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The big day has finally arrived. Full of excitement and nerves we meet our Charity Challenge representative and the rest of our team at the airport. Wave goodbye to family and friends as we set off on our long-awaited adventure to Delhi, India.
A local Charity Challenge rep will be waiting at the airport for our transfer to the hotel. The day will begin with the chance to explore India’s bustling capital. Test your haggling skills or soak up the sights, from the Red Fort to the Raj Ghat. Later the group will meet up for the first team dinner, before catching the overnight sleeper train to Chakki Bank.
Having arrived early in Chakki Bank, it’s a further three-hour transfer to Dharamsala - home to Tibet’s Dalai Lama. Dotted with temples and monasteries, multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. We will take a clockwise kora walk of the Dalai lama's temple and residence, with many giant prayer wheels, mani stones and multi-coloured prayer flags fluttering in the wind. This is very much a working monastery and we may see the monks at practice. You will be fully guided and we will have discussions on Buddhism, Tibetan way of life and the Dalai Lama. Overnight in hotel.
Spend the morning further exploring Dharamsala or stroll to Bhagsunag Waterfall before transferring to Bir, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Once there, we will be welcomed at the Dream and Adventure Centre. There will be time to explore, as well as relax in the grounds of the tea plantation. Then the evening will be spent enjoying home-cooked food and really bonding with your teammates.
Your amazing 5-day trek begins, centred around the Uhl valley and river, home to brown & rainbow trout, and situated in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks. To start, you trek upwards through oak and rhododendron forests towards Haribag Pass (2,500m), an ancient trading route. You will then pass by the village of Barua, where you will stop for a picnic lunch in beautiful meadows beside a shepherd’s encampment, with great views of the mountains and surrounding peaks. 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, Monal, Golden Eagle and the Lammergeier. A lucky few may see Thar, Musk Deer, Forest Leopard, Puma and Himalayan Black and Brown Bear. Monkeys may also amuse and join us on parts of our journey. You will celebrate the first day of the trek around the campfire. Overnight in a tented camp.
You will walk alongside shepherds and locals, before crossing the Sun Pass at 2,700m. Pushing onwards, we follow the Thadkot River on its path through traditionally farmed terraced fields and past tiny hamlets. Tonight we get to camp in time to witness the Himalayan sunset, which casts shadows over the distant peaks.
Wake up beneath the snow-capped summits in the early morning sun. After a quick cuppa, it’s off on a winding path upwards with spectacular views of the Shivalik Mountains. The alpine pastures around the pass are strewn with wild flowers and medicinal plants. Tonight we stay in an old colonial hunting lodge, used many years ago by the British and the Maharajas.
Weary legs may need a break, so today is a rest day in preparation for the final slog. However, for those still in the mood for some exercise there are some great optional walks. We can climb a nearby peak which arguably boasts the best views in the Himalayas. The group will rendezvous again in camp for the evening meal, before spending another night under the stars.
It’s the last day of our challenge and this morning is the perfect time to reflect on our journey. Today we walk from Bal to Shilpadhani, a small village surrounded by thick woodland. En route we’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and soak up the views for the last time – before returning to the Dream and Adventure Centre for a celebratory meal.
It’s the penultimate day of and with spirits high, we travel to the Baijnath Temple which was built in 840AD. From there it’s off to the Norbulinka Institute, which was established to preserve traditional Tibetan arts. Set amid Japanese Gardens, there is a serene temple with delicate bridges across tiny streams. Enjoy the peace before we head back on the overnight train to the buzz of Delhi.
With amazing memories and a massive sense of achievement, it’s time to say goodbye to everyone, making sure we’ve swapped details before heading home.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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