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This adventure holiday combines the best of trekking and river running in the Indian Himalayas.
The five day trek included in this adventure holiday takes us to the intriguing Roopkund Lake (5029m). In 1942 local forest staff made a amazing discovery when they found over 300 skeletons at Roopkund Lake (5029m). Until 2004 scientists, historians and archaeologists continued to be puzzled by these remains. There were many theories about these people, who were they, where were they going and what were they doing at this high altitude. Were they traders, pilgrims or warriors? What killed them? Modern DNA testing answered some questions and giant hailstones, the size of cricket balls were identified as the cause of death. This trail goes through woodland, flora filled pastures and hamlets with great views of Nanda Ghungti (6310 m), Changabang (6864 m) & Trishul (7120 m) peaks.
The Kali river expedition is a fantastic introduction to white-water kayaking or rafting in India. It is ideal for kayakers who want to go on holiday with friends that have no kayaking experience, as they can raft instead. This picturesque river has long rapids with fun wave trains followed by relaxing flat sections making it a very safe rafting holiday. The river forms the border between India and Nepal. Generally we have lunch in Nepal and then set up camp on a large sandy beach in India. The river is full of fish including the impressive Himalayan Mahseer. If you can catch one, we will cook it! There is great wildlife in the area and you may be lucky enough to spot leopard, bear, elephant, monkey and some of the 500 different species of bird.
Day 1: Arrival in India
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Spend the remainder of day relaxing at the hotel or go sightseeing. Overnight Hotel.
Day 2: Delhi to Rishikesh (330 m): 5/6 hrs
We make an early start to catch to train to Haridwar, leaving the bustling New Delhi station at 7:00 am. You will be met at Haridwar station and driven north of Rishikesh. We check into tents on a Ganges beach camp. After lunch we go rafting on the Ganges followed by dinner around the campfire. Overnight Camp.
Day 3: Drive Rishikesh to Lohajung (2290 m): 8/9 hrs.
Our route today takes into the lower alpine slopes of the Greater Himalayan Range. As we drive along the banks of rivers we pass through many colourful towns and villages. After taking plenty of chai breaks and photo stops we reach Wan, the starting point of our trek. Overnight Camp.
Day 4: Lohajung to Didina (2510 m) 4/5 hrs
Our first day of walking takes us gradually down to the Bedni Ganga river. After crossing the river we climb steeply up to the village of Didna. Didna is a nice little village overlooking the Lohajung col. Our campsite is a little outside the village. Overnight Camp.
Day 5: Didina to Ali Bugyal to Bedni Bugyal (3350 m)
We start our hike today and head uphill gaining significant altitude. For most of the day we are in the welcome shade of the Himalayan forest. However near the end of our walk we leave the trees behind and are greeted with an amazing view of the Bedni Bugyal (meaning meadow). This high altitude pasture is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Garhwal Himalayas. Overnight camp.
Day 6: Bedni Bugyal to Bhagubasa (4100 m) 4/5 hrs
After a hearty breakfast we continue to gain altitude and our efforts are rewarded with great views of Trisul, Nanda Ghunti, and Changabang from the Pathar Nachaumi Ridge. We continue to follow a tough switchback path which leads to the pilgrim caves of Bhagubasa. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Bhagubasa to Roopkund Lake (5029 m) to Bedni Bugyal 7/8 hrs
Today we strike out for the mystery lake. This is a demanding day as we continue up the switchback path to Roopkund Lake. We may, provided there is not much snow, see some of the skeletal remains which baffled the world of archaeology for so long. If you have the energy for it, a short walk further will take you to the top of the ridge where you will be rewarded by impressive close up views of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti. We then descend again to Bedni Bugyal. Overnight camp.
Day 8: Bedni Bugyal to Wan (2436 m) to Lohajung 5/6 hrs
We continue to trek through the Himalayan forest noticing the changing vegetation as we lose altitude down to the big village of Wan. After we arrive in Wan, we take a short drive in a local jeep to Lohajung. Overnight Camp
Day 9: Lohajung to Pithoragarh: 8 hrs
We have a long drive today, but this is not monotonous, as we pass through colourful villages (chai) and great scenery (photo stops). Overnight hotel.
Day 10: Pithoragarh to Jauljibi: 5/6 hrs
An early 2 hour drive today brings us to Jauljibi, the confluence of the Kali and Kali Ganga rivers. Following a river and safety briefing we start with some easy class II white-water. This is followed by some fun class III white-water with big wave trains. We cover about 20km today before stopping for the day just upstream of Jhulaghat. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Above to Below Jhulaghat: 3/4 hrs
More good rapids on today's section. We see some beautiful limestone pillars, built up over centuries by dripping water. In the early evening we set up camp by the river and after a short hike to a nearby village (optional) return to the river for dinner. Overnight remote beach camp.
Day 12: Below Jhulaghat to Pancheshwar: 4/5 hrs
The quality of the white-water improves today, but so will your skills. Later we reach the convergence of the Kali and the Saryu rivers at Pancheshwar. This is a favoured fishing spot for the people of the district who use traditional boats. We set up camp near here and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Day 13: Pancheshwar to Giant Beach 4/5 hrs
The white-water gets more demanding as the rapids get larger and more frequent. The day is marked by a good wilderness section and thick jungle. Overnight camp.
Day 14: Raft to Chooka 4 hrs
Today we raft for about 20 km building up to a great class IV rapid called Chooka. This is the strongest section of white water on the Kali, with many diagonal waves and holes to negotiate. We set up camp after this and, sitting around the campfire in the evening we relive the day's adventures.
Day 15: Chooka to Boom to Kathogodam
On our final day of Kali rafting we paddle through more first class rapids surrounded by dense jungle. We may see a herd of wild elephant fording the Kali. At Boom we leave the river and transfer to Kathgodarn and catch the sleeper train to Delhi.
Day 16: Arrive Delhi
Arrive in Delhi in the early morning. Transfer from the train station the international airport in time for your flight home. Trip ends.
Note: Please contact us for sightseeing in Delhi, or a trip to the Taj Mahal at the start or end of this trip. We can also tailor this trip with a wildlife safari.
All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
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