Introduction of Garhwal Himalayas

Garhwal Darshan - A trip to Garhwal Himalayas - Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath Yatra

Himalayas is known as crown of India. Uttarkhand is basically divided into two regions namely Garhwal and Kumaon. Garhwal is a beautiful portion of Uttarakhand and is rich in Ayurvedic (medicinal) plants. Garhwal is not only beautiful but also is mythologically renowned place.  There are 5 districts in Kumaon- Champawat, Pitthoragarh, UddhamSinghNagar, Nainital & Almora and 6 in garhwal - Pauri, Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Chamoli & Rudraprayag.There are several places to go in these cities and towns which are truly beautiful yet unexplored.

Dehradun is present capital of Uttarakhand which is popularly known as 'School Capital of India'. It is also known as 'Drona Nagri'. Mussoorie, popularly known as 'Paharon Ki Rani' is a very famous Hill Station in Dehradun. Rishikesh is a well known holy place situated on the bank of river Ganga.

Haridwar is again a very well known holy place and a centre of attraction for Indian pilgrims and foreigners as well. It is also well known for its 'Kumbh Mela'.

Garhwal is well known for Char-Dham yatra. The four major shrines of garhwal are Gangotri, Yamunotri, Badrinath & Kedarnath Yatra. The whole journey will complete our garhwal ki yatra.

Boating At Joshiyara Jheel Uttarkashi

After waiting for a long long time finally with remarkable efforts of Honorable Chairman – Nagar Palika Uttarkashi Mr.Bhupendra Chauhan, Motor Boating has been started at Joshiyara Jheel Uttarkashi. 

It was much awaited and very much necessary for the betterment of tourism in Uttarkashi. Though it should have started much earlier. Since, Char Dham Yatra has already begun boating in Joshiyara Jheel is becoming a center of attraction day by day and a lot of tourists are enjoying boating. Uttarkashi has a very good inflow of tourists from almost every part of the country and throughout the world. Visitors are much attracted towards the scenic beauty of hilly areas especially waterfalls, rivers, lakes etc. It has not only added a reason of fun and enjoyment to tourists but also a source of employment to many.

It is expected that there will be an increase in number of tourists inflow compared to last year. Due to poor climatic conditions last year, pilgrimages heading towards Gangotri suffered a lot because of landslides, road-blocks and uneven climate. Administration must be ready all the time to take necessary measures if such situations occur this year.

Joshimath - The Scared Place On The Way To Badrinath

The most important town on the route, Joshimath is the spot where the Adiguru Shankaracharya attained enlightenment while sitting under the mulberry tree near his cave. In the cave, he wrote his famous shanker Bhasya., which started the reclamation of the Hindu religion. The first math was set at Joshimath and a “Dham” at Badrinath which was followed up later by the four Dhams in the four corners of country.

The holy town is full of temples among the other most famous are the narsing and the Nav Durga temples, the statue at Narsing temple exquisitely carved out of shaligram stone, one of the arm of the statue is said to be getting thinner everday and ultimately when “KALYUGA” overtakes the world, the arm will break- the mountains of jai and Vijay at Vishnuprayag will collapse and route to Badrinath will be blocked. However since the ways of Gods and the cosmic cycle must carry on, shri Badrinath will reappear at the Bhavisya Badri at Tapovan in the Niti Valley. During the winters when the shrine of shri Badrinath is closed vishnu’s incarnation is worshiped in Narsing temple and joshimath becomes the winter seat of shri Badrinath. With its bracing climate, magnificent scenery and religious significance, joshimath is fast becoming a hill resort. The beautiful slopes of Auli 14 kms. Form joshimath by road and lined by 3.92 kms. Long ropeway have been developed as ski resort and tourist destination.

Pandukeshwar

The temple of yog dhyan Badri, one of the five Badris is located at Pandukeshwar (1920 mts.) just 24 kms. Short of Badrinath of Rishikesh – Badrinath highway. The image, depicting a meditative posture of the Lord, is worshiped here. The pandavas are said to have handed over Hastinapur to king parikshit and retired here.

Bhim Pul and Vasudhara Fall

The bridge over the river Saraswati on the way to Vasudhara falls is made of huge slab of stone. It is believed that when the Pandavas and Draupadi were on their way to Swargarohini, Bhim bridged the river with this huge slab to get them across, the view form the bridge is truly spectacular.

