Tour can be customized according to
your specific requirements
This special tour itinerary offers most amusing vacation trip under the
foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik Mountains including
the sacred sites of Haridwar, attractive sightseeing of Joshimath and a
memorable visit to Valley of Flowers National park for spending
unforgettable holiday journey to India with family and friends.
Detailed Itinerary
Day - 1 - Arrive Delhi
Red Fort, Delhi Arrive by International flight, after traditional 'Swagat'
(Welcome) our representative would assist you at airport & transfer to
hotel for check in.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds
the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why
successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more
mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha
from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments
were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din
Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the
Walled City Shah Jehanabad.
Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir
Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a
testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New
Delhi also marks the division in life styles. Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)
Day - 2 - Delhi - Haridwar (225 km -5 hr)
Today we drive to Haridwar, on the banks of holy river Ganga (Ganges) &
located at the foothills of the lower Himalayan Range of the Shivalik
Mountains. Haridwar literally meaning Gateway to God is one of the most
sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
We visit Mansa Devi temple, which is situated at the top of Bilwa Parwat
(hill). The rope-way with its brightly colored cable cars takes devotees to
this hilltop temple. Later we witness spectacular view of Aarti (collective
prayer ceremony) at Har Ki Pauri. This sacred Ghat (stepped holy river bank
for bathing), was constructed by King Vikramaditya in memory of his brother.
This sacred bathing ghat is also known as Brahmakund. There is activity all
around & we observe various rituals performed on the Ghat. Overnight
Hotel - Haridwar. (B)
Day - 3 - Haridwar - Joshimath (295 km - 10 hr)
Today we drive to Joshimath on a mountainous road. This is a very scenic
drive along the river Ganga & later by the river Alaknanda.
In the evening we will visit 'Jyotirmath' the place of Jyotirlinga of
Shiva. Shankracharya founded one of the four peeths (Centres) for sanyasis
here. It is a halting place for the pilgrims bound for Badrinath. It is
considered to be one of the most sacred places by Hindus who believe that
Badrinath (The God Vishnu) resides here during winter. Overnight Hotel -
Joshimath (B)
Day - 4 - Joshimath - Ghangaria (3048 m) (22 km drive & 14 km trek -
5-6 hrs trek)Ski Lift at Joshimath
Early morning at 0530 hrs we drive to Govind Ghat, which is the starting
point of 14 km trek to Ghangaria (3048 m). Ghangaria is the base from where
day walks can be made to the Valley of Flowers & Hemkund Sahib. From
Govind Ghat there is a gradual climb on a well-maintained pilgrim trail to
Ghangaria. Todayat Govind Ghat we start our trek to Ghangaria. Evening at
leisure. Overnight Hotel - Ghangaria (B, L, D)
Day - 5 - Ghangaria - Valley of Flowers (5 km - 3 hr) - Ghangaria (5 km
- 2 hr)
Today we trek to the Valley Of Flowers (3658 m). The Valley is an
enchanting sight with an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Brahma
Kamal (Brahma's Lotus), Cobra Lily, Himalayan Edelweiss, Himalayan Blue
Poppy & a range of small multi-coloured flowers that are a delight for
travellers. The snowclad peaks including Nilgiri Parbat (6474 m) st& in
bold relief against the skyline. The Valley is 10 km long, 2 km wide, &
is divided by the Pushpawati stream, into which several tiny streams &
waterfalls merge. After enjoying the beauty of Valley we walk back to
Ghangaria. Overnight Hotel - Ghangaria (B, L, D)
Day - 6 - Ghangaria - Hemkund Sahib (6 km - 3 hr) - Ghangaria (5 km - 2
hr)
Today we trek to the Hemkund Sahib (4329 m). It is a steep climb & one
is encouraged to see other pilgrims, especially Sikhs, climbing with
religious faith. It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus & Sikhs,
as well as for people from other faiths. There is a Sikh Gurudwara & a
Lakshman temple built on the banks of the lake. In the Sikh Holy book, Guru
Granth Sahib, the 10th & the last Sikh Guru Gobind Singh recounts that
in his previous life, he meditated on the shores of a lake surrounded by
seven snowcapped mountains, which is now recognized as Lokpal Lake at
Hemkund. We visit the Lake & the Gurudwara & then trek back 6 km
downhill to Ghangaria. Overnight Hotel - Ghangaria (B, L, D)
Day - 7 - Ghangaria - Joshimath (14 km trek)
Today we trek back 14 km to Govind Ghat on an easy downhill trail in 3-4
hrs & drive back to Joshimath. On arrival we check-in the Hotel &
relax. Overnight Hotel - Joshimath (B)
Day - 8 - Joshimath - Rishikesh (275 km - 10 hr)
Today we will drive to Rishikesh, Rishikesh is a very important Hindu
pilgrimage site. There is also a cluster of a number of Ashrams &
temples giving the entire place a very spiritual atmosphere. The ceaseless
flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty & the
purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green
forests in the all-mountainous region. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga &
meditation sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. It is also a
very popular centre for Ayurveda system of healing (traditional Indian
medicine system). Besides the sadhus & saints, a mass of tourists too
visit this place every year to have a look at this much heard about place.
In addition to wonderful scenery & the numerous pilgrimage sites,
Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations
of India like river rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking. Overnight
Hotel - Rishikesh (B)
Day - 9 - Rishikesh - Delhi (250 km - 07 hr)
Today we will visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan & other
temples & ashrams. Later we will drive back to Delhi & reach by
evening. On arrival transfer to airport.
Our tour concludes - We thanks you for your patronage & look forward
serve you again in near future
Package Includes :
- 08 nights accommodation on twin sharing basis with breakfast
- All meals during trekking
- Transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure
days).
- English speaking Guide for the Tour
- Services of Helper, Porter, Cook during trekking
Package Does Not Include :
- Any airfare or airport tax.
- All presently applicable taxes.
- Any insurance or claim due to natural calamities such as land slide,
road blockage etc.
- Any expense of personal nature such as hard/soft drinks, laundry,
phone/fax calls, tips etc.
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the cost includes.