Explore some of most fascinating pilgrimage sites of Indian Himalayas where thousands of pilgrims throngs to participate in traditional rituals those takes place on bank of holi rivers Gange, on confluence of holi rivulets ( named Priyag ) to different temples or holi shrin to pay the homage to their respective deities or to means of seeking emencipation from the worldly sins. Rural here is home to different ethnies and tribes, prestine beauty of stunning Hmalaya is undiscribable , nature yields with varieties of flora and fauna.
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi in evening.
Day 2: Delhi to Haridwar (340m) 224km (06hrs) .
Day 3: Haridwar to Uttarkashi -160 kms ( 1158 mtrs ) night in hotel.
Day 4: Uttarkashi — Gangotri (3 048 m) 110 kms.Harsil
Day 5: Harisil to Uttarakashi Via Harsil, walk to explore the typical village.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag -610m, 184 km ,6h.
Day 7: Rudraprayag – Guptkashi (45 km – altitude 1479 m).
Day 8: GUPTHKASHI – OKHIMATH – Pipalkoti (110 km – altitude 1220 m).
Day 9: Pipalkoti to Badrinath 79 kms .(3096m).
Day 10: Badrinath- Mana- Joshimath-51kms.
Day 11: Joshimath Niti-valley (3600 m) – Joshimath, 88km, 2 hours drive.
Day 12: Jashimath – Rishikesh (23 m).
Day 13: Rishikesh to Delhi : ( by train or Road ) and departure.
Extension to Kumaun Himalaya
Day 12: Joshimath- Almora , 245 kms 5h30.
Day 13: Explore around Almora
Day 14: Almora Town : and departure to Delhi.
Day 15: Arrive Delhi at 04 45 hours, evening departure
Day 1: Arrival in Delhi in evening
Assistance upon arrival followed transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Delhi to Haridwar (340m) 224km (06hrs)
Early morning drive or train to Haridwar , Once reached check in hotel and leave to visit Mansa Devi temple dedicated to Shakti, the goddess of power. Also visit Daksha Mahadevi temple and bathing ghats. Evening is an unforgettable moment while ghat comes to life with singing prayers and lit up lamps along the Ganges where people in hundreds and thousands view this mesmerizing and cleansing ritual. It is believed that the one who bathes at Har ki pauri gets rid of all sins and completely cleanses their soul. Floral tributes and lit up diyas (Lamps) floating on the Ganges is the most enchanting sight one gets at this ghat. Stroll in illuminated street filled by Worship Materials while getting back to hotel for overnight stay. Haridwar : Literally means gateway to God. It has been a sacred place from time immemorial and is one of the most important pilgrimage places on the Ganges. Based on Hindu mythology, millions of Hindus takes a holy dip in the sacred river Ganges to seek for emancipation.
Day 3: Haridwar to Uttarkashi -160 kms ( 1158 mtrs ) night in hotel.
Breathtaking drive traversing several villages as of Chamba and Tehri, Uttrakashi located on the bank of Gange ( here Gange named Bhagirathi ) afternoon check in hotel , later visit the ancient temples of Vishnawatta dedicated to Lord Vishnu if time permit, stroll in town, night in hotel .
Day 4 : Uttarkashi — Gangotri (3 048 m) 110 kms.Harsil
Drive along with shady and pleasant road along with shimmering Bhagirathi river through evergreen forest of pine, On the way breathtaking typical mountain architecture villages of Himalayan region with terraced fields can be seen. Arrive Gangotri, installation in lodge and further visit to temple of goddess Ganga built in 18th century. According to a mythological legend, the mother Ganga would come down from heaven through the hair of Shiva after a long meditation of 5500 years of Bhagirath, to wash the sins of peoples of his kingdom. Evening back to Harsil might in camp or Guest house.
Day 5 : Harisil to Uttarakashi Via Harsil, walk to explore the typical village
Today you will take an easy walk to visit a typical village, explore the village life , meet the local people, You will appreciate typical architecture and their authentic way of life . Afternoon drive back to Uttarakashi, evening at leisure, night in hotel.
Day 6: Uttarkashi – Rudraprayag -610m, 184 km ,6 hrs.
We follow the same road descending along the Bhagirathi river, After few hours change the valley , across tiny hamlets, traditional villages and terraced farms land, uphill road along the Alaknanda river to its confluence with the Madakini river Rudraprayag. By evening reach check in hotel.
