India

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 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 breathaking 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 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 spcatacular 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. 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.

What is 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 is 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

Want to hear what other people thought of this tour? Click here for testimonials.

Trip Dates

21st September - 2nd October 2013

More departure dates »

28th Sept - 9th Oct 2012 - Helen and Douglas House Himalayas Trek & Community Project

27th Oct - 4th Nov 2012 - Leeway Community Project Challenge

19th - 30th April 2013 - Noah's Ark Children's Hospice Himalayas Trek & Community Project

3rd – 13th May 2013 - Society of St James Himalayas Trek & Community Project

4th - 15th May 2013 - Himalayan Hospice Challenge

21st September - 2nd October 2013 - Himalayas & Agra Project Open Challenge

4th - 14th October 2013 - Butterwick Hospice Himalayas Trek & Delhi Project

Please see here for more details.

Tour Price

Self Funded

Registration Fee: £300
Tour Cost Balance: £1650

Sponsorship Option

Registration Fee: £300
Sponsorship: £3300

Which payment option?
Sponsorship

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each tour that you are required to raise in order to participate.

  • There is a registration fee payable at the time of booking.
  • The minimum sponsorship must be paid to the charity 12 weeks prior to departure.
  • The amount the charity receives is at least 50% of the minimum sponsorship total.
Self-Funded

This option is for those who choose to pay the tour costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides etc) themselves. There is no sponsorship required although if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity you are welcome to do so.

  • A registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • Tour cost balance is payable to Different Travel eight weeks prior to departure.
The prices vary - please refer to individual tour pages for exact pricing.
Trip Difficulty

Moderate to Challenging

This trip is graded as Moderate to challenging

Photos and Videos

India View our India photo gallery