HIMALAYAN HEIGHTS

In the shadows of the high Himalayas, take a slow, green holiday this summer... Along the way, discover why eco journeys are much more rewarding than you thought!

- SHEETAL VYAS

Long before 'tourism' as we know it came into existence, Uttarakhand drew the most intrepid travellers to its glacial gates in the Himalayas... From itinerant traders to spiritual seekers, who travelled light and spent days at every pitstop along the way to truly experience the beauty of a place and the love of its people.

If the modern traveller takes a leaf out of their books today, and travels in a way that is gentle on the planet, Uttarakhand promises to reward her with the most immersive, most unforgettable journeys.

ELEMENTAL RUSH

Rishikesh-Tons Valley
The mighty Ganga is always exhilarating. Add the thrill of rafting or kayaking over her speedy white waters, and it becomes a memorable adventure. The runs at Rishikesh can be of varying lengths, starting from beginner-level 1-day trips.

The 25-km stretch ranges from gentle to challenging with over 12 rapids of grade 3+. Expeditions India (expeditionsindia.com) offers exciting 3-day and 5-day trips. The former starts 90km upstream from Rishikesh going up to Alaknanda. The 5-day trip hazards some of the most technical and challenging white waters on the Alaknanda with rapids of grades 4 to 5.

As for trekking, amidst the wide range of choices Uttarakhand provides, the Tons Valley, with the pretty River Rupin gurgling through it, is an underrated gem. Tons Trails (tons.travel), which began to operate out of a small village called Kalap now works with local communities in 37 villages and offers many treks and experiences.

Rishikesh is 263 km/5hrs from Delhi and Tons Valley is 183kms/6½2hrs from Dehradun