MAD World Challenge India

Level of Difficulty

The MAD World Challenge India is graded as Tough. This is a challenge that will test you both physically and mentally. It is for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, but perhaps haven’t taken on a strenuous challenge event previously and are hoping to put themselves out of their comfort zone!

You can tell your supporters that during the MAD World Challenge India, you will be:

• Trekking up to 20km per day for 5 days on mountain paths in the Himalayas.
• Reaching a maximum altitude of 2,850 meters above sea level.
• Tackling acsents of upto 1,200m in a day
• Trekking through unique remote areas in which you are unlikely to see any other tourists or trekkers
• It is likely to be hot in the day and cold at night, camping where facilities are very basic

Typical Day

You will wake early (around sunrise) in time for a light breakfast. Walking days will last 6–9hrs. Trekking on your challenge will take place on mountain paths. Most days will involve around 1-3 steep ascents and descents with time to stop and take it at your own pace. Your longest ascent will be 1,200m. Packed lunch will be provided and usually served around noon. You will arrive at camp before sunset in order to wash and get your gear and tent organised, before it gets dark. Dinner will be prepared and you can relax as the stars come out.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of its participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we set up a thorough safety management system called Challenge Safe, which formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the activity itself. Your welfare is paramount.

In terms of your MAD World Challenge India, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

• When temperatures are hot, the risk of becoming dehydrated and succumbing to sunstroke are particularly high. 
• You should be drinking over 3L of water per day during the trekking and using sunscreen continuously.
• Roads are a particular risk so always pay extra care when crossing roads

Responsible Tourism

At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism, and work closely with relevant local organisations to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly, and  following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as to give something back directly to the communities that we visit.

Since 2000 we have donated almost £500,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by our local Ground Agent. 

For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.

Flights

This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own flights for the challenge from your home country to Delhi, India return. It is imperative you upload your flight details in the Flights section of your account area once you have your flights booked. 

Please aim to arrive at the hotel in India by 2pm on Day 1 and depart anytime after 1230hrs on Day 8. 

Visa

You must hold a full ten-year passport with at least six months to run from the end of your challenge, and at least one blank page for your visa and entry/exit stamps. All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. For many the process will be to obtain an online (E) Visa Application prior to arrival. Please check with your home country Government Travel Advisories/local Indian Embassy to understand the process for applying for an India Travel Visa relevant to your citizenship. 

We advise that you apply for the visa no later than 90 days prior to arrival. For UK Citizens, relevant visa information will be uploaded to your Account Area approximately 3 months prior to departure. 

Important note: Participants of Pakistani origin may have difficulty in obtaining a visa for India. If the visa is granted it will certainly take much longer than for other nationalities, and there is a chance that you may not receive it in time to depart on your challenge. In full transparency, we cannot accept any responsibility if you are unable to obtain a visa to enter India, and if you cannot enter the country, cancellation charges will apply. 

Passport Details

We will require up to date passport details from you as soon as possible and no later than 5 months prior to departure to ensure we can book your train journeys. Please provide the details when booking or update them in your account area if you need to renew your passport. 

Transport on Arrival and Departure

You will be required to make your own way to the first night's hotel in Delhi upon arrival. Please book flights to be at the hotel for your meet and greet and first night’s dinner by 4pm. 

The hotel will be located in the centre of Delhi. You can pick up a taxi at the airport or we strongly advise pre booking a shuttle service through the hotel.

Details of the hotel and how to go about booking this service will be advised closer to departure. We suggest to taxi share if possible to reduce carbon emissions and cost. 

• Only use registered taxis or hotel shuttles
• Do not hail unofficial taxis on the street

Travel Insurance

Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes.

Charity Challenge has chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine (for UK residents) and Rise & Shield* (for non-UK residents).

Both companies can arrange cover for an extensive number of activities, such as high-altitude trekking and cycling events, which include emergency medical treatment and repatriation expenses.

Please note that Charity Challenge is not able to advise on matters relating to individual travel insurance policies and does not accept any liability for policy matters or claims. We recommend you make sure any policy you consider is appropriate for your specific requirements and the adventure you're undertaking.

