There were many groups who came to do rafting here and we had to wait for some time before we could enter the boat. We were given life jackets and helmet for protection and a paddle for each. We had to split into two groups as the boat can accommodate only 8 of us. We were accompanied by a guide who gave us some basics in rowing while rafting and made us comfortable by making us to practice some basic lessons. We had to drop our cell phones and cameras in a dry bag as water is going to get all over the boat.
Once we were on the river, we started rowing and the flowing river made our job much easier before we faced our first rapid where we popped in, out, over the rapid within a few seconds. We were in a state of adrenaline rush and eagerly waiting for the next rapids. At some places along the river, the rapids were so turbulent that our boat got elevated and we needed to do sharp maneuvers to prevent our boat from capsizing. After facing some rough and more turbulent rapids, we came on a point where the turbulence of the river reduced and we could do diving there. We enjoyed as much swimming in the flowing river as on the boat during the rapids. We came to a point where we can do cliff jumping and all of us enjoyed it. Actually while jumping from the cliff, you have to be straight into the water but Pavan fell flat on the river which hurt him. It was a thrilling experience doing rafting as well as cliff jumping and one should miss them if they are going to tour Rishikesh. At the end, we got down at Laxman jula and took a holy dip in the river even though we got completely wet during the rafting.
Once we were on the river, we started rowing and the flowing river made our job much easier before we faced our first rapid where we popped in, out, over the rapid within a few seconds. We were in a state of adrenaline rush and eagerly waiting for the next rapids. At some places along the river, the rapids were so turbulent that our boat got elevated and we needed to do sharp maneuvers to prevent our boat from capsizing. After facing some rough and more turbulent rapids, we came on a point where the turbulence of the river reduced and we could do diving there. We enjoyed as much swimming in the flowing river as on the boat during the rapids. We came to a point where we can do cliff jumping and all of us enjoyed it. Actually while jumping from the cliff, you have to be straight into the water but Pavan fell flat on the river which hurt him. It was a thrilling experience doing rafting as well as cliff jumping and one should miss them if they are going to tour Rishikesh. At the end, we got down at Laxman jula and took a holy dip in the river even though we got completely wet during the rafting.
We traveled to Haridwar after having lunch and were able to reach before the arti service. We have to wait for some time as the pooja was going to be performed at 7.00 PM . The place was so much crowded that it was almost impossible to pass through them. Luckily, we were able to squeeze through the crowd and witness the arti from close-by and offered our prayers to maa Gangamayi. After the crowd has dispersed, we took a holy bath in the river Ganga as it said that whoever takes a dip here, all his sins will be cleansed away.
We left for Delhi at around 10.00 PM and the next day we visited Akshardham temple. As the main temple was closed , we couldn't enjoy much. Even the temperature was around 44 degrees which made the visit altogether a bad one. After having our lunch at Pizza hut we boarded the flight to Bangalore.
And regarding the trek, it was a great and diversified one as we came across alpine forests, beautiful meadows, rocky mountains and icy paths. Never I have seen a trek with so many elements of nature blended into one. Even though I told my friends that Roopkund trek is my last, I still get mesmerized by the beauty of the majestic Himalayas and I simply cannot refuse any future treks.
