The Garhwal Jeep Safari
This safari takes you to the lap of the Himalayas, synonymous with holiness and peace. Among all Himalayan regions, the Garhwal Himalayas — where the Holy Ganges emanates and which houses four of the most revered shrines of the Hindu religion — are considered especially holy. The jeep safari takes you to the holiest of these four shrines, Badrinath. Skanda Purana says “there are many shrines on earth, heaven and hell but none has been nor will be like Badrinath”. This mountain range, with its snow covered peaks, enormous valley and extensive plateaus, inspires awe in any one who visits it. The jeep safari also takes you to the Auli ski slopes that has the longest cable car service in India.
Day 1: Delhi – ScoutIndia’s Camp
Arrive at camp near Rishikesh for lunch. After lunch, camp orientation and then drive to Rishikesh for half-day sight seeing. Visit temples, ashrams, yoga centres, Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula, the largest suspension bridge in India. Overnight at Camp.
Day 2: Rishikesh – Auli
Start jeep safari and drive to Joshimath. Take a 3.9 km cable car (the longest in Asia) to the scenic and picturesque Auli Ski resort.Overnight in Auli.
Day 3: Auli – Joshimath – Tapovan – Auli
Continue with jeep safari and drive to Tapovan passing Joshimath. After picnic lunch in Tapovan, return to Auli. Overnight at Auli.
Day 4: Auli – Joshimath – Badrinath – Auli
Today’s jeep safari drive takes you to Badrinath, situated on the banks of Alaknanda river.
Drive back to Auli. Overnight at Auli.
Day 5: Auli – High Altitude Alpine Meadow
Drive from Auli to high altitude alpine meadow with great views of the Himalayan ranges. Overnight in camp set up at a meadow.
Day 6: Explore Surroundings
Visit the local temple which involves a 3-hour trek. Overnight in camp set up at meadow in the lap of the Himalayas.
Day 7: Drive to Uttarkashi
Today we continue with the jeep safari and drive for 8 hrs to Uttarkashi. Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of the Bhagirathi river and is a small town of historical monuments, temples, ashrams and dharmshalas. Overnight at Uttarkashi.
Day 8: Uttarkashi – Gangotri
Early morning embark on the 97 km-drive from Uttarkashi to Gangotri, close to the source of Ganges River (4 hrs). The drive is along the ancient pilgrimage route and is very scenic. Overnight in tents near Gangotri.
Day 9: Gangotri
In the morning, trek around the area.
Day 10: Gangotri – Mussoorie
Drive for 7 hours to Mussoorie, one of the hill stations of India. Transfer to Mussoorie Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Mussoorie – Train
Morning at leisure. Go for an easy walk along the winding Charlesville road which leads us to the pine scented Happy Valley and a Tibetan township. Visit the Buddhist shrine here. After lunch, return to Delhi.
What to Bring Along
Torch
Shoes (2 pairs)
Lockable duffel bag
Daypack
Track pants & T-shirts
Personal medical kit and toiletries
Warm clothes for evenings, early mornings
Sun shade/ cap
Sun block lotion
Retainers for prescription glasses/ sun glasses
Water bottle
Rain gear (raincoat/ poncho)
Camera
Musical instrument/ reading/ writing material
Your Spirit of Adventure and sense of humor!