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund (Snow Lake) Sahib, as the name itself suggests, is a high-altitude lake (4329m) surrounded by seven huge snow-covered mountains. Which are collectively called Hemkund parvat. Close to the lake is a sacred gurudwara that is a pilgrimage center for Sikhs and Hindus from all over the world. It is said that shri Guru Govind Sing Ji (the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs) meditated on the banks of this lake where a number of sages and religious teacher from the Hidu mythology, including Rishi Medhasa of the Markandeya Purana and Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram performed penace. Besides the Gurudwara, one can also see a temple here. The lake is the souce of the Laxman Ganga (also called hem Ganga) Stream that merges with the pushpawati strem flowing from the valley of flowers, at Ghangaria. From this point on, the river is called Laxman Ganga. A very popular trekking destination, Hemkund is a 19 km trek from Govindghat. The trek takes one through pine forest where rhododendron, wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers abound. With breathtaking views of the surging waters of the Lakshman Ganga, the last five kilometers of the trek entail a steep climb from Ghangaria, which is a base for visiting Hemkund. The lake is about two kilometers in circumference. Its clear, still waters mirror images of the saptashringa peaks (5500 mtrs) that surround it. So what’s the best season to visit Hemkund? No doubt: between june and October. During these months, you’ll find the water still has shards of ice floating in it, glinting in the sun with the rock-strewn banks of the lake covered in moss and the flowers in bright bloom.

Govind Ghat (1829 M)

It is the place of confluence of Alaknanda and Lakshman Ganga river. It has an imposing Gurudwara named after Guru Goving Singh. The trek route to Ghangaria – valley fo flowers and Hemkund Lokpal begins from here.

Ghangaria

Also known as Govind Dham, Ghangaria, apart from being the base fro the treks to Hemkund Saheb and valley of flowers, is also the staring poing for another interesting trek – kagbhusandi; this trek passes through the merising Bhyundar valley and the Bhyundar village.

The legend of Kagbhusandi lake says of the enigmatic crows (kag) inhabiting this region. When one fo their flock dies, the other collect its feathers and spread them around the lake. Interestingly, there is significant feather deposition to be seen around the lake.

Water Sports - Rafting and Water Skiing in Rishikesh

Uttarakhand offers some very exciting opportunities for the water sport lovers. The Ganga with its frothing and foaming waters throws up a challenge that no rafter on this earth can look away from. Saryu , Kosi, Kali Ganga and Ram Ganga are equally popular amongst the river runners
Then there are the other sports at Assan Barrage and the Nainital Lake, which are both excellent water bodies for avid-surfers, water-skiiers and kayak enthusiasts.

River Rafting at Rishikesh

GMVN conducts Rafting trips from Kaudiyala, on the Rishikesh – Srinagar Raod

Accommodation:

Kaudiyala Camp (Tel: 01378262911) has a total capacity of 30 beds

• 2 AC Huts

• 2 Deluxe Huts

• 5Executive Huts with attached Bath

• 2 Ordinary Huts with common Toilet / Bath

At Kaudiyala, the Restaurant seats a maximus of 20 people and offers a choice of Veg and Non-veg meals and snacks. A special outdoor catering service is available. It also offers packed lunches for the rafters (on prior notice)

Equipments Used for Rafting

The rafting equipments include paddles/oars, raft(s), safety helmets, life-jackets, waterproof containers and a first-aid emergencey kit. A waterproof drum will be on the raft, where you can put your thing in for the day. This drum cannot take much gear, therefore please be sure to take only the required thing you need on the raft for that day.

There are 5 Rafts available with us, with a each Raft having a capacity of 8 pax plus one river guide and one rafting helper

Rafting Courses

Rafting courses are conducted by trained and qualified river guides of GMVN. These course are usually held in the months of sept. to April. GMVN conducts 3 day introuductory, and 5 day course. The facilities are: boarding, lodging, rafting equipment and training charges at Kaudiyala.

[For the latest accommodation tariff, rafting charges, course fee and course calendar, please refer to additional material provided with this brochure, the GMVN website: www.gmvnl.com or get in touch with the General Manger (Tourism), GMVN Ltd. Or any of the company PROs.]

Paddle Boating, Kayaking, Double water or Mono-skiing. The entire water ski equipment, paddle boats, kayaks, rowing boats and surfing boards are available here to the day visitors, on a very nominal charge.

The accommodation facility at Assan Barrage has a total capacity of 20 beds. Very nearby is the Dakpathar quest house which offers a host of lodging facilities. This TRH also has a swimming pool on offer. The Canteen at Assan Barrage offers snacks throughout the day and meals on order.

Water Skiing Courses

GMVN conducts 5- days Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certificate course on water – skiing at Assan for water sports enthusiasts. Training is provided by well qualified instructors from GMVN.

Water Skiing courses at Assan are usually held in the months of April to mid-june and then sept to Oct.

