Umrasu to Shivpuri - A Short Trek & Rafting
Starting: Dehradun/Haridwar
Easy Grade Trek
Anuj

2 Nights / 3 Days 

  • A delightful short trek passing through pine forests and little Garhwal hamlets
  • Visit the local Gujjar (nomadic shepherds)
  • Camp beside mountain streams
  • Stay at MHE's forest lodge Bull's Retreat at Shivpuri with a spot of Ganga rafting.​

A lovely short trek! Best time to go: October to March

This delightful short trek passes through pine forests and little Garhwal hamlets, with beautiful mountain views. Visit the local Gujjar (nomadic shepherds), camp beside mountain streams, and finish off with a stay at MHE's forest lodge Bull's Retreat at Shivpuri with a spot of Ganga rafting.
  • 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: Dehradun or Haridwar, Uttarakhand
No. of days of the trip: 4 or 5 days (can be customized to your convenience)
No. of trekking days: 3 or 4
Trekking Grade: Easy
All-Inclusive Cost: Please call us for details
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN DEHRADUN OR HARIDWAR
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. Freshen up, meet your co-grads for the trip, have lunch and get introduced to your trekking team. At around 2 PM, we drive up to Umrasu - our first camp halt for the night. It's a two-hour drive and you will arrive in time for evening tea. Sip a cup (or two!), pack up your day pack, fill your water bottles - we're heading out for a two hour hike into the forest beyond.

Head back once you've stretched those legs a bit, relax, chat and chill. Tomorrow is a long day!

Dinner and overnight camp at Umrasu.
Day 2: TREK UMRASU - DANDA NAGRAJ, 7 - 8 HRS
After an early breakfast in camp you will collect your gear and start your trek to Danda Nagraj Temple through small Garhwali villages, farm lands and forests. Enjoy a packed lunch sitting under huge banyan tree - ah bliss! 

The last 30 minutes of this trek is uphill and before you start that last haul, stop over at the little shop below the hill, buy some chips and cup of tea - all part of our sustainable development motto! The campsite is, in one word - gorgeous!! You get breathtaking views of the Bandarpoonch range right ahead of you. Just find that perfect spot to sip your hot cup of tea and stare at nature's splendour!

You can head out to pay homage to the Danda Nagraj Temple perched on top of a little hill just 15 minutes walk away. 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 locals strong believe that Lord Krishna still stays here and has done so for many centuries. The temple is bathed in...bells! Bells of all shapes and sizes - it's just such a fantastic sight to take in! The priest there is very friendly, feel free to sit and have a little chat with him if he's free.

Overnight in camp. 
Day 3: DANDA NAGARAJ TO ByAaS GHAT, 4 - 5 hrS TREK | 2 HRS RAFTING
An early morning wake-up call is in store for you. Today is your last day and you're heading to Byaas Ghat - a beautiful beach on the Ganga river where your rafts await. A large part of the trek is a steep downhill. You will  pass through Silsu village, cross the river and reach your rafting start point.

From here, it's a 2 hour rafting trip to Kaudiyala with a fantastic waterfall mid-way - the perfect place to stop and cool down! Don't worry, the rapids here are small and you are perfectly safe in the hands of our experienced guides. But if the waters particularly frighten you, our support vehicle will drive you up to Bull's Retreat, where you can wait for the rest of the crew to turn up - wet and hungry:-).

From Kaudiyala, it's a 45 minute drive to Bull's Retreat. Shower, have a late lunch and relax until your evening/night train back to Delhi.
​Our "all inclusive" trip means that you are not constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.

Costs Include:

  • 3 or 4 nights accommodation in expedition camping tents and hotels on twin sharing basis.
  • 3 (or 4*) Breakfasts,  4 (or 5*) Lunches, and  3 (or 4*) Dinners.
  • Pick up and drop off from airport/railway stations 
  • All government taxes included.
 *applicable if you take the Bull's Retreat stay option on Day 4

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 prefer to use your 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.