Itinerary for end of March/start of April - feasible or not?

Hi,

I have 10 days to spend in India late March/early April and will be spending it somewhere in the north; I had originally planned to travel around the south, but this fell through due to flight connections. I will be hiring a car and driver, travelling independently, and am considering the following itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Delhi around lunchtime. Sightseeing Delhi rest of day - Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, lotus temple, Delhi Haat, Jami Masjid. Overnight Delhi.

Day 2: To Agra in morning. Sightseeing around Agra in afternoon - Agra Fort, Taj. Evening/sunset photography around Taj, Yamuna river. Overnight Agra.

Day 3: Early morning photography around Taj, then return to Delhi via Fatehpur Sikri. Late afternoon/evening sightseeing around Delhi. Overnight Delhi.

Day 4: To Haridwar after breakfast. Afternoon sightseeing around Haridwar. Evening aarti in Haridwar. Overnight Haridwar.

Day 5: To Rishikesh after breakfast. All day sightseeing in Rishikesh and surrounds (jungle, etc.). Overnight Rishikesh.

Day 6: Early morning photography along river bank. All-day drive to Chopta after breakfast, with short stops at Devprayag, Rudraprayag and any other scenic places along the route. Arrive Chopta in evening. Overnight Chopta.

Day 7: Early rise for trek to Tungmath Temple and Chandrashilla. Return same day. Overnight Chopta.

Day 8: All-day drive to Rishikesh or Haridwar after breakfast. Arrive in evening. Overnight Rishikesh/Haridwar.

Day 9: Drive to Delhi. Remainder of day sightseeing Delhi. Overnight Delhi.

Day 10: Last-minute sightseeing/shopping after breakfast. To airport in time for departure around lunchtime.

Is this viable in the first week of April, or is it too rushed? Any suggested amendments? (e.g. 2 days in Haridwar or Rishikesh, instead of 1 in each)? Would you have any suggestions as to alternative destinations (e.g. Nainital, Shimla or Mussoorie instead of Chopta)? I would like to retain Haridwar/Rishikesh, and probably Agra, if possible. Bear in mind that photography is a strong focus of the trip, with a mix of nature, landscapes, people, architecture and culture as subjects.

Looks hectic, but fun... Some suggestions:

Day 3 - Add Bharatpur for Bird Watching/Photography... It can be managed easily as travel time isn't much if you are already in Agra/Fatehpur Sikri and coming towards Delhi... You'll have to possibly miss the afternoon sight seeing in Delhi...

Day 7 - Add Deoria Taal (Lake)... Amazing place between Ukhimath & Chopta... If your body can manage, you can easily cover Deoria Taal & Tungnath/Chandrashilla in one day... Multiple options to stay at Ukhimath/Chopta etc...
Deoria Tal Pics

Additionally, looks like you don't prefer traveling in the night, but if you can, many more options can open and you can get more time to spend and explore other areas...

Anyway, do post some links to the pics once you are back from your trip..!!

Hope this helps... Best of luck

I have nothing against travelling at night, but it may be difficult if you're hiring a driver who will also be needed during the daytime!

Deoria Tal definitely seems worth it - how long does the walk from the road take? Would mid-afternoon, late evening or early morning (on day 8, before leaving for Haridwar) be the best time to visit (and take photos, bearing in mind cloud cover, etc.)?

Also, how difficult is the walk to Tungnath and Chandrashilla? How long will it take? Bear in mind that it is about 3600m and I will have minimal acclimatisation (will be going almost 3km higher in Nepal, but have weeks to get there!). Is it worth starting very early to reach the summit for sunrise? If so, how early would I have to start? What kind of snow conditions (if any) can I expect to encounter in the first week of April? Will the temple even be open? How would I go about hiring a guide? Do I need any permits?

On day 5, what is worth seeing/doing around Rishikesh apart from the river/temples (which will only take the morning)? I'm not flexible enough for yoga! What about Haridwar? Would 2 nights in one or the other be a better option?

A lot of questions, I know!

Your itinerary's already packed, I certainly wudn't be trying to add more.
You can save a little time by going direct from Agra to Haridwar.

Should take about 2-3 hours, depending on how fit you are...
Clouds etc should not be a problem in that month. I suggest evening would be good as the Sun set we saw from there was amazing..!!

Acclimatisation should not be a problem... This should take about 3-4 hrs upto Chandrashilla... Best of Luck for Nepal, where are you going.. 3 kms more seems too high!!

Yes, sunrise s good based on pics I have seen.
About 4 am.
Snow should be there.
Temple, no clue.
From Ukhimath or Sari.
No permit required for visiting.

Yes

I just spoke with Bhandari at Chopta, he said right now, Chopta shops are open, you can drive to Chopta, but Tungnath and Chndrashila is still snowed in. We will be there in mid-April, would have really liked to go all the way till Chandrashilla.