India - Himalayas and Rajasthan
Introduction to the India Rajasthan and 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. This expedition is a fantastic opportunity to experience the magical land of the Maharajas and trek into the world’s most famous mountain range. 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 where eager trekkers provision and prepare for expeditions into the great Indian Himalaya. |
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After a period of acclimatisation the team will be heading out on their chosen trek. 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.
From here to Rajasthan, long regarded as the home of the traditional Maharajas, with a wealth of history and art giving an amazing glimpse of a bygone era. This is a unique state in India, rich in colours, smells, majestic architecture and people. The battle-scared forts, vivid silks, and traditional way of life is full of charm and intrigue. The men have colourful turbans and grand moustaches and the women wear the Rajasthani mirrored skirts and chunky silver jewellery. A fascinating place for the project and final stages of the expedition.
Some possible expedition objectives are given below (there are several more trek options available), please note these may alter between now and your expedition. The Expedition Program Manager for India (Himalaya & Rajasthan) will agree a suitable expedition itinerary for you, to best match the abilities and aspirations of your team.
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Acclimatisation
Teams normally head from Delhi to Manali to begin their acclimatisation and trekking phase.
Main Trekking phase
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 to Manali via the village of Darcha.
Bathar - Rampur
A 5 day trek, taking a team through heavily forested paths. The maximum height reached is 3,600m. An excellent cultural trek ending up in the hill station of Shimla.
Brigu Lake
A 6 day trek out of Manali up to Brigu Lake with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
Kaza Kafnu
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.
Project phase
Teams generally complete their project phase in Rajasthan where, in the past, they have spent a few days based at a local village or school helping to paint classrooms, mend furniture or paint murals.
Rest & Relaxation - Rajasthan
Camel Trek
There are ample opportunities from Jaipur, Jodhpur or Pushkar to explore the sights, sounds and smells of the desert. The best way to do this is riding on the back of a camel and sleeping under the stars.
Jaipur and Jodhpur
The teams could explore “The Pink City” of Jaipur, visiting the famous Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), built in 1799. Jodhpur is one of India’s most interesting and beautiful cities to wander around, especially the old quarter, which is entirely painted sky blue. The Meherangarh Fort, still run by the former Maharaja of Jodhpur, towers over the city and is filled with wonderful paintings, carvings and mosaics.
Few people visit India without going to see the magnificent Taj Mahal in Agra.
Find out more
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