The Himalayan Panorama Adventure 2009
The Himalayan Panorama Adventure (India)
May 15 to 23, 2009
This was G4G’s 26th challenge.
5 days of trekking 70km through terraced fields, tea gardens, orchards and forests, visiting ancient monasteries and meeting local people – all with a stunning Himalayan back drop.
With each days’ trek between 8 and 19km and some steep ascents and descents, this adventure required stamina and perseverance, but the breathtaking scenery was ample reward for our efforts.
We transferred from Delhi to Darjeeling, where we acclimatised whilst exploring the steep alleyways, varied cultures and gothic architecture. The trek actually started just over the border into Nepal. It passed through pine forest, rhododendrons and meadows; villages and monasteries; over zig-zagging paths up and down the foothills of the Himalayas; every steep passage rewarded by tantalising views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Llohtse and Everest.
During the trek, we camped in Alpine tents, often with fabulous views of the mountains and sweeping valleys below. Sandakpu (3,634m) is the highest point of this trek and we also passed through the Singalila National Park (famous for its very rare red pandas).
Every chance to visit monasteries, villages and the ubiquitous tea houses was built in to the itinerary and we had plenty of time to interact with local people, as well as seeing some of Delhi and also had an opportunity to visit the charity. We saw these fascinating countries from a viewpoint rarely experienced by ordinary tourists, plus we saw for ourselves the wonderful work this local charity is doing for the most needy children of the region.
Level: Hard
Number of participants: Maximum 25 per group.
Registration Fee: AED 1,850/-
Minimum Sponsorship: AED 15,000/-
Assistance provided in advance by G4G: Fund-raising ideas; training & fitness suggestions; safety & medical advice; clothing & equipment advice.
What G4G provides on the Challenge: flights and transfers, hotels/tents, food, guides, medical & vehicle back-up.
Essential to leave behind: Day-to-day problems.
Essential to bring: Determination & a sense of humour!
Day 1 – May 14, Thursday
Departed from Dubai in the evening
Day 2 – May 15, Friday
Arrived New Delhi and transferred to hotel to freshen up.
After breakfast, we flew to Bagdogra, then transferred by road to Darjeeling – a stunning drive through rice paddies, teak and tea plantations and forests up into the foothills of the Himalaya.
Darjeeling (from Dorje Ling, ‘the place of the thunderbolt’) straddles a ridge 2200m up in the Himalayas and is an extraordinary town of many levels interlinked by steep stairways, Victorian gothis architecture and fine botanical gardens, surrounded by mountain views. There is a large and thriving Buddhist community, along with Nepalese descendants, Lepchas and refugee Tibetans.
Short drive to Dali Monastery, the seat of the Drukchen Rimpoche, with a huge Buddha statue and offering fine views of the rolling hills.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Day 3 – May 16, Saturday
Trekked 11 km / 6 hours
Quick visit to the famous toy train, then drove to Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875 and housing famous Buddhist scriptures.
Drove to Maneybhanjang (2134m), a small village on the India/Nepal border for passport checks before beginning our trek through the pine forest to Chitray monastery – a perfect place for lunch!
After lunch, we trekked through meadows, forests and tea shops, ascending about 1000m, to the ridge-top settlement of Tonglu. As we zig-zag up through the rhododendrons, we caught tantalizing glimpses of Kanchjunga ahead.
Overnight in tents
Day 4 – May 17, Sunday
Trek 15 km / 7-8 hours
A long and rewarding days walk, starting downhill through a Nepalese village and the Singalila National Park, famous for red pandas. Then, a steep stretch to Kali Pokari (3100m) – another perfect place for a rest and lunch!
After lunch, a short trek took us to the foot of Sandakpu where we camped near the small Chai shop.
Overnight in tents with superb vies of Kala Pokhari and the valley below
Day 5 – May 18, Monday
17 km / 8-9 hours
After breakfast we made a steep ascent to Sandakpu – the effort was well rewarded by splendid views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Lhotse and several peaks in eastern Nepal.
After rest and refreshment, we continued the most spectacular walk offering fantastic views of the Himalaya and passed through Silver Fir and Rhododendron forest to Sabargum.
Overnight in tents
Day 6 – May 19, Tuesday
19 km / 8-10 hours
A gradual ascent and descent, followed by a steep descent through the mixed forest of Pine, Chestnut and Bamboo, with fabulous bird life, down to a lovely atmospheric school, where we camped overnight, met the school teachers and children
Overnight in tents
Day 7 – May 20, Wednesday
8-9 km / 3 hours
We then had a 3-hour trek downhill through farmland, scattered villages and forests, to the crossing over Siri Khola. This was followed by a climb up to the village of Rimbick (2290m) where our trek came to an end in the Sherpa Hotel.
After lunch, we drove back to Darjeeling, through rolling hills and villages, for a celebratory dinner.
Overnight in hotel
Day 8 – May 21, Thursday
Drove back to Bagdogra airport for the return flight to Delhi.
Arrived and transferred to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Dinner, breakfast and overnight in hotel
Day 9 – May 22, Friday
Had a sightseeing tour of Delhi and visited the charity.
Day 10 – May 23, Saturday
Morning transferred to the airport for the return flight to Dubai
Climate
Darjeeling’s weather is pleasant and serene. Summers (lasting from May to June) are mild, with cool winds, bright blue sky and a majestic view of mount Kanchenjunga, a certain thrill entices the visitors in the spell of the warm sunshine. The maximum temperature is between 20 -24 degrees Celsius (approx.).