Vaccinations & Medication

Vaccinations

For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro website: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries

Charity Challenge are not medical experts and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting so it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.

Medication

• Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled container, as issued by the pharmacist, in hand luggage
• Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
• A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
• Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
• Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre- existing illnesses

N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check you can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

It may be necessary to take precautions against malaria in Delhi. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers and socks at dawn and dusk. You should also wear plenty of insect repellent.

Climate & Terrain

Climate

October/November - In the Himalayas, the average daytime temperature is 15c but this can vary. There is little rain (average 7mm) at this time of year but you may well still experience some rain, so waterproofs are always needed. It is likely to drop below 0c in the evenings, and so you should come fully prepared for cold nights.

Terrain

The terrain is mountainous throughout, you will be trekking on mountain paths. Taking on some treks within the UK will be excellent training for this terrain. Expect cold weather and basic conditions

Wellbeing Team

Our wellbeing team, led by Thomas Duncan Bell & Geoff McDonald (who have over four decades experience working in the mental health space), have the ability to shape genuine change for you.

This challenge with have some of the most successful wellbeing professionals in the world and it’s an industry first for all of them to be involved in a challenge like this all at the same time. 

On this challenges you will work closely with the following wellbeing facilitators who will support you every step of the way. 

Thomas Duncan Bell

Living on the bipolar spectrum, with a side order of PTSD & ADHD, there’s simply no international speaker who commands a room like Thomas. After growing up in difficult circumstances, Thomas successfully turned his life around to help other people, saving countless lives along the way. Running thousands of miles for team UK in obstacle course endurance events around the world, and rescuing hundreds from Ukraine as part of the International Legion, Thomas feels that the only way to truly find ourselves, is to challenge ourselves and stretch beyond the boundaries we hold in our mind. This is why he thrives off affording companies the chance to inspire and empower their people on a wider level.

Known internationally as The Bipolar Businessman, Thomas has already reached millions of people with his writing, keynote speaking and through various media. He frequently works together with global companies to develop their mental health programmes while ensuring their business needs. Thomas is now one of the UK’s most popular mental health speakers, as well as the primary mental health commentator and keynote speaker for the Institute of Directors, where he previously won awards for ‘Leadership in Mental Health’. He believes that through choosing our own discomfort we may better tackle that challenges that life throws at us daily.

Clarke Carlisle

Clarke is an English former professional footballer and was chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association. Now a keynote speaker and mental health commentator for the likes of the BBC and ITV, as well as a professional speaker.

We believe that overarching wellbeing is driven by four core factors. Your physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, mental wellbeing and what some might call your spiritual wellbeing, but we consider your purpose or meaning. 

• Physical Wellbeing: This is driven by things like sleep, recovery, nutrition and exercise. 
• Emotional Wellbeing: These are your feelings, of which there are thousands; fear, anxiety, jealousy, pain, anger, joy, happiness, contentment.
• Mental Wellbeing: This is your cognitive ability; the ability to concentrate, to look at some data and make a good judgment, your ability to focus on something. 
• Purpose/Meaning: This is everything that makes you feel that you have some fulfilment in life. That yearning as a human being to have a purpose or some meaning as to who you are. 

If you’re not physically healthy, that will impact how you feel, and if your feelings are being challenged, that will impact your cognitive ability, your mental health and you may not even be able to consider a sense of purpose or meaning. So, everything we do to support and educate you, is centered around your harnessing these principles.

Extension - Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri & Keoladeo NP (Pre Extension)

The Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri

Come and marvel at the beauty of the Taj Mahal by taking the opportunity to explore this modern wonder of the world. During your stay, you will also visit the inner citadel of Fatehpur Sikri, which boasts some of India’s best Mughal architecture including temples, monuments and a huge mosque. 

