The 2013 Challenge
This trek takes you to some of the most remote and beautiful areas of the Indian Himalayas, where many of the local people have never seen a Western person before. This off the beaten track adventure starts in the iconic city of Agra where you will spend some time assisting at a project on manual activities such as painting and decorating. During your time in Agra you will also have the opportunity to visit the majestic Taj Mahal. After you have completed your tasks at the project you will take on a breath taking 4-day trek through the Indian Himalayas, passing serene Dharamsala and the small villages of Kanol and Kareri.
Do Something Different…
You will spend some time assisting at a community project in Agra such as an orphanage or school. Your activities will include painting, redecorating, gardening and other similar tasks.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sat): London – Delhi
Depart London for Delhi.
Day 2 (Sun): Delhi – Agra
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to Agra, stopping for lunch en route. (Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 (Mon): Agra
Spend time at the project (BLD)
Day 4 (Tue): Agra
Spend time at the project and enjoy a visit to the Taj Mahal (BLD)
Day 5 (Wed): Agra – Delhi – Pathankot
Return to Delhi, stopping off to visit a rescued bear sanctuary en route. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before taking the overnight train to Pathankot.
Day 6 (Thu): Pathankot – Dharamshala
Early arrival in Pathankot. Transfer to Dharamsala, the gateway to the Himalayas, stopping on the way for breakfast. The rest of the day is at leisure in Dharamsala. Overnight stay at a central hotel with a traditional Tibetan dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7 (Fri): Dharamshala – Boh Village – Kareri (1800m)
This morning drive for approximately 2 hours to Boh Village, from where we start the trek. Boh village is situated on the banks of the Brahal River and our journey there will reward us with spectacular views of the Dhaula Dhar Mountains. We start with a steep ascent for about 3 hours after which we stop for lunch. We then descend through lush green fields, terraces and woodland to a beautiful spot on the banks of the river at Kareri, where camp is set up for the night. (approx 15km trekking, 7 hours)
Day 8 (Sat): Kareri – Bahl
After breakfast we start our day’s walk with a relatively steep ascent through several small villages, enjoying fine views of the valley as we go. After lunch the track becomes even steeper, with some narrow rocky sections, before a steep downhill path leading to tonight’s campsite at Bahl. (approx 15km trekking, 7 hours)
Day 9 (Sun): Bahl – Triund (2827m)
Today’s trek involves some very steep sections, both up and downhill, with increasingly spectacular views of the mountains as we go. Camp is set up close to Triund, from where the views over the Dhaudlar Mountain range is amazing. (approx 12km trekking, 7 hours)
Day 10 (Mon): Triund – McLeodganj – Pathankot
After enjoying the spectacular views at dawn, it’s downhill all the way, taking us back into McLeodganj from where we travel back down to Pathankot to take the overnight train to Delhi. (approx 8 km trekking, 4 hours)
Day 11 (Tue): Delhi
Early morning arrival in Delhi. Transfer to the hotel for breakfast and a freshen up before taking a sightseeing tour of both Old and New Delhi. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
Day 12 (Wed): Delhi – London
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to London.
N.B. This itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, wildlife movements, the ability of the group and so on. Different Travel do their best to keep to the set itinerary however they cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of their control. In all such circumstances your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of the health and safety of the group.
Download the dossier on this project
What’s included
- Return flights from the UK
- Airline taxes and charges
- Local transfers and transport in India
- 2-3* hotels, tents on the trek
- Materials required for project
- Porters and expert English-speaking local guides
- Different Travel UK tour escort
- All meals as per itinerary
What’s not included
- Any necessary vaccinations
- Drinks, laundry and personal expenses
- Spending money
- Transport to/from UK airports
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal kit and equipment
- Travel insurance
- Indian visa (if required)
- Carbon emission offsetting
NOTE: The Youth Cancer Trust uses Different Travel to organise challenges on its behalf.
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