UTTRANCHAL
(GARHWAL & KUMAON) HIMALAYAN TREKS.....When
the eastward carvan of the Aryans first encamped on the banks of Ganga,
since then
Garhwal, the devbhoomi (abode of gods), was closely
related with the legends and mythology, specially with the legendry heroes
of Maha- bharata and Ramayana.
Garhwal has its prehistory hidden
in the heavy veils of time. Recent archelogical excavations near Srinagar,
and Mordhwaj date some settlements back to 800 B.C.
Geographically,
Tons river separates Garhwal from the Himachal Pradesh in the west, and
district boundaries of Kumaon in the east. Starting from the foothills from
the south , the region extends upto snow clad peaks, making the Indo Tibetan
boundary Today Garhwal consists of Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Pauri, Tehri, and
Uttarkashi districts and is spread over some 55,000 sq. Kilometers.
Tourism
as pilgrimage ,is an age old pheno- menon in Garhwal, Fortunately the recent
trend of tourism towards nature have provided it better prospects to be the
perfect destination. Considering the thrilling land architecture, unique
Himalayan flora and fauna, and of course the culture heritage, Garhwal,
surpasses the other parts of Himalayas. Apart from beig the source of two
most important life
giving rivers of North India . i.e. Ganga &
Yamuna, the area is evidenced by a variety of landforms viz. Snow peaks,
blackmountains, steep escarpments, deep gorges, hanging valleys , glaciers
and lakes, numerous gushing streamsand swift cascading, falling , foaming
rivers, and lush greenmeadows. The lure of Garhwal Himalayas is
irresistiblefor the mountaineer, as it nestles some of the most challenging
peaks e.g.Nanda Devi, Trishul, Shivling, Bhagirathi,Kamet, Neelkanth,
Dunagiri, & Banderpunch etc.
In
the words of Dr. T.G. LONGSTAFF, a seasoned traveller, and mountaineer, who
first set foot on the summit of Mt. Trishul."I still
believe that Garhwal , is the most beautiful country of all Asia. Neither
the primitive immensity of Karakoram, aloof domination of Mt. Everest, the
softer Caucasian beauties of the Hindukush, nor any of the many other
regions of Himachal can compare with Garhwal. Mountains and valleys, forests
and alps birds and animals , butterfiles and flowers, all combine to make
sum of delight usurpassable elsewhere.The human interest is stronger than in
any other mountain region of the world, for these anciently named peaks are
written of in the earliest annals of the Indo_Aryan Race."As the area harbours many snow covered peaks
above 6,000 meters, it is an excellent destination for trekkers and
mountaineers. Trekking in the different valleys harboring different cultures
offer a chance to have a close encounter with the life - style of the
mountain people, their settlement patterns, dress, dialect, Jewellery and
others.
BEST OF GARHWAL: SOURCE DU
GANGES & FOOTSTEPS TO SHIVABEST TIME: MID APRIL -
JUNE / SEP / OCTDAY 01 ARRIVE DELHI :- Meeting &
assistance on arrival at Delhi Airport followed by transfer to Hotel.
Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 02 DELHI/HARIDWAR:- Commence drive
for
Haridwar 05 hours, through the heart of the
Gangetic
plains passing through numerous small town and villages. The entire drive is
dotted with Sugarcane plantations and other season crops. Haridwar as the
name goes means "Gateway to Gods". Har means God & Dwar means
Gate. Haridwar, is located 220 kms North of Delhi and is referred as the
Mecca for Hindus. It is one of the most important destinations for the
Hindus, who form the major part for the 980 Million Indians.
Haridwar is situated on the banks of the Holy River Ganges dotted with
Ancient Temples and Ashrams. Here people from all over India converge all
year round to take the Holy Dip in the pure water of Mother Ganges, as per
the belief all sins are washed away one you have taken a dip in the Cold
Waters of Ganga here. Haridwar, is starting point for the Holy Pilgrimage to
the Four Temples spread across Garhwal Himalayas. On arrival in Haridwar
check into Tourist Bunglow /Hotel. Late afternoon is spent visiting various
temples and ashrams and walking down the colorful markets.
Evening
we converge at
Har Ki Pauri to witness the
Spectacular Evening
prayer on the Banks of the Ganges. All the temples in the vicinity come
alive with the evening prayer and as you see hundreds of Hindus line up to
watch and be part of this prayer and as well one sees Basket of flowers in
the shapes of small boat with burning candles in hundreds flowing down the
river. It is one of the most remarkable sights to be ever seen in this part
of India. Return to Hotel for Dinner & Overnight.
DAY 03 HARIDWAR/UTTARKASHI/GANGOTRI
:- A very early start for
Gangotri nearly 11 hours, The road
quickly leaves the plains and winds its way through the foothills of the
Garhwal Himalayas to reach the ancient capital of Garhwal called "TEHRI".
From here on we follow the Bhagirathi river through amazing countryside
dotted with Typical Garhwali villages all along the route. We arrive in
Uttarkashi
for Lunch, an important town of this area mostly serving to Indian pilgrims.
From Uttarkashi the roads climb rather quickly and steeply over several
hairpin bends and the roaring Bhagirathi river always giving you company.
Gangotri (3140m), with its famous Goddess Ganga Temple is inhabited
during the summer months. It is surrounded by wonderful slopes covered in
Deodar and fir trees. Above the slopes are dramatic rock walls, It lies
about 278 kms from Haridwar and reverberates with chants and prayers of
Hindu devotees from dawn to dusk. A boulder marks the spot where King
Bhagirath beseeched the Goddess Ganga to descent to earth. An ancient temple
dedicated to the Goddess rises just above the river. Arriving late in the
evening and transfer straight to the Tourist Bungalow. Dinner &
Overnight.
DAY 04 GANGOTRI/BHUJBASSA:- Begin Trek to the
Source of the Ganges for the nights camp at Bhujbassa (3875m) 05 hours, and
follow a well defined trail of this pilgrimage route to the Gangotri
Glacier. All along the trail the roaring river stays to our right and we are
always shadowed by mighty Snow covered peaks all through the days walk.
Enroute we stop for Lunch at Chirbassa, where small tea shops emerge during
the summers to provide respite and some fresh drinks to Trekkers. Chirbassa,
was once a heavily forested area of Chir Tree (Local tree) and with the
passage of time only a few remain. From here we cross a section of loose
boulders till de descent to Bhujbassa, which by its name was a forest of
Bhuj trees, on the bark of which all Hindu manuscripts used to be written in
the earlier times. Nothing remain of this holy tree and is now dotted with a
Tourist Bungalow and as Ashram run by a Baba. On arrival camp is set for
overnight. Late afternoon to explore and enjoy the beauty of this heavenly
place. Meals & Overnight in Camp.
DAY
05 BHJUBASSA/GAUMUKH/TAPOVAN:- Leaving the tree line behind we walk
towards Gaumukh or
"Cow’s Mouth", where we see the
first origination the Mother Ganga gushing out of the huge Gangotri Glacier.
This part of the walk takes about 01 hour. Gaumukh, is a unique sight in
itself as you see holy men and pilgrims praying and taking a holy dip in the
Ice-cold Glacial waters of the Ganges right at the snout of the Glacier,
here the Holy Ganges is in its purest form…..Over an hour spend here to
experience the faith of the Hindu devotees towards the Holy Ganges and is
yet another incredible sight to see during this trip. From here on the path
climbs from the right on to the Gangotri Glacier which is full of loose
rocks & boulders.
The last bit of climb to
Tapovan (4,500m)
is very steep and quite demanding with the beautiful mountains hovering
over you all the time. Tapovan is a high mountain meadow set at the foot of
the mighty Shivling peak. Afternoon at leisure. Meals & Overnight at
camp 04 hours.
DAY 06 TAPOVAN:- Day Free to explore and to
discover this beautiful meadow, where numerous Sadhus meditate in the Hidden
caves. Meals & Overnight in Camp.
DAY 07
TAPOVAN/GANGOTRI:- After an early breakfast begin the long return back
to Gangotri 06 - 07 hours, we retrace our footsteps back . Arriving in
Gangotri by late afternoon, rest of the day is spend by visiting some
Ashrams and the famous
Photo Baba. Meals & Overnight at Tourist
Bunglow.
