Itinerary -
Day 1: Viraatkhai
Reach the Viraatkhai camp by lunch and get set to enter a world of adventure. Post check in, you meet your trip leader and instructors for the trip. We waste no time and get straight into the nuances of rock and rope climbing. The topography is perfect for beginners and with our team of experts, you know you are in safe hands. This may seem slightly difficult, but once you get the hang of it (and we will make sure that you do), this is something you might find yourself doing often on other holidays. Enjoy the day, before settling around the bonfire towards the night. From starting a good fire for the camp, to getting the barbeque working, this is all about your ‘active’ vacation! The evening ends in stories of the many hits and misses while rock climbing, but all of them end in an ‘experience of a lifetime.’
Activities for the day: Ropes, Knots, Valley Crossing, Rock climbing, Rappelling, setting up a Bonfire, getting a Barbeque going, etc.
Day 2: Around Viraatkhai
This trip is all about connecting with the outdoors! Hiking, orienteering and a cookout in the wilderness is the order of the day. We take you through a short-pine filled forested trail to hone your navigational instincts – a skill you will cherish for life. Next up you are introduced to camping techniques, a run up to your own selection of the campsite, pitching tents, getting a bonfire started and how to keep sentinel. An important aspect of this session is the eco practices of making temporary shelters and making a fire. Of course, the lodge is close by, so you can choose to go back to the rooms. The night ends in live acoustic music and conversations around the fire, but only after a guided games session for the kids.
Activities for the day: Orienteering, hiking, cooking in the wilderness, nature walk and camping techniques.
Day 3: Viraatkhai
Today we drive to Chakrata town (25 kms) and hike down to see the famous Tiger Falls. The hike is mostly downhill and fairly easy and you will be surprised how much the kids will enjoy it. Enroute, your guide tells you all about local life in the hills, the tribals of the region and help explore the fauna on the way. This region is home to the Jaunsar-Bawar tribes. Time dependent, we eat a meal in a traditional house, go to a local school and visit the local temple. If someone does not want to hike, the falls are also accessible by a car with only a short walk of 30 mins. A picnic by the waterfall is a perfect plan for the afternoon, before we take a short walk to the roadhead and drive back to the camp. The day can end in two ways: a Karaoke night or a quick dinner and the bed, depends on how energetic you feel after the hike.
Activities for the day: Walk to Tiger Falls, Nature Walk, meeting local tribal families and karaoke.
Day 4: Sursingdhar
We leave the Viraatkhai camp for Sursingdhar, but before that, there is an important stop to make – the Yamuna Adventure Park. This is the bridge where we get into a number of instructor led activities like rafting, stream walk, swimming, river crossing and duckie rides with our water activities team. The activities end in a riverside picnic. After an adventure-filled afternoon, we drive further for about 3 hours before hitting our mountain lodge in Sursingdhar.
Activities for the day: River hydrology, Navigating a raft, Swimming through a small rapid, Rafting, River crossing, Duckie rides, Kayaking, Bridge Slithering, Riverside picnic, Body surfing, Stream walks, etc.
Day 5: Sursingdhar
Waking up in Sursingdhar is a whole new experience. Craggy peaks of some of the highest Himalayan Mountains can be seen lighting up to the first rays of the run. Sometimes, cottony clouds fill up the valley, giving the illusion of ‘heaven on earth’. The day begins with a lazy hot cup of tea, but soon evolves into an action packed day of cycling, hiking and exploring the natural flora around the area. While the biking makes you feel that strong crisp mountain air, the nature hike is all about learning about your environment: identifying the flora is a great high, once you get the hang of it. In the evening, we make a quick detour to the Tehri Dam and Lake. You can also add some rope activities for the children if there is time and also take a walk into the local village. Here, we show you traditional homes, even have a cup of tea at some and see local life at close quarters. The night ends in live acoustic music and conversations around the fire, but only after a guided games session for the kids.
Activities for the day: Cycling, hiking, nature walk, visit to Tehri dam and lake and outdoor games.
Day 6: Departure
The last morning is reserved for bird watching with an expert. This region is replete with different species and once you’ve mastered the birdcalls, their nesting habits and their habitat, it just gets better. The trip ends after breakfast with a drive to Haridwar/Dehradun.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
For Departure Dates just call 7350530009 / 7350540009 / 7350550009
List of Essentials
Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you start the trip so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags.
Shirts / T-shirts
Jeans / Trekking Pants
Scarf/muffler (optional)
Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
Jacket/sweater
Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Personal toiletries
Book, if you like reading
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trip. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trip.
Duration: 6 Days
Season: Jan-Jun, Sep-Dec
Region: Garhwal (Uttarakhand)
Description
The lower Himalayan ranges are a perfect way to start a relationship with the mountains. While you may be in the company of stalwarts like Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Kamet, Trishul, Chaukhamba, Kedarnath and Banderpoonch in Sursingdhar, the interaction is not intimidating. The lower mountain ranges provide stunning views but are also easily accessible from major North Indian cities. This trip also gives you a chance to meet the Jaunsar-Bawar tribes in Viraatkhai. Apart from getting up-close with nature, this family active vacation promises a bundle of memories and experiences that you will take back learning rope and rock climbing, getting to know your compass really well and hiking. Our favourite pick, though, is teaching travellers how to set up a perfect campsite!.