Day 7: Rudraprayag – Guptkashi (45 km – altitude 1479 m)
Leave to Gupatkashi , means the hidden Kashi or Benaras, A religious town housing ancient Vishwanath Temple or lord of universe dedicated to Lord Shiva ( similar to this is one in Varanasi or Kashi)., Temple of Ardhanareshvara (a half man /half woman form of Shiva and Parvati). be of the significant attraction is Manikarnik Kund is a place where two streams of the Ganga and Yamuna meet. As per the mythological history of Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata once came across here to get the glimpse of Lord Shiva. Stroll in village, night in fixed camp.
Day 8: GUPTHKASHI – OKHIMATH – Pipalkoti (110 km – altitude 1220 m)
Scenic drive to Okhimath, Visit cluster of temple dedicated to Goddess Usha, Lord Shiva , Parvati , Anurudha and Mendhata. Ukhimath is Winter seat of lord Kedarnath and Madhymaheshwar , hence worship is performed here when temple of kedarnath remain closed in winter for 6 month of period. Further drive to higher pasture land of Mastura to get the stunning view of mighty Himalaya , way back stop at Gopeshwar where stands an impressive temple dedicated to Shiva is the main attraction of the town , Through out the year pilgrims visit the temple and pays homage to their Lord. By evening arrive Pipalkoti, an important and vibrant city, Night hotel .
Day 9: Pipalkoti to Badrinath 79 kms .(3096m)
Leave to Badrinath , road leads through narrow valley ,deep gorges carved by the constant flow of the water from time unknown and the rock hanging over narrow road. On the way stop over indifferent tinny villages , as Pandukeshwer , the temple built by king Pandu ( the famme of Indian epic Mahabharata ) , Hanuman Chatti , when Hanuman ( monkey God ) come to this area to collect the Sanjivini Buti in the valley of flower ( A herbical plant to treat the Laxamana , the younger brother of Rama who was wounded by Ravana ( the devil ) Reach Badrinath situated on the right bank of Alaknanda river , after lunch visit the main shrine of Vishal Badri or Badri Vishal , giving rise to the resound chant of the devotees as they approach to the shrine ‘ jai Badri Vishal ki ‘After visiting the temple stroll in the bazzar to feel the ambiance of colorful pilgrims crowd at the beneath of snowcaped peak of Neel Kanth ( 6957m ) ,.
Day 10: Badrinath- Mana- Joshimath – 51kms.
Visit Mana village : Known in Hindu scriptures also as Manibhadrapam.is 3 kms north of the main shrine of Badrinath . is the last Indian village on the Indo – Tibet border . From here one path leads to Kailash . Celestial abode of Shiva is peopled with the Himalayan semi- nomads who form a small group . The people who are poor , are known as the Marchyas and have lost their traditional ties with /Tibet without gaining any substitute . With the mechanisation of the roads however many changes are coming into their way of life After lunch leave to Joshimath , on the way one can observe the variety of flora , evening reached Joshimath, Joshinmath is the winter seat of Rawal sahib of the Badrinath shrine . In 9th century the Adiguru Shankaracharya a Hindu theologian did meditation and attained enlightenment while sitting under the mulberry tree near cave .Holy town is full of temples but most famous are the Narsingh ( Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of Lion and Durga ( The Goddess of power ) temples ; night in hotel .
Day 11: Joshimath Niti-valley (3600 m) – Joshimath, 88km, 2 hours drive
Morning drive towards the Niti village village. This village was recently opened to international and local tourists, inhabited by Bhotia tribe and two major sub-tribes : The Marchha and Tolchha. The place is located in the buffer zone of the Biosphere Reserve of Nanda Devi (NDBR). North of the village is Niti Pass (5 800m ) passage to southern Tibet. Since the time, the villages have lost their glory with barter with Tibet, but they perpetuate the tradition of transhumance. The valley has a wide range of interesting features to enhance the area. Peoples are indulged in their traditional activities such as spinning wool by hand, fabrics for clothing, local products and spices of the Himalayas are the other highlights of the villages. The entire population in the Niti Valley is Hindu. The main deity of devotion is the goddess Nanda Devi, with the peak of Nanda Devi worshiped as a goddess by all the inhabitants of the region. In the evening, you will reach Joshimath, Hotel Dronagiri / Himalayan Abode.
