Uttarakhand Himalayan Adventure

DAY 1 DEPART THE UK

Depart and fly to Delhi.

DAY 2 Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel in the heart of New Delhi.

DAY 3 Delhi

To get a sense of this sometimes chaotic, sprawling and disorientating city, we suggest an exploration of both Old and New Delhi, taking in the main sites, but also building up a sense of where you are: taking in the sights and smells. You’ll travel with your guide by vehicle and rickshaw so you can get as close as possible to the incredible action.

On returning to your hotel to freshen up and rest, you’ll be taken to Delhi train station for your overnight sleeper to Kathgoddam.

DAY 4 Almora

On arrival at Kathgodam, you’ll be met by your chauffeur for the next week who will drive you to Almora, the principal town of the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. On arrival, walk the final 10 minutes down a wooded track to get to your lodge, set amidst gorgeous countryside—overnight in simple, but comfortable village accommodation.

Day 5 Almora to Thikalna

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll travel to Almora town. En route, stop briefly at the charming Chitai Temple. After exploring the pretty hill station and its fascinating bazaars, drive to the Thikalna roadhead. From here, at 2100m, you can walk along a forest path lined with oak and rhododendron trees and enjoy the stunning snow-capped Himalayan views. This 45-minute easy guided walk ends at a village house which has views of the massif of Nanda Devi East and the other Himalayan peaks of the same range. Meet the host family, enjoy a home-cooked dinner and unwind for the rest of the day in this beautiful setting—overnight in simple, but comfortable village accommodation.

Day 6 Thikalna to Ganghet

Begin your walk this morning with a visit to Bridh Jageshwar mountain temple complex, from where there are beautiful views of the Nanda Devi mountain range. Continue through pine forests, before climbing down to the ridge of Naini and on to the Temple of Jageshwar (1,780m). After a picnic lunch, continue your walk uphill to the village of Gurdabaj through some of the oldest cedar forests in the region. You will finally reach Gurdabaj village, where you can take a well-earned rest around the bonfire before turning in for the night.

Day 7 Ganghet to Bhimtal

A short drive and walk today will take you to Bhimtal Lake, part of the Kumaon Lake Region and home to a large variety of flora, fauna and aquatic life. A birdwatchers paradise too—time to relax today and enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife.

Days 8, 9 & 10 Corbett National Park

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be met by your driver and driven to Corbett National Park, your base for the next few days. It is a green and lush region which extends over 1,300sq km and consists of grassland and forests. The Ramganga River bisects the forest and forms a reservoir at its centre. The park protects wild elephants, tigers and sloth bears, nearly 600 domestic and transitory birds, and remarkably rare reptiles. There are plenty of opportunities over the next few days to explore the park by jeep, as well as trekking through the buffer zone and the Jim Corbett heritage trail.

Day 11 Corbett to Rishikesh

A decent 4-hour drive today to Rishikesh, famously visited by the Beatles in the ’60s and now a pilgrimage spot for new agers and yoga devotees. More recently, Rishikesh has gained a reputation as one of India’s top adventure destinations. A few kilometres upstream you will find stunning, forest-clad mountains, clear blue skies, riverside beaches that are perfect for picnics, and white water rafting and kayaking trips on the famous river.

Day 12 White Water Rafting

Arguably the most fun you can have on the River Ganges, this 24km white water rafting expedition takes amidst glorious mountain scenery. There are five rapids to shoot and more gentle sections in between where you can slow things down and enjoy the ride.

Day 13 Rishikesh

 A much earned day at leisure here where you can enjoy the scenery, take in more adventure or explore your spiritual side in Rishikesh.

 Day 14 Rishikesh to Delhi

Leave your hotel for the 6-hour journey back to Delhi, stopping for lunch and scenic breaks along the way. Should you wish, we’ll suggest an excellent restaurant for your last night in Delhi, where you can reflect on your adventure.

Day 15 fly home (or stay!)

Transfer to the airport today for your onward flight. 

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK