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Uttarakhand has been the cradle to some of the oldest spiritual traditions in the world, earning the epithet "Dev Bhoomi" (The Abode of the Gods). This charming hill state is one of the most beautiful and enchanting regions in the lap of the Himalayas. It has permanent snowfields capping the high altitude expanse that overlook crystalline glaciers, alpine meadows, a profusion of wide-open spaces, meandering rivers and some of the country's best forests. This land has been endowed with abundance and completeness ----------------------- for the discerning tourist there is spectacular scenic beauty, arts and culture, heritage, pilgrimage, ayurvedic systems, yoga, wildlife, adventure, and much more. Here every season is the reason for a visit.
Uttarakhand comprises of two regions called the Kumaon and Garhwal hills.
On the tour your introduction to the state of Uttarakhand begins with a visit to Corbett National Park you have the option to go for a guided nature walk in the environs of the Wildlife Camp or relax and enjoy an evening jeep drive in to the Park for game viewing.
You then head in to the Kumaon hills past Ranikhet to Almora. Almora you have excursion to Jageshwar, which is located in a serene narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar Trees. It is famous for the 124 ornamented temples & hundreds of statues built by the Chand Rajas and Vriddha Jageshwar, regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva prior to his manifesting himself at Jageshwar. This site commands a magnificent view of the Himalayas. From where you proceed to Binsar is located in the midst of dense forests 30 km from Almora. It derives its name from Binsar Deo or Shiva.
You visit Kausani - the view of the snow-covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snows being within touching distance. Kausani has attracted thousands of visitors for its 320 km wide view of the Himalayan range.
Thereafter you visit the famous temple complex of Baijnath, a group of ancient temples dating back to the 12th and 13th century that line the banks of the river. Driving through the confluences of religious rivers, your sojourn in the Central Himalayas culminates in witnessing the Arti puja ceremony on the banks of the holy River Ganges at Rishikesh.
Duration | 08 Nights / 09 Days |
Best Time | November & December & March to mid-June |
Grade | Gentle |
Code No | UTT 030 |
Dehra Dun, the state capitol, and Mussoorie were popular hill station during the erstwhile British Raj and still retain some of the quaint charm of Colonial India. The heritage architecture of that era has been converted into Institutions and heritage hotels where you get a glimpse of a time gone by.
Besides the colonial touch, present day India come alive at Rishikesh where witnessing the Aarti puja ceremony being performed on the banks of the holy River Ganges is a memorable experience. Following in the footsteps of the legendary Jim Corbett you visit the Corbett National Park for a guided nature walk and jeep drive in the park environs for game viewing.
Continuing your drive you reach Kausani, nestling amongst thick, dense pine forests. From here there are excellent 300 km wide views of the Nanda Devi group of mountains, which look spectacular especially during 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. Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, spent almost a fortnight here during which time he wrote his commentary on the Gita-Anashakti Yoga.
The colonial tour also encompasses a visit to the old hill stations of Almora and Nanital besides a visit to Jageshwar, which is located in a serene narrow valley surrounded by magnificent Deodar Trees. It is famous for the 124 ornamented temples & hundreds of statues built by the Chand Rajas.
Duration | 19 Nights / 18 Days |
Best Time | November & December & March to mid-June |
Grade | Gentle |
Code No | UTT 031 |
The state of Uttarakhand is geographically well located to be included in to a tour that covers a glimpse in to the lifestyles of the erstwhile Maharajas of Rajasthan as well as a visit to the world famous monument of love – The Taj Mahal.
Driving out of Delhi you head for Jaipur for a visit to the palaces and forts of the Maharajas. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the Amber Fort is situated. This was the capital of the erstwhile State of Jaipur until 1728.
You then proceed to Agra where you visit the Taj Mahal surely the greatest monument to love and one of the wonders of the modern world. At Agra you also visit the red sandstone Agra Fort, which stands like a crescent on the banks of the Jamuna River enclosed by forbidding 20-meter high walls, with a 12- meter moat between them. Three successive Moghul emperors - Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jehan - helped create this massive structure which contains Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Thereafter, following in the footsteps of the legendry Jim Corbett your journey brings you to Corbett National Park for a guided nature walk and jeep drive in the park environs for game viewing. Your sojourn in the Central Himalayas culminates in witnessing the Arti puja ceremony on the banks of the holy River Ganges at Rishikesh and visiting some of the Ashrams that line the river.
