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2024
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No departures found for 2022

Mon 14 Mar - Fri 25 Mar 2022

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Your challenge day by day

Day 1, Mon 14 Mar 2022

International departure from London

Full of excitement and nerves you meet your fellow teamates at the airport. Wave goodbye to family and friends as you set off on your long-awaited adventure to Delhi, India 

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Day 2, Tue 15 Mar 2022

Overnight train to Chakki Bank

A local Charity Challenge representative will be waiting at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. The day will begin with the chance to explore India’s bustling capital, Delhi. 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.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

2

Day 3, Wed 16 Mar 2022

Dharamsala

Arriving early in Chakki Bank, it’s a further three-hour transfer to Dharamsala - home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Dotted with temples and monasteries, multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. Take a clockwise kora walk of the Dalai Lama's temple and residence, with many giant prayer wheels, mani stones and colourful prayer flags. The walk will be fully guided, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama and Tibetan way of life.

Accommodation: Hotel

3

Day 4, Thu 17 Mar 2022

Dharamsala to Bir

Spend the morning further exploring Dharamsala or stroll to Bhagsunag Waterfall before transferring to Bir, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Once there, you’ll 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, and the evening will be spent enjoying home-cooked food and bonding with your teammates.

Accommodation: Dream and Adventure Centre

4

Day 5, Fri 18 Mar 2022

Trek to Majaj (Approximately 6-8 hours)

Your incredible 5-day trek begins, centred around the Uhl valley and river and situated in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks. The trek commences 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, soaking up the 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. The 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. You will celebrate the first day of the trek around the campfire.

Accommodation: Camping 

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Day 6, Sat 19 Mar 2022

Trek to Shanag, maximum altitude 2,700m (approximately 6-7 hours)

Today, you’ll walk alongside shepherds and locals, before crossing the Sun Pass at 2,700m. Pushing onwards, you will follow the Thadkot River alongside traditionally farmed terraced fields and tiny hamlets.

You’ll arrive into camp in time to witness a stunning Himalayan sunset as it casts shadows over the distant, snow-capped peaks.

Accommodation: Camping 

6

Day 7, Sun 20 Mar 2022

Trek to Bahrua, maximum altitude 2,300m (approximately 6-7 hours)

Wake up beneath the snow-capped summits basking in the early morning sun. After a quick cup of delicious Himalayan tea, it’s off on a winding path upwards with spectacular views of the Shivalik Mountains. The surrounding alpine pastures are strewn with wild flowers and medicinal plants.
You’ll stay at an old colonial hunting lodge, used many years ago by the British and the Maharajas.

Accommodation:  The lodge is used as a camp area and you will either sleep in tents or on camp beds in a basic room.

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Day 8, Mon 21 Mar 2022

Rest day or optional 10km trek, max altitude 3,050m (approximately 4-5 hours)

Weary legs may need a break, so today is a rest day in preparation for the final days of the challenge. 

For those still in the mood for exercise there are some great optional walks available. You can climb a nearby peak which boasts arguably the best views in the Himalayas. The group will rendezvous again in camp for the evening meal, before spending another night at the hunting lodge.

Accommodation: The lodge is used as a camp area and you will either sleep in tents or on camp beds in a basic room.

8

Day 9, Tue 22 Mar 2022

Trek to Bal, maximum altitude 2,300m (approximately 5-6 hours)

It’s the last day of your challenge and this morning is the perfect time to reflect on your journey.

Today you’ll walk from Bal to Shilpadhani, a small village surrounded by thick woodland. En route you’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and soak up the inspiring views for the last time. You will then return to the Dream and Adventure Centre for a well-deserved celebratory meal.

Accommodation: Dream and Adventure Centre

9

Day 10, Wed 23 Mar 2022

Dream and Adventure Centre to Baijnath Temple and Norbulinka Institute to Delhi

It’s the penultimate day of the challenge and with spirits high, you’ll 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 serenity here before heading back to the chaos of Delhi on an overnight train.

Accommodation: Sleeper train

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Day 11, Thu 24 Mar 2022

Depart Delhi

With amazing memories and a massive sense of achievement, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, making sure you’ve swapped details before heading home. Depending on your departure time you will either arrive home today or tomorrow.

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Day 12, Fri 25 Mar 2022

Arrive Home

Depending on your departure time from Delhi you will either arrive home yesterday or today.

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Important information

Please note: There is no guarantee that you will meet the Dalai Lama during this challenge. However, if he is in residence during your trek then we will attempt to secure a visit.

The itinerary is there as a guide and may change due to factors such as flight changes, unusual weather patterns or the strength of the group. We will do our very best to keep to the set itinerary; however, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your expedition leader will have the final say.

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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate

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