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
We arrive in India's bustling capital, Delhi. 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. (D)
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Arriving very early in Pathankot, it’s a further three-hour transfer to Dharamsala where you can explore the town, dotted with temples and monasteries, multi-coloured prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Test your haggling skills as we wander the colourful vibrant markets supporting local artisans. (B,L,D)
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.
We will cross the pass, and head down towards the valley, passing through ancient tribal Himalayan villages of the Gaddi tribe. We will stop to say hello at the local mountain school. We reach the river Uhl and our camp for the night. We watch the sunset turning to crimson over the valley. Sitting around the campfire we share the stories of a special day in the Himalayas. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camping
Today, you’ll walk alongside shepherds and locals, before crossing the Sun Pass at 2,400m. Pushing onwards, you will follow the Uhl River alongside traditionally farmed terraced fields and tiny hamlets.
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.
You’ll arrive into camp in time to witness a stunning Himalayan sunset as it casts shadows over the distant, snow-capped peaks. (B,L,D)
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.
Following the valley and river we wind our way higher into the mountains. We reach a small village, the last in the valley and only the local Gaddi tribe stay here in the summer months and migrate away during the snowy winters.
Our mountain camp is set up especially for you at the high point in the Himalayan mountains. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camp
The maximum altitude we reach today will depend on weather conditions.
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 ridge which boasts arguably the best views in the Himalayas. The group will rendezvous again in camp for the evening meal. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Camp
It’s the last day of your challenge and this morning is the perfect time to reflect on your journey.
We cross 2 passes today. En route you’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and soak up the inspiring views for the last time.
We will walk along the track until we reach Chaina Pass. We will then climb a little higher to a 'secret' ridge above the pass which has one of the most spectacular views of the challenge. This is a great place for some photos as a group.
For those that want we will climb a little higher to a hidden goddess temple. One of the ancient 7 sister goddesses that protect and live in the mountains. Our knowledgable local team will tell you the history and legends of the mountains.
We will then follow the track and ridge and cross our last pass towards Billing. Following the rhododendron forest downhill which will be blazing red and scarlet we will descend back to Bir for a well deserved celebration.
You will then return to the Dream and Adventure Centre for a well-deserved celebratory meal. (B,L,D)
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. (B)
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE
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