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Trek and Raft: Roopkund Trek and Kali River Expedition
offered by supplier M18129 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 15
day(s)
Group Size: 2
- 12
people
Destination(s):
India
Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Trekking
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Season: October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 500 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1500 US Dollar (USD)
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Roopkund Lake (5029 m) was made famous by the skeletal remains discovered there in 1942 by a forest ranger. For 60 years the skeletons numbering between 300 and 600 puzzled historians, scientists and archaeologists. Many theories were formed about who they were and how they died such as, Tibetan traders, royal pilgrims, or soldiers killed in battle. Finally in 2004 a team of scientists using carbon dating and DNA samples matched them with a community of high-caste Brahmins in central India. They also discovered that most of the pilgrims suffered an identical cause of death, large skull fractures caused by one of the most deadly hail storms in history.
This is a beautiful trek in the shadow of the giant Nanda Ghungti (6310 m), Changabang (6864 m) & Trishul (7120 m) peaks. The route takes us through remote villages, forests and flower clad meadows. The Kali river is a great introduction to white-water in India. It is a classic pool drop river, with relaxing calm scenic sections followed by big fun rapids with long wave trains. The river flows past terraced farms, mountain streams, white sandy beaches and thick tropical jungles. Forming the border between India and Nepal it gives a great insight into the people living in both countries. The river is teeming with fish and the area is rich in wildlife. The region is home to bear, leopard, elephant, monkey and over 500 species of bird.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh (330 m): 5/6 hrs.
Board the morning train departing New Delhi at 7:00 a.m reaching Haridwar at 11:30. Transfer to our river camp on the banks of the Ganges near Rishikesh, a bustling pilgrim township, popular meditation centre and the yoga capital of the world. After lunch, go rafting on the Holy Ganges or explore Rishikesh and attend the Marti (evening prayers) by the banks of the river Ganges. Overnight at beach camp.
Day 2: Drive Rishikesh to Wan (1330 m): 7/8 hrs.
The drive takes one into the rugged country of the Garhwal Himalaya along river valleys and through towns. We stop for plenty chai (Indian tea) and photo breaks along the way, reaching Wan in the late afternoon. Overnight camp.
Day 3: Trek Wan to Bedni Bugyal (3350 m) 5/6 hrs.
First day of trekking. The walk takes us up hill through the dense Himalayan forests for most of the day. As we come out above the tree line, the views of the wide green meadows of Bedni are amazing. Overnight camp in one of the most beautiful campsites in the Indian Himalaya. Overnight camp.
Day 4: Bedni Bugyal to Bhagubasa (4100 m) 4/5 hrs.
After a hearty breakfast we follow the trail up to the Pathar Nachaumi ridge. From here we get closer views of Trisul, Nanda Ghunti, and Changabang. A steep zigzag path brings us to the caves of Bhagubasa where the one can find some rock shelters which are used by pilgrims. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Bhagubasa to Roopkund Lake (5029 m) to Bhagubasa 6/7 hrs.
After an early morning breakfast we climb the steep, narrow trail leading to the "mystery lake" of Roopkund. If the snow cover is not too thick one will find the skeletal remains at the lakes edge. An optional short steep walk up from here to the ridge gives a close up views of Trisul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. Descend back to the Bhagubasa campsite.
Day 6: Bhagubasa to Ali Bugyal (3330 m) 5/6 hrs.
Walk back for about 3 hours to reach Bedni Bugyal and then descend steeply through the forests of fir, rhododendron and pine to reach the valley floor. We cross a small river and then climb to the village of Ali Bugyal. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Ali Bugyal to Lohajung (2590m) 5/6 hrs; Drive to Gwaldam 2 hrs.
We descend further down through more forest to reach Lohajung. We then take a short drive to reach the hotel in Gwalden. Overnight hotel.
Day 8: Gwaldam to Pithoragarh: 8 hrs.
Enjoy the beautiful views of the Panchuli region as we drive eight hours to Pithoragarh. We pass through many villages, towns and forests rich in flora and fauna, stopping along the way for photo opportunities. Overnight hotel in Pithoragarh.
Day 9: Pithoragarh to below Jhulaghat: 5/6 hrs.
We drive for two hours to Jhulaghat, the starting point of our river expedition. We begin the trip with a detailed safety talk followed by a short initiation stretch through Class II rapids. We pass many stalactite and stalagmite formations on the river bank. We reach camp by late afternoon and hike to visit a nearby village. Dinner by campfire and overnight camp.
Day 10: Jhulaghat to Pancheshwar 4/5 hrs.
We run more class II and III rapids until we reach the confluence of the Kali and Saryu rivers at Pancheshwar. Local fisherman fish along this stretch using hollowed out logs as river craft. We set up camp below the confluence and have a relaxed afternoon. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Pancheshwar to Giant Beach 4/5 hrs.
The rapids get bigger and more frequent as the river increases in gradient. We run a series of Class III rapids with some large waves and holes. The day is marked by thick jungle and uninhabited sections. Overnight camp.
Day 12: Rest day.
Rest day to explore the surroundings. Take a hike in the Jungle or to a nearby village. Relax on the beach, swim or kayak in the river. Overnight camp.
Day 13: Raft to Chooka 4 hrs.
Today we paddle about 20 km, finishing with a class IV rapid called Chooka. Chooka is the biggest rapid on the river with numerous large holes and big waves. We camp below the rapid, and discuss the days adventures over dinner and a warm fire. Overnight camp.
Day 14: Chooka to Boom to Kathogam.
Last day of the expedition. We pass through more jungle with great white-water and a chance to see wild elephants swimming by the river. We reach Boom and then drive to Kathgodam to catch the overnight train to Delhi.
Day 15: Arrive Delhi.
Arrive in Delhi in the early morning. 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.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes; All itineraries exclude international flight days. The duration of this trip is calculated from Delhi back to Delhi again.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
India
Hiking & Trekking
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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