GARHWAL - one of the most fascinating mountainous region of Uttrakhand presents exciting and challenging treks There are more than hundred spectacular mountain peaks 6000 meter high including Nanda Devi (7817 m.), Kedarnath (6940 m.), Chaukhamba (7138 m.), Dunagiri (7066 m.) and Trishul (7120 m.) offering unlimited adventure.

Detail Itinerary
 

DAY 01.   ARRIVE DELHI                                                                                                   Morning arrive Delhi and transfer to hotel. Afternoon combined guided tour of Old and New Delhi includes Jammia Masjid Mosque, Cycle rickshaw ride through Chandni chowk, Red Fort, drive through India Gate and Parliament house. And finally explore Qutab Minar and Humayuns Tomb. 

DAY 02.   DELHI – RISHIKESH                            Drive 225 Km                                               After breakfast depart and drive through the crowded plains of Uttar Pradesh to Rishikesh in newly carved state of Uttranchal, en route visit temple complex and bathing ghats at Haridwar. Arrive and check-in at hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 03.   RISHIKESH – JOSHIMATH                 Drive 290 Km                                                After breakfast gradually ascend towards upper reaches of this mountainous state to Joshimath (1890 Mt.), situated above the confluence of the Dhauli Ganga and Alaknanda River. Just above the town a small temple and an ancient tree marks the place where the famous Hindu philosopher Shankara gained enlightenment. Number of Hindu pilgrims pay homage here before proceeding to Badrinath. This was once a thriving town for trekkers and expeditions to hire camp crew and porters for Nanda Devi Sanctuary until it was closed in 1983. This is base for the Hindu pilgrims to Badrinath about 40 Km up the Alaknanda valley as well as to trekkers. Arrive and check in at tourist Bungalow / guest house. 

DAY 04 & 07.   TREK JOSHIMATH – GOVINDGHAT – GHANGRIYA  (Vise Versa)                         A short drive (20 Km) to Govindghat (1828 m.), the trek point, it is a small hamlet on the bank of the Alaknanda river with some small guest houses, tea shops and pilgrim centers with a ritual bathing area and vendors selling colorful bangles, comb and other commodities. After crossing a suspension bridge here over the Alaknanda river begins the 14 Km trek to Ghangriya. The trek follows an easy gradient for first few kilometers and gradually becomes steeper. Beyond the village of Pulana (2100 Mt.), the trail continuously runs through forest of bamboo, Chestnut and Oak until a hamlet with small way side eateries and the bridge over Him Ganga. After crossing the bridge the trail ascends gradually to Ghangriya (3050 Mt.), also known as Govind Dham, it’s a large pilgrim complex including a Gurudwara, some small tea house and guest houses. Ghangriya camp will be our base for next two days. One of these days will be used to visit Hemkund (4329 Mt.), first we cross a bridge above Ghangriya, which fords the Hem Ganga as it descends from Hemkund. The trail climbs steeply high above the river on the right side of the valley. The Hemkund is encircled by high cliff and we have to climb the high ridges above the lake to get panoramic view of the snow capped peaks of the main Himalayan. A sikh temple beside the lake shelters the pilgrims during hostile weather and they usually return to Ghangriya after ritual bathing. Second day we explore the valley of flowers, we re cross the Hemganga bridge, climb and enter in to Bhyundar valley. Here the forest department charges an entrance both from foreigners as well as Indian trekkers plus some additional charges towards camera fee. From here we continue to ascend gradually and enter a narrow gorge before the valley widens. The Bhyundar valley is a glacial valley of about 10/2 Km, at varying altitude of 3650 Mt. and 3950 Mt. It is characterized by alpine glades, silver birch trees and rhododendrons, and is enclosed by Nar Parbat (5855 Mt.), Nilgiri Parbat (6474 Mt.), Ratanban (6166 Mt.) and Ghori Parbat (6708 Mt). Well-marked trails lead to flowered meadows and the flora includes primulas, anemones, saxifrages, asters, gentians, marigolds and delphiniums. After enjoying this exotic flora valley we return to our base camp at Ghangriya. Finally we trek back to Govind Ghat for overnight camp and bid goodbye to our local staff.

DAY 08.   GOVINDGHAT - JOSHIMATH – RISHIKESH    Drive 310 Km                                 Morning depart and drive to Joshimath, the winter seat of Lord Badrinath one of the most important Hindu pilgrimages, after a brief halt we continue our vehicular journey to Rishikesh. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight.

DAY 09.   RISHIKESH – DELHI                                            Drive 225 Km                           Morning at leisure for personal exploration. After lunch depart and drive to Delhi. Arrive and check in at hotel for overnight.

DAY 10.   DEPARTURE                                                                                                           Transfer to airport for homeward flight.