Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization in Rishikesh
Arrive at Dehradun/Rishikesh. Transfer to the expedition base camp. Evening briefing on safety, paddle commands, and the expedition overview. Overnight at camp.
Day 2: Drive to Kaldubagarh via Sacred Confluences
A scenic 6-7 hour drive into the mountains, passing the pilgrimage towns of Devprayag (where Alaknanda meets Bhagirathi to form the Ganga) and Rudraprayag. Settle into the riverside camp at Kaldubagarh. Final preparation and packing of gear into dry bags. Overnight at camp/hotel.
Day 3: Upper Alaknanda – Chamoli to Kaldubagarh (The Big Day)
Drive to the put-in point at Chamoli. After a comprehensive safety drill, begin the expedition encountering a continuous series of Grade IV/IV+ rapids. The day’s highlight is scouting and potentially negotiating the formidable “Hillary Fall” at Nandprayag. Conclude an exhilarating day back at Kaldubagarh. Overnight at camp.
Day 4: Kaldubagarh to Gauchar
Raft downstream through thrilling rapids towards Gauchar. Pass the confluence at Karnprayag, where the Pindar River merges with the Alaknanda, adding significant volume and power to the flow. Set up camp on a scenic sandy beach for a night under the stars.
Day 5: Gauchar to Rudraprayag & Finale
A “pool and drop” day with challenging rapids. The climax is the arrival at the “Kakar Fall,” a notorious Grade V rapid in a narrow 15-meter canyon. The team will carefully scout and decide on the strategy to tackle or line this rapid. After running the final major rapid, “Holy Hole,” take out at Rudraprayag. Drive back to Rishikesh for a celebration dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Departure from Rishikesh
After breakfast, the expedition concludes. Depart for Dehradun or onward destinations.
