HOMKUND TREK : Besides its rivers, rivulets and streams, Garhwal is famous for its high altitude lakes, which hold up a mirror to the awesome peaks that surround them. Not one of the most beautiful, but certainly the most fascinating lake in Garhwal Himalayas is “Roopkund”, the mystery lake. At an altitude of 4777 metres, this glacial lake is about 50 metres in diameter. It is so named, because of its banks lies the remains of human skeleton of scores of men who perished many centuries ago. Many mythological accounts and stories are heard about the remains, they range from Tibetan traders to refugees to Tughlaks army, who were on a mission to Tibet, under General Zorawar Singh.
Homekund is yet another lake, situated at a distance of 8 kms beyond Roopkund. Homkund is the final destination of Nanda Jat Yatra, commences after every 12 years. Along the route, one can witness the excellent close views of Nanda Ghunti (6309 metres), Trishul (7142 metres), Chaukhamba (7138 metres) and other important peaks.
Apart from lakes and peaks, the trek passes through one of the best ‘Bugyals’ the alpine meadow of the area, i.e. Bedni have long been related to myths and mysteries. Even today, the local people witness the presence of fairies. According to a popular belief the Vedas
Exclusive treks are a part of high altitude treks, which is a sport, reserved for the esoteric trained and equipped with fit in health fitness. The 3200 kilometers vast stretch of the Himalayan chain offers a grandiose and colossus range of scenery. High altitude Trekking has its on delights and danger. While high altitude trekking is a pre- planed affair.High altitude treks is more technical in nature and can be hazardous but this is not in the cause of trekking. Take an awe-inspiring tour of the world’s greatest mountain range–the Himalayas. Through Garhwal & Kumaon Himalayas you can study the geology of these mountains, find why many feel “called” to trek this region, and look closely at the environmental challenges present. Well-written, with beautiful pictures, it’s easy to get a true feeling for the majesty of this part of the world. Let’s Explore and rendezvous the great Himalayas with us
A 13 Nights 14 days trip which involves trek to one of the high altitude Himalayan lakes and spiritual journey to one of the four most sacred place and source of second most important river of Northern India.
DAY 01. RISHIKESH / JOSHIMATH DRIVE 8- 9 HRS. OVERNIGHT HOTEL
Morning after breakfast drive to Joshimath. The entire drive toady is along the Ganga and Alaknanda river. We stop at Devprayag to visit the confluence at the beginning of the Ganges. Arrive Joshimath and transfer to hotel. Eveing visit the hill town. Dinner and overnight hotel.
DAY 02. JOSHIMATH/ AULI/TALI TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Gradual climbing to Gairson 1 hour in meadow and ½ hour in forest and than medow.View Auli- Neelkanth, Kamet, Hathi parbat, Hathighori, Mukut, Dronagiri and Nanda Devi. Arrive Tali & camp in meadow.
DAY 03. TALI /DHAKWANI TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS.
Tali – Chitarkantha- Gailgarh, Kunwari base, Kunwari pass, Dhakwani- gladual and sleepy mix climbing till to kunwari pass, from kunwari pass descending to Dhakwani medow. Same view.
DAY 04. DHAKWANI / PANA TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Trek in rich forest of OaK , rhododendron steep climbing and steep decending
DAY 05 PANA / SEEMA KHARAK TREK 4-5 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
A 2 hour descending and 2 and ½ hour or 3 hour steep climbing in the forest of Deodar blue pines. (4-5 hours).
DAY 06. SEEMA KHARAK /GHUNI ( RAMANI) TREK 5-6 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
First 1 and ½ hour climbing in the forest there are some small patches of medow on the way. Chechani vinayak (pass) view of Trishuli, around 2 hour gradual descending in the meadow (4-5 hours).
DAY 07. GHUNI / SUTOL TREK 5-6 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS
Easy but long walking In between 5-6 valleys, sutol last village in the confluence Nandakini – Roopkini (8-9 hours).
DAY 08 SUTOL / TALA KAPAR TREK 4-5 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
1 hour steep climbing 1 hour descending walking with the stream 2 hour steep climbing in the forest of blue pine , Oak , rhododendron and burch (5-6 hours).
DAY 09 TALA KAPAR /BHOGUBASA TREK 5-6 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
1 and ½ hour steep climbing the forest, ½ hour in the rocky path of the medow 1 hour flat walking in medow along the river roopkini , around 2 hour steep climbing to Bhagubasa . On the way view of Nanda Ghunti and trishuli, Chaukhamba , Neelkanth (5-6 hours).
DAY 10 BHOGUBASA / ROOP KUND – TREK 6 -7 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
Bhagubasa to Roopkund is easy walking in the flat but in morens ½ hour climbing with same view as last day. (4-5 hours). Kaluka Vinayak (pass) descending till to patar nachwani. The trek to Roopkund , passes through delightful alpine pasture lands and snow fields, offering magnificent views of the Trisul, Nanda Ghunti, Badrinath peaks When the snow melts, human and equine skeletons remains can be seen., some of them with flesh attached. These remains have been preserved in the alpine condition for centuries. It is believed that these are the remains of about 300 persons who died about 500 -600 years ago.
