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
A local Charity Challenge representative will be waiting at the airport for your transfer to the hotel to wash, change and freshen up.
After a team briefing we will sample India’s finest cuisine with a banquet lunch enjoying the tastes and smells of India and learning a little about the different flavours of different parts of India. We have a little time in the afternoon to soak in the hustle and bustle of Delhi and some of the sights. After our team dinner we head to our overnight sleeper train to Pathankot.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Arriving very early in Pathankot, 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
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.
We will take a warm up walk and explore the picturesque community of Bir, following the foothills of the Himalayas. We will visit some famous buddhist monasteries with carvings and amazing thangka paintings. If possible we will try to see a puja, with chanting and prayers, in the sacred and colourful prayer room.
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. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Dream and Adventure Centre
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 (2,400m), an ancient trading route. 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
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
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.
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.
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
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 here we head back to the chaos of Delhi on an afternoon fast train. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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