Duration | 09 Nights / 10 Days |
Best Time | April – May and October – November |
Grade | Gentle |
Code No | UTT 032 |
A sensational flight gets you to Leh, wherein you have the opportunity to get magnificent views of the peaks of K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum and the Nun Kun massif on a clear day.
Initially to acclimatize you may choose to stroll along the main bazaar - observing the varied crowds. Looking into curio shops is an engaging experience. A particularly attractive sight is the line of women from nearby villages sitting along the edge of the footpath with baskets of fresh vegetables brought for sale.
Besides a visit to some of the famous monasteries, a trip to Ladakh cannot be considered complete without experiencing the majestic as well as serene ambience of its high altitude lakes. Drive to Pangong Tso, the largest brackish water lake in Asia, and witness an absolutely amazing and captivating sight that is laid out in front of you. One third of the lake is in India while the rest two thirds of the lake is in Tibet. Tso in the Ladakhi language means a Lake.
Next, you visit Tso Moriri or "Mountain Lake" situated in the middle of the elevated valley of Rupshu surrounded by snow-capped peaks. This valley is inhabited by a small-scattered population of "Changpas" who are nomadic shepards with whom you get to interact. You also visit Tso Kar also called "White Lake" on you return journey to Leh.
Duration | 14 Nights / 15 Days |
Best Time | March to mid-June & November - December |
Grade | Gentle |
Code No | UTT 033 |
This journey commences from Haridwar – 'The Gateway to the Gods' from where you drive to Gangotri to trek to the source of the holy River Ganges. Starting with an easy climb, the route is filled with unexpected delights as the gorgeous and magnificent scenery unfolds itself with every step.
Passing through Chirbasa, clothed in the greenery of pines and close to the imposing pillars of glacial clay, you get stunning views of the gigantic Gaumukh glacier, at the foot of Shiviling, a striking un-scaled pinnacle of rock and ice. Forbiddingly beautiful, the awesome Shiviling peak (6,543 m / 21,470 f) looms above the source of the Ganga at the Gangotri glacier evokes a mystical atmosphere descending from beyond the Chaukhamba cluster of snow peaks, while the three peaks of the Bhagirathi mountains tower over the Gaumukh springs almost as if these mountains were the embodiments of Shiva.
At the end of the valley is the snout of the Gangotri glacier called the Gaumukh – a 100 meter high wall of grey snow from the top of which moraines come regularly crashing down. From the ice walls of the blue ice caves the waters of the Bhagirathi gushes out with force and cut a fantastic gorge among the granite surface of the Himalayas. The colossal glacier varies in colour from shades of blue to green with glistening white floating icebergs fed by s system of glaciers lying in a basin 5,000 m / 16,404 ft high.
The climb to Gaumukh is difficult but once achieved, it is an unbelievable and unforgettable sight to behold.
Duration | 08 Nights / 09 Days |
Best Time | May – June & October |
Grade | Moderate |
Code No | UTT 034 |
The world according to the Hindu scriptures is a vast ocean and a 'yatra' to holy places is the only way to ferry across it.
Hindu Gods have always according to mythology, had their abode in the austere, silent mountain pinnacles. Here they have performed the severest penance to attain omnipotence and from here have flown the scared rivers – 'Amrita' or life-giving water. In this area from where all the holy rivers have taken their birth, are the four 'dhams' or as popularly known as in the Shastras' as Kedarkhand.
Garhwal Himalaya is known as Tapo Bhumi (Abode of Gods). There are four Holiest Shrines (Char Dham) in this part of Himalayas. Yamunotri - the source of Yamuna River, Gangotri, - the temple dedicated to River Ganga, Kedarnath (Shiva Temple) that is 3000 years old and Badrinath (Vishnu Temple from 8th Century AD) are dreams of every Indian to visit to attain salvation. All the Four Shrines are situated in the beautiful valleys with shining Himalayan peaks in the backdrop. A journey on the Char Dham yatra enlightens you to know about mysticism of Ganga River while you enjoy your trek with pilgrims and Sadhus (Holy Men).
Duration | 13 Nights / 14 Days |
Best Time | August to October |
Grade | Moderate |
Code No | UTT 035 |