Skirting The Indian Himalaya – Nanda Devi
Trip Highlights
- Nainital is a hill station set around Naini Lake, named after Naina (eyes) of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife.
- Nanda Devi group of mountains, which look spectacular especially during Sunset and sunrise. The view of the snow covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snow within touching distance.
- Kuari Pass. Kuari Pass means "door way".
- Badrinath Temple, which is the last town before Tibet border. Badrinath Temple is situated on the bank Alaknanda river, one of the main tributaries of Ganga river.
- Ashrams, Ghats, Yoga Centre in Rishikesh. Evening visit Parmarth Ashram for Arti ceremony. Wet and Wild Rafting Experience
The Route
| Title | Skirting The Indian Himalaya – Nanda Devi |
| Details | Delhi – Nainital – Kausani – Kauri-Pass – Auli – Badrinath – Rishikesh – Delhi |
| Duration | 21 Nights / 22 Days |
On this trek we circuit by Nanda Devi (7826 m), the highest mountain of Garhwal, via the mystic lake of Roopkund and Kuari Pass. Most of the famous mountains of Garhwal including, Kamet (7756 m), which is the second highest peak of Garhwal, Abi Gamin (7355 m), Chaukhamba (7138 m), Neel Kanth (6596 m), Trishul (7125 m), Nanda Ghunti (6309 m) and many more have an impressive and unforgettable view on our route.
We also visit ancient Hindu temple Badrinath, the last village before Tibet border, provides an insight of Hindu religion and its culture. Haridwar and Rishikesh, situated on the banks of river Ganga are another two important religious centres that we would visit towards the end of our tour. Here we will see Ashrams, Sadhus and Yoga Centres apart from a melee of pilgrims.
On the whole this trek provides us a superb view of Indian Himalaya and a deep insight of Indian culture which has lived over 5000 years.
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi– by international flight
Some of them which could cherish your mind with the beauty of places are Red fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. A visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India
Some of them which could cherish your mind with the beauty of places are Red fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi – a truly memorable experience. A visit to Qutab Minar, the tallest stone tower in India
Day 02 : To Nainital(1938 m) - by surface / 303 kms / approx 8 hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Nainital. Nainital is a hill station set around Naini Lake, named after Naina (eyes) of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. It is believed that emerald lake is one of the green eyes of her.
Morning after breakfast drive to Nainital. Nainital is a hill station set around Naini Lake, named after Naina (eyes) of Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife. It is believed that emerald lake is one of the green eyes of her.
Day 03 : In Nainital
In the morning we make an excursion to Naina Peak also known as China Peak (2610 m) from where we have a glimpse of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7826 m). Nanda Deviis the highest peak of Kumaon. Later in the afternoon lunch at Mall Road Restaurant after lunch visit Naina Devi Temple.
In the morning we make an excursion to Naina Peak also known as China Peak (2610 m) from where we have a glimpse of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi (7826 m). Nanda Deviis the highest peak of Kumaon. Later in the afternoon lunch at Mall Road Restaurant after lunch visit Naina Devi Temple.
Day 04 : To Kausani (1,890 m) - by surface / 120 kms / approx 05 hrs
Morning after breakfast drive for Kausani via Almora. From Kausani here are excellent 300 km wide views of the Nanda Devi group of mountains, which look spectacular especially during Sunset and sunrise.
Morning after breakfast drive for Kausani via Almora. From Kausani here are excellent 300 km wide views of the Nanda Devi group of mountains, which look spectacular especially during Sunset and sunrise.
Day 05 : To Mandoli - by surface / 90 kms / approx 03 hrsTo Didina (2439 m) - trek 5 kms / approx 03 hrs
Early Morning after breakfast with packed lunch drive 90 kms to Mandoli. En route we will enjoy the scenic beauty of terraced fields, villages and snow clad Himalayan Mountains at distant horizon we can still see Nanda Devi sometime en route and also Trishul and other peaks.
Early Morning after breakfast with packed lunch drive 90 kms to Mandoli. En route we will enjoy the scenic beauty of terraced fields, villages and snow clad Himalayan Mountains at distant horizon we can still see Nanda Devi sometime en route and also Trishul and other peaks.
Day 06 : To Pathar Nachuni (3658 m) - trek approx 5/6 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today is a steep trek through oak trees and bamboo shrubs up to Ali Bugyal. From here we walk over Ali Bugyal enjoying the view of Hima-ayan peaks till we arrive Bedni Bugyal. Bugyal means meadow in Garhwali dialect. From Bedni Bugyal we can have a view of Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Trishul massif and also peaks on the north of Garhwal. We continue our trek to Pathar Nachuni where we stay in tents for night.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today is a steep trek through oak trees and bamboo shrubs up to Ali Bugyal. From here we walk over Ali Bugyal enjoying the view of Hima-ayan peaks till we arrive Bedni Bugyal. Bugyal means meadow in Garhwali dialect. From Bedni Bugyal we can have a view of Mt. Nanda Ghunti, Trishul massif and also peaks on the north of Garhwal. We continue our trek to Pathar Nachuni where we stay in tents for night.
