Rup Kund, the Mystery Lake, resides in the land of the Goddess Nanda (Goddess Parvati's name before her marriage to Lord Shiva). It was in 1942 that the lake and its mystery were discovered. A forest officer came upon the lake and saw that there were a considerable number of skeketal remains at the bottom. There have been many speculations as to whom the remains belong. The most credible story is that they belong to Raja Jasdal, his wife Rani Balpa (a Garhwali Princess), their two children and the procession which were on a Royal Pilgrimage (The Nanda Devi Raj Jat). To this day pilgrims continue to use this route to make offerings to their beloved Goddess. Trekkers come for the amazing views, beautiful meadows and forests and the intrigue of the lake.
Day 1: New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi late evening, and drive to Mussoorie (about seven hours) a lovely hill station, which gives you your first views of the snow covered peaks. Upon arrival, check in at guesthouse, rest and have a late breakfast or early lunch. The day is yours to unwind and acclimate to your new surroundings. Yoga class will be held in the afternoon before dinner.
Day 2: Mussoorie (1,921m/6,320ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Optional walking tour to Cloud's End or Everest House. Return to Mussoorie by motor transport after lunch.
Overnight in guesthouse
Day 3: Srinagar (579m/1,905ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
We will leave after breakfast for the 5 hour drive (160km) to Srinagar. This town, the third medieval capital of this region, is situated in the widest valley in Garhwal. Its name is associated with the powerful tantric device, the Sri Yantra.
Overnight in guesthouse
Day 4: Lohajung (2,250m/7,403ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Drive 5 hours (165km) to the road head at Lohajung, which means “the rusted iron�. The term refers to the bell that hangs here which is rung to warn the local deity of a human presence.
Overnight in rest house or tents
Day 5: Wan (2,450m/8,061ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Trek 14km (6 hrs) along beautiful fields of mustard and other crops to the Village of Wan, the last one in this area. We begin with an initial descent to follow the river that originates from Bedni Kund, before our final ascent to Wan. Wan is a charming settlement where the people still wear their traditional garb, which is hand spun, and is home to the temple of Latu which sits under one of the largest Deodar (pine) trees in India.
Overnight stay in tents
Day 6: Bedni Bugyal (3,354m/11,035ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Trek 11km (6hrs) ascending through oak, pine and rhododendron forests to reach the flowering alpine meadows known as Bedni Bugayals. The vantage point has impressive panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, from the northwest to the northeast. Trisul (7,120m/23,425ft) and Nanda Ghunti (6,310m/20,760ft) loom above the ridges to the northeast.
Overnight stay in tents |
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Day 7: Patar Nachauni (3,650m/12,009ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Trek 7km (3 hrs) to the meadows of Patar Nachauni and spend the rest of the day relaxing, preparing for the next day's climb.
Overnight stay in tents
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Day 8: Rup Kund (4,450m/14,641ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Trek 14km (7 hrs) via Bagua Basa, a desolate and boulder ridden site, to Rup Kund (Mystery Lake) and retrace our steps back to camp.
Overnight stay in tents
Day 9: Shepherds camp/Kanol (2,286m/7,521ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Trek 14km (6 hrs) mostly descending to the other side of the valley. We will walk over a beautiful ridge offering views of the valley across into sprawling meadows, before entering a forest where we will stop at a shepherd's camp just above Kanol.
Overnight stay in tents
Day 11: Sitel (2,192m/7,212ft)
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
We will trek 10km (5 hrs) descending through one of the finest mixed forests in Garhwal to the road head at Sitel, where there is an excellent campsite next to the river.
Overnight in rest house
Day 12: Srinagar
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Drive 134km (4.5 hrs) to the guesthouse in Srinagar.
Overnight in guesthouse |
Day 13: Mussoorie
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Pack up and depart by 10:00 for the drive back to Mussoorie.
Check in at guesthouse
Day 14: Mussoorie
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
This is a rest day, which leaves plenty of time to walk around town and purchase any last minute gifts for friends and family back home.
Overnight in guesthouse
Day 15: Mussoorie
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
Spend the day relaxing and getting things together for your return. This evening we will spend celebrating the end of our journey.
Overnight in guesthouse
Day 16: New Delhi
Morning yoga at 6:30 before breakfast
We will say our goodbyes and depart for Delhi. Most flights leave between midnight and 2:00AM, so you can rest for a while at the Radisson Hotel and wash up before going to the airport or spend the night, depending upon your travel plans.
Cost per person: US $4,125 based on a 4-person group, US $3,625 based on a 6-person group.
(Prices are subject to change, contact us to confirm quote or to arrange for a private trek quote)
Price Includes: daily yoga instruction, roundtrip ground transportation from Delhi, accommodations and meals while not in Delhi; and equipment such as: two-person tents, dining tent, foam mats, stools and all cooking and kitchen gear; all trekking expenses, support crew and sightseeing within the tour program; professional guides and escorts throughout the trip; all admissions and special service charges as per itinerary.
Price Excludes: international flight and airport taxes; visa and passport fees; medical and trip cancellation insurance; accommodation while in Delhi; any personal expenses such as: laundry, phone calls, alcoholic beverages, gratuity for our crew and any personal medical expenses; personal camping gear such as: sleeping bags, sleeping pads etc. are not included.
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