Upon arrival at Delhi airport, a private vehicle will transfer you to Haridwar.

Haridwar is known as the gateway of the Gods, and is one of the holiest pilgrimage spots in the world for Hindus, as the river Ganges descends to the flatlands here.  The bathing ghats are lined with sadhus, temples and ashrams . Your hotel is located overlooking the river, with its own private bathing ghat!

Later in the evening, walk through the bustling bazaars to attend the evening Aarti (prayer) to the Goddess Ganges at the Har-ki Pauri ghat. It is a spectacle of sound and colour with the pealing of temple bells and blowing of conch shells. The ritual starts at dusk with the priests lighting lamps and reaching a crescendo. Hymns and mantras echo across the banks of the Ganges. Devotees chant along with the clash of cymbals and chiming bells. The reflection of golden hues of floating floral diyas (floating candles)  in the river Ganga is an inspirational sight . This is one of the most magical moments in India, a time when one is in communion with both, God and nature. Consider this as an auspicious beginning and blessing as you begin your adventure.

Where to rest your head ?

The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel, Haridwar

Today morning, you will head out in open jeeps into Chila Wildlife Sanctuary.

It is an area of pristine beauty and rich biodiversity for a wildlife safari. It has 23 species of mammals and 315 fauna species. You are likely to come across a herd of elephants or you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger or a leopard. Other wildlife you may encounter are jungle cats, Himalayan yellow-throated marten, samber, cheetah, barking deer, wild boar, langur, ghural, sloth bear, reptiles and a large variety of birds.

The safari will end at a Van Gujjar Village. The habitats of this village are a nomadic tribe of the Himalayas. In the winter season, these pastorals used to migrate with their herds to the Shiwalik foothills, and in the summer, they migrated higher up into the Himalayas where they would spend their summer months in the wilderness with their cattle. They would sell milk to the nearby villages in exchange for money and other life-sustaining goods. Now, due to the restricted movement into the wildlife parks, their movements into the forest have been curtailed. They now have semi-permanent settlements on the periphery of the jungle. A visit to the village will provide an insight into their daily lives. Later, share a meal with your hosts and take a short hike into the jungle.

Return to Hari Ganga Haveli in the afternoon. Later in the evening, a private ceremony invoking the blessings of Mother Ganges in the hotel’s private ghat will be conducted.

Where to rest your head ?

The Haveli Hari Ganga Hotel, Haridwar

Today, rise early for a morning session of yoga and meditation.

After breakfast, put on your cycling gear and cycle 24 km along an extremely picturesque route along the Ganga canal with the jungle to your right, the Ganges river below and to your left, you will see the Beatles Ashram. Visit the Ashram of Maharishi Yogi where you will provide with lunch.

Later, continue cycling another 10km upstream on the right bank of the river Ganges. You will then transfer on to vehicles and drive 5km to the Himalayan hideaway hotel for the night. This hotel is located on a hillside overlooking the river.

Where to rest your head ?

Himalayan Hideaway Lodge, Shivpuri

Today, rise early for a morning session of yoga and meditation.

After breakfast, drive approximately 36km uphill ascending 1876m on the right bank of the river and  then mount your cycles at a village called Dwarikhal for an exhilarating 60 km downhill ride on a mountain road- semi dirt, semi tarred- high along the ridge overlooking the gorge of the meandering  river Ganges, as it makes its way through the lower Himalayan ranges. Cycle through oak and rhododendron forest, cultivated terraced fields and quaint villages as we descend down to the river at Vyasghat.  En route, stop for lunch at a wayside village to get a glimpse into the hardy lifestyle of the Garhwali hill folk.

On arrival at Vyasghat, check into the tented accommodation with ensuite bathrooms at the Banyan by the Ganges

Where to rest your head ?

Banyan by the Ganges, Vyasghat

Today morning you will begin your journey into the heart of the Gharwal Himalayas to catch a glimpse of some of the world’s highest and most stunning peaks.

After an early breakfast, drive 168km (6 hours via Devprayag and Rudraprayag) up to the village of Saari. From here, trek uphill for 2.5 km to your campsite at Deoria Tal. This beautiful lake is located in the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary perched at an elevation of 2438m and has heavily wooded, lush green surroundings with snow covered mountains. You will get to see great 360 degree panoramic views of the great Himalayan peaks Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, and the Kedar Range (all of whose heights are over 6000m) overlooking the lake.

Good shape and sturdy quality tents will be provided, each big enough to sleep two. There will be a separate kitchen and dining tent and few toilet tents. Ponies will be arranged to carry heavy luggage, while you will have to carry your day pack during trekking days.

Where to rest your head ?