The course includes ski- equipment, training, boarding and lodging. For the lates hire charges, accommodation tariffs, course fee and course calendar, please refer to additional material provided with this booklet, the GMVN websit:

www.gmvnl.com or contact the Adventure cell, GMVN Ltd., 74/1 Rajpur Road, Dehradun. 248001 India.

(Please note that you need NOT be a course participant to make use of GMVN equipment. This is available on hire to day visitors as well.)

Insurance:

You have to be insured against medical and other accidental risks. GMVN Ltd. assumes no responsibility for injury to participants or personal time and expenses incurred. We hold no responsibility for any unforeseen events that may arise on the rafting trip.

Tehri Garhwal - The Submerged Beauty Of Uttarakhand

Tehri Garhwal was very well known for its historic forts is one of the well known districts of Uttarakhand. Situated nearly 75 kms from Rishikesh Tehri is the central place between Uttarkashi and Rishikesh.

Some of the prominent places of Tehri Garhwal includes PratapNagar, Narendra Nagar, Chamba, Chandrabadni, Devprayag etc. This historic place is now submerged as a consequence of World's third largest power plant construction - Tehri Dam.

The whole district headquarter of Tehri has now been shifted to newly created Tehri called as "New Tehri". This is the only district of uttarakhand which is completely establish with a proper master plan.

Rishikesh – The Yoga Capital of India

At the foothills of the Himalayas along the banks of the sacred river Ganga, lies the town of Rishikesh. The first town this holy river reaches on its descent from the mountains, Rishikesh, is a town of many Ashrams and Hermitages and most major Ashrams including Vivekananda Ashram, Sivananda, Osho, Bihar School of Yoga, having their Yoga centers. Popularly adored for its scenic beauty dotted besides the holy Ganga, Rishikesh is traditionally known as the spiritual capital of the globe. Most of the temples and ashrams are on the banks of the Ganga at Rishikesh.

From the music legends like “The Beatles” to new age celebrities – everyone wants to come down to this city of Yogis and temples. During the mid-1960s, The Beatles visited Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram (now closed) and several other artists, including Mike Love of The Beach Boys, Donovan and Gyp Mills, visited the site to contemplate and meditate. It seems modern Rishikesh experiences little shortage of people traveling from all over the globe in pursuit of enlightenment and spiritual bliss.

The city attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, from all parts of India as well as from around the world. It is also becoming a hot spot for white water rafting enthusiasts, both from India and foreign tourists, as it offers medium to rough rapids in the course of River Ganga.

Rishikesh represents the gateway to the Himalayas in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. The Char Dham Yatra (Four Shrines Sacred Journey) ideally begins from Rishikesh. Located at a height of 1360 feet above the sea level, it is believed that through the ages, the yogis and sages lived and practices penance here and it represents the site where Vishnu vanquished the demon Madhu Kaitav.

This holy town is 228 Km Northeast of  Delhi and 24 Km north of Haridwar and spreads on the right bank of holy river Ganga, at its confluence with the Chandrabhaga stream. The name Rishikesh is loosely applied to an association of five distinct sections encompassing not only the town but also hmlets and settlements on both sides of the river. These include Rishikesh itself, the commercial and communication hub; the sprawling suburban Muni-ki-reti or the “sands of the sages”; Shivananda Nagar, north of Rishikesh; the temple section of Lakshman Jhoola; and the assorted ashrams around Swarg Ashram on the east bank. You can reach the famous Neelkanth Maha Deva Temple from here.

The Yoga Capital

Rishikesh is internationally termed as Capital of Meditation and Yoga. The town is famous for its yoga sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. The city has several yoga centers that attract domestic as well as foreign tourists. It is believed that meditation at the bank of river Ganga in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of salvation, or moksha, as it does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. 

The ancient art of Indian Yoga is very special, physical, breathing and spiritual exercises to get a perfect balance between the physical, psychological and spiritual health.

An annual international Yoga Week Festival is organized in Rishikesh, usually during the months of march . Leading spiritual leaders, yoga teachers, meditation teachers, naturopath doctors and thousands of devotees participate in the festival.

Major Yoga Learning Centres at Rishikesh

Some of the major ashrams and yoga learning centers at Rishikesh are:

Paramarth Niketan

Sivananda Ashram

Yoga Niketan

Omkarananda Ashram

Vanprastha Ashram

Ve Niketan Dayanand

Vedanta Ashram

Vanmali Gita Yogashram

Best Time To Visit Rishikesh

Winters last from November to march here, when temperatures fall below 5-6°C. The monsoons are generally experienced in the month of July and August. With introduction of river rafting on Ganges, adventure tours and increasing interest of people in traditional Indian activities like yoga, meditation and Ayurveda has made Rishikesh the preferred destination round the year.