Old Badrinath Trail Trek
​Starting: Shivpuri, near Rishikesh
Easy Trip
Anuj

Best Times To Go:
​October - March
5 Nights / 6 Days

  • An ancient pilgrim's route to the holy temple of Badrinath.
  • Walk through little hamlets, past waterfalls, and along the Ganga river.
  • 5 days of trekking in the lower Himalaya. Great for the whole family.

A DELIGHTFUL TREK ON THE OLD BADRINATH PILGRIM TRAIL!

This is a lovely 5-day trek - the perfect quick getaway from Delhi and absolutely ideal for families with young ones or first-time trekkers.

​You can extend the vacation by three days if you like, by going on a Ganga rafting expedition (the rafting section section is strictly for children 14 years and above). So, on Day 6, you can drive back to Shivpuri, or if you like, start to raft down from Umrasu! Details of the longer trip can be found here.

This long forgotten trail has so much to offer pilgrims and outdoors lovers alike. It's low altitude and hence perfect even in the winters. Your highest altitude will be around 1480m (4884 ft) at Danda Nagraj - will be chilly in December/January for sure, but the sun will be out in the day and in the night the tents and sleeping bags are warm and cozy. 
  • WHY TREK WITH MHE​
  • TRIP SNAPSHOT
  • ​DETAILED ITINERARY
  • PRICE DETAILS
  • GEAR LIST & TIPS
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​When you trek with MHE, you can be assured that we are backed by many years in the business of providing safe and sustainable adventure trips. The staff you deal with in the office, all the way through to the guides and porters on trek, have years of experience in safe and enjoyable trekking behind them. We can advise you on the right gear, the right training, and no question is too crazy for us to answer. 

Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are.

We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all certified and trained, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.

​We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first. 

Our "all inclusive" trip means that you are not constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
Trip starts from: Shivpuri - Dehradun Airport or Haridwar, Uttarakhand will be your landing point.
No. of days of the trip: 4 or 5 days (can be customized to your convenience)
No. of trekking days: 5 
Trekking Grade: Easy
​No. of rafting days (if trip is extended): 3
All-Inclusive Cost:
For trekking only: From ₹ 18,980/- per head
For trekking + rafting: From ₹31,940/- per head
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DEHRADUN OR HARIDWAR, DRIVE TO MALAKUNTI, CAMP OVERNIGHT
Arrive at Dehradun airport or Haridwar railway station in the morning. An MHE representative will meet you and drive you up to our forest resort Bull's Retreat. Have lunch, freshen up, meet your trip partners. It's easy to spend an afternoon here - lots of optional activities for the kids  like rock climbing and zip lining. Adults can go for a round of rafting if they like.

At around 4 PM, you will drive up to Malakunti village - your campsite for the night. There's a lovely beach nearby and it's the perfect time for an evening at the beach. Head back to your campsite at sunset, bonfire and dinner.

Camp overnight.
Day 2: TREK MALAKUNTI TO SINGTALI - 6 HRS
After breakfast in camp you will collect your gear and start your trek to Mala village, where the locals are happy to take a break from their farming to chat about life. Pass a waterfall and trek uphill for an hour to a lovely forested area, and on to Nakurchi village where you stop for lunch. Post lunch, it's downhill to the water before crossing the river at the Hanuman Chatti temple. 

Camp overnight near Singtali.
Day 3: TREK SINGTALI  TO BYAS GHAT, 7 - 8 HRS
An early morning wake-up call is in store for you. Today is your lat day and you're heading to Beas Ghat - a beautiful beach on the Ganga river. 

Starting uphill, pass through Mahadev Chatti before the trail changes - depending on the road conditions a detour may be taken. Once back on the trail head downhill to another waterfall, before stopping for lunch at Shimalu village. After lunch, the road follows the river Ganga, where you will see the confluence with the river Beas. Stop for tea at Kandi village before moving on to Byas Ghat, your campsite for the night. Throughout the day on this gentle walk you get the chance to enjoy the flora and fauna of this lovely area, and chat with the locals about their life and community.

Camp overnight at Byas Ghat.
Day 4: ​TREK BYAS GHAT TO DANDA NAGRAJA - 6.5 hrs
​Today you cross the river and reach Silsu village in good time for lunch. Relax in the village awhile before resuming the trek to Danda Nagraj Temple - this part of the trek is steep and a little tough. The temple on top of the hill across the river has some beautiful and breathtaking views of the Bandarpoonch range. Legend has it that when Lord Krishna came here for the first time, he came in the form of a snake and crawled all the way up the ridge to reach the spot where the temple now stands. The most stunning part of the temple are the - bells! Big ones, small ones, tiny ones, enormous ones! Honestly, they're a sight to behold!  