Health
The most important and simple thing you can do to prevent illness is to be properly immunized. Seek advice from your doctor on the necessary immunizations. Malaria is a problem, so you will need to take tablets, starting before your departure. You need to be fit and healthy to participate, so start training as early as possible. Keep hydrated on the hike by drinking water regularly.
Training
You will be hiking for several hours per day. Therefore, it is important that you start a gym or training programme at least three (3) months prior to the challenge. Most gyms will be happy to assist you in achieving your fitness.
The challenge is described as hard. You need to be fit and healthy to participate.
Visa info for India
Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in India. You should also have a couple of clean pages (no stamps!) left in the passport. All foreigners entering India require visas, which must be obtained from their local Indian Embassy/Consulate in advance. The cost of the visa varies according to nationality. Visa information is available from the Dubai Indian Consulate website, including application form, at www.cgidubai.com/ or check out the latest news on visa: http://www.gulfnews.com/articles/09/03/11/10293538.html
Travel & Medical Insurance
G4G will arrange group medical/travel insurance for you. You will be required to pay your insurance premium at least two weeks prior to departure. Further details about the premium, type of cover, insurance terms & conditions etc are available on request.
Respect for the Environment
We maintain a firm commitment to conserve the areas we work in and ask you to do the same. Take only photographs and leave behind only footprints and tyre tracks.
Safety
We take your safety very seriously. It is our first and never forgotten priority. Please listen to your guides and follow their instructions.
What We Supply
Return flight from Dubai, internal flights/transfers, daily meals, water and accommodation including tents (on a double-occupancy basis). All your gear will be transported each day to the night stop, except daily necessities carried in your own day-pack.
A Typical Day
Days vary according to terrain and distance. However, you can expect a lunch stop, usually at a local restaurant. Two snacks per day are supplied at pre-established rest stops on the way. There will be time to socialize and explore before dinner.
Special dietary requirements can be catered for with prior notice. Bottled water is available throughout the day.
Personal Equipment
Travel light! Try to limit your baggage to around 15 kgs. All bags are to be clearly marked and lockable. Do not take or wear any valuables on the trek – it is best to leave them at home.
Smile Foundation, Delhi India
Renovating an education & vocational skills centre and provide a mobile hospital “Smile on Wheels” for the marginalized children of Delhi slums. The Smile on Wheels treats around 5,000 patients a month, while the education centre is an essential resource for a slum pocket to provide much needed support in school subjects, but also self defence for girls, nutrition and child care for young mothers, etc.
Mandatory:
Good 3-4 season Sleeping bag.
How to pack:
Your clothes and equipment should fall into the following categories:
1. What you are going to wear and need on the trip. This should preferably fit into a single bag (soft kit bag, not a suitcase), which will be transported each day from site to site.
2. What you are going to carry in your daypack. Do carry an extra shirt in your daypack. When you stop hiking, you may feel cold after sweating and need to change or add a layer to prevent chills.
What to bring: (tick as you collect!)
Bags
- Bag – a lockable, good-sized duffle bag with a top length zipper and nametag.
- Daypack – a light small and comfortable daypack (30 litres) with padded straps.
Footwear
- Several pairs lightweight socks
- 1 pair hiking boots with ankle support
- 1 pair lightweight trainers/sneakers for flat trails
- 1 pair sandals/comfortable shoes to suit hotel/camping terrain
Optional
- hiking poles
Underwear
- Several sets regular underwear
Outerwear
- 1 Light fleece or similar for evenings
- Lightweight wind/rain protection jacket with hood
- Brimmed hat for sun and rain
- waterproof jacket and trousers
- fleece/down jacket
- gloves inner & outer
- warm hat
- head torch with enough batteries (head-lamp)
Pants
- Trousers or shorts suitable for hotel/camping terrain
Shirts
- A selection of quick dry shirts
Day Pack
- Water bottles
- Sunglasses/Sun lotion
- Prescribed medicines
- Camera/spare films
- Reading material
- Toilet Paper/Tissues
- Chapstick
- Extra shirt
- Wet Wipes/water-free hand wash
- Small change for souvenirs
- Buff (bandana)
Other
- Towel (fast drying)
- Flash light or headlamps, spare batteries and bulbs
- Toiletries
Optional
- Trail snacks
Thoughts & Ideas
Buy new footwear in good time and use it well to break it in.
Bring foot/blister treatment and treat blisters early (on hands, too) Reduce the risk of blisters by wearing correctly fitting footwear, socks and gloves. Prepare your body well for the trip; get plenty of practice before you go!
Stuff sacks are great for storing your gear. Use different sizes and colours to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags are also helpful to separate clean and dirty clothing.
If you normally wear contacts, bring a pair of glasses in case of eye irritation from dust.
Some of the trails are rutted and dusty. It is a good idea to pack camera equipment in plastic bags to protect them from dust in addition to their normal cases. Also bring some lens cleaning material.
Laundry is difficult on this trip but you can handwash a few quick-drying items.
Make one copy of your passport and take it with you. We will have a second copy in our files.
Miscellaneous
India is one and half hours ahead of the U.A.E.
Take US Dollars to change
Good Reference Books are the Lonely Planet Guides to India, available from branches of Magrudy’s.
Compulsory
Inform us of any important changes in your medical condition.
A relaxed attitude – and a sense of humour !
