VALLEY OF FLOWERS
A cultural tour of India

The Valley of Flowers is an outstandingly beautiful high-altitude Himalayan valley that has been acknowledged as such by renowned mountaineers and botanists. In Hindu mythology is rich in the story of the god Hanuman of who flew to this valley in search of a rare medicinal flower to cure the injured Lakshman - the legendry hero of Ramayana. Its gentle landscape, breathtakingly beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of access complements the rugged, mountain wilderness for which the inner basin of Nanda Devi National Park is famous. The unique thing about this Valley is that it blooms with beautiful flowers in July & August. The natural beauty is so striking that the Valley Of Flowers has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The journey immerses us in the spiritual ambience. From Jamaia Masjid in Delhi to Golden Temple in Amritsar, from Aarti at Holy Ganges at Rishikesh to the Sikh Gurudwara and the Lakshman temple at Hemkund this is a pilgrimage in many senses.

Tour Summary	Map
Day Place 01-02 Delhi 03 Delhi / Amritsar 04 Amritsar / Haridwar 05 Rishikesh / Rudraprayag 06 Rudraprayag / Joshimath 07 Joshimath 08 Joshimath / Govindghat / Ghangaria 09 Valley of Flowers 10 Hemkund / Ghangaria 11 Ghangaria / Govindghat / Joshimath 12 Joshimath / Rudraprayag 13 Rudraprayag / Deharadun 14 Deharadun / Delhi / Agra 15 Agra / Fatehpursikri 16 Agra / Delhi	Incredible !ndia

DAY 01 (THU) JUL 22, 2010: Arrive DELHI (INDIA)
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, after immigration and custom formalities, we are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: The Metropolitan Hotel, Delhi (2 Nights)

DAY 02 (FRI) JUL 23: DELHI
The capital of India is a true reflection of the old and new. We start our morning tour with New Delhi and visit Birla House - The Former Residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Then we visit the famous India Gate followed by the Houses of Parliament, Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutb Minar - a perfect minaret towering 102 meters into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of Mughal India, Hindu India, British India and modern India.
Our afternoon tour concentrates on Old Delhi, starting with the famous Red Fort, built by Shah Jehan; this was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. Next we visit another Mughal majesty, the Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. We end our tour with a visit to Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. (B)

DAY 03 (SAT) JUL 24: DELHI / AMRITSAR (Train)
Today we are transferred to the railway station for our morning train to Amritsar. We witness an interesting rural Punjab scenery on the route. After our comfortable arrival at Amritsar, we visit the Golden Temple the most hopliest city of the Sikhs. Here we witness readings from the Holy Scripture which is religiously brought every day in a vivid procession from the Akal Takhat (the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs). Singing is central to Sikh worship when hymns from the Holy Scripture are recited Kirtan and waves of the classical ragas, a sublime blend of voice & music, touches the core of our souls.
Later we drive to the Indo-Pak Border to watch the interesting retreat ceremony between the border security forces of India and Pakistan. The sound from the Bugles blown together from both sides paints past on the canvas when India and Pakistan were one, simultaneously flags of the two nations are ceremoniously retrieved marking the end of the day. Amidst thunderous applause from supporters of both sides, this point is the only land route between India and Pakistan.
Overnight: Ista Hotel, Amritsar (1 Night) (B)

DAY 04 (SUN) JUL 27: AMRITSAR / HARIDWAR (Train)
A 0700AM departure on the deluxe Shatabdi train, we arrive at 1355 where we are met and driven to Rishikesh, a very important Hindu pilgrimage site. The cluster of Ashrams and temples gives the entire place an ambience in spirituality. The ceaseless flow of the river, regarded as Goddess Ganga adds to the beauty and the purity of the place. Along the river, the area is filled with thick green forests in the all-mountainous region. Rishikesh is famous for its yoga sessions that are taught here by many yoga experts. Besides the sadhus and saints, many tourists too visit this place every year to experience Rishikesh – a place that got much publicity after the Beatles sojourn with Maharsha Mahesh Yogi. If the wonderful scenery and the numerous pilgrimage sites were not enough, Rishikesh also makes some of the most popular adventure sport destinations in India. River rafting, trekking, rock climbing, hiking etc are some of the activities one can easily opt for here. Later in the day we visit Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Geeta Bhawan and other temples & ashrams. After aarti and dinner we meet the crew and trip leader for our briefing on the trek.
Overnight: Shiva by the Ganges Hotel, Rishikesh (1Night) (B, D)