​The locals strong believe that Lord Krishna still stays here and has done so for many centuries. The temple priest is a friendly soul and loves to share the story of the temple over a cup of tea. 

Camp overnight at Danda Nagraj base camp (1480m) with an amazing Himalayan view right ahead!
Day 5: trek danda NAGRAJA to umrasU - 7 - 8 hrs
After breakfast, trek downhill through small villages till the forest where you stop for a leisurely lunch. It's a lovely path and you will come across a village water tap where all the local women collect to fill up their pots. Sitting and chatting with them is truly an eye opener - their lives give you a chance to reflect upon our own, more privileged one. Continue for a short while after lunch before reaching Umraso camp in the early afternoon. The camp faces the Ganga river and the forest beyond - perfect place to sit back, sip a cup of tea and catch your breath. The trekking component of this trip has ended. Your transport will be waiting to take you back to Bull's Retreat, where you will spend the night. 

Overnight Bull's Retreat. Departure the next day.

Or...you could choose to extend the holiday and raft down from Umrasu all the way to Shivpuri - the choice is yours!
Day 6: DEPART FOR HOME
Get ready to head back, pack your bags, have a king's breakfast laid out for you at Bull's Retreat. This is where your trip ends. Depending on your train/flight times, you can choose to head out and explore Rishikesh for a while. Do let us know if you'd like us to arrange the transport for you.

All-Inclusive Costs:​

MHE stands by its principle of "all inclusive" costs. This means that we have no hidden costs and you are not left rummaging for money at the last minute. Do call us for a costing of this trip.

Costs Include:

For Trekking only:
  • 5 nights accommodation in expedition tents on twin sharing basis.
  • All camping equipment including sleeping bags, mattresses, kitchen tents etc.
  • All meals starting from Lunch on Day 1 to Breakfast on Day 6.
  • An experienced staff of trekking/rafting guides, camp managers, cooks and kitchen assistance
  • Pick up and drop off from airport/railway stations and all local transport utilized in the trek to carry your duffel bags.
  • Adventure Travel Insurance that covers you for medical assistance, hospitalization and medical evacuation.
  • All government taxes.

Costs Do Not Include:

  • International/Domestic air fare or train fare.
  • Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations and illness.
  • Medical, Travel, or Evacuation insurance.
  • Expenses of a personal nature - tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
​Gear List and Trekking Tips 
 
What we supply for your trek in terms of gear:

  • When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide.
  • All guides and porters are fully equipped with gear and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear).
  • Sleeping bag and inner based on the altitude (this is supplied is most of our treks. Do check the inclusions under price details to be doubly sure).
 
What gear you will need to bring with you:
  • Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek (if it's not in your inclusions already or if you prfer to use yopur personal one).
  • Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going.
  • Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable).
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help. 

Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
  • Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
  • Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
  • shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
  • A warm jacket / fleece pullover
  • A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
  • A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
  • Woollen or thermal gloves
  • Sun hat and sun glasses
  • Woollen or fleece hat
  • Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
  • Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
  • Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
  • Sandals or flip flops for camp
  • A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
  • Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
  • Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
  • Sun block and lip balm
  • Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
  • Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
  • Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
  • Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
  • laundry separate from clean clothes!
  • Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
  • WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
  • HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
  • Your sense of humour and adventure!
 
What to take with you in your day pack:
  • Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
  • 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
  • Sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
  • Warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
  • Water proof layer
  • Head torch
  • Hand cleaner
  • Your camera
  • Any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
  • CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
 The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).

Food on trek:
  • You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2-minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get real food, home cooked style. And plenty of it!​
  • If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
 
Some tips for staying healthy:
  • Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
  • Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
  • Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
  • During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
  • It is recommended that your personal medical kit includes not only your preferred painkillers, but also throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost.
  • If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

The trails:
  • Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
 
Be prepared for the weather:
  • Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
  • Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, anyone poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
  • You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
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Tipping and cash requirements:
  • While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some  money for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes.
  • The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common  but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. Needless to say, you should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
 
Photographing and interacting with local people:
  • During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language!
  • If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
  • Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help these children and we recommend you support them instead of encouraging them to beg. One other way is to collect books, pencils and other such articles and donate them to village schools you will find on your way.

Considering the Environment:
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some simple tips.
  • While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment - people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
  • Pick up any litter along the trail.
  • Burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
  • Try and avoid making a campfire - if you must, be sure to use only fallen wood. Do not consume food cooked on wood fires.
  • Drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem.
  • Stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
  • Ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
 
Insurance:
  • All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Where to next?
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