The 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 at the gateway of the Indian Himalayas, Dharamsala where you will take on a breathtaking 4-day trek through the Indian Himalayas, passing the small villages of Kanol and Kareri. After you have completed your trek spend some time assisting at a project on manual activities such as painting and decorating.

The Project

You will spend time helping at a project in Delhi which supports vulnerable people, some of whom may be homeless or suffer from mental illness. The actual activities you will be involved with will depend upon the most pressing need at the time but it is likely to include refurbishment of rooms, gardening, creating a communal area for people to socialise, minor building work (e.g. building a wall/fence) and so on. You will work hard and the group will make a huge difference to the project.

Itinerary

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

Day 2 (Sat): Delhi - Pathankot
Upon arrival, transfer to a central hotel where some rooms will be available to relax and freshen up. After lunch enjoy a sightseeing tour of Delhi before transferring to the Railway Station for the train to Pathankot. Overnight on train (Air conditioned sleeper class). (Lunch, dinner)

Day 3 (Sun): Pathankot - 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 4 (Mon): Dharamsala - Boh village - Kanol village
This morning drive for approximately 1 hour 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 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 12 km trekking, 4 hours) (BLD)

Day 5 (Tue): Kanol village – Kareri – Bagha
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 through dense forest to Bagha, where we camp overnight. (approx 10 km trekking, 5 hours) (BLD)

Day 6 (Wed): Bagha – Rewa
This morning we descend all the way to Rewa village, a typical Himalayan community located on the banks of a small river. (approx 10 km trekking, 5 hours) (BLD)

Day 7 (Thu): Rewa - Triund - McLeodgunj – Pathankot
Our final, and hardest, day of trekking! We trek for around 7 hours to reach Triund, located in the foothills of the mighty Dhauladhar Range, from where there are amazing views of the higher mountains soaring in the distance. From there we trek down to McLeodgunj, where we join the vehicle to return to Pathankot and take the overnight train to Delhi.(approx 12 km trekking, 8 hours) (BLD)

DAY 8 (Fri): Delhi
Arrive in Delhi and transfer to the hotel to check in. After lunch we pay an introductory visit to the project. (BLD)

Days 9 (Sat) & 10 (Sun): Delhi
Two full days assisting on the local project, carefully linked with the work the Society of St James do in the UK with those at risk of homelessness for various reasons. (BLD)

Day 11 (Mon): 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. 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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