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Shadow of Nanda Devi
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One of the most beautiful and rewarding treks in this region, offering
stunning close-up views of the India's second highest peak - Nanda
Devi (7822m) and surrounding mountains. We trek in the outer sanctuary
of Nanda Devi, with abundance of flora and fauna. The trip also
includes encounters with wildlife, a journey by Indian Train and
the Taj Mahal.
Highest point : Milam glacier (3850m)
Focus : High peaks, rolling hills, birds, flowers, temples, culture
& villages.
Highlights : Nanda Devi peak / Taj Mahal / Elephant Safari.
Physical challenge: Moderate.
Duration : 19 Days.
Day 1. Arrive Delhi: Assistance on arrival and transfer to the
pre-booked hotel. Afternoon visit to Red Fort and cycle rickshaw
ride in silver market. Dinner in local restaurant and then board
overnight train to Kathgodam. O/n onboard.
Day 2. Kathgodam-Almora : Arrive Kathgodam at 0600 hrs. and drive
to Almora, about 4 hours, towards the foothills of the Himalayas.
Arrive and transfer to hotel. o/n hotel.
Day 3. Almora-Munsiari (about 215 kms / 6-7 hrs) : Drive through
forested hills with brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Panch Chuli,
Nanda Kot, Birthi water fall & Bhim Tal. o/n in tents.(2290m)
Day 4. Munsiari-Lilam : We will watch a magnificent sun rise on
the Panch Chuli (five peaks) overlooking Munsiari. The trek starts
with 2 hours descending to the base of Gori ganga river on a well
defined paved trail & 3 hours gradual up through a narrow gorge
with waterfalls and the forest of bamboos to Lilam.o/n in tent.(1860m)
Day 5. Lilam-Bogdier: After breakfast we trek through dense, semi-tropical
rain forest and thick bamboo, which grows on the hill slopes. Great
care is needed as the trail crosses the steep slopes of the narrow
gorge. After lunch on the way, we continue ascending along the gorge
for another couple of hours to the rest house and police check post
at Bogdier.(2450m 14 km, 6hrs.) o/n in tents.
Day 6. Bogdier-Railkot : We have an easy ascent most of the morning.
After 2 hours we reach the beautiful opening of the gorge and a
small trail-side shrine to a local deity (Nehar Devi) which stands
under an enormous cliff wall. Leaving the jungle below we ascend
out of the narrow gorge and pass a number of waterfalls & undulating
slopes to reach our campsite just beyond the check post. (3200m,6
to 7hrs,16km) o/n in tents.
Day 7. Railkot-Ganagar: We follow the trail that ascends to the
sparsely inhabited village of Martoli, where we watch our first
glimpse of Nanda Devi East (7418m) and to the north Milam village
and Trishuli can be seen. The settlement, with only a few families
left, is evidence of the general de-population of the area. After
descending for half an hour the trail leads gradually up to Ganagar.
Our tents at Ganagar sit at the head of Pachu valley, with an amazing
view of Nanda Devi East. (3200m,12 km,6 hrs.)O/n in tents.
Day 8. Ganagar-Base Nanda Devi East: The narrow trail climbs steadily
through small stretches of rhododendron, juniper and birch forest
offering the view of Nanda Devi (7818m). As we pass by the peak
of Nanda Bhanger (5900m), the valley opens up to reveal beautiful,
lush alpine meadows. A beautiful campsite lies within a short distance
of the foot of Nanda Devi. (3900m, 4 hrs.)
Day 9. Base Camp: A full day rest or exploration around the stunning
campsite.
Day 10. Base to Railkot: It is at the northern end of the Gori
Ganga Gorge and from here, 2 km beyond, the valley widens to give
good views of Hardeol (7,151 m) and Trisuli (7,074 m), the peaks
beyond Milam valley. O/n tents.
Day 11. Railkot to Railgadi (about 20 kms / 5-6 hrs trek).
Day 12. Railgadi to Munsiarri : Today we will trek up to Silapani
which takes about 5 hours. From here we drive to Munsiari, about
10 kms, which takes around half an hour. O/n tent.