Day 1 - Meet and Greet in Delhi Hotel by 5pm

Meet at the Delhi Hotel by 5pm for dinner and briefing on the next couple of days. (D) . Accommodation: Delhi 5* Hotel 

Day 2 - Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri

A very early train transfer with breakfast on route from Delhi to Agra on the luxury early morning fast train. Your first stop will be to the Taj Mahal where you will have a few hours to explore. The Taj Mahal is the marbled mausoleum of Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife. Having been described as ‘the tear-drop on the cheek of time’, it is no surprise that the Taj Mahal was declared one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’ in 2007. Have lunch on the outskirts of the West Gate of the Taj Mahal before continuing onto Fatehpur Sikri. This magnificent city was the capital of the Mughal Empire in 1571 before it was dramatically abandoned just 14 years later. Despite the desertion by its inhabitants, the city is perfectly preserved and the heart of the citadel remains very much alive.  (B,L,D).

Accommodation: Maharaja Palace Hotel 

Day 3 - Transfer back to Delhi

Following breakfast we transfer to the train station for the journey back to Delhi to meet the group by 5pm. 

Inclusions and Exclusions:

Included:
•    Taj Mahal entrance fees
•    Services of qualified English-speaking driver/guide
•    2 nights’ accommodation on a twin share on a full board basis (5* Hotel in Delhi and Maharaja Palace Hotel)
•    Transfers to and from each place of interest including Train Tickets (Full Passport details needed to book 5 months prior to departure)

Excluded:
•    Personal expenses (ie: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
•    Tips for local team (we recommend you allow $6 per person for tipping your guide)
•    Transfer to Delhi hotel on arrival

Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of 8 people and should be booked as early as possible to guarantee availability. Passport details will need to be confirmed to book train tickets no later than 5 months prior to departure. 

The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will try to accommodate you in a room with someone of the same gender. If this is not possible, you will be charged a single supplement.

*    Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard.

Training

Training and fitness is definitely required. It is important that you work specifically on your stamina, leg and joint strength, and balance in order to get as much out of the challenge as possible. The trek takes place in a mountainous environment, so the best training advice is to get outdoors into some mountains to familiarise yourself with walking on rugged terrain, while carrying weight in your daypack. You need to be able to sustain around 6-8 hours of trekking for four continuous days, so replicating this over a weekend would be fantastic training. 

Extension - Jaipur (Post Extension)

Jaipur, the vibrant capital of Rajasthan, is popularly known as the “pink city”. Jaipur is surrounded by barren hills surmounted by forts. This buzzing metropolis is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a feast for the eyes. Vegetable laden camel carts thread their way through the streets jam-packed with rickshaws, bicycles, tempos, motorcycles and pedestrians dodging the crazy traffic. Traditionally dressed Rajput men sporting bright turbans and swash-buckling moustaches discuss village politics outside restaurants and roadside stalls. Staying in a Heritage Maharaja’s Palace in Jaipur, you will spend a couple of days sightseeing and shopping in Jaipur. 

Day 1 - Jaipur City Sightseeing 

Early morning transfer (4am) to Jaipur by Train. The city owes its name, its foundation and its careful planning to the great warrior- astronomer, Maharaja Jai Singh II (1693-1743). In 1727, Jai Singh decided that the time was ripe to move down from the hillside Amber Fort to a new site on the plains. He laid out the city, with its surrounding walls, according to principles set down in the “Shilpa-Shastra”, an ancient Hindu treatise on architecture. In 1728, he built the remarkable observatory (Jantar Mantar) which is still one of Jaipur’s main attractions. At first the Jantar Mantar appears to be just a curious collection of sculptures but in fact each construction has a specific purpose, such as measuring the positions of stars, altitudes and calculating eclipses. The most striking instrument is the sundial, and is incredibly accurate. The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, constructed in 1799, is one of Jaipur’s major landmarks. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. You can climb to the top of the Hawa Mahal for a fine view over the city. In the heart of the old city, is the City Palace, an incredibly well preserved and interesting palace to view with museums and artifacts. The enormous 5’ high solid-silver urns that another Maharaja had got made to carry the sacred Ganges water with him on his trip to England, are listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects in the world. The Raj Mandir cinema is one of the most opulent and famous in all India, a great place to take in a Hindi film, the audience being a major feature themselves! Stop for refreshments at the Polo Bar of the opulent Rambagh Palace. The royal sport of Polo is synonymous with Jaipur, catch a game if our timing is right. Tonight enjoy a Rajasthani Banquet and overnight in the palace. (B,L,D). Accommodation: Heritage Maharaja’s Palace in Jaipur