Day 07 : To Bhagwabasa (4267 m) To Roop Kund (4800 m)To Pathar Nachuni (3658 m) – trek approx 7-8 hrs
Early morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek to the Roopkund.Today’s trek is also steep. During the months of August to October the valley is full of fragrance of Saussurea Obvallata flower, locally known as Brahmkamal.
Early morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek to the Roopkund.Today’s trek is also steep. During the months of August to October the valley is full of fragrance of Saussurea Obvallata flower, locally known as Brahmkamal.
Day 08 : To Kunol (2186 m) – trek approx 6/7 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today we trek for some time over the ridge enjoying the superb closer view of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks and then we trek down to Kunol village.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today we trek for some time over the ridge enjoying the superb closer view of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks and then we trek down to Kunol village.
Day 09 : To Dekhnadhar (2100 m) - trek approx 5/6 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch we trek through beautiful remote villages.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch we trek through beautiful remote villages.
Day 10 : To Ramni (2200 m) - trek approx 3/4 hrs
Morning after breakfast trek through villages which gives us a chance to see the local people engaged in various day to day activities. This is easy trek with little up and down
Morning after breakfast trek through villages which gives us a chance to see the local people engaged in various day to day activities. This is easy trek with little up and down
Day 11 : To Jhenji (1524 m)- trek approx 5/6 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch trek through beautiful forest, sometimes with a nice view of snow peaks.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch trek through beautiful forest, sometimes with a nice view of snow peaks.
Day 12 : To Pana (2448 m) - trek approx 4/5 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch trek to Pana, which is the last village on our route before we reach Kuari Pass.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch trek to Pana, which is the last village on our route before we reach Kuari Pass.
Day 13 : To Kuari (4268 m) - trek approx 6/7 hrs
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today is a longer trek through forests, creeks and some possibility of wildlife.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek. Today is a longer trek through forests, creeks and some possibility of wildlife.
Day 14 : In Kuari Pass
Rest day. Possibility of exploring new ways in the beautiful grassy valleys.
Rest day. Possibility of exploring new ways in the beautiful grassy valleys.
Day 15 : To Auli (2400 m) - trek approx 6/7 hrs To Joshimath (1875 m) – by surface / approx 30 min
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek descend to Tali between lush green forest of Cedars, while the view of Nanda Devi continues to play hide and seek.
Morning after breakfast with pack lunch start trek descend to Tali between lush green forest of Cedars, while the view of Nanda Devi continues to play hide and seek.
Day 16 : To Badrinath (3096 m) To Pipal Koti – by surface / 50 kms / approx 1 hr
We drive 50 km to Badrinath Temple, which is the last town before Tibet border. Badrinath Temple is situated on the bank Alaknanda river, one of the main tributaries of Ganga river
We drive 50 km to Badrinath Temple, which is the last town before Tibet border. Badrinath Temple is situated on the bank Alaknanda river, one of the main tributaries of Ganga river
Day 17 : To Rishikesh – by surface / 200 kms / 6 - 7 hrs
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh. Overnight in hotel.
Morning after breakfast drive to Rishikesh. Overnight in hotel.
Day 18 : In Rishikesh
After breakfast we spend the day running some of the most exciting rapids on the Ganga. Early evening a walking tour across Lakshman Jhula Bridge, along the river visiting several ashrams including, Ved Niketan, Omkarananda and Vanprasth and culminating at Parmath Ashram.
Here, you will witness the Arti at Parmath Ashram which lies right on the holy banks of mother Ganga, nestled in the lap of lush, towering Himalayas.
Day 19 : To Haridwar – by surface / 23 kms / apprx 30 minutes
Leave early in the morning to experience a half day Yoga experience
Leave early in the morning to experience a half day Yoga experience
Day 20 : To Chilla National Park - by surface / 23 kms / approx. 30 minutes To Delhi - by s. express dep. 1813 hrs / arr. 2250 hrs
After an early breakfast drive to Chilla, which is the region open to tourists, is probably the best for game viewing. After the visit drive to Hardiwar for lunch. Later visit the Neel Parvat Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi (Durga), which is on top of a hill overlooking the Ganges.
After an early breakfast drive to Chilla, which is the region open to tourists, is probably the best for game viewing. After the visit drive to Hardiwar for lunch. Later visit the Neel Parvat Temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi Devi (Durga), which is on top of a hill overlooking the Ganges.
Day 21 : Delhi To Agra To delhi – by shatabdi express
You will be transferred early in the morning to the Railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Agra. At Agra you will be met on arrival and driven to visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna. Also visit the Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love.
You will be transferred early in the morning to the Railway station to board the Shatabdi Express for Agra. At Agra you will be met on arrival and driven to visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna. Also visit the Taj Mahal – The Monument of Love.
Day 22 : Departure Delhi
In time transfer to the international airport to board your flight for home / onward journey.
In time transfer to the international airport to board your flight for home / onward journey.