Yoga Trip to Spiritual Himalayas

Do you now want to experience the breathtaking lofty Himalayan Mountains, the most blessed shrines of India and the sacred men and women who live in Himalayan caves? Because on our amazing Himalayan Pilgrimage; we will have that exceptional opportunity in an awesome once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The four most revered Hindu temples are in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. The temples of Shiva and Vishnu at Kedarnath and Badrinath have been the destination of pilgrims for centuries--once reached after tortuous treks; they are now easily accessible by road. Pilgrims from all over the world have braved severe conditions of landscape and weather to visit the shrines and have the holy site of the revered deities. At Uttarkashi at a height of over 3000 meters, the snow melts to form the sacred rivers of Ganges and Yamuna in a deep recess of the mountains.

The route to the source of the two holy rivers begins at Rishikesh and passes ancient temples and Valleys along the way. The Shrines are only open from May to November. During the severe winter season, the towns close and everyone moves down the slopes. In the hinterlands of the Himalayas is the town of Gangotri where, it is believed, Mother Ganga, the stream of life, came down from heaven and touched the Earth for the first time.

The Legendary Ganges River

According to the Hindu religious scriptures, the heavenly goddess Ganga manifested herself in the form of a river to absolve the sins of King Sagar's sons. In Gangotri the river is called Bhagirathi, or the river brought down to the earth from the heavens by Bhagirath - a descendant of Sagar - the king who prayed and did severe penance for the salvation of his 60,000 ancestors. The river forms the Gauri Kund. This is where, according to legend, it descended after leaping from the heavens into the matted hair of the Yogi Lord Shiva, who saved the earth from floods by taking the force of the powerful Ganges river into his hair.

For the Hindus, the Ganga is the mother river which manifested from her celestial home onto the earth for the welfare of mankind. Its timeless flow of sacred water has shaped the devotion of millions and sustained huge populations in the subcontinent of India. Ganga water is holy and is used for purifying every Hindu home. The name of this eternal river symbolizes the very nerve centre of India's ancient culture. This river of life has nourished India's multi-faceted civilization and its growth since time immemorial.

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• Northern India Tiger & Birds Photographic Tour
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• Yoga trip in Garhwal Himalaya

Day 01: Delhi Arrival

On arrival at Delhi airport meet our representative and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Delhi – Haridwar - Rishikesh

In the morning take an AC Train for Haridwar at 06:55 hrs. Arrival at Haridwar by 11:25 hrs. On arrival met our representative and then transfer to Rishikesh and check in to hotel. Evening free to explore the nearby area by your own. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03: Rishikesh

Early morning walk to the yoga centre for yoga class followed by relaxation of body & mind. After relaxation learn about breath awareness exercise & stretching exercise. Evening in-house yoga & traditional meditation class with visiting instructor. Late evening visit the Ghats for Aarti, dedicated to Goddesses Ganga. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Rishikesh

Today we'll get training for PRANAVAM (advance breathing), Dynamic yoga and advance yoga postures. After breakfast drive up to Vashisht Gufa. The entire drive is along the river Ganges towards the source for about an hour. Arrive and explore Vashisht Gufa (cave), where famous saint Vashisht, meditated. A perfect place for transcendental meditation. Late afternoon drive back to resort. Evening meditation & lecture. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05: Rishikesh – Guptkashi (185 kms/8 hrs approx)

The drive along the river Ganges is admiring as you drive past the famous Prayags (Confluence) of historic and religious significance. i.e. Devprayag & Rudraprayag. The pristine of the Prayags is Devprayag as Bhagirathi & Alaknanda join together to form most revered “Ganges’’. The drive for the day is 185 kms and takes approximately 8 hrs. Guptkashi is one of the commercial centers as well as a historic town. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Guptkashi – Triyuginarayan – Kalimath – Guptkashi

The drive from Guptkashi is marked with Himalayan aroma which continues further up the valley. It’s a drive of 35 kms (1.5 hrs approx) which brings you to yet other destinations of spiritual sanctity. The temple is believed where lord Shiva and Parvati got married and flames are still till date. The temple on its own presents brilliant architecture of Hinduism of that age. Later we will drive towards Kalimath another place of sanctity. It’s a 2 hours drive to Kalimath which is the temple devoted to Maa Kali (Mother Kali). It has been a happening venue for Sadhus and saints to perform Yoga & meditation for ages. Evening drive to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Guptkashi – Sari Village – Deoriatal

Today’s drive takes you through religious town of Ukhimath and remote settlements of the valley. Ukhimath, the winter seat of Sri Kedarnath Ji is not only a place of religious interest but also serves as a supply hub for the local inhabitants. It’s a drive of another 18 kms from Ukhimath to the village of Sari. We will see the pony men here and commence our trek to Deoriatal. The trail initially passes through the village houses displaying colorful life of the locals, which continues further through dense forest of Rhodendron with series of switch backs to the ridge. From here merely a short descend brings you to the lake of Deoriatal. It’s hard to resist oneself from exploration in the vicinity with stunning Himalayas all around apart from realizing tiredness. It’s a place hard to describe on papers. Overnight in the tents.

