Itinerary -
Day 01:
Check into the H.E.L camp at Chakrata & relax in the beautiful environs. Post lunch we have the option of going on a short hike or trying our hands at rappelling/jumaring. Also one can drive to Chakrata town and spend some time there. In the evening enjoy a fabulous sunset from ‘Tiger Hill’, very close to the camp. Late evening enjoy bonfire & dinner.
Day 02:
After breakfast we drive for about 45 mins to reach Yamuna bridge, starting point for our rafting. Here you will be briefed on rafting/safety techniques by the trip leader. We will also enjoy bridge slithering, an exciting rope activity before rafting. We will raft for about 14 kms through a very exciting stretch of river. There are plenty of exciting rapids along the way. This section has Class II – III rapids. We finish our rafting, change into dry clothes (changing tents will be provided), have packed lunch and drive towards our onward destination.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
How to Reach
By Road:
Option 1: Delhi – Kurukshetra – Yamuna Nagar – Paonta Sahib – Herbetpur - Vikas Nagar – Kalsi – Viraatkhai
Option 2: Delhi – Loni – Baghpat – Baraut – Shamli – Saharanpur – Herbertpur – Vikas Nagar – Kalsi – Viraatkhai
Option 3: Delhi – Meerut – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Dehradun – Herbertpur – Vikas Nagar – Kalsi – Viraatkhai
By Air: Dehradun is now well connected to Delhi and Mumbai and the list of connections is growing daily with regular flights from all over the country. From Delhi there are close to 8 flights that operate during the day starting with the first flight at 9:55 am and the last flight at 3:30 pm. Fares begin at Rs. 3200 per person. On the return also, there are flights available all day with the last flight departing at 4:30 pm.
By By Rail: Haridwar is well connected to all parts of the country by rail. For cities that are not directly connected to Haridwar, one could come to Delhi and then take any of the trains to Haridwar that run all through the day. Given below are some of the train connections between Haridwar and Delhi.
Expected Weather
In the period Mar – Apr day time is going to be warm and very pleasant. The water is going to be moderately cold and extremely inviting. So you might end up spending more time off the boat than on it. Evenings are going to be moderately cold in Mar & Apr. Night temperature will be around 12 -20 deg Celsius in Mar - Apr so come prepared with some light winter clothing.
In the period May – Jun day time is going to be warm but while one is on the river it is going to be very pleasant. The water is going to be moderately cold and extremely inviting. So you might end up spending more time off the boat than on it. Evenings are going to be pleasant. Night temperature will be around 18 -24 deg Celsius do carry some light winter clothing as it can get windy and slightly cold.
In the period Oct to mid Dec day time is going to be warm and pleasant if the sun is out, which mostly is around this time. Yamuna water is surprisingly quite pleasant compared to other rivers and a dip in the river is going to initially feel cold but couple of dips and you will start enjoying the water. Evenings are going to be reasonably cold in Oct & Nov and cold in December. With a bonfire next to you it is going to be an enjoyable experience. December the night temperature can go down to about 5 deg Celsius so come prepared with some winter clothing. In Oct – Nov period night temperature will be around 10 – 15 deg Celsius and you will need protection from the cold.
List of Essentials
Below is a list of essentials you would require at the camp:
Small day pack/back pack
T-shirts/Shirts
Shorts
Comfortable fit Jeans/Track Pants
Jacket/Sweater (please see the section on weather)
Floaters
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Sunscreen Lotion
Cap
Flashlight
Sunglasses with holding strings
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Camera (optional)
LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!!
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag/soft shoulder bag or a rucksack and avoid suitcases/strolleys
Disclaimer
Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. takes utmost care to ensure safety of its clients. However in the case of any unforeseen mishaps, Great Indian Outdoors (P) Ltd. will not be liable for any injuries caused or for loss of life. All disputes rising due to the above are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi/Delhi only. All participants would be required to sign an Indemnity Form before the start of the program, without which they would not be allowed to take part in the trip/program/activities.
Duration: 2 Days
Season: Feb-Jun, Sep-Nov
Grade: Moderate
Sketch Itinerary
Day 01: HEL. Camp Chakrata [Rappelling,Jummaring / Drive : Chakrata town - Tiger Hill ]
Day 02: HEL. Camp Chakrata - Yamuna Bridge [Rafting: 14kms]
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIPS
Great weather. Even in peak of summers the weather here is very pleasant
Exciting rafting on Yamuna and scenic river landscape
High end facilities of the campsite. Deluxe cottages, 1 outdoor & 1 indoor dining area, lots of open spaces and more
Super location of the Lodge with great views all around
So close yet one gets a feel of being in a remote mountain place
BASE FOR THE TRIP: H.E.L VIRAATKHAI (NEAR CHAKRATA) GREAT MOUNTAIN LODGE & CAMPS
Himalayan Eco Lodges (H.E.L) at Viratkhai (near Chakrata) is blessed with a spectacular view of the Doon Valley with views stretching as far as Dehradun and Mussoorie. This lodge is located at an altitude of 1850 m (6100 ft) and this ensures a cool and comfortable climate all year round. The lodge is just a short 2 hr drive from Dehradun or a 3 hrs drive from Saharanpur. With minimum inhabitation all around this is a quiet getaway for anyone looking to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of urban life. There are a number of short walks available all around and one gets a spectacular view of the snow clad Himalayan peaks from just a 5 min walk from the lodge.
This lodge is great for an active holiday with a variety of activities available and lots of places for sightseeing.