The Challenge

This exciting challenge in Delhi and the Indian Himalayas will be an adventure of a lifetime. Spend time assisting at a project which urgently needs refurbishment and a little TLC and then set off on a trek into the stunning Himalayas from the gateway of Dharamsala. The terrain experienced will be varied, with some steep terrain, some flat, some undulating. Underfoot you will experience grassy areas, stony terrain and depending on the weather, very muddy areas. This trek is achievable for a person of good fitness.

The Project

It is likely that you will assist on activities such as painting a hospice guest accommodation, refurbishing rooms, gardening and tidying the outside areas, and other hands-on activities. No experience required!

Itinerary

Day 1 (Fri): London
Depart London for Delhi on an overnight flight.

Day 2 (Sat): Delhi
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Pay an introductory visit to the project this afternoon before a welcome dinner tonight. (Lunch, dinner)

Days 3 & 4 (Sun & Mon): Delhi
Spend two full days assisting at the project (BLD)

Day 5 (Tue): Delhi/Pathankot - Dharamsala
Continue working on the project before, in the evening, transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Pathankot. Overnight on train - air conditioned sleeper class. (BLD)

Day 6 (Wed): Dharamsala
Arrive in Pathankot in the morning and transfer to Dharamsala. On arrival in this Himalayan hill resort, the abode of the Dalai Lama, check in at the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. We suggest you may enjoy a walk along Mall Road, where Tibetan refugees display and sell traditional handicrafts. Overnight stay at hotel in Dharamsala. (BLD)

Day 7 (Thu): Dharamsala - Boh Village - Kanol Village (approx 6 hours)
This morning drive for approximately 2 hours to Boh Village, from where we start the trek. Boa 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 2 hours and arrive in the remote tribal village of Batuni, where we visit a local family house for refreshments. From Batuni a short walk takes us to our lunch spot, after which we descend through lush green fields, terraces and woodland to Kanol village where we set up camp for the night. (approx 12km trekking) (BLD)

Day 8 (Fri): Kanol Village – Kareri - Rawa – Bahl (approx 6 hours)
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. We arrive in Kareri Village in time for lunch. Continue via the Rawa River to the spot where we camp overnight. (approx 15km trekking, max altitude 3,250m) (BLD)

Day 9 (Sat): Bahl – Triund (approx 7 hours)
This morning we make a steep ascent through a mixed forest of oak, rhododendron and cedar trees which brings us to Triund, an alpine meadow situated on top of a ridge from which we'll have amazing views of the peaks of Dhauladhar on one side and the Kangra valley on the other. (approx 15km trekking, max altitude 3,250m) (BLD)

Day 10 (Sun): Triund - McLeodgunj – Dharamsala (approx 6 hours)
Our final day of trekking and we return towards Dharamsala, taking a different route back passing through Laheta village. Initially it's a gradual descent over a grassy ridge for a few kilometers, then a steep descent taking us down to the Bhagsu waterfall where we stop to enjoy lunch. A further short walk brings us to Bhagsu village where we end our trek and return to Pathankot to take the overnight train back to Delhi, departing at 23.10. Overnight onboard train. (approx 14km trekking) (BLD)

Day 11 (Mon): Delhi
Arrive in Delhi this morning and visit the project to finish off and pay your farewells. Farewell dinner tonight. (BLD)

Day 12 (Tue): Delhi - London
Transfer to the airport for your 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. We will do our best to keep to the set itinerary however we cannot be held responsible for changes that might occur outside of our 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.

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