14/09/2017
Upcoming Trip Update:
A friend played Devil's Advocate and asked me several questions relating to the upcoming Rishikesh weekend trip. The most important question was:
'What's special about your trip and why should I choose it above others?'
I am sure a lot of people might have similar doubts. This was my answer:
'There are actually quite a few things:
1. We are staying at the ONLY functional beachside campsite near Rishikesh and this is awesome. (Last year beachside camping was banned in Rishikesh and Shivpuri and almost all camps are jungle-camps now, far away from the riverside)
2. The camp is located in the middle of nature, quite literally. It is far away from the city (40 kms uphill), has limited electricity and mobile coverage, and reaching it is an adventure in itself. At night you can see an insane number of stars, innumerable sounds from the forests, the soothing sound of the river flowing yards away from the tent where you sleep. There can't be a better way to connect with nature.
3. The insane amount of adventure activities (apart from rafting) that are available in the camp itself. 6 years ago, this was the first place I ever trekked, did kayaking, jumped from a cliff into the river, climbed a mountain and rappelled down it and attempted to swim (still haven't learnt). There is a private waterfall as well which we will climb. We are going to do all of it under guided supervision. If you still have energy left at the end of it all, there are 3 beaches to sit and relax or play volleyball, carom and darts. No other camp offers so many activities at a single place.
4. There are going to be two stretches of white water rafting that we shall do. No, not the basic 16 kilometre one. But two different stretches. Longer distance. Loads of small and big rapids. Immense fun. The entire group successfully did THE WALL in the last trip in April.
5. Safety: Loads of campsites and adventure companies have mushroomed in Rishikesh in the last few years offering rafting and other adventure activities at insanely cheap prices. It is a business and in loads of cases there is absolutely no care given to safety which has lead to several minor and major accidents. I wasn't aware of this until recently when my Delhi friends brought this into my attention while I was enquiring camping prices. When it comes to adventure activities like white water rafting, safety is of utmost importance and under no circumstance should be ignored. All the guides at our campsite are well trained and come with several years of experience not just in the Ganga, but also in Zanskar and Teesta river rafting.
6. On offer is an all inclusive package. Starting from the transportation from Delhi to the stay, the adventure activities, all meals at the campsite, sightseeing, guide and porter charges to reaching back in Delhi- all of it is included. (Check Inclusions and exclusions)'
This reminds me of another very important question a lady tripper was worried about and wanted photographic proof: 'Washrooms?'
This was my answer:
'We are going to dig pits in the forest, carry water in a mug from the river and do our business. Haha..
Well no. There are proper western style lavatories and clean spacious bathrooms at the camp. So do not worry about it at all.'
So come join us on this adventure. Basic details are on the event page. Ask me for the detailed itinerary, if you want it mailed. Bookings are underway and on first come first serve basis. So hurry up! :D
