Uttaranchal
Riding The Bhagirathi River
This is an exciting white water rafting expedition for the adventure seeker - definetly not for the squeamish. This weeklong expedition originates near the Tehri Dam in the hill-state of Uttaranchal and concludes at Rishikesh, the Hindu pilgrim town, 138km down river. The river run negotiates nearly a hundred rapids (mostly grade 3-4) on the Bhagirathi River. Bhagirathi, debouching from the bowels of the Gangotri glacier, flows downhill to meet the Alakananda at Devprayag and together they form the Holy Ganga. The "Paddlers" camp on different beaches as the expedition passes through forested hillsides down the gushing river. There are extensive possibilities to spot the wildlife of the region along the way, as the animals come down to the river to quench their thirst. Keen birdwatchers can add diverse and colourful specimens to their bird lists.

Day 01.
Leave your country.

Day 02. Arrive Delhi:
Assistance on arrival with garland welcome and transfer to pre-booked hotel for overnight. Afternoon sightseeing in Old Delhi including Red Fort and Jama Masjid.

Day 03. Delhi to Haridwar to Chamba :
Early morning express train to Haridwar. Upon arrival we drive to Chamba (about 05 hrs). Chamba is small hill station, still unspoilt and not yet overrun by tourists, which has retained its native charm. Overnight in hotel or Rest House.

Day 04. Rafting Day 1:
We drive through verdant hills for an hour to reach our riverhead below the Tehri tunnel. The day's rafting begins with negotiating a series of Grade 3 + rapids in the first gorge section. The Bhagirathi valley broadens and after a river lunch we reach Naggar village our campsite for the day after covering 30km.

Day 05. Rafting Day 2:
Today we continue down the river negotiating more Grade 3 + rapids. After lunch we hit the rapids again as the river enters its second gorge section with continuous Grade 3-4 rapids, including a small waterfall, towards the end of the gorge. White water foams as we tear down the river culminating in a couple of continuous Grade 4's near Devprayag as the Bhagirathi rushes down to meet the Alaknanda. The camp is set near Beas Ghat, 10km below the confluence; a popular fishing spot for the mahseer, a species of trout and one of the toughest fresh water fighting fish in the world or "Ganga Gold".

Day 06. Rafting Day 3:
We break camp and set off once again over the Bhagirathi to our destination. Today is a comfortable day as the rapids are small. A perfect day to relax, soak up the sun, body surf and for the animal-lovers, an opportunity to hunt (with binoculars, of course) and discover the Himalayan fauna. We continue down the rippling waves a few kilo metres below Kaudiyala. After hitting two Grade-4 rapids; Daniel's Dip and The Wall, we continue down where we set up camp. Distance covered is approx. 35km.

Day 07. Rafting Day 4:
On this fourth day we cover only 15km and go over a few small rapids known as Three Blind Mice, Cross Fire and Body Surfing Rapids. Later we drive back to our camp.

Day 08. Rafting Day 5:
We break camp early and drive to Shivpuri after breakfast. Today's white water menu serves two big volume rapids known as the Roller Coaster and Golf Course. Add to the thrills and chills with some more splashing on the river and lots of bodysurfing, ending the excursion on a grand note. After lunch we bid goodbye to our rafting team and river guides. Overnight in hotel at Rishikesh.

Day 09. Shivpur to Delhi:
Morning after breakfast visit ashrams and temples. Afternoon drive about 06 hrs back to Delhi. O/n Hotel.

Day l0. Delhi:
We spend the day exploring and relishing the many sights of Delhi, including India Gate and Qutub Minar. (Rooms will be reserved till 12.00hrs). Late night transfer to International airport for return flight.

Day 11.
Early morning fly to your home country.