DAY 08 GANGOTRI/LATA/BELAK:- An early start as we
mount back our vehicles to be drive down about 72 kms to a small village
Called Lata, from where we begin our second part of the Trek, which runs
along the Old Pilgrimage Trail to Kedarnath. This pilgrimage trail was used
very regularly by the Hindu devotees during the times when roads didn’t
exist and people used to do visit all the Four Holy temples on foot. The
Trek from here to
Belak (2,439m) takes 05 - 06 hours and is over a
well laid out path passing through thick forests. The path climbs gradually
into a side valley with trees of Oak, Pine , Fir and Rhododendrons lining
the entire path. Belak, is a high Mountain meadow with summer settlements of
villagers from the valley who move up with their cattle for grazing.
Arriving at Belak by late afternoon. Camp is set here for the night. In the
evening explore this beautiful meadow and as well mix with the
villagers
in their small huts. Meals & Overnight at camp.
DAY 09
BELAK/BUDHAKEDAR:- The day’s walk is over well laid out path which
descends gradually to Jhala Chatti, where one can
stop at a local Tea Shop for refreshments.
From here, an hour’s walk over an alomst level path gets you to the
village of Budhakedar(1,524M) 05 HOURS, an important place in Garhwal which
houses the Old Temple of KEDAR (SHIVA). The people of this village are
mostly farmers. In the evening visit the Temple for a special prayer
ceremony. Later visit the village which has some of the most traditional
houses from this part of Garhwal. Meals & Overnight in camp.
DAY
10 BUDHAKEDAR/ BHAIRONCHATTI:- Commence days walk to
Bhaironchatti
(2580m) 05 hours, the first one hour of the walk takes you to the
beautiful village of Benakhal, situated at the top of a hill, with another
impressive temple. This part of the walk is through pine forest and climbs
gradually to Benakhal. From here the walk is almost level through a number
of villages, which give us an insight into the way of life of these mountain
people. The last one hour of steep climbing through a forest of
Rhododendrons gets you to the beautiful high meadow of Bhaironchatti where
camp is set for the might. This meadow has a local village temple which is
dedicated to the Hindu God Bhairon, where newly weds from the nearby
villages come to take blessings of the Gods for a long and happy married
life. The couples tie a bell at the door of the temple as their offering to
the God. The views of the mountains from this high meadow are breathtaking
and on a clear day one can see snowy peaks of the distant Himalayas. Evening
is spent around a bonfire. Meals and overnight at camp.
DAY
11 BHAIRONCHATTI/GHUTTU:- Start the day’s walk to
Ghutta
(1,590m) 05 hours, with a Two hour descent through a Pine
Forest, over a well laid out path. Enroute visit a Sheep and a rabbit farm
fun by the Government, the villagers we pass are quite interesting and
dotted with temples. Enroute we stop near a Fresh water stream for a quick
wash or a swim as our staff prepares a nice hot lunch. Continue from here
for another Hour walk over the road to reach Ghuttu, a small village very
popular with Trekkers and pilgrims some of whom still use this route to go
to Kedarnath. Evening visit the temple which another very old temple and
also has an Ashram’s for the pilgrims. Meals & Overnight in the
Tourist Bungalow.
DAY 12 GHUTTU/PANWALI:- Start early for
the long climb to
Panwali (3,963 m) 08 hours, another high mountain
meadow from where you get magnificent panoramic views of the entire Garhwal
Himalayas including Gangotri I, II, III, Kedarnath, Kedardome, Chaukhamba,
Trisul, Kamet, Nanda Devi and many other peaks. The walk is over a well laid
out path through a very thick forest climbing gradually. Panwali, is also
the summer settlement of
Gujjars, a Muslim tribe which wanders from
place to place with its cattle stock. These Tribes build temporary huts
using Bamboo from the forest, and they abandon them when they start moving
down to the plains at the outset of winter. They s
ell their milk and Butter to the people and
the valley and make daily trips to Ghuttu and back to sell their milk…
quite an amazing feet. Enroute we stop for lunch near a small clearing. From
here on the Top of the Panwali pass is about one more hour. Once on Top of
the pass is like entering a paradise…. From the Top of the pass the
path descends to the small Panwali summer settlement of villagers huts and a
small Ashram meant for the pilgrims. Meals & Overnight at camp.
DAY
13 PANWALI:- Day at leisure to explore this heavily place and to visit a
Gujjar family. Meals & overnight at camp.
