Garhwal and Kumaon – Uttarakhand

Half-day excursion of the lake tour visiting Lake district of Kumaon (i.e. Sattal / Bhimtal / Naukuchiatal) (25 - 35 kms from Nainital). Enjoy boating in serene Bhimtal lake. Visit Bhimtal Shiva temple. Travel to Orchard areas of Ramgarh / Mukteshwar (40 kms - 1.5 hours). Visit Mukteshwar Shiva Temple. Return by evening.

Depart for Corbett (75 kms - 2 hours). Reach by afternoon. Corbett is a renowned wildlife, bird watching, walking / trekking and nature centric getaway. Take an evening safari or walk by the river in the evening.

Morning safari in Corbett. Bijrani, Durgadevi, Sitabani and Jhirna are 4 ranges. Based on area of interest (Bijrani is best for having a chance to sight a tiger. Sitabani and Durgadevi are good for Bird watching) and location of the jungle lodge one can pick. Evening do a nature walk, river crossing or do bird watching.

Proceed to Kausani (6000+ ft asl - 150 kms - 5 hrs) enroute visiting Ranikhet. Ranikhet (6000+ ft asl) is an idyllic Himalayan hamlet / Cantonment Town. Apple Orchards at Ranikhet is worth a visit in Summer. Kausani is a Himalayan Hamlet in Kumaon area known for its Himalayan views in Winter (Oct - March) and is a stopover on itineraries that combine Garhwal and Kumaon areas.

Reach early for Joshimath (188 kms - 6 hrs - base town to reach Auli) to reach before 4:30 PM to catch the last Cable Car to reach Auli. Auli (8000+ ft asl), a destination renowned for skiing in Winter and sporting excellent close range himalayan views all round the year.

At Auli enjoy magnificent 180 degrees view of the Nandadevi Peaks. During winter beginners start skiing at the Baby slopes before graduating to higher and more adventurous slopes. Experienced skiers straightway use ski lifts to reach higher slopes. During Summer, enjoy close range Himalayan beauty. Explore the area around on a walk / trek. Hikers/ Trekkers will find numerous marked walks and there are also mountain bike trails. at the backdrope of the resort lies the famous high altitude Gorson Reserve forest (part of Nanda Devi National Park ) richly habitated by rare Himalayan wildlife.

May - Oct period guests can undertake an excursion to Badrinath (9000+ ft asl, 50 kms from Joshimath base), one of the Char Dhams and prime Lord Vishnu pilgrim centre. Adventure oriented / Experiential guests can continue hiking / trekking around Auli. Guest may also just sit and enjoy 180 degrees snow views.

Travel to Rishikesh (2000 ft asl - 270 kms - 8 hours). Rishikesh is a Ganga riverside destination, renowned for its riverside and spirituality experiences that it offers

Visit to Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Rishikund and other Ghat areas of Rishikesh. Guests can also visit Neelkanth Mahadev (30 kms - 1 hour one way), time permitting. Alternatively Guests can opt for White water rafting (Half day) or visit adventure sports centre here that offer Bungee Jumping or opt for a a Visit to Rajaji National Park (Park Closes April 16th onwards. Rajaji is considered excellent for bird watching).

Depart for onward journey.