Alpine Adventure Camp, Deoria Tal

After breakfast, start your trek to Chopta, which is a beautiful 13 kms trek.

The trek starts from the lake and takes you through a dense cover of oak and rhododendron forests with gradual ups and downs on to a meadow and then downhill to a small stream. Finally, a steep hike will get you to the picturesque hamlet of Chopta, which provides stunning views of the mountain ranges including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. It is located at an elevation of 2680m, amidst thick forest of pine, deodar and rhododendron. This hamlet is easily accessible and provides a starting point to Tungnath and Chandrashila.

Where to rest your head ?

Alpine Adventure Camp, Chopta

After breakfast, begin your 3.5 km trek to Tungnath.

It is considered to be over a thousand years old and is home to the oldest and highest Lord Shiva temple, which is perched at an astounding elevation of 3,680 m above sea level.

After visiting the Tungnath temple, trek 1.5 km further to the summit, Chandrashila. The name literally means "Moon Rock". It is located at a height of about 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level. This peak provides spectacular panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayan peaks of Garhwal and Kumaon, stretching from Banderpoonch (6,200 m) in the west to Nanda Devi (7600m) in the east including the Trisul, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba. According to mythology, a popular legend states that, this is the place where Lord Rama meditated after defeating the demon-king Ravana. Another legend says that moon-god Chandra spent time here in penance.

Where to rest your head ?

Alpine Adventure Camp, Chopta

Today morning, watch the sunrise over the magnificent peaks and pay your respects to the divine Mother Nature.

After breakfast, retrace your path 168km/ 5 hours along the Alaknanda and then the Ganges River, back to the Banyan on the Ganges Camp at Vyas Ghat where hot showers and comfortable beds will await you after the 3 nights trek.

Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Where to rest your head ?

Banyan by the Ganges, Vyasghat

Today, rise early for a morning session of yoga and meditation on the banks of the Ganges River.

After breakfast, drive 35km (1.5 hrs) from Vyasghat to Koteshwar Dam– the put-in point on the river Bhagirathi, the upper tributary of the river Ganges. After a comprehensive safety briefing & loading of the raft, you will begin rafting from the dam site. The water levels are controlled by the dam and water is released daily at a particular time. At low water levels, Bhagirathi is a technical river requiring a lot of swift moves on the raft. But when the water level is high, it offers some amazing white water experiences. The major grade 4 rapids along this section are ‘Elephant Rock’, ‘Shoot’ and ‘Confluence’. These rapids are sure to give you an adrenalin boost.

You will then cross the confluence point at Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi meets her sister tributary Alaknanda, and these two young mountain rivers together join to become the Ganga.

Return to Banyan on the Ganges for a late lunch. Rest of the day is free to relax or walk and explore nearby villages.

Where to rest your head ?

Banyan by the Ganges, Vyasghat

Today, rise early for a morning session of yoga and meditation.

After breakfast, set out to go rafting, along with inflatable kayaking and tackle some mild rapids over the next few hours to reach Kaudiyala. From Kaudiyala, you have the option of continuing the journey for the next level of rapids or you can transfer by surface to the hotel in Shivpuri.

If you decide to continue, be prepared for the white water challenges, as they get more exciting. You will take on the so-called ‘biggies’. This includes ‘Daniel’s Dip’ and ‘The Wall’ rapid, ‘Three Blind Mice’ and ‘Crossfire’. All these rapids will add to the adrenalin as you round off your expedition circuit just where you started – at the Himalayan Hideaway Lodge!

Spend the afternoon resting and relaxing and indulge in an Ayurvedic massage at the Lodge to relax the well-exercised muscles from the activities of the previous 4 days. Don’t forget to relax in the warm mists of the lodge sauna!

Where to rest your head ?

Himalayan Hideaway Lodge, Shivpuri

Today, rise early for your final morning session of yoga and meditation.

After a hearty breakfast, depart for a ‘gut-wrenching session’ at ‘Jumpin Heights’, a bungee jumping site, about a 45-minute drive away from the lodge.

If bungee jumping is not your cup of tea, you will have the opportunity to give back to the region that has contributed to your journey of the Himalayas. You will be visiting the social outreach program of HOLI (Himalayan Outdoor Leadership Programme) where you can visit the primary, intermediate and junior schools of the Malaghunti area and interact with the locals about the environment and conservation issues.

Late afternoon, drive into the temple town of Rishikesh, where you can explore the town and at sunset, witness the age-old tradition of the Ganga Aarti, a fitting conclusion to your holiday

Where to rest your head ?

Himalayan Hideaway Lodge, Shivpuri

After breakfast, a private vehicle will transfer you to Dehradun airport where you can catch your flight back home.

Where to rest your head ?

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