nallah and walk gradually along it, bypassing a number of villages and their fields. Walk for another 30 minutes along the small canal jutting out of Kulari Nallah, taking a right turn till you reach the hump overlooking the Dhauli Ganga valley, with Dunagiri right across the river and the village of Tapovan, known for its hot sulphur springs, right below, next to the road. Transport awaits you here for the one-hour drive to Joshimath. Overnight at hotel. |
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Day
- 11
Joshimath/Byasi
A 7-hour drive gets you to Byasi, the put-in point for the raft trip. Overnight camping. |
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Day
- 12
Start Raft Trip
After breakfast begin the exciting two-day raft trip down the sacred Ganges, which offers the exhilaration of white water rafting. The first rapid you encounter is "The Wall", followed by "The Golf Course", 4 km below Shivpuri village. Each rapid is followed by deep and placid pools. Sandy beaches line the river at intervals, allowing you to pull up alongside. The slopes on either side are covered with oak, pine, spruce and fir, with an occasional village and its terraced fields dotting the landscape. Wildlife can be spotted at a distance, especially the graceful Cheetal (spotted deer), monkeys and, rarely, the leopard. Overnight camping. |
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Day
- 13
End Raft Trip
End the raft trip at Rishikesh, located on the right bank of the Ganga, surrounded on three sides by the Himalayan ranges. A renowned centre of Yoga discipline and learning, Rishikesh is dotted with shrines and ashrams. Some 5 km away is the famous temple of Laxman Jhoola, dedicated to Laxman, the brother of Lord Ram, where he is believed to have performed penance. Rishikesh is also the starting point of several treks and pilgrimages to the holy shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Overnight at Hotel |
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Day
- 14
Rishikesh - Delhi
After breakfast depart on the 6-hour drive to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to International airport for homewards journey. |
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