Day 13. Munsiari-Binsar (about 190 kms / 6-7 hrs) : We make our
interesting overland journey to Binsar with an incredible view of
the Garhwal Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nanda Kot,
Nanda Khat, Nanda Ghungti and Nanda Devi East. Over night in mountain
resort Khali Estate.
Day 14. Binsar-Corbett National Park (about 215 kms / 5-6 hrs.)
: After breakfast drive to Corbett National Park through pine forest.
Arrive and transfer to your resort. Evening free to relax. O/n resort.
Day 15 : Corbett National Park : Corbett National Park, nestling
in the foothills of the great Himalayas in the North and the Shivalik
range of mountains in the South, varies in altitude between 400
m. to 1100 m. above the sea level and the park area comprises of
a diverse habitat varying between scrub, grass lands, thick forest
and a river system. This lush forest is alive and bursting with
a rich abundance of plant and wildlife. From the tiniest microorganisms
to the mighty Asiatic Elephant and a varied range in between them,
dwell in the park. Thousands of species of insects to over three
hundred and fifty species of birds, dozens of species of mammals,
fish and reptiles live in relative harmony here.
Morning and afternoon game viewing in the park with resident naturalist.
Rest of the day free to relax. O/n Resort.
Day 16 : CORBETT TO MATHURA / AGRA
Morning game viewing in the park with naturalist . Afternoon free
to relax. Later in the evening transfer to Lalkaun railway station
(1 ½ hrs) for overnight train (5312 , 19.00/04.25hrs) to
Agra O/n Train
Day 17 : MATHURA - AGRA
Morning arrive Mathura at 04.25hrs , pick up from the railway station
and straight drive to Agra (about 50kms / 1 ½ hrs) arrive
and check into the hotel. Afternoon we visit India's most celebrated
monument of eternal love by Shah Jahan to the bride Mumtaz, the
Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal remains closed on every Friday for the public)
looks amazingly graceful from almost any angle. It was built over
a period of 20 years by 20,000 labourers and craftsmen and displays
superb craftsmanship. The close up details of the Taj Mahal is as
exquisite as the overall architectural design, with semi-precious
stones and beautiful patterns covering the marble surface. Visit
the Red Fort which Akbar began in 1565, with additions of the citadel
being made through to the time of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan (King
of the World). The forts have fine views of the Taj across the River
Yamuna, and consists of Deewani - Aam (hall of public ordinances)
and Deewan- Khass (the hall of Private ordinances), it also has
a nice grape garden, beautiful fountain ways. Evening free to relax
by the pool. O/n Hotel
Day 18. Agra - Delhi - Europe : Morning free, Afternoon drive back
to Delhi enroute visit Sikandra (Tomb of the great Mughal King -
AKBAR) After dinner in Delhi transfer to international airport.
Day 19 : Early morning fly back.
Hotel used or similar :
Place Hotel
Delhi The Connaught - 3* City center
Almora Kasaar Jungle resort (Hill resort)
Binsar Khali Estate, A delightful resort, with fine views of the
Himalayas, originally brought for Mahatma Gandhi.
Corbett Forktail Creek Camp, A fine tented Deluxe camp with attached
bathroom, set in a delightful forest and run by charming couple,
has nice views and walks.
Agra Clarks Shiraz - (4* with swimming pool & garden)
COST INCLUDES ONLY : 17 nights accommodation on full board basis
except in Delhi & Agra which is on Bed & Breakfast basis,
all arrival/departure transfers and sightseeing using Air-conditioned
Toyota Qualis Jeep, entrance fees to parks / temples & monuments,
03 Safaris in open 4WD Jeep / Elephant safaris in Corbett National
parks as mentioned in the programme with naturalist, second class
air-conditioned sleeper class express train fare from Delhi - Kathgodam
& Lalkaun to Mathura , English speaking local guide during the
sightseeing, All the trekking arrangements, assistance on arrival/departures,
transfers.
COST EXCLUDES : International airfare from your home country to
India and back, airport departure tax, domestic airfare, any extra
sightseeing not included in the programme, personal expenses like
bar bills, telephone calls, tips, beverages, medical/travel insurance,
still/video camera fees or any other cost not included above.
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