Day 08: Deoriatal – Sari Village – Chopta

What a morning? It can’t be better than this. The greater Himalayas towering in front of you providing their shadow in the tranquil lake. The photography in the vicinity becomes a process of life as close as to respiration. In the later part of the morning you start reverse trek down to Sari village and continue the sprit with commencing the drive towards Chopta. It’s a beautiful drive through dense forest and meadows with nature displaying its colours unmatched. Arrive Chopta and camp. Chopta is a high altitude meadow with fabulous view of Himalayas and gorgeous flora. These carpet meadows are of fame through out of the globe. Overnight in the tent.

Day 09: Chopta – Exploration nearby area

The hike for the day is optional not mandatory. Another great morning starts with a beautiful hike through the forest of Rhododendron and then to the carpeted meadows. The trail is well paved and meanders through the meadow to reach temple of Tungnath. The highest Shiva abode in the world. The location and the architecture of Tungnath temple are adorable. The energy of place is so high that it invites rather encourages Sadhus and saints to continue with their practice of meditation and Yoga. Later start reverse trek to Chopta which is a fun walk as well providing equally gorgeous views down the valley. Arrive Chopta and enjoy a cup of tea that is really worth it. Overnight in the tents.

Day 10: Chopta – Rishikesh (210 kms/8 hrs approx)

The return drive to Rishikesh will keep you engaged as there are several places to have short term photography. Arrive Rishikesh and check in to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Rishikesh – Haridwar - Delhi

Early in the morning transfer to Haridwar railway station to catch a train for Delhi. Arrival at Delhi by afternoon and transfer to airport to catch onward flight.

Trip & Services Ends Here

The Above Quote Includes

• Train : AC train from Delhi to Haridwar & back
• Transport All road transfer by Toyota Innova/Qualis car from Haridwar to Haridwar
• Accommodation : Hotel at Delhi, Rishikesh & Guptkashi on DBL/Twin sharing basis. While on the trek accommodation will be provided in tents. Our tents are 4 season dome tents (Keltay) with lots of space for personal luggage. We will be putting up a dining tent and a toilet tent to make your camping comfortable.
• Meals : Meal according to your mail.
• Professional and experienced Local trekking guide who knows the area very well
• Cook and porters to carry camping equipments, ration and some amount of clients personal gear (not more than 13 kgs)
• All necessary Permits and camping fee

The Above Quote does not include

• Air fare
• Enroute meal
• Any charges for carrying still/video cameras etc.
• Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
• Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
• Any meals/services not mentioned above
• Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
• Travel insurance

Visa

You Need to have Indian Visa for entry to India on your holiday. To apply for Indian Visa you have to contact your nearest Indian consulate or you can call on 09057570045 or visit http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/ for more information.

Indian Embassy in London

Address : Indian Embassy
India House, Aldwych,
London WC2B 4NA.
Tel: 020 7836 8484
Site URL : http://www.hcilondon.net/

Money

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that visitors can bring.

Banks

Banks are open in the major cities & the nearest towns of the sanctuaries for transaction from 10.00 to 14.00 hrs on all days except Sunday.

Best time to visit

High season: October to April - Monsoon.

Travel wear

Cotton outfits, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion etc. Some woolen clothes require, during winter.

Credit cards

Main hotels, restaurants and shopping centers honor major credit cards.

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Drugs

Heavy punishments including imprisonment are imposed for possession of narcotic drugs.

Food

All standard restaurants offer a variety of cuisines including Continental, Chinese, Indian & local.

Water

It is always better to drink bottled drinking water or drinking water from restaurants. It is not advisable to drink water from slow moving streams, lakes or dams. Mineral water is available in sealed bottles.

Private Departures

Did you know that we can also arrange private departures on the vast majority of our small group tours? So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own adventure just with your friends or family then we can help you.

Private departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual group tours, but on a date to suit you, with no minimum numbers.

Customised Private Groups

For a group of 6 or more people we can organise a customised private group tour where we design the itinerary and activities especially for you, according to your requirements.

To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and our Private Tours Team will be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

May i ask for tailormade itinerary ?

What is Indian Time zone ?

Can I use British pound there in India ?

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Who will Meet us at the Airport ?

Does monument fees included in the cost ?

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Is previous hiking experience necessary to go on a trek ?

What equipment should I bring ?

Is a Trekking permit required ?

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What is the weather & temperature like ?