India - Himalaya
Introduction to the India Himalayas expedition |
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| India’s hugely varied culture, religion, geography and history all go to make it one of the most fascinating and diverse countries in the world. The landscape rises from sea level to over 8,000m in the Himalaya. The Indian Himalaya is not just an area for mountaineers, as trekkers also have a huge range of contrasting routes to choose from, with varying altitudes and terrain. This destination should be visited by a team that wishes to undertake a demanding trek of up to 14 days in some of the most remote and beautiful scenery on earth. |  |
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After arriving in Delhi the team will head north to the region of Himachal Pradesh, through the Kullu Valley into the bustling town of Manali. In a dramatic setting of beautiful mountains and lush pine forests, there is a huge buzz in the town and eager trekkers provision and prepare for expeditions into the great Indian Himalaya. They will have an opportunity to explore the rural lifestyle trekking through villages and over dramatic passes with some spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range. Village life still exists in its traditional form with some areas cut off from civilisation for many months of the year during the cold winter.
The Kullu people have a great sense of well-being. They consider that they have led a life of plenty for generations, so they have a deep sense of belonging, which is reflected in their friendly manner and unassuming lifestyle. The men wear distinctive Kullu caps and the women wrap themselves in beautiful shawls of homespun wool. These fabrics have become the basis of a cottage industry and will be much sought after by team members!
Some possible expedition objectives are given below (there are other trek options available), please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for India will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
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Acclimatisation
There are several short treks out of Manali that can be done to acclimatise before the main trekking phase.
Main Trekking phase
The Zanskar Valley
The trek will take the team into the heart of the Zanskar Valley and can last up to 20 days. It is India’s least known province totally locked within a ring of mountains. As well as trekking over major passes of up to 5,000m, teams will have the chance to visit Buddhist ‘gompas’ (monasteries).
The Barabanghal Trek
A 14 day trek from Manali to Dharamsala, the home of the Dalai Lama. This is a physically demanding trek in a remote and beautiful area. The trek traverses 2 main passes, the highest of which reaches about 4850m, where there is likely to be snow on the ground. An exciting trek, not for the faint hearted.
Hampta Pass and Chandratal Trek
A 14 day trek from Manali over the Hampta Pass at 4,600m and up via the lake of Chandratal (Moon Lake) at 4,800m. The trek finishes at the Baralarcha Pass at 5,100m where the team will travel back via Darcha village.
The Kaza Kafnu Trek
A 12 day trek starting from the barren, dramatic Spiti valley and over a pass of 4,900m, past Buddhist monasteries perched on rocks, ending up descending into lush Kafnu and onto Shimla.
The Spiti Trek
A 12 day tough trek that starts by heading out from the hot springs of Manikaran, before heading up the valley alongside the Parbarti River. The trek will reach its peak at the Pin Parbati Pass at 5,200m (16,900ft) before descending again into the remote moonscape of the Pin River valley before finishing in the Spiti valley.
Projects
Teams carry out project work in local villages. Usually in the form of maintenance work in schools, painting murals, fixing the buildings or general odd jobs with plenty of opportunity for interaction with local villagers and children.
Rest and Relaxation
Depending on the progress of the trek, the last days in India can be spent seeing some of its tourist attractions such as the old hill station of Shimla and other local places of interest. Few people visit India without going to see the Red Fort in Delhi and the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.
What did you think of the India Himalayas expedition?
I just want to say that this expedition was one of the best things that I have ever done, the experience of different culture, being independent for a whole month and bonding with the team was amazing. I have many pictures of our expedition and they bring back so many fond memories. This I will never forget. I hope to go back to India some day. Also, after being on this expedition it has encouraged me to think about doing a lot more travelling around the world.
I just want to say thank you World Challenge for giving me this opportunity and also for giving me the expedition of a life time. I would encourage everyone that's thinking of taking an expedition next year, or in years to come to never give up, it's worth everything.
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David Williams, Challenger - Syr Hugh Owen School, India-Himalaya
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