Day 2 - Explore Jaipur and Amber Fort 

Jaipur is the place to shop until you drop, with so many handicrafts ranging from papier-mache puppets to exquisitely carved furniture. Jaipur is well known for precious and semi-precious gems, marble statues, costume jewellery and textile prints are other Jaipur specialities. We shop in the Johri Bazaar with local handicrafts, jewellery and local sweets (which Jaipur is famous for). About 11km North of Jaipur is Amber, the ancient capital. The fort is a superb example of Rajput architecture, built in 1592, stunningly situated on a hillside and overlooking a lake which reflects its terraces and ramparts. The picturesque capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is colour washed pink - the colour associated with hospitality. The ancient heart of the Pink City still beats in its fairytale palaces, rugged fortresses perched on barren hills and broad avenues that dot the entire city. There is a timeless appeal to Jaipur's colourful bazaars selling trinkets and handlooms. Part of the famed golden triangle, visiting the beautiful gardens, attractive monuments and marvelous heritage hotels in Jaipur is an unforgettable experience. (B,L,D). Accommodation: Heritage Maharaja’s Palace in Jaipur

Day 3 - Depart for Delhi 

Following breakfast, transfer back to Delhi for your return flight. Please note: Arrival into Delhi will be approx. 3pm so please book flights no earlier than 7pm or request an extra night’s stay at the Delhi Hotel. 

Inclusions and Exclusions:

Included:

•    2 nights’ accommodation on a twin share on a full board basis
•    Transfers to the airport on the final day
•    Services of qualified English-speaking driver/guide 
•    Train Tickets (Please submit full valid passport details no later than 5 months prior to departure so we can book trains)                    

Excluded:
•    Personal expenses (i.e.: gifts, extra soft drinks or alcohol, laundry etc)
•    Tips for local team (we recommend you allow $6 per person for tipping your guide)

Please note that this extension is subject to a minimum of 8 people and should be booked as early as possible to guarantee availability. Passport details will need to be confirmed to book train tickets no later than 5 months prior to departure. The advertised costs for this extension are per person on twin sharing basis. If you are a solo passenger, we will try to accommodate you in a room with someone of the same gender. If this is not possible, you will be charged a single supplement.

*    Please note that we reserve the right to change accommodation. Where this is necessary, alternative accommodation will be of an equal or better standard

Group Size

The group is intended to be a minimum of 100 people in order to run and a maximum of 120 people. The overall  group will be split into four smaller trekking groups, each with their own support and leadership team.

Leadership

There will be a number of English-speaking challenge leaders for each trekking group who will be responsible for the logistics  and co-ordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous local support guides and staff to assist them. The challenge leaders will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group.

Luggage Allowance & Valuables

The luggage allowance will depend on the airline you are flying with, but in general, it will be one piece of checked baggage at 20kg. Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your equipment list.

You will need to be able to carry your bag on and off the train and to and from the cars to the campgrounds so a comfortable bag that is able to be carried is essential. Each trekking day, your personal kit will be transported to the next stop by a support vehicle. You will carry a daypack for your daily needs such as sun cream, lunch, water, camera, fleece and lightweight waterproofs.

Can I leave luggage at the Delhi hotel?

There is limited storage space at the hotel so if you are not on an organised extension then no you will not be able to leave any luggage at the Delhi hotel. Please ensure you pack so all luggage is carried with you on the trains to Bir. The group is large and so you will need to be able to carry your own luggage at all times for at least 15-20mins around the train station and onto the trains. If you have booked on the extension and you want to leave luggage then this maybe possible to leave some clean clothes in Delhi. This will however, be dependant on availability. 

Safety of Personal Items

We will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions. The general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (travel insurance, passport, visa etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.

Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags.  Specific regulations regarding power banks may vary depending on the airline, the country you're traveling to, and the type and capacity of the power bank. It's always a good idea to check with the airline and the destination country's regulations before your flight to ensure that you comply with their specific rules regarding power banks

Clothing & Equipment

Good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, waterproof, well-worn in boots will be indispensable, particularly coupled with some really good quality walking socks. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated, so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are a high quality gore-tex waterproof jacket and technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. Walking poles are also highly recommended, as the sections of this challenge are very tough on even the fittest knees, and descents can be tricky. We strongly recommend training with your walking poles prior to your trek.

Please click here for a full kit list for this challenge. As a Charity Challenge participant, you will get members only benefits and/or discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.

Accommodation & Toilets

Accommodation

While trekking you will be located out of two campsites. The first two nights will be in Bir Base Camp where you will be in large 3-4 person tents. Two nights will be spent at River Campground where you will be in a mix of twin share and 3-4 man tents.

If you are traveling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with please let us know in advance (when you book on).

Toilets

There will be basic toilets and washing facilities available at your campsites. Please bring anti-bacterial hand gel and spare toilet paper. During the trekking days, toilet facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!

Food & Drink

You will be served a variety of European and Indian food. You will not be served pork or beef but plenty of chicken and mutton. Where we are not able to cater a meat meal we will have plenty of protein substitutes. 

Gluten Free Pasta is difficult to find in India and so if you wish to bring your own then we will happily cook this for you. The alternative will be rice. 

All meals are healthy, nourishing and plentiful. Please let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies.

It is extremely important that we are aware of any nut allergies when you sign up to the trek.

Please also bring some snacks to help you during the day keep your energy levels up (energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, sweets, chocolate bars for example). You wil be provided with some snacks but its good to have some familiar treats with you too.  

Sleeper Train

You will be travelling up to the Himalayas and back down to Delhi by overnight sleeper train.  Whilst an amazing opportunity to have a new experience, it isn't for everyone.  

You will be sleeping on a 2 or 3 tier bunk bed with a mattress, pillow, sheet and blanket. There will be curtains to divide the carriage into smaller sections (of up to 6 beds), but please be aware that each train carriage will have up to 50 passengers. Every effort will be made to keep the group together but this may not be possible.

Please embrace the experience as part of the challenge and something you are ‘earning’ your sponsorship for!

Money

Currency: The currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs, and this is known as a 'closed currency', which means that you cannot import or export Rupees out of your home country. For up to date currency exchange, go to: http://www.xe.com/.

Credit Cards: A growing number of hotels, restaurants and shops in the major cities are beginning to accept credit cards, the well-known and more accepted ones being American Express, Access/MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa. However, credit cards are not the most convenient form of payment or cash withdrawal.

ATMs: Please note that ATMs are not always available and that when they are they do not always work so please bring cash to exchange at the airport on arrival. It is best to ensure that you have enough cash with you prior to starting the challenge. You will be able to withdraw/exchange money at the airport and then after this there may not be an opportunity to withdraw/exchange anymore cash. 

How much to bring: You will not need large amounts of money during this challenge, and other than at the start and end of the trip, you will be in the mountains away from any foreign exchanges or banks. You will only need money for tips, additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs, and for any other additional activities that you may wish to do.

On average, we recommend the equivalent in local currency of around $250 in cash, plus a credit card for emergencies. Keep in mind that you will not be able to buy Rupees before entering India, and so you are advised to take a sufficient amount of cash that you can change at the airport or in Delhi. NB: By changing at the airport while some of the group collect the luggage you will save time – the Indian Exchanges are generally the fastest.

Tipping: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You should only tip if you feel that you have received good service. We recommend approx. US$10 per person per challenge-day (US$70 total), and this should be given to the challenge leader at the end of the challenge who will distribute it among the support team, including guides, assistant guides, drivers, cooks, and porters.

Phone & WiFi

Apart from in Delhi, the internet and phone reception will be very limited throughout the challenge. You will not have WiFi in the basic campsite during the trekking days, and phone reception in the mountains will be sporadic at  best. You should look on this challenge as an opportunity to get away from the stresses of daily life!

Emergencies

The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s walking abilities. This is allowed for. There will be a staff member at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. In the event of an emergency on your trek, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.