Taste of Rajasthan – Taj Mahal – Spiritual Rishikesh – Majestic Himalayas Tour
Tour starts with the exploration of Jaipur in Rajasthan – a very popular tourist destination, including the sightseeing of Agra with its famous Taj Mahal. It is a well-traveled route hosting many of India’s great cultural gems and providing a good spectrum of the country’s different landscapes. One can experience the history of massive forts, admire the splendor of Rajasthan’s palaces and the bustle and buzz of markets and bazaars, visit old temples and famous mosques!
Then we move to the North to Rishikesh! Ever since the Beatles spent time at the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the late ’60s, Rishikesh has been a nest for spiritual seekers, yoga and meditation practitioners. Small towns of Rishikesh situated in the feet of the Himalayas give opportunity to experience Hindu culture and lifestyle; one can truly relax and rejuvenate walking along holy river Ganga shores, visiting ancient temples and ashrams.
Rishikesh is a starting point of most of the Garhwal Himalaya treks. An easy four days mountain adventure can be a great experience for amateurs. Chandrashila top is the place from where one can get a perfect 360 degrees view of the Himalayas, a beautiful lake called DeoriTal gives perfect sightings for the mountain peaks as Choukhamba and Kedarnath. Those are easy hikes full of spectacular views of majestic Himalayas, forests and meadows – a true rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul!
For booking contact TREK NATION INDIA
at: info@treknationindia.com, travelnatindia@gmail.com
call: (+1) 929 293 2029, (+1) 646 644 1979
or use the book/inquiry link below:
Day 1
NAMASTE AND WELCOME TO INDIA!
We meet everyone in Delhi International Airport according to arrival times and direct transfer in comfortable cars to Jaipur, check in the hotel for dinner and overnight stay for rest and relaxation after a long flight. If time allows explore the surroundings. We highly suggest to book flights which arrive no later then 4-5pm India time on this day, so we would have ample time to reach Jaipur before midnight, the drive to Jaipur hotel will take about 4 hours.
Day 2
IN JAIPUR – full day sightseeing
Departure: 10 am
Jaipur known as Pink City is the capital of Rajasthan. After breakfast sightseeing of Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace) and beautiful Amber Fort with Amer Palace the principal tourist attraction in Jaipur. Built in 16th century on a four level layout plan, surrounded by ruins. Visit City Palace which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces and other buildings. Sightseeing of Nahargarh Fort standing on the Aravalli Hills overlooking city of Jaipur will be the last attraction of the day. Overnight and dinner in a hotel in Jaipur.
Day 3
IN JAIPUR – full day sightseeing
Departure: 8 am
After early breakfast we will visit famous Galtaji known as Monkey Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site in the town of Khania-Balaji. We will also take you to Chand Bawri the famous deep stepwell and its large temple on the back face of the structure, situated in the village of Abhaneri. Then we visit the Jain Temple followed by the walking Pink City tour which will include many shopping opportunities, trying local cuisine, feeling the vibe of the bustling and hustling streets of Rajasthan. Overnight in hotel in Jaipur.
Day 4
JAIPUR / AGRA
Departure: 8 am
After early breakfast we will drive to Agra, the distance of 240km (149mi) will be covered in about 5hrs. On arrival transfer to hotel for refreshments. Afternoon sightseeing of Taj Mahal – one of the Seven Wonders of the world built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz. The monument made of white marble took over 22 years to finish, between 1630AD to 1652AD. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel.
Day 5
AGRA / RISHIKESH
Departure: 7.30 am
After early breakfast transfer to Rishikesh. Distance of 445km will cover in about 9-10hrs. On the way sightseeing of Agra Fort, a massive structure on the bank of Yamuna River built by famous emperor Akbar in 1565AD. Late evening arrival to Rishikesh hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 6
IN RISHIKESH
Departure: 10 am
Today it is time for our Rishikesh! Morning after breakfast we will walk around this shanti little town in the valley of Ganges river. First we will proceed for visiting of famous Ram Jhulla and Lakshman Jhulla suspension bridges, will walk a holy path and Ganga beaches wetting our feet in her cool waters. We will also travel in local riksha to the old part of Rishikesh with its busy market, Bharat temple and Triveni Ghat. Last we will take part in Arti, a beautiful ceremony honoring Goddess Ganga. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 7
IN RISHIKESH
Departure: 4.30 am
Early start to experience the breathtaking sunrise in the Himalayas! We begin our day with a short drive (about 45 min) to get to the highest point of Rishikesh called Kunjapuri, also the sight of a famous Goddess temple for Hindus, at an elevation of 1,990 m (6,528 ft). If the weather is clear, from the top enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas Mountains and admire views of Rishikesh and the Ganges River. We will do a 45 min short hike downhill followed by the drive back to Rishikesh for breakfast. After short break we will proceed for the adventurous activity – white water river rafting! River Ganges – the living Goddess of India, rafting on her waters is certainly an incredible experience. The 1,5 hour of moderate difficulty with clear passages adventure will be followed by lunch and relaxation, enjoying the day with free time according to your needs and desires: shopping, mehendi (famous henna tattoo) or famous Ayurveda treatments (additional costs will apply). Dinner will be served in a hotel. Evening final packing and preparation for trekking.
