Join the Mystical Roopkund Trekking Tour of Trip 360

1. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Overview Roopkund, located in the state of Uttarakhand, is a high altitude glacial lake and one of the most popular trekking destinations in India. On your journey, you will be captivated by stunning views of the Himalayan landscape as you trek your way through alpine forests, bubbling streams, verdant grasslands, steep mountain slopes, and snow- sprinkled trails. Marvel at the scenery of the Neel Ganga river while crossing the iron bridge of Raun Bagad, soak in spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas from Ali Bugyal, and admire the jaw-dropping views of Mt. Nanda Ghunti at Bhagwabasa. Scattered with several skeletal remains, Roopkund lake itself is also covered in a shroud of mystery. With Mt. Trishul looking over the climb up to the Roopkund Lake, this trail is bound to be an ethereal experience. Highlights: • Camping in the Ali Bugyal, the other twin of Bedni Bugyal, together considered to be the largest alpine grasslands in Asia. • A stay amidst the picturesque environs of Ghora Lotani. • Camping at snow-capped Bhagwabasa, surrounded by panoramic views of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti. • Experiencing the mystical beauty of the Roopkund Lake, also known as the Skeletal Lake. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 1/9

2. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Detailed Itinerary Your first day of the trip begins as you reach Kathgodam early in the morning, a scenic small town in Uttarakhand. Literally meaning 'timber depot', Kathgodam serves as the entry point to many tourist expeditions in the state. Here, we will be met by our tour guides who will familiarise us about the trail. From here, we head towards Lohajung, which is considered as a base station for Roopkund and other treks in the region. Since the roads start narrowing from this point on, we will reach Lohajung only by evening. DAY 1 Today, with backpacks in tow, everyone is geared up to embark on the trek! Soon after having our breakfast, we walk towards Didna and cross the beautiful waters of the Neel Ganga river via the iron bridge of Raun Bagad. We will forego an alternative and easier route through Wan as it would mean missing the views of delightful backdrops. After crossing the river, we reach Didna, a charming village perched on the slopes of the high mountains in about an hour and a half's time. We will have a night's stop here to recharge our batteries. DAY 2 Prep yourself up for our big trek as we flag off towards Ali Bugyal, which can be reached via two routes - by crossing Tolpani (a series of huts belonging to shepherds) and Tolkaan. But if you want a more challenging day, we will directly walk to Ali Bugyal, which is a steeper incline. After reaching Ali Bugyal in two and a half hours, we enjoy the spectacular views of the Garhwal Himalayas and rich biodiversity of the region. The more adventurous among us can explore nearby areas. We spend the night at a campsite in Ali Bugyal, which is renowned for being one of the planet's finest grasslands! DAY 3 Today is the easiest day of the trek as we head towards Ghora Lotani. This trail passes through beautiful alpine meadows and dense forests of oak, burans and bamboo trees. It leads us to a straight line crossing Patar Nachauni and Bedni Bugyal. On the way, we cross a series of mountains, various water bodies and spot the stunning Himalayan magpies. After reaching Ghora Lotani, we bask in the splendid landscape of the locale along with our fellow trekkers. Sipping on a cup of tea while enjoying the views of the magnificent landscapes set amidst snow-capped mountain peaks is an experience to cherish! DAY 4 Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 2/9

3. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Detailed Itinerary Bhagwabasa is the last camping site where trekkers commence their final climb to the Roopkund Lake. At a height of 14,029 feet and 3 kms away from the lake, this place is isolated and in the midst of scattered rocks and stones. Today, as we embark towards Bhagwabasa, we will be trekking through snow- filled trails and also experience a considerable rise in altitude. The trek takes us to an altitude of 14,500 ft. In order to get acclimatised to the weather, we will have an early start. We will reach Bhagwabasa after crossing the Kelwa Vinayak temple. From this vantage point, you will be able to see the entire western Garhwal Himalayan range, and the Chaukhamba, Nanda Ghunti and Trishul mountain peaks. DAY 5 Since our trek entails walking in hard snow today, we will begin our trek at 5 am. It is going to be an arduous hike since we have to trek uphill for approximately 5 kms before we reach Roopkund. The glacial lake of Roopkund, situated at a height of around 5,000 m, is an enigmatic destination due to the many skeletons found scattered around and in the lake. The remains date back to the 9th century. The legend of the lake is intertwined with the Nanda Devi Raj Jat, a pilgrimage undertaken every twelve years in Uttarakhand. If the weather permits, we will also trek to Junargali, which literally translates as 'the alley of death'. It is a narrow path carved in a precipitous cliff with a sheer drop on one side and jagged rocks on the other. After experiencing the surrealism and spiritualism in the holy environs of Roopkund, we will now begin our descent towards Bedni Bugyal, which is the other twin of Ali Bugyal, also known for its flowering plant the 'brahmkamal'. We will take a well-earned break with some hot soup and delicious food at our campsite. DAY 6 After breakfast, get your backpacks ready as we head for Lohajung today! We will enjoy a leisurely walk to Wan through the pine and oak forests with amazing views of Mt. Trishul all around us. We reach Wan after crossing the Neel Ganga river which offers the trekker a few moments of respite with its ice-cold waters. From here, a vehicle will pick us up and take us to Lohajung. This road trip will take around six hours. Enjoy great views of the Himalayan countryside and life in quaint villages during your ride. DAY 7 We have come to the end of our trek, so make sure you have taken enough pictures to show off back home! After breakfast, take a moment to reminisce on all the memorable experiences of this expedition with your group members. After bidding farewell to our fellow travellers, we will head for the airport/railway station towards our respective destinations. Please share your feedback on adventure@trip360.com DAY 8 Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 3/9

4. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Price Hub Single Accommodation Twin Sharing Accommodation Ex Kathgodam 18,500 17,000 Inclusions / Exclusions Inclusions • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary. • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary. • Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary. • Sightseeing as specified in the itinerary. • Travel Insurance. • Trek Leader accompanied by Local trekking guides. • Camp staff. • Cooking & kitchen staff. Exclusions • Any transportation to / from Kathgodam. Your tour price starts Ex Kathgodam. • Optional activities. • Entrance fees to monasteries / monuments. • Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary. • Personal expenses, tips, laundry, telephone calls, personal medicines, alcoholic beverages, etc. • Costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control. • Any items / services not specifically mentioned under inclusions • Government Service Tax of 5.0%. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 4/9

5. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Travel Tips Type of Accommodation Accommodation will be on twin sharing basis. We will set up campsites at all locations. A homestay is also included in this trip. Type of Food Quality hygienic food prepared by our experienced cooks will be served during the trek. Choice of Veg/non veg, Indian, continental and Chinese food will be available during the trek. Clothes to carry While walking the body heats up and all we need to wear is a T-shirt & cargos/ trousers. However all our warm clothes will come into play in the mornings / evenings when we aren't doing much physically. A good base layer which could be a thermal top (polypropylene), with a T-shirt on top will keep you warm and dry. Mid layers provide insulation so anything that is warm will do e.g. a medium thickness woolen jumper or a mid-weight fleece top, along with another lightweight fleece top will suffice. If you really feel the cold, substitute the thinner layer with a down jacket. The outer layer is the final layer between you and the elements and must be capable of keeping out the wind, rain and snow. Any good waterproof, windproof jacket would do the job. Leg wear in the form of thermal long johns are invaluable. A good sun hat is very essential. Sunglasses which offer 100% UV protection are necessary to combat strong daylight. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 5/9

6. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Travel Tips Equipment Checklist The following is a list of things that we suggest that you take with you. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel are essential for your comfort and convenience. However we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable. • Ankle high Trekking Boots (Worn In) • Clothing Apart from the regular clothes • Thermal Underwear / Long Johns (Upper + Lowers) • Quick dry Trousers • Shirt / T- Shirt • Warm Fleece / Jacket • Insulating Layers • Down Clothing (optional) • Wind protection and Rain protection gear Extremities: • Hands (gloves - 2 pair woollens or hard shell) • Feet (socks - 2/3 pair nylon + 2/3 pairs woollen), • Head (balaclavas / woollen, sun hat, bandana etc.) • 4 Season Sleeping bag (-5 deg C or lower) • A tough duffel bag / rucksack / soft travel bag which is carried by porters • A ruck pack which one needs to carry oneself (atleast 50lit) Other Gear: • Sunglasses • Headlamp / Torchlight • Trekking Poles (optional) • Water bottle - should have at least two 1 lit bottles (hard plastic to be able to fill in hot water at high camps) • Personal toiletries: toothbrush, comb, sunscreen, lip balm etc. • Personal recreation: camera and film, books, music, cards etc.(Important for those long boring times when the weather turns bad) • Hand Sanitizer • Small personal First Aid Our Crew All trekking groups will have a support staff of a cook, assistant cook, helpers/ camp boys and Local guide etc. Number of crew members depends on the size of group. Flight Information You can choose to arrive in Delhi anytime on day 1 of the trip. Please send us your flight details in advance so that we could arrange your transfers to the hotel. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 6/9

7. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Travel Tips Medication & First Aid First aid kit is provided with each group which consist of basic medicine dealing with mountain sickness. Altitude considerations Travel to any part of the Indian Himalayas deserves a little more respect than many other mountain ranges because most of the regions lie in high altitudes 2500 meters (8000 ft). This is not something that you should worry about. The human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures and there is plenty of oxygen even at the highest point of our trips. However, this process of adaptation or acclimatisation does take time and the most important rule is to gain height slowly. This trip itinerary gives the best possible acclimatisation programme within the limitations of a 2 and a half week holiday. Our trek leaders are widely experienced in these matters and will be able to give you good advice to help minimise any temporary discomfort that you might experience. If you have suffered serious problems at altitude before, you should seek the advice of your doctor or a specialist. We are always ready to give advice on this subject. We do not take heart or lung patients, or pregnant mothers on such trips. Luggage Info You can carry luggage up to a maximum of 15 kgs. There will also be by backup vehicles/ porters or ponies depending on the nature of trek. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 7/9

8. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Travel Tips Books to Read Kamet Conquered: The Historic First Ascent of a Himalayan Giant by Frank Smythe: Published in the year 1932, the book describes the author's expedition to climb Kamet, which is located at a height of 7,756 metres in the year 1931. Even if Smythe was an experienced mountaineer, the description of various difficulties faced during the expedition make the readers experience discomfort even while reading about it. Forest Rest Houses A Living Natural and Cultural Heritage by B.R. Anjali and S. Singh (Authors) and Somendra Singh (Photographer): The forest rest houses in Uttarakhand are one of the best places to be one with nature. The book, with the help of brilliant photographs, describes numerous forest rest houses which aim to inspire the readers to visit these houses and explore their rich history and cultural heritage. The Folded Earth by Anuradha Roy: From the widely acclaimed author of An Atlas of Impossible Longing, a powerful and triumphantly beautiful novel set in contemporary India, about a young woman forging a new life in the foothills of the Himalayas. Approximate Group Size 2 to 15 persons Money to carry 10 to 15 thousand INR Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 8/9

9. THE MYSTICAL ROOPKUND TREK 8 days, 7 nights Travel Tips Tipping All tipping is optional and by no means mandatory, however if you feel that your staff and drivers have performed at a good or excellent level, it is a great way to let them know you appreciate their efforts. Call:1800 123 6898 E-mail : adventure@trip360.com Website: http://www.trip360.com/trekking 9/9