DAY 14
PANWALI/TRIUGINARAIN:- Start early for the Temple village of
Triuginarain
(1,982m) 07 - 08 hours, where as per
Hindu mythology, SHIVA got
married to PARVATI.. Some villagers here claim to be the descendants of the
priests who performed the marriage ritual of Shiva & Parvati !!!! The
village houses an ancient temple where the marriage took place and is an
important pilgrimage spot for Hindus who visit this temple from all over the
country, Even the marriage fire still burns in the temple and it is has been
so for the last so many centuries, the ashes from this fire are taken as
Prasad(holy offerings) to their native place and married Hindu women apply
same between their forehead as a blessing for a long and happy married life.
An ashram has been recently built for the convenience of the pilgrims. The
first half hour of the walk is through a forest of rhododendrons descending
gradually. From here on the walk is over the long Panwali ridge, with
several ascents & descents, offers panoramic views on either side and is
an experience in itself. At the end of the ridge the path descends steeply
to MAGGU KI CHATTI, an abandoned village which was used by pilgrims in the
earlier days. A steep descent through a very thick forest brings you to
Triuginarain. Camp is set little above the village. In the late afternoon
visit village and its historical temple. Return to camp for meals and
overnight.
DAY 15 TRIUGINARAIN/SONPRAYAG/GAURIKUND/KEDARNATH:-
A
long day to get to
Kedarnath (3,584m) "SHIVA’S ABODE"
06 - 07 hours. The first hour the brings us down to the road head of
Sonprayag, from here one hitch a ride on a Car or Local bus for a 15 minutes
drive to
Gaurikund. The next part of the walk begins through
the narrow lanes of Gaurikund and the entire walk of 15 kms is dotted with
shops and tea stalls which offer respite to the pilgrims who brave out the
five hour steep climb to Kedarnath. The entire path is full of pilgrims from
all over India dressed in different costumes, and is great sight to see. The
walk is over a well laid out path and quite steep at certain bends, the
noisy river Mandakani flows to your right all along the trail. Kedarnath, is
a huge temple village and right in the center stands the ancient temple of
Kedarnath which was built by the Pandavas (of the Mahabharat fame), Legend
has it that the temple was built by the Pandavas to atone for their sins
after the great Mahabharat war.
At the entrance of the temple is a huge
statue of Nandi the Bull. The walls inside the temple are exquisitely carved
with images. To the south is the temple of Bhairon, situated on the top of a
hill. There are numerous Ashrams around here and is one of the most holiest
places for the Hindus. On arrival check into an Ashram for overnight stay.
Evening witness the special evening prayer at the temple. Meals and
overnight at Ashram.
DAY 16 KEDARNATH/VASUKITAL/KEDARNATH:-
Day at leisure to explore this holy place and to visit Vasuki Tal and Gandhi
Saravor, an emerald lake where the ashes of
Mahatama Gandhi were
submerged. The beautiful Temple at Kedarnath looks up to the perpetual snow
clad Himalayas and down to the flower-decked Mandakini valley. Meals &
overnight at Ashram.
DAY
17 KEDARNATH/GAURIKUND/RUDRAPRAYAG:- Starting early after breakfast we
trek down 04 hours back to Gaurikund. Here our vehicles await us to drive us
down to Rudraprayag, which is situated at the confluence of the
Mandakini
and the
Alakhnanda river coming down from
Badrinath. Arrival
in Rudraprayag by late afternoon. On arrival check into Tourist Bungalow.
Evening at leisure to explore this Garhwali town. Meals & Overnight at
Tourist Bungalow.
DAY 18 RUDRAPRAYAG/RISHIKESH:- Commence
05 hour drive to
Rishikesh, enroute we stop at the historical town
of Devprayag, where the Bhagirathi and the Alakhnanda converge to form the
mighty Ganges. On arrival check into Hotel. Rishikesh, is referred as the
land of Sadhus or Rishis or Holy men. It is as well situated on the banks of
the Ganges and is dotted with some of the best Ashrams and Temples, An
evening visit to the Triveni Ghat to witness yet another special prayer
ceremony is very interesting. On arrival check into hotel. Afternoon free to
visit this Holy town. Meals and overnight at Hotel.
DAY 19 : RISHIKESH/DELHI:-
After breakfast commence drive to Delhi 06 hours. On arrival check into
Hotel. Rest of the day free for shopping and individual activities. Evening
Special farewell dinner is hosted to say you good bye. Return to hotel after
farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 20 DELHI/DEPARTURE:-
In time transfer to International airport to connect flight for
International destination.
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