Garhwal Himalayan Getaway (10 Days and 9 Nights)

Upon arrival at Dehradun Airport, our trip coordinator will warmly greet you. From there, embark on a scenic drive to Rishikesh, which takes approximately 1 hour. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation at a riverside hotel, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a serene town in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. Renowned as the Yoga Capital of the World, it attracts spiritual seekers, yoga enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. Set on the banks of the holy Ganges River, Rishikesh offers a tranquil atmosphere for meditation and reflection on deeper aspects of life. Beyond its spiritual aura, Rishikesh is also a hub for adventure activities such as white-water rafting, trekking, and bungee jumping. The iconic suspension bridges, notably the Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula and Janaki Setu, offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and river. With its blend of spirituality and adventure, Rishikesh offers a unique experience for travelers seeking solace and adventure in equal measure.

Today, there won't be any scheduled activities. The hotel, situated on the outskirts of Rishikesh town along the banks of the Ganges, is intentionally chosen to give you a chance to recover from travel fatigue and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the riverside. You're encouraged to spend your time at leisure, enjoying the serene ambiance and planning your own activities.

The first half of the day is free for leisure activities, and for those interested, a rafting experience can be arranged. In the latter part of the day, you will visit the Vashistha Cave and Gurudev Kutir, followed by a visit to the ghat to witness the sacred ritual of Ganga aarti. The Vashistha Cave is an ancient site where the revered sage Shri Vashistha and his wife Shri Arundhati devoted themselves to spiritual discipline for an extended period. Gurudev Kutir was the residence of Swami Sivananda, the founder of the Divine Life Society, who played a pivotal role in reviving Hindu religious and spiritual practices in India. After these visits, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, begin a scenic journey to Rudraprayag (138 km, 4 hours). Along the way, pay homage at the temple of Sri Dhari Devi, the guardian deity of Uttarakhand, situated on a raised platform in the middle of the river. Devotees from around the world visit this temple to seek her blessings. After the visit, continue your drive to Rudraprayag. Rudraprayag, nestled at the confluence of the Bhagirathi and Mandakini rivers at an altitude of 3000 feet, serves as an important transit point for travelers heading to the holy shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. While there are no scheduled explorations in Rudraprayag, you can enjoy leisure time in the evening, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Proceed towards the picturesque Auli via Joshimath. En route, visit the temple of Vriddha Badri, one of the Panch Badri temples located in Uttarakhand, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The 115 km journey to Joshimath will take approximately four hours, and from there, you will continue to Auli by cable car. The ascent through the second-longest cable car journey in Asia will be a remarkable experience. Upon arrival, check into a hotel for your stay.

The breathtaking vistas of the towering Himalayan peaks, lush green meadows, and dense coniferous forests enhance the pristine beauty of Auli. As winter transforms the landscape, the once-green meadows become a snow-covered wonderland, attracting not only nature enthusiasts but also skiing enthusiasts from around the globe. After checking in at the hotel, enjoy some leisure time to soak in the beauty of Auli.

There are no activities scheduled for today. It's a leisure day, allowing you to relax and unhurriedly enjoy the surreal beauty of Auli.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and descend to Joshimath. Before proceeding to Badrinath, you will visit the ancient temple of Sri Narsingh Dev, a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, which holds immense significance for Hindu devotees. Then, head for Badrinath (40 km, 1.5 hours), traversing through difficult yet picturesque terrain. Along this 40 km stretch, you will ascend from a height of 1800 meters to 3300 meters, surrounded by the imposing Himalayan peaks, offering breathtaking views. Check into a hotel in Badrinath, where you will stay for two nights.

The valley of Badrinath derives its name from the revered temple of Lord Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Badrinath. This temple is one of the four sacred shrines of Hindus worldwide. Surrounded by the Nar-Narayan peaks and crossed by the river Alaknanda, the valley exudes a serene charm. Throughout history, Badrinath has been a sanctuary for seekers of enlightenment. Challenging climatic conditions, particularly during winters, have limited the influx of devotees, creating an ideal environment for solitude seekers. In the evening, pay homage at the Badrinath temple, followed by dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Mana Village, the last Indian village near the Indo-Tibetan border. Nestled along the banks of the serene Saraswati River, this charming settlement is home to the Bhotias, an Indo-Tibetan tribe renowned for their handwoven woolen clothing. Explore two sacred sites, Ganesh Cave and Vyasa Cave, deeply rooted in Hindu faith. Legend has it that Lord Ganesh and Sage Vyasa collaborated on compiling the epic Mahabharata while seated inside these caves.

Following the cave exploration, embark on a trek to the breathtaking Vasundhara Falls. The trekking trail spans approximately 5 kilometers (one way), taking around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace. En route, immerse yourself in the splendor of nature, encountering diverse flora and fauna, babbling streams, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching the falls, relish the awe-inspiring beauty, capturing photographs and indulging in moments of serene tranquility amidst nature's embrace. Afterward, retrace your steps back to Mana village and return to the hotel in Badrinath for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Rudraprayag (151 km, 5 hours). Along the way, pause to pay obeisance at the temple of Yogbadri in the village of Pandukeshwar. Legend has it that King Pandu, the father of the Pandava Brothers, meditated at this site and beheld Sri Vishnu. The temple, believed to have been consecrated during the time of the Pandavas, is unique among Vishnu temples, depicting Lord Vishnu in a meditative posture. Yogbadri is one of the revered Panch Badri temples, holding deep significance for devotees. Continuing your journey to Rudraprayag, make a brief stopover at Vishnuprayag, where the sacred rivers Alaknanda and Dhauli Ganga converge. Witness the breathtaking union of these two rivers from the ghat, a sight of immense beauty. Then, proceed to Rudraprayag, where you will check into a hotel for an overnight stay.

After a relaxed morning and breakfast, drive to Rishikesh (138 km, 4 hours). Enjoy your last meal in Rishikesh before heading to Dehradun Airport for your flight to New Delhi. The tour concludes.