You ain't going to believe the trip I just had! Well, I finally made it this summer and let me tell you, it was incredible! From seeing the rites on the Ganges to white-water rafting down it full blast, this whole trip was an incredible mixture of spiritual awakening and blood-running adventure. We even stopped off at a very well-situated hill station with some of the most fantastic views I've ever seen! Strap in because I'm about to let loose all the inside information on this epic budget-conscious trip right through the heart of the Himalayas!

Day 1: Delhi to Haridwar (190 km, approx. 5-6 hours)

We began our journey early in the morning. The pre-dawn air in Delhi carried a sense of adventure as we squeezed into car, bound for the Himalayas. The five-hour journey to Haridwar was a visual delight. Rolling green hills gradually transformed into snowy peaks, standing tall against the blue sky.

Reaching Haridwar, we checked into our clean and comfortable hotel near Har Ki Pauri. It is one of the spiritual ghats on the Ganga. Without wasting another minute, we walked to the ghat in the late afternoon. The air breezed with an undeniable energy. There were thousands of pilgrims dressed in vibrant colours, with their faces etched with devotion. They chanted prayers and offered diyas to the mighty Ganga. The sound of chants, the rhythmic clanging of bells, and the gentle murmur of the Ganges created a vibe that resonated deep within. It was the magical atmosphere, it was a connection to something far greater than ourselves.

Day 2: Haridwar - Mansa Devi & Chandi Devi Temples (Full Day)

The next morning, we boarded a thrilling ropeway to Mansa Devi Temple on the Bilwa Parvat. The ride offered unforgettable views of Haridwar and Ganga below. It took a while, but we reached the temple. Needless to say, the ambience was indeed spiritual, and it felt like we were meant to be there at that moment. It was calm and soothing as we prayed in those surroundings. In fact, the unrhythmic temple bells ringing even felt like well-created music.

Descending from Mansa Devi, we again took another cable car to Chandi Devi Temple on Neel Parvat. The views from the top were equally awe-inspiring. It made me believe that the Himalayas were indeed the home of Gods. We stayed there for a while and then returned to the town. Back in town, we explored vibrant markets and couldn't resist indulging in a few souvenirs as a token to take back a piece of Haridwar. Our first day ended with a delectable vegetarian dinner (it was included in our package) and a burst of local flavours that perfectly complemented our spiritual and cultural journey.

Day 3: Haridwar to Rishikesh (22 km, approx. 1 hour)

Leaving behind Haridwar, we headed for Rishikesh, known as the "Yoga Capital of the World." The drive was scenic, following the winding path of the Ganges, its greenish-blue waters sparkling under the sun. Upon reaching Rishikesh, we settled into our comfortable guest house near the ghats and prepared for the day ahead

The afternoon was dedicated to exploring Rishikesh's vibrant soul. We walked across the famous Ram Jhula and Laxman Jhula suspension bridges adorned with colourful prayer flags swaying in the breeze. Below us, the Ganges flowed gracefully by the Triveni Ghar, bringing a sense of peace and vitality. We watched as pilgrims bathed in the holy waters. Their faces reflected a sense of deep peace. The air was thick, with the sweet scent of incense emanating from nearby temples, adding to the mystical charm of the place.

Apart from this, later in the day, as an optional experience, we opted for a rejuvenating yoga session, and the gentle guidance of our instructor helped us find inner peace and connect with our bodies. Later, we chose excitement—a white-water rafting adventure on the Ganga. The icy water provided a refreshing escape from the heat, creating a lasting and unique bond within the group.

Day 4:  Rishikesh - Yoga & Adventure Activities (Full Day)

Since we were in Rishikesh so, a rafting and yoga session-day 2 wouldn't be a bad idea to start. So we did that!

Later in the afternoon, we found ourselves at Swarg Ashram, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The atmosphere was calming and spiritual, perfect for quiet reflection. The ashram's gardens were a quiet place for us to walk and think, with the sound of hymns in the background. As we walked through the serene gardens, the soothing hymns from the main hall filled the air, inviting us to reflect on our journey so far and appreciate the beauty that surrounded us.

As evening approached, we gathered at Parmarth Niketan Ashram for another unforgettable Ganga Aarti ceremony. The scene was breathtaking, with crowds of pilgrims lining the riverbank, their faces glowing in the soft light of the lamps. The priests' rhythmic chants and swaying of the lamps created a mesmerizing display as the flames danced on the water. It was an electrifying moment filled with devotion and peace. We stood spellbound, completely immersed in the beauty and spirituality of the experience.

Day 5: Rishikesh to Mussoorie (80 km, approx. 3 hours) and Departure to Delhi

Our last day! It has to be happening and busy before we depart for Delhi. We begin an exciting day trip from Rishikesh to Mussoorie, exploring three of its top attractions -  Lal Tibba, Gun Hill Point, and Kempty Falls!

Early in the morning, around 6 am, we left Rishikesh for Mussoorie. It took about 3 hours to cover around 80 km. We grabbed a quick breakfast at a restaurant on the way to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

By almost 8 am, we reached mussoorie and travelled towards our first stop – Lal Tibba, which is the Highest Point in Mussoorie. It is also known as the "Red Peak," and it offers stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayas, including peaks like Bandarpoonch, Kedarnath, and Neelkanth. Though we reached there via car but, for the adventurous people, there's a short trek option too! We stayed there for a few hours, and then, by afternoon, we began our journey to the second stop – Gun Hill Point.

We reached the top via cable car ride from the base. It was the highest accessible point in Mussoorie and offered panoramic views of the valley below us. From the top, we saw stunning Himalayan views from a telescope. There's also a small amusement park for some extra fun!

Later, around 2 pm, we had a quick and delicious lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Everything was quick because this was our last day…and we wanted to make the most of it. So after our meal, we ascended towards our third and last stop—Kempty Falls. It was about 15 km from Mussoorie.

The waterfalls and cool pools were a welcome invitation on a warm day. We took a refreshing dip, letting the cool water wash away the fatigue of the journey. Moreover we also opted for a relaxing time on the rocks, and took part in optional activities like paddle boating and ziplining. It added another layer of excitement to the afternoon. After a quality time at the falls, we descend from Kempty Falls towards Delhi.

We boarded our ride back to Delhi with lots of memories. This budget-friendly adventure had been more than just a trip; it was a spiritual awakening, a connection with nature, and a journey of self-discovery. We carried a piece of the Himalayas back with us as a reminder of the simplicity, serenity, and profound beauty that awaited in the heart of these majestic mountains.

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