Aquaterra Adventures organized a six-day vacation with four days of trekking and camping, for our family of four. It was our first experience trekking in the Himalayas, and the Dayara Bugyal trek was an ideal beginner trek. Aquaterra is without doubt the best adventure tour operator in India. Their arrangements and equipment were flawless, guides were knowledgeable and caring, and food was excellent. Thanks to good planning by the guides, we were able to avoid crowds and rain, and experience the majesty of the Himalayas and the serenity of the high-altitude Bugyals (meadows) in the best possible way. All of us will cherish this experience for a lifetime!
After landing in Dehradun airport, we took a cab to Mussoorie and stayed overnight. The next morning, we were picked up by our Aquaterra guide and driven to a remote Himalayan village (Barsu), where we stayed at the basic but charming Dayara Resort, with beautiful views of Gangotri and nearby peaks. On day 3, we trekked up to Barnala Bugyal and camped for the night. Day 4 was a trek to our campsite just below Dayara Bugyal, and Day 5 we trekked to Dayara Top for some magnificent panoramic views of the Garhwal Himalayas and Dayara Bugyal itself. Having left early, we managed to beat the crowds and had the entire place to ourselves. Day 6 was the long drive back to Dehradun. The driver organized by Aquaterra was very safe on the mountain roads, and the guides were super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and flora and fauna. The cook rustled up excellent meals (imagine pizza while camping, and pakoras and samosas with evening tea!), despite the rain and cold.

Camp Bagi (near Mori, Uttarakhand) is a beautifully located and professionally maintained wilderness camping site. Operated by Aquaterra, the gold standard in adventure tours in India, it offered us a highly memorable rafting, hiking and camping experience over the 4 days that we stayed there (May 28-31, 2019). 

The equipments, the instructors and the safety protocols are of highest standard, as they should be in any adventure activity. One feels safe and reassured while running a river or hiking in a forest with team aquaterra, as they don't cut corners. Dhruv Rana is a well informed, well traveled and expert chief instructor/manager who manages his team professionally. All the instructors and staff were capable as well as courteous (special mention our affable instructor Pankaj and the mess/kitchen staff Vijender). Though simple, tents were spick and span, toilets clean and hygienic and meals were delicious and well presented (despite the hardships associated with the remote location). 

All in all, a thrilling, relaxing, rejuvenating trip. Thanks a lot team aquaterra, you rock!!"