Journey Along the Ganges (13 Days and 12 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.

Embark on a picturesque journey to Tehri (96 km, 3 hours), a charming town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Tehri is renowned for the mesmerizing Tehri Lake, which is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in India. The lake was formed by the Tehri Dam on the Bhagirathi River and is surrounded by majestic mountains, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Upon reaching Tehri, check-in at a hotel located close to the lake. A perfect setup for relaxation and rejuvenation. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, admire the sunset hues in the sky, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings.

The day's travel plan includes a visit to the ancient Surkanda Devi Temple, a revered pilgrimage site perched atop a hill at an altitude of 2700 meters. We will utilize cable cars to reach the temple complex, offering breathtaking aerial views of the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, take your time to explore the temple, offer prayers, and immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance amidst the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. After an enriching visit to the Surkanda Devi Temple, we return to the hotel in Tehri. The evening is yours to enjoy leisurely, allowing you to relax and unwind by the picturesque Tehri Lake.

Today, we journey towards Uttarkashi, a town nestled on the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi River and renowned for its religious significance among Hindus. Uttarkashi is home to several ancient temples, dedicated to revered deities such as Ananda Bhairav, Mata Annapurna, Sri Parshuram, and Kandar Devta, each carrying its own spiritual importance. Additionally, Uttarkashi is an important stopover on the route to Gangotri, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Its spiritual charm and proximity to the Bhagirathi River make it a popular destination for spiritual seekers and devotees alike. Upon reaching Uttarkashi, we check into a modest riverside homestay, offering a peaceful ambiance and reflecting the traditional hospitality of the region. Leisure time is provided in the evening for relaxation.

Enjoy a leisure day in Uttarkashi, where you can plan your own activities such as exploring the local markets, interacting with the friendly locals, or simply unwinding amidst nature's tranquility.

In the first half of the day, you have leisure time to relax and rejuvenate. Post lunch, we visit the renowned Vishwanath Temple followed by a visit to the living room of Sri Anandamayi Ma, a revered spiritual figure. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant market lanes before returning to our riverside homestay.

We depart for Harsil (80 km, 3 hours), a charming village known for its scenic beauty. Situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi River, Harsil is surrounded by lush forests, towering mountains, and meandering streams, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Harsil also serves as a gateway to the Gangotri National Park. Check into a comfortable hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening soaking in the serene ambiance.

The morning is free for you to relax and go about things at your own pace. In the afternoon, explore the village and surrounding valley by walking along scenic trails. Experience the natural beauty of the area and get a glimpse of local life as you wander through the village lanes and trails in Harsil.

The day's excursions begin with a visit to the ancient Ananda Bhairav Temple in Bhairavghati. The temple, though small and modest in appearance, holds significant importance for devotees. We will then explore Gartang Gali, a historic trail offering majestic views of the Himalayan landscape. Depending on the time of year, an optional visit to Gangotri is available for those interested. Return to the hotel in Harsil for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we drive back to Tehri (150 km, 6 hours) and check into our familiar lakeside hotel. There is no scheduled plan for the evening. Feel free to plan your own activities.

On the final day of the tour, we bid farewell to Uttarakhand as we drive to Dehradun Airport (90 km, 3 hours) for your onward journey. This concludes our memorable exploration.