Himalayas charity trek, India
| country: | India |
| location: | Indian Himalayas |
| trip type: | Strenuous walking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 5 Apr, 18 Sep, 1 Nov, 13 Nov |
| price: | From £450 deposit + £2750 fundraised (55% to charity) (14 days) inc UK flights. Self funders - £450 deposit + £1338 (inc £100 to charity) |
the amazing things you'll be doing
Trek in the Indian Himalayas and raise money for your favourite charity at the same time as taking part in an amazing adventure! Highlights include:
This unique expedition combines awesome Himalayan trekking with a visit to India’s exiled Tibetan community. The challenge begins and ends in Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan Community are situated, at the heart of the world’s highest mountain range.
Your two week expedition follows the Uhl River, through rhododendron and evergreen forests. The route takes in Hindu settlements and isolated Buddhist monasteries. The region remains largely unvisited, which makes it a pristine and unspoilt area to trek.
You spend a night beside nomadic shepherd encampments, and another in the Taragarh Palace, home to Maharajas for centuries. You can then spend your final day exploring the Taj Mahal – one of the greatest monuments to love ever built.
what this trip includes
International flights to and from India, internal transfers, all meals and drinking water unless otherwise stated in the itinerary, all accommodation whether in tents or hotel, group first aid supplies, an English-speaking expedition leader and full local support team, backup, a T-Shirt, US$20 to the local community project, and discount from Nomad Travellers Stores for personal equipment. We also make a contribution through Climate Care to offset the equivalent CO2 emissions of your international flight. Please note: This trip can also be booked without flights. Some of the dates are exclusive for specific charities, please contact us for details.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | International Travel. Meet at the Airport for your flight to Delhi, India. Our representative will be there to assist you with the check-in and any last minute questions. |
| Day 2: | Delhi to Dharamsala. You will be met at the airport by one of our local agents who will transfer you to your hotel to freshen up and rest before some sightseeing in Delhi. You will have a chance to look around India’s bustling capital, with its labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic produce and a bewildering mix of people. You can ‘shop ‘til you drop’ or take in Delhi’s sights including the Red Fort, Jami Masji, Qutab Minar and Raj Ghat. After dinner you will catch the overnight air-con sleeper train to Chakki Bank, near Dharamsala. |
| Day 3: | Dharamsala. This morning your train will arrive early at Chakki Bank and you will transfer (approx 3hrs) to Dharamsala. Dharamsala (6,000ft) has been the centre of a vibrant Tibetan community since the 1950’s and is home to the Dalai Lama, who received the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize. You can explore the temples and monasteries of Dharamsala, often called ‘Little Lhasa in India’ with a giant prayer wheel in the centre of this colourful town and many strings of multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags fluttering in the wind. You will probably attend teachings (March-April) or we will request a public audience (all other months) given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his home and temple complex, however this is subject to availability. You will then stay overnight in a hotel in Dharamsala. |
| Day 4: | Dharamsala to Bir. Today there will be some time to further explore Dharamsala, do some shopping for locally made Tibetan artefacts. The rich cultural heritage, both Buddhist and Hindu with the remnants of faded touches of the Raj, add to the memorable images of a visit to the mountains of the Indian Himalayas. You will then take a transfer (approx 2hrs) to Bir, at the foothills of the Himalayas. You will be welcomed at the Dream & Adventure centre and guesthouse and have time to relax in the grounds of the tea plantations. A home away from home the centre has maps & information on the area and a library that is well stocked with books & games. Tasty home-cooked food is served, using herbs and vegetables grown fresh from the garden. Overnight in the Dream & Adventure centre. |
| Day 5: | Bir. You will have this day to explore the picturesque Tibetan colony of Bir, host to the annual World Paragliding Championships. It is a beautiful village and the local people are incredibly warm and friendly, and continue a lifestyle unchanged for centuries. You may take a warm-up walk to Ahju Fort, to get your legs stretched and ready for trekking. The remnants of the 17th century fort, a look-out point for the Maharaja’s kingdom, affords a spectacular panoramic view of the area. You will then visit the amazing Sherab-ling Monastery, with beautiful intricate thangkas and the impressive gold-plated, jewel encrusted 3-storey high Buddha. There will be some time for rest and relaxation, as well as crucial acclimatisation. There will be time to explore and meet people from this charming Tibetan colony. You will meet your trekking team and be fully briefed about the challenge ahead. Overnight again in the Dream & Adventure centre. You can leave belongings here while you trek and collect them on Day 11. |
| Day 6: | Trek to Majaj – approx 6-7hr trek. Your amazing 6-day trek begins, centred around the Uhl valley and river, home to brown & rainbow trout, all in the shadow’s of some of the world’s highest peaks. The challenge begins as you trek upwards through oak and rhododendron forests towards Haribag Pass (2,500m). This is an ancient trading route. You will then pass by the village of Barua & stop for a picnic lunch in beautiful meadows beside a shepherd’s encampment; the views of the surrounding mountains are incredible. Crossing the Pass you head down to Majaj, a favourite spot for bird-watchers and nature-spotters alike with a water-spot that is visited at sunset. This area is well known for its diverse Himalayan wildlife and birdlife, including the Himalayan griffin vulture (the largest bird), thar, monal, golden eagle and the lammergeier. The lucky few may see thar, musk deer, forest and snow leopard. But monkeys may amuse and join us on parts of our journey. You will celebrate the first day of the trek around the campfire. Overnight in a tent camp. |