DAY 05 (MON) JUL 26: RISHIKESH / RUDRAPRAYAG (Drive 6 hrs)
Named after Lord Shiva (Rudra), Rudraprayag is situated at the holy confluence of Alaknanda and Mandakani rivers, The presence of two separate routes for Badrinath and Kedarnath Dham from Rudraprayag render great importance to the place. The entire region is blessed with immense natural beauty. In the morning we take a scenic drive along Ganges and Alaknand rivers to Rudraprayag, Arrive Rudraprayag and we are transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Monal Resort, Rudraprayag (1 Night) (B, D

DAY 06 (TUE) JUL 27: RUDRAPRAYAG / JOSHIMATH (Drive 5 Hrs)
Another day of scenic drive to Joshimath popular centre of pilgrimage, visiting enroute three of the five most important confluences of Garhwal Himalayas i.e. Karanprayag, Nandprayag, Vishnuprayag. We arrive Joshimath our base for trekking to the famous Valley Of Flowers. The season here is short lived. It starts from mid-July and lasts till end-August
Overnight: Hotel Dronagiri, Joshimath (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

DAY 07 (WED) JUL 28: JOSHIMATH
An interesting day ahead as we study life in spirituality in the mountains as we tour Joshimath and visit Bhvishya Badri Narsingh temple, immensely popular among the devotees. The temple enshrines the lion-headed image of Narsingh. People from all the corners of the globe come to this sacred place to worship the Lord Narsingh, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Afternoon at leisure. Evening briefing about the trek. (B, L, D)

DAY 08 (THU) JUL 29: JOSHIMATH/GOVINDGHAT/GHANGARIA (drive/trek)
Early morning we drive to Govindghat, a small hamlet situated at the confluence of Alaknanda and Laxman Ganga. From here we trek to Ghangaria. From Govindghat there is a gradual ascent along a well maintained pilgrim trail to the camp at Ghangaria. This is the base from where day walks can be made into the valley of flowers. We arrive Ghangaria and camp. As camping within the Valley of Flowers is not permitted. In 1931 Frank Symthe, a British naturalist and mountaineer, stumbled upon it by chance on this valley. He was so attracted towards the beauty of the place he named it as "Valley of Flowers”. He authored a book called "The Valley of Flowers" which unveiled the beauty and floral splendors of the valley and thus threw open the doors of this verdant jewel to nature-enthusiasts all over the world. Local legend associates the valley of flowers has been associated spiritually with the name of' Hanuman the legendry hero of Ramayana.
Overnight: Camp in Ghangaria (3 Nights) (B, L, D)

DAY 09 (FRI) JUL 30: VALLEY OF FLOWERS
A final 4 kms easy trek gets us to the most important point of our journey, the Valley of Flowers. Nestled high in West Himalaya, the valley as it blooms with hundreds different beautiful flowers and the various shades of colours by an impressive array of rare wildflowers like Brahma kamal, Fane Kamal with range of small-multicolored flowers. The sheer number of certain flowers is so large that most people tend to think that there are only a few kinds of flowers there. Sometimes one has to wade in knee-deep flowers to reach an area, which could have flowers of a different kind. The more you look, the more you see, and there doesn't seem to be a limit to it. We find Himalayan Hogweed present in large numbers. Then there is most beautiful white flower that turns pale pink and then rosy red with time. Low on the ground, masses of wooly white flowers, the famous Edelweiss; Edelweiss is the symbol of the Alps. It usually grows in inaccessible places, at high altitudes in the mountains of Europe, Asia, and South America. Its white colour is considered in Switzerland a symbol of purity and beauty. Various shades of blue, spread throughout the tiny beautiful blue flowers called forget-me-not and much sought after the blue poppy infect, some Japanese tourists come only to have a look at this charming Himalayan flower. Then there are the unusual blue geraniums. It is just incredible the 10 kms long, 2 kms wide valley which is divided by the Pushpawati stream, and several tiny streams and waterfalls is filled with White, blue, pink, yellow flowers the kind of shades reflecting in the snow-clad peaks including Nilgiri Parbat (6474 m) stand in bold relief against the skyline. From February to September every year over 79 species of flower bloom in the Valley of flowers National Park. It was declared a national park in 1982, and now it is a World Heritage Site since 1988. After enjoying the beauty of valley we return to Ghangaria. (B, L, D)