Day 11 ROOPKUND / HOMKUND – TREK 5-6 HRS : OVERNIGHT TENTS
Homkund is at a distance of 15 km from Roopkund but steep via Jiuragali. As per tradition, the four horned ram is bidden farewell here after the religious rituals are performed. The ram, who until now has been walking with the procession, fastened and followed, now moves forward freely and after some moments disappears from the sight . It is said that during olden times, when the tradition of animal sacrifice was prevalent, head of the ram could be seen rolling downwards, which was considered as acceptance of the offerings by God, the Almighty. Homkund is also the main base camp of Nanda Ghunti peak (6309m) and Trishul I,II,III (7120m).
A panoramic view of Himalayan snow – capped peaks as seen while crossing Jiutagali. The peaks seems like to touch them near by. O/N – Camp.
Day 12 : HOMKUND / PATAR NACHANI – TREK 4 -5 HRS OVERNIGHTS TENTS
Today we descend to Patar Nachani, trek through a small meadow and later crossing a spring and a oak forest we reach to our camp side.The entry of fair sex, before Bedni Bughyal, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition has been imposed due to some religious and historical incidents and experience. This may perhaps be considered as an example of biased mentality and infair attitude of infair the sex towards fair sex. But one should not forget what happened when king Yashdhawal disregarded this restriction and went ahead with this queen, ladies and dancers. The king has laid his court here. The barn like rocks in circle are still prominent here, proving the legend. In spite of the religious prohibition Yashdhawal ordered the dancers to dance in a circle, who were immediately transformed into rocks due to the wrath of Gods. Yashdhawal and queen Ballava also met their tragic end at Roopkund.
DAY 13 PATAR NACHANI / BEDNI (Aali)- TREK 5-6 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
The best view of Chaukhamba , Neelkanth and Nanda devi , Trishul. Whole trek is in meadow. Bedni is also known as Vaitarani. Bedni a sloppy fields , where the carpet- like soft green grass welcomes the newcomer. Besides , the multicoloured flowers in the meadows add charm to the aesthetic impulse.
DAY 14. BEDNI / WAN TREK 4 -5 HRS OVERNIGHT TENTS
Steep descending 2 and ½ hour and 1 hour climbing in rich forest of rhododendron, Oak camping in small medow of wan with the view of trishuli (3-4 hours). At Bedni there is a lake in which the Panoramic shawdow of Chaukhamba or Trishul can be seen, while weather is clear.
This flat area is coverd with lusk green grass, a number of flowers can be a part of enjoyment and there is another spot call Neel Ganga valley which gives spectacular views of various peaks as above up to Lohajung khal. Top to ther south as Ali Bughyal,known as Dev Bhumi – the playground of the Gods.Camp at Bedni Kund.(Pond).
A small steep climb up to Gairolo patal, which is a slippery landscape area, further we cross bjojpatra trees, Rag Chimola , later crossing the forest we descend down to Neelganga which disappears by the very sight of Ringaal (Bamboo species). After ascending and descending we reach to Wan a beautiful village situated in the lap of nature.
DAY 15. WAN / LOHAJANG PASS/MUNDOLI TREK 4-5 HRS. OVERNIGHT TENTS.
Easy walking gradual decending around 3 hour and 1 and ½ hour steep climbing to Lohajang pass whole day in rich forest of conifer rhododendron etc. view of trishuli from lohajang pass. The whole route , though a broader one, is ascend and descend. One can enjoy the soothing shade of Oak, Pine, Deodar trees enroute. The denizens of this region are two types, one who graze the cattle of other people on contract / wage basis and reside in the high altitude meadows during summer and rainy seasons. People in second category are somewhat prosperous and they trade in farming and consequently , their houses are one, two or three storied. These houses are strong and durable.
DAY 16. MUNDOLI / ( Shivpuri 15kms up river from Rishikesh ) RISHIKESH DRIVE 9-10 HRS.
Remain the footprint and Trace the step back to Rishikesh. Overnight Hotel / Camp.
Cost: POND £ 80 per person (for group of 2 pax )
4.08% government service tax and permits fees extra.
COSTS include: Road transportation from Rishikesh to Rishikesh by car, Accommodation in Medium Class Hotels (where applicable) on a twin sharing basis, all Meals, tents on twin share basis, cooking tent and utensils, table and chairs, permits and entrance fees,English speaking guide, cooks and porters/mules. We serve variety of food on our trips which includes Indian, western and Chinese.
COSTS exclude: Accommodation in Rishikesh, Personal Insurance, all alcoholic beverages and Expenses of personal nature. Good down sleeping bags can be provide at cost of Rs. 50 per day