Day 12: Jashimath – Rishikesh (23 m).
Departure to Rishikesh – the sanctuary of saints and sadhus. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, known from medieval times as a great pilgrimage centre, attracting large numbers of pilgrims, saints and sages (sadhus). It is known for its centre for yoga and meditation. We will visit ashrams and temples and witness the evening ritual ceremony at Triveni Ghat, when hundreds of people float little flower bowls with oil lamps on the river. Back to hotel for night stay
Day 13 : Rishikesh to Delhi : ( by train or Road ) and departure
Leave early by train or Road to Delhi, On arrival visit to the streets of old Delhi by Tricycle ( Man drive rickshaw ) Discover the spice market and colorful bazzar, over view on red fort and Grand Mosque, Rest of the time to by souvenir and gift to your family, if time allows take a glimpse to India gate and president. After dinner transfer to airport to catch the flight to your onward destination. No hotel in Delhi.
Extension to Kumaun Himalaya
Day 12 :Joshimath- Almora , 245 kms 5h30.
Drive back till , Karanprayag — confluence of the Alaknanda and the Pinder Ganga which rises from pindari Glacier on the eastern flank of the great Peak. Follow the Pinder river till Gwaldom offers excellent view of trishuli and Nanda Ghunti ., Visit Baijnath temple with its tinny hamlet has a stunning temple complex on the west bank of the Gomti river. there are 18 temples in the complex constructed by katyur’s who ruled Kumaon and Garhwal between 8th and 14th century . Visit typical villages with beautifully carved window and doors. , Further drive to Bageshwar lying at the confluence of the saryu and Gomti rivers , is an important piligrim town. Explore the old bazar with labyrnith of winding alleyways which leads to the ancient Bhagna temple dedicated to Shiva . By evening arrives at Almora, night in hotel.
Day 13: Explore around Almora
90 kms drive, leave to Chittai temple, It is a famous temple of God of Justice( Golu Devta). The temple is hung with belles with in several shapes and sizes which brought by greatful devotees . After proceed to Lakhudiar ( prehistoric rock painting s) on the way to Jageshwar , After Panwanaula turn left towards old Jageshwar( 2300m) for 8 kms . best place for the pic-nic ( packed lunch ) surounded by Rhodendron and Oak trees with Panoramic Himalayan view, Walk down for 2 hours to Jageshwar, the trail goes through typical villages , explore the life of villagers , follow the sparkling stream through forest of cedar to the ancient temple complex with its 124 temples , which houses 8th of the 12 jyotirlingas of India ? Afternoon back to hotel .
Day 14 : Almora Town : and departure to Delhi
Almora town, first British hill station in India established in 1815 . further on was ceded to the east India company in 1815 in commemoration for the British driving out the Gurkhas. Stroll in Almora Bazzar, passing old merchant houses , with their intricately carved doors and windows , Lala bazzar , Govind panth Museum with its fine collection of ancient Kumaoni arts and crafts , metal , stone and terracotta statues , Aipana paintings , coin etc. By evening transfer to Raiway station of Kathgodam for night train to Delhi, night on board. Or next day early morning drive to Delhi,
Day 15 : Arrive Delhi at 04 45 hours, evening departure
Transfer to hotel , after breakfast day at leissure , Lunch / dinner in hotel not included, late evening transfer to airport and flight to onward destination.
Ground transport as per itinerary
Airport/ transfer
Chair class train between Delhi – Haridwar – Delhi.
Twin sharing room in a 3-star hotel.
All Hotel on BB basis (bed & breakfast)
English speaking Guide for the entire tour.
Medical box.
Any air fare,
Monument fee
Visa and airport tax.
Insurance
Meal (lunch & dinner)
Beverages and personal expenses.
Medical expenses and evacuation.
Tipping
Any other expanse occurred due to the road block and flight cancellation etc
Region: Garhwal Himalaya
Activity: Culture — Adventure Tours
Season: 15 May — June, Sep — Oct
Duration: 13 Days
Sacred sites of Himalayas
Traditional ritual and holy dips in Sacred rivers.
Interaction with pilgrims and Sadhu ( Saint ).
Stunning beauty of Himalaya.
Insight of local culture.