DAY 10 (SAT) JUL 31 HEMKUND / GHANGARIA (Trek 7 Hrs)
A steep trek from Ghangharia leads to this spot in about six hours.
It is an important pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs There is a Sikh Gurudwara and a Lakshman temple built on the bank of the lake. Encircled by seven snow clad peaks and their associated glaciers; it reflects its surroundings enchantingly on its crystal clear serene waters. The glaciers from Hathi Parvat and Saptrishi peaks feed the lake and a small stream called Himganga flows out of this lake. As alluded to, in the holy book, Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikh faith had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births. On a clear day one can see the panoramic view of mountain peaks and the valley. Explore the area and trek down to Ghangaria. Meals and overnight camp. (B, L, D)

DAY11 (SUN) AUG 01 GHANGARIA/GOVIND GHAT/JOSHIMATH (trek/drive)
Morning we continue with a short two hours trek leading us to Govind Ghat where our vehicles will be awaiting us to drive us to to Joshimath for our overnight stay.
Overnight: Hotel Dronagiri, Joshimath (1 Night) (B, L, D)

DAY 12 (MON) AUG 02: JOSHIMATH / RUDRAPRAYAG (Drive 5 Hrs)
Our jeep safari continues to Rudraprayag with beautiful scenery.
Overnight: Monal Resort, Rudraprayag (1 Night) (B, L, D)

DAY 13 (TUE) AUG 03. RUDRAPRAYAG / DEHARADUN (Drive 6 Hrs)
Today we head for the enchanting hill station of Deharadun. This is a very scenic drive.
Overnight: Hotel Madhuban, Deharadun (1 Night) (B)

DAY 14 (WED) AUG 4,DEHARADUN / DELHI / AGRA (Train and Drive)
An early morning train gives us beautiful scenery as we depart Deradun for Delhi. The 5:10 departure from Deharadun will get us at Delhi at 11:15 where our transport will be awaiting us for our drive to Sikandra where lie the remains of Akbar the Great - one of the greatest of the Mughal rulers. A very simple mausoleum for a person of his stature. We then proceed to Agra - the city that is home to the most well known of the wonders of the world - the Taj Mahal
Overnight: Jaypee Palace, Agra (2 nights) (B)

DAY 15 (THU) AUG 5: AGRA / FATEHPUR SIKRI
Today we visit the historic monument Taj Mahal, best described as 'poetry in marble' because of its beauty, grace and exquisite workmanship, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1630 as a memorial to his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Surely it is the greatest monument of love, and truly one of the wonders of the world. We also visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, in the later years of his life, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. We then proceed to Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal King, Akbar the Great. The city was later abandoned for lack of water. A superb example of Mughal architecture, it stands perfectly preserved in the desert. We also visit the artistically designed mausoleum of Salim Chisty who is reputed to have prayed for a son for Akbar leading to the birth of Salim Jehangir. (B)

DAY 16 (FRI) AUG 6 AGRA / DELHI (Drive 220 kms)
After our journey to the Valley of Flowers, we are transferred to Delhi airport from Agra for our flights departure flight. (B)

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Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Jul 22, 2010
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar category International airfare & Airport taxes Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) All hygienic vegetarian meals during the trip (Except Delhi, Rishikesh and Haridwar) Insurance & Visas All transfers and sightseeing Sleeping bags (can be arranged locally at an additional cost of $ 50) Train fares Tips & Gratuities Entrances fees to sites included in the tour itinerary   Services of local English speaking guide at Delhi-Rishikesh & Agra   Services of trekking guide, cook and helper during the trek   Portage of one piece of baggage upto 15 kg during trekking   Trekking equipments: tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, mattress, utensils etc
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 2275 US $ 725
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
This tour operates with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Notes - General Conditions
Accommodation: Due to remote location high in the mountains the best available accommodation has been used.
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.