Our 2010 dates: April 12 – 25, 2010 from New Delhi. Join us and our friendly staff for this exciting adventure in the Indian Himalaya. From Delhi we travel to the historic British hill station of Mussoorie to trek and explore a less known area of the Himalaya. We walk visiting Hindu pilgrimage sites. Along the way, we'll pass stunning views of Mt. Banderpunch (20,780 feet), Swargarohini 1 (20,569 feet), a pretty mountain lake and local village life. Our highest hiking elevation is 13,654 feet on this moderate trek. In Rishikesh we relax at a comfortable resort offering Aruvedic massage before returning to Delhi.
For the adventurous traveler, this fun trip offers a great introduction to trekking with a manageable five–day period on the trail. Prior experience hiking along rugged trails is helpful. Local porters carry all your gear and our staff prepare delicious meals each day along the trail. Prepare to "rough it" a bit, as conditions in India are variable. This will be a comfortable trip for people who are reasonably fit. Contact us if you have questions regarding your ability to participate. With a positive attitude you will enjoy the trip, create lifelong memories and capture great pictures in this less–traveled area of India's Himalaya!
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Our driver will wait for your arrival outside the secured area of the New Delhi Airport holding a sign displaying your name. From the airport it's just a twenty minute ride to our comfortable air–conditioned Guest House. You will be briefed on hygiene and other health and safety precautions. Drinking lots and lots of water aids acclimatization and helps you recover from jet lag. Overnight Guest House. No Meals.
Day 2: Delhi - Dehradun - Mussoorie (6,320 feet)
Today we have an early morning transfer to the Delhi railway station for the train to Dehradun on board the Shatabdi Express. You'll have breakfast during the morning journey. On arrival, we drive to Mussoorie in approximately one hour's time. This is a lovely hill station that presents your first views of the surrounding snow–capped peaks. Upon arrival check in at our home–like Guest House hosted by a delightful fellow named Winky. The rest of today is yours to unwind and acclimate to your new surroundings. In the evening we enjoy a special welcome dinner and a briefing on the upcoming trek. Meals: (B) and (D).
Day 3: Mussoorie (6,320 feet)
Have a hearty breakfast at the Guest House, then begin the day's activity hiking and exploring around Mussoorie, going to Clouds End or Everest House. Enjoy a picnic lunch and later return to Mussoorie by car. Evening is free with dinner on your own to explore the sites of this famous hill station and Indian vacation destination. Overnight in Guest House. Meals: (B) and (D).
Day 4: Mussoorie-Uttarkashi (3,809 feet)
Today, an early departure is important for our drive to Uttarkashi. We steer north along a beautiful ridge through Devdar and Dhanolti groves, and then along the banks of the Bhagirathi River to the holy town of Uttarkashi (approximately 6-7 hours drive). Uttarkashi is a famous destination for Indian pilgrims and an important center for Yogis and Sadhus. Check into tonight's Guest House then take a comfortable, five–kilometer walk to the main temple to receive Darshan. Overnight in Guest House. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 5: Uttarkashi-Agoda (7,400 feet). After breakfast, we drive 45 minutes to the road head at Sangam Chatti (4430 feet). Here we begin our trek as we hike 7 km to the village of Agoda. In the evening, enjoy local folk songs with the villagers huddled by the comforting warmth of a bonfire. Overnight stay in tents. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 6: Agoda-Dodital (10,889 feet)
Trek 16 kilometers in about six hours on a gradual uphill trek to Dodital. We walk through a beautiful forests of pine, fir and spruce trees. Dodital is said to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha and is extremely peaceful. It is a beautiful lake about 500 meters wide and surrounded by thick forest. Overnight stay in tents. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 7: Dodital-Dharwa Top (13,654 feet)
Trek 3 kilometers in about three hours up a steep hill and alongside a stream that feeds Dodital, to reach Dharwa Top. It is a grassy hilltop range, home to the Gujjars (nomadic herdsmen) during the summer months. From here, we enjoy impressive views of Mt. Banderpunch (20,780 feet) and Swargarohini 1 (20,569 feet). Overnight stay in tents. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 8: Dharwa Top -Village Manji (10,364 feet). Retrace our route for 8 kilometers to Village Manji, which is a major Gujjar settlement. A nice place to camp, our spot holds good views of Mt. Banderpunch. Overnight stay in tents. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 9: Village Manji-Uttarkashi. Trek 18 kilometers, where we rejoin the road at Sangam Chatti to conclude our trek. Once our equipment is loaded, we drive 45 minutes to Uttarkashi. Check into Guest House for overnight. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 10: Uttarkashi–Rishikesh
Today we drive to Rishikesh (the yoga capital of the world — a totally vegetarian town) in about four to five hours. Rishikesh is important not only as pilgrimage place closely associated with the Ramayana, but also as home for many important centers of Hindu religious thought and spirituality. Check into a comfortable resort hotel overlooking the Ganga River with modern comforts for the trail–weary trekker. Here you can enjoy bathtubs, a swimming pool and a spa providing Ayurveda therapy and massage. Overnight at the Resort. Meals: (B), (L) and (D).
Day 11: Rishikesh
Rishikesh is an ancient pilgrimage center nestled in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Hindus come here to absolve themselves of their sins by bathing in the Holy Ganges — an ancient Indian rite. We explore Rishikesh and later we visit Muni Ki Reti and Lakshman Jhula. Lunch and dinner are on your own today with much to explore and many fine places to eat. Overnight at the Resort. Meals: (B).
Day 12: Rishikesh-Haridwar-Delhi
Today we drive back to Delhi. We'll make a quick stop at the Ganges in Haridwar — an important pilgrimage center. Before arriving in Delhi, we'll also visit Akshardham temple on the banks of the Yamuna River. Probably the largest Hindu temple complex in the world, it holds 10,000 years of art and history. Drive on to Delhi and check into our comfortable Guest House for our overnight stay. Dinner is on your own with many restaurants within walking distance. Overnight in Guest House. Meals: (B) and (L).
Day 13: Delhi
After breakfast and check out, we begin a half–day tour of New Delhi, India's capital. We'll drive past the President's palace and India Gate, a World War I memorial. Delhi is often described as Lutyen's City, after the famous 20th century British architect who designed both important monuments and contributed to the general style of the city. Delhi is characterized by wide, tree-lined avenues, parks and palaces built for important Indian princes. Visit Humayuns Tomb which was built in the mid-16th century by Haji Begum, the Persian born senior wife of Humayaun, the second Mughal emperor. Later, we will provide an airport transfer if your departure is today. Meals: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Trip Deposit: $250 USD
The price Excludes airfare.
Single Supplement (Single accommodation where available): $490 USD.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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