Itinerary
Sacred Journey with the Ganges into the Himalayas
Day 1 – Australia to New Delhi
On arrival at New Delhi – you will be met by your driver and guide, then driven to the hotel – check in and relax in your room. We will meet in the afternoon and share a meal together at a local restaurant.
Oh Delhi! Love it or hate it, Delhi is a feast for the senses – HOT and busy – it pulses with a relentless rhythm like few other cities on the planet. Give the Indian capital a chance, there are extraordinary riches steeped in history and overflowing with modern life – monuments, mosques, ancient markets and amazing architecture. Let’s hop in together for a couple of days.
Overnight: Delhi
Day 2 – New Delhi
After breakfast you will be driven out from the hotel for a privately guided FOOD tour of Old & New Delhi – covering the Juma Masjid (mosque), the buzzing markets of Old Delhi by rickshaw & on foot, after which you will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. India is many countries and cultures under one canopy & nothing can live up or come close to its diverse cuisine – the lunch will allow you to taste one of many regional cuisines of India. Post lunch – continue to explore a bit of New Delhi to see the Islamic past of Delhi.
Overnight: Delhi
Days 3–5 – New Delhi to Haridwar
Early morning train journey to Haridwar – known as the Gateway to Gods – one of the holiest cities in India. Haridwar is located at the point where the Ganges River emerges from the Himalaya. Hindu pilgrims arrive here in droves to bathe in the fast-flowing Ganges.
A spiritual magnet of India, Haridwar comes alive every evening on the Ganges with the Aarti – a river worship ceremony. Hundreds and thousands of worshipers descend for the Ganga Aarti with flickering flames, bells, flower petals, candles are lit and placed on the river to drift away downstream. Millions of devotees visit each year to take a holy dip in the Ganges – WE WILL TOO!
We will settle into our hotel hidden away in a little corner of Haridwar – this blissfully quiet place is your base for three nights. After lunch – we will visit a few of the temples in this quaint and charming holy city.
In Haridwar, we will visit a temple only accessible on foot, take our own private holy dip in the cool, sacred Ganges, join the wild and deeply moving evening river worship ceremony, and visit a temple with a joyful monk who has sat in silence for 15 years.
We will also visit the Moti Bazaar, pulsing in the heart of Haridwar. An incredible way of experiencing everyday life – it is BUZZING! A place to shop, set in many twisting laneways, famous for religious relics, beads, clothing – you name it!
This city will leave your soul uplifted!
Overnight: Haridwar
Days 6–9 – Haridwar to Chamba
After breakfast, we begin our journey following the Ganges up into the foothills of the sacred Himalaya. We drive along the Mandakini and Bhilangana Rivers – the scenery is beautiful and we will make several stops, including a chai wallah who has been serving smoky chai for over 45 years.
We stay at a retreat perched in the foothills of the Himalaya with a stunning view over the snow-capped mountains. The yoga space has one of the best views from any yoga room I’ve experienced. The retreat also has an Ayurvedic Spa to melt away in.
Set amongst humble mountain villages, we will take several walks to visit local families. Everyone offers chai! Our hosts will also offer a private cooking class. Nearby, a Shiva temple hosts a Sadhu who was silent for 10 years and now offers a private Puja blessing in a peaceful mountain temple.
This is such a special place! We will all take the time to stroll, take an inner journey, and absorb the powerful and healing energy of the Himalayas.
Overnight: Chamba
Day 10 – Uttarkashi to Harsil
Today we continue our winding journey deeper into the Himalaya to our lodge in Harsil, toward the headwaters of the Holy Ganges.
We leave early for Uttarkashi to visit the Vishwanath Temple. The original temple, built in the 19th century, was destroyed in an earthquake, but the giant trident still stands.
We will have a private visit with the pandit of this place who will bless our journey. En route, we pass herb markets and even a café devoted to Krishna Das – a visual feast!
Overnight: Harsil
Day 11 – Harsil to Gangotri
After breakfast, we head to Gangotri, the spiritual origin of the Ganges over 12,000 feet up. This sacred site has drawn saints and pilgrims for millennia.
Legend says the Ganga descended at Gangotri through the locks of Lord Shiva. It is one of the four sites of the Chota Char Dham yatra. The glacier is the source of the Ganges River. We meet the pandit who cares for an ancient library and participate in a private ritual ceremony with the Semwal pujaris – the priests who are bestowed the honour of protecting this sacred place.
Day 12 – Harsil to Uttarkashi
After breakfast, we return to Uttarkashi, stopping at the ashram of a saintly friend who also runs a free hospital. We’ll have a private audience and lunch with him.
Days 13–15 – Uttarkashi to Rishikesh
After breakfast, we drive to Rishikesh – a spiritual magnet and gateway to the Himalaya. Legend has it that Rishi Raibhya did penance here and was blessed by God.
We’ll wander ashrams, including one that houses over 1,000 devotees and another, made famous by the Beatles. We’ll walk past the burning ghats, have our final spiritual bath, and join the powerful evening Ganga Aarti.
Our hotel here is lush – perfect for Ayurvedic massage, shopping, or simply relaxing and soaking in the Himalaya one last time.
Overnight: Rishikesh
Day 16 – Rishikesh to New Delhi – Departure
After breakfast, you will be driven to the Delhi airport. You will arrive in New Delhi in the afternoon and then connect to your outbound flight.
Note: Throughout the whole journey breakfast is included. For 7 days of the journey, all meals are fully provided as we will have a chef join us while traveling through the Himalaya.