Day 8
RISHIKESH / GUPTKASHI – 1400m (4593ft)
Departure: 8 am
A distance of near about 200 km (125 mi) drive from Rishikesh to Guptkashi will be covered in 7-8hrs. The drive, though long is very scenic as we drive along the Ganga, Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers. Enroute we stop at Deoprayag which is another important Hindu site, well known for the confluence of two rivers: Bhagirathi and Alaknanada, which then flows down as the Ganga. Evening visit beautiful ancient Shiva Kashi Viswanath temple. Overnight in a hotel in Guptkashi.
Day 9
GUPTKASHI / KALIMATH / GUPTKASHI – 3-4 hours hike
Departure: 10 am
This day 7-8 km (4-5mi) easy hike through the forests and mountain villages leads to an ancient Goddess Kali temple named Kalimath at an altitude of around 6,000 feet (1,800 m) on the river Saraswati in the Garhwal Himalayas. Enjoy ancient rituals performed by the local priest. Car will be waiting here to take us back to Guptkashi hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 10
GUPTKASHI / DEORIA TAL (lake) / GUPTKASHI – 2,438m (7,999ft) / 3 hours hike
Departure: 6 am
One hour drive to village Sari, then 3 km (1.6mi) moderate hike up to the beautiful Himalayan lake called DEORIA famous for its amazing views of Himalayan peaks like Mt. Chaukhamba 7120m, Mt. Kedardome 6900m, Mt. Kharchkund 6800m and many more unnamed peaks. Enjoy and explore the surroundings, hike down and come back by car to Guptkashi same hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 11
GUPTKASHI / CHANDRASHILA TOP / GUPTKASHI – 4,000m (13,123ft) / 5-6 hours hike
Departure: 4.30 am
Early departure to get the best Himalayas views! Day starts with two hours drive to get to Chopta 2900m (8,858ft), the starting point of 6km (3.7mi) hike to Chandrashila Top. The trek is mostly a gradual ascent through the dwarf rhododendron bushes. At the summit one can enjoy the unforgettable view of the peaks surrounding from all directions. Almost every prominent peak of the Garhwal Himalayas can be spotted from here. To one side is Nanda Devi 7,816m (25,643ft) – the highest peak of Indian Himalayas, the other side is Mt. Kedarnath 6,940m (22,770ft), Mt. Trishul 7,120m (23,360ft), Mt. Bandarpunch 6,316m (20,722ft) and many more! One can feel as sitting in the ocean of mountain peaks. Explore the area and then easily trace your steps back to Chopta where the car will be waiting to take us back to Guptkashi. During hike we will visit thousands years old Tungnath Shiva temple situated at an elevation of 3,680 m (12,073 ft). Evening back to Guptkashi for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 12
GUPTKASHI / RISHIKESH – 7-8 hours drive
Departure: 8 am
Drive back to Rishikesh. On the way visiting Vasistha ancient cave for deep meditation. Evening free for personal activities. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 13
IN RISHIKESH
Departure: 11 am
Today is a relaxing day, we will only take to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Ashram, called the Beatles Ashram. The place is very interesting, it is an abandoned former Transcendental Meditation center known for its Beatles artwork and lush overgrowth. The tour will take about 2 hours. The rest of the day you will have sufficient time for personal activities like relaxation, shopping for gifts, Ayurveda massage and treatments (additional cost will apply), feeling the energy of ancient places of Rishikesh! Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Rishikesh.
Day 14
RISHIKESH / DELHI – 5-6 hours drive
Departure: 11 am
After breakfast and final packing Delhi departure. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Delhi.
Day 15
INDIA DEPARTURE
Today there are no group activities. The only services provided is breakfast and mid-day check out from the hotel followed by transfer to Delhi International Airport. Whatever your plans are, our representative will help you get on the right track.
Inclusive:
- Accommodations in double sharing on MAP basis – bed, breakfast and dinner in *2 and *3 hotels or equivalent in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra and Rishikesh.
- Accommodations in double sharing on AP basis – bed, breakfast, lunch and dinner in simple mountain hotel in Guptkashi.
- Transportation by AC car or minibus for all transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary.
- English and Polish speaking tour escort/guide throughout the tour.
- Permits and entrance fees to all monuments and national parks.
- Two bottles of good drinking water per person per day.
- Monument guides charges.
- White water river rafting in Rishikesh.
- Assistance on arrival and departure.
Rate does not include:
International airfare, Indian visa fee, insurance fees, lunch (except trekking section), tips, any alcoholic beverages, any other beverages besides tea and coffee, laundry, camera entrance fee, video making fees, pony/horse ride, Ayurveda and medical treatments, donations in temples or ashrams, personal expenses, expenses incurred beyond our control such as bad weather, flight cancellation, road closures, landslides, political disturbances, etc.
