A scenic drive for 4 hours takes us past the town of Devprayag, where the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi rivers meet to form India's holiest river, the Ganga. We reach Rudraprayag, which is on the road to India's holiest shrines for the Hindus, Badrinath and Kedarnath. Rudraprayag is at the confluence of the Alaknanda and Mandakini rivers, and this is where our multi-dayer begins. Rudraprayag is possibly best known for the infamous man-eating leopard shot down by Jim Corbett in 1932 in its forests. Journeying 128kms to Rishikesh, the run takes you through thick forests and deep gorges, ending each day at a different river beach to make camp for the night, enhancing the adventure of being on the river. Foaming rapids, sandy beaches and starry nights make this a truly outdoor trip, even for the first time rafter. Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi to Rishikesh
Drive 5 hours from Delhi to Camp Silver Sands on the banks of the Ganga (27kms. beyond Rishikesh). Overnight at Silver Sands. We pass through the sugarcane belt of India and reach the holy town of Rishikesh where the Ganga river enters the plains. We check into camp, which is located on a large sandy beach on the banks of the Ganga river - briefing on Camp, its activities and the trip to follow. Campfire dinner and overnight at Camp.
Day 2: Rishikesh to Rudraprayag
A relaxed day at Camp - choose to do an early morning hike or take kayak lessons. After lunch, we drive 4/5 hours from Camp to Rudraprayag. Enroute we stop at Devprayag, to see the confluence of the two rivers (the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi) which meet to form the Ganga. Overnight at Rest House/Hotel.
Day 03
After breakfast, help in getting the rafts readied and packing bags. A detailed safety briefing follows with instructions on paddling commands, rapids to be encountered etc. Expedition begins with a big Grade IV rapid, "The Holy Hole", at the confluence with the Mandakini. Rapids keep coming in quick succession. Soak in the sun, river and scenery, staying alert to help negotiate rapids. Lunch at a waterfall and continue to make camp for the night after Srinagar. Long day on the river, covering about 36 river kms till Maletha beach. Campfire dinner and overnight Camp.
Day 04
Raft down to Devprayag, the confluence of the Alaknanda & Bhagirathi rivers. The river is now called the Ganga. Camp at Beas Ghat, a famous fishing spot for the mahseer, also called the Ganga Gold. Cover 30 kms for the day.
Day 05
A relaxed day with few rapids. A day for swimming, body surfing, relaxing and spotting wildlife. Make 30 kms to reach camp below Kaudiyala, after running a couple of Grade IV rapids, "Daniel's Dip" and "The Wall".
Day 06
Day begins with negotiating a few small rapids, followed by "Three Blind Mice", "Crossfire", and the "Body Surfing rapid". Cover 15 kms to reach Shivpuri and drive back to Silver Sands for the last night on river.
Day 07
Drive down to Shivpuri after breakfast to begin the final day's run with big rapids, the "Roller Coaster" and "Golf Course" to make it an exciting end to a grand adventure. The trip ends near Rishikesh. Lunch and depart for Delhi.