| Day 7: | Trek to Shanag - approx 6-7hr trek. Today’s trek is along a beaten track frequented by shepherds and local people. You will cross the Sun Pass (2,700m) and go through La Paz village. You will then follow the Thadkot River through terraced fields & a picturesque valley, passing a couple of small hamlets with a lifestyle completely unchanged for centuries. The agricultural system is worked by hand or bullock & you will get to see how much effort and hard work the local villagers use to toil their land. You will be well looked after in tented accommodation allowing us to minimise our impact on more fragile ecosystems. Woken with tea every morning by your ever-cheerful team you can gaze at snow-capped summits glinting in the early morning sun. Your team is highly experienced and their knowledge of the local region is second to none. You will be able to witness the Himalayan sunsets, as the distant peaks turn from white to crimson as the sun drops below the horizon. Then watch the bright stars meandering above the mountains. Overnight in a tent camp. |
| Day 8: | Trek to Bahrua – 6-7hr trek. You will cross 3 passes today as the path winds around the mountain. A short walk up above the camp offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Shivalik Mountains and the plains towards the Punjab. To the North stands the mighty snow-capped Dhauladhar range with towering peaks including Mun (15,500ft), Riflehorn (15,000ft), Slab (15,220ft), Arthur’s Seat (15,070ft) and many more. The alpine pastures around the pass are strewn with a wide variety of wild flowers and medicinal plants, which the gaddi shepherds collect during their summer migration. Highest point 2,300m. Overnight base camp in an old colonial hunting lodge, used many years ago by the British and the Maharajas; a beautiful spot. |
| Day 9: | Rest Day / Optional Trek. Rest day or optional short walks for exploring. For those that feel like an added challenge we will climb a nearby pass with panoramic views of the Himalayas (5hrs). Or if you prefer, you can relax amongst the exceptional backdrop of some of the world’s most stunning views. Overnight in base camp in a lodge. |
| Day 10: | Trek to Bal – 5-6hr trek. Shilpadhani is a beautiful small village perched on a steep slope and surrounded by thickly wooded pine trees and lush green fields to trek through. You will see ancient stone mill-houses, using the power of the river to grind the wheat and grain. Some of the inhabitants are the legendary Himalayan shepherds – the Gaddis – who lead a nomadic life, continuing a lifestyle largely unchanged for centuries. The friendliness and hospitality of the local people is renowned. Tonight you camp beside the Uhl River; you can go for a bathe and swim in the rock pools beside the camp. |
| Day 11: | Trek to Dena Park region & transfer to Taragarh Palace – 2-3hr trek. The last day of the trek takes you to Dena Park, allowing time to reflect on an amazing journey through the world’s highest and most spectacular mountain range. Following the trek, you will transfer to the Taragarh Palace. You will visit Baijnath Temple, a Shiva temple built in 804AD. It is an ancient and important pilgrimage site. The beautiful small temple has amazing and intricate stone carvings. Then you will enjoy a banquet at the Taragarh Palace, home to the Maharaja’s for centuries. It is an interesting and very special place. Overnight in Taragarh Palace. |
| Day 12: | Taragarh Palace to Norbulinka Institute to Delhi. After a relaxing morning with breakfast & strolling around the grounds of Taragarh Palace you will travel to Norbulinka Institute. The institute was established to teach & preserve traditional Tibetan art & crafts, such as woodcarving, statue-making, thangka painting and embroidery. There is also a beautiful temple here set amongst Japanese gardens with wooden bridges across tiny streams and waterfalls; it is a beautiful and peaceful place. There is also a great café. You will then catch the overnight air-con sleeper train to Delhi. |
| Day 13: | The Taj Mahal. This morning you will very arrive into Old Delhi station and transfer by bus to New Delhi train station for the train to Agra where will have breakfast on the train. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, offers the grand finale for this trip. The most extravagant monument ever built for love by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1631, in memory of his beloved wife. The rich variety of the city provides dramatic contrast and a superb finish after the secret, unforgettable kingdom of the Indian Himalayas. You will transfer by train or bus back to Delhi where you can shop ‘til you drop at an amazing craft emporium or at the local street stalls. You then check into your hotel for a farewell supper. Overnight in hotel in Delhi. |
| Day 14: | Return UK. You will transfer to the airport for your return flight. Arrive at Heathrow today. |
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our responsible commitment extends to helping the local communities we visit. We employ local guides, porters and other essential support staff, and use locally owned accommodation.
We donate approximately US $500 per trek to the Tibetan Children’s Village in Dharamsala. Our community support donation sponsors two children for more than a year, providing primary education to young adults who have left their family and crossed the Himalayas in search of a better education. As a company we have also drastically reduced the carbon footprint of our UK operations, and are making a huge effort to do so in their destination countries too. We are also investing to offset the emissions from the international flights required to take part in our challenges. We also provide travellers with a responsible tourism policy detailing ways in which you can be an ethical traveller. From packing conscientiously to advice on local customs & environmental awareness overseas to maintaining contact with your new international friends upon your return – our policy is a comprehensive document providing all the info you need to trek, climb of cycle responsibly. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |