Arrive in Delhi. Welcome to India, home to 1.21 billion people and the birthplace of Buddhism, Hinduism, yoga and chess. It is the largest democracy in the world. India is a feast for the senses with its medieval flavoured bazaars, snake charmers, and historical forts. You'll soon realize that cows have priority on the roads! Work as a team to gather your kit, change some money and arrange a mobile phone. Then make your way to your pre-booked accommodation near the airport. 1 Fly to India Travel to Chandigarh. See the modern side of Delhi life as you zip over direct to New Delhi Train Station via the super-clean and efficient Airport Express Line. Then brace yourself as you step out into the organised chaos that is India's busiest railway station to find your train! Riding the railways is one of the joys of travelling in India so take your time to take it all in as you head north on the 5-6 hour journey to Chandigarh. You'll be tired after your long journey, but the last challenge of the day is to locate your pre-booked accommodation for the night. See your budget and booking slip in your expedition pack for details. 2 Find your feet 3 Bus to Manali. Today you will need to wake up early in time for your pre-booked private bus up to Manali and the foothills of the Himalayas! It's a 7-9 hour journey so you will start around 6am to get there in plenty of time. The road is increasingly windy as you head north so those who suffer from travel sickness may want to sit nearer the front. There will also be stops on route. After some time you will join the Beas River and follow it north up into the Kullu Valley - the home of apple orchards and woollen textiles in rural communities and more recently, mountain trekking and other adventure activities. On a clear day you can admire the snow-capped peaks as you get closer to your destination. Buzzing Manali is full of travelers, hikers and hippies, some of whom came here in the 70s and never left! It's a great place to do some souvenir shopping while you absorb the frantic atmosphere. When you arrive you'll need to find some accommodation so you can relax after your long journey and then you will have chance for some for acclimatisation. Steven Haig , Challenger Hillfield Strathallan College 4-5 Acclimatisation in Manali. You'll need to contact your in-country agents to discuss the options for your acclimatisation phase and main trek. Manali is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, pine forests, apple orchards, rivers and temples. It's a beautiful and fascinating region to explore. Use this time to go on some walks to higher altitudes here to help with your acclimatisation. These days should be used wisely to prepare for your main trekking phase, buy your provisions, arrange your transport and confirm any necessary bookings. Acclimatization Treks Explore and Travel 6-10 Brighu Lake Trek. Your adventure will begin as you travel to Koti. Over the next few days you'll walk through the lush Kullu Valley just north east of Manali, reaching a maximum height of 4,225m! Your trek will take you through a varied and beautiful landscape, starting in the forested mountains lining the rich valley and will pass through rhododendron forests and over streams, where the trail will take you higher up the valley until the terrain becomes tough with snow fields and some steep climbs. At this elevation you'll find physical exertion harder, days can be hot and the sun strong but at night temperatures drop dramatically, often to below freezing. You'll have cooks to prepare your meals. Main Trek Use this opportunity to learn about the cultures and customs of the Himalayan people and don't be afraid to try new foods. A trek through snowfields will lead you to the highest pass at 4,225m, before your efforts are rewarded as you descend to the beautiful Brighu Lake. On a clear day you'll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The highest points are adorned with prayer flags, which are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the local area. For centuries Tibetan Buddhists have planted prayer flags outside their homes and in spiritual locations as it is believed the wind will carry the goodwill across the countryside. The trek will finish in the village of Vishisht, which has fascinating temples and hot springs that you'll be able to enjoy after your huge achievement.
Transcript
Arrive in Delhi. Welcome to India, home to 1.21 billion people and the birthplace of Buddhism, Hinduism, yoga and chess. It is the largest democracy in the world. India is a feast for the senses with its medieval flavoured bazaars, snake charmers, and historical forts. You'll soon realize that cows have priority on the roads! Work as a team to gather your kit, change some money and arrange a mobile phone. Then make your way to your pre-booked accommodation near the airport.
1 Fly to India
Travel to Chandigarh. See the modern side of Delhi life as you zip over direct to New Delhi Train Station via the super-clean and efficient Airport Express Line. Then brace yourself as you step out into the organised chaos that is India's busiest railway station to find your train! Riding the railways is one of the joys of travelling in India so take your time to take it all in as you head north on the 5-6 hour journey to Chandigarh. You'll be tired after your long journey, but the last challenge of the day is to locate your pre-booked accommodation for the night. See your budget and booking slip in your expedition pack for details.
2 Find
your feet
3 Bus to Manali. Today you will need to wake up early in time for your pre-booked private bus up to Manali and the foothills of the Himalayas! It's a 7-9 hour journey so you will start around 6am to get there in plenty of time. The road is increasingly windy as you head north so those who suffer from travel sickness may want to sit nearer the front. There will also be stops on route. After some time you will join the Beas River and follow it north up into the Kullu Valley - the home of apple orchards and woollen textiles in rural communities and more recently, mountain trekking and other adventure activities. On a clear day you can admire the snow-capped peaks as you get closer to your destination. Buzzing Manali is full of travelers, hikers and hippies, some of whom came here in the 70s and never left! It's a great place to do some souvenir shopping while you absorb the frantic atmosphere. When you arrive you'll need to find some accommodation so you can relax after your long journey and then you will have chance for some for acclimatisation.
Steven Haig , Challenger
Hillfield Strathallan College
4-5 Acclimatisation in Manali. You'll need to contact your in-country agents to discuss the options for your acclimatisation phase and main trek. Manali is nestled in a lush valley surrounded by waterfalls, hot springs, pine forests, apple orchards, rivers and temples. It's a beautiful and fascinating region to explore. Use this time to go on some walks to higher altitudes here to help with your acclimatisation. These days should be used wisely to prepare for your main trekking phase, buy your provisions, arrange your transport and confirm any necessary bookings.
Acclimatization Treks
Explore and Travel
6-10 Brighu Lake Trek. Your adventure will begin as you travel to Koti. Over the next few days you'll walk through the lush Kullu Valley just north east of Manali, reaching a maximum height of 4,225m! Your trek will take you through a varied and beautiful landscape, starting in the forested mountains lining the rich valley and will pass through rhododendron forests and over streams, where the trail will take you higher up the valley until the terrain becomes tough with snow fields and some steep climbs. At this elevation you'll find physical exertion harder, days can be hot and the sun strong but at night temperatures drop dramatically, often to below freezing. You'll have cooks to prepare your meals.
Main Trek
Use this opportunity to learn about the cultures and customs of the Himalayan people and don't be afraid to try new foods. A trek through snowfields will lead you to the highest pass at 4,225m, before your efforts are rewarded as you descend to the beautiful Brighu Lake. On a clear day you'll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. The highest points are adorned with prayer flags, which are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the local area. For centuries Tibetan Buddhists have planted prayer flags outside their homes and in spiritual locations as it is believed the wind will carry the goodwill across the countryside. The trek will finish in the village of Vishisht, which has fascinating temples and hot springs that you'll be able to enjoy after your huge achievement.
13-18
19-20 R&R
Agra and Taj Mahal
Rest and Relaxation in Agra. Of course, no visit to India would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra. The monument is most beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the white domed marble mausoleum glows pink and orange. Just remember that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Agra is also home to the iconic Agra Fort, which is an impressive sight steeped in history. Entrance to the Taj Mahal will be included in your budget and all additional rest and relaxation activities will be at your own expense. You will have the opportunity to visit Wildlife SOS, they have 2 sites near to Agra where you can go and see rescued elephants and also sloth bears and hear their stories, help prepare meals for them and possibly even take the elephants for a walk. There are half day and full packages available, you will need to book these in advance.
ADVENTURE
21-22 Transit to Delhi
and Fly Home
Transit to Delhi and Fly Home. It's time for those last minute jobs before you pack up your kit for the final time and head towards Delhi Airport for the flight back home. Following advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, teams can only enter downtown Delhi to make train or bus connections. It is not permitted to stay overnight or undertake other activities in downtown Delhi. Returning home, you'll be bursting with stories and photos to keep family and friends entertained for hours! Saying goodbye to your team will be harder than you'd imagine as you'll have become lifelong friends but the excitement of a shower, clean sheets, a comfy bed and catching up on all the news at home will make it easier. Don't forget to keep the experience alive and share your best photos, videos and stories on Facebook and Instagram!
11 Transit from Manali to R&R. India is packed full of exciting rest and relaxation activities and it’s up to your team to work out your own itinerary. Your only problem will be deciding which activities to choose! Further south from Manali you could visit Shimla. With its unusual architecture this town is unique. The former "summer capital" of India comes complete with a Victorian-esque post office, mock Tudor mansions and a British style church. At night it looks like something out of a Dickens novel, but with the addition of monkeys! The "toy train" from Shimla will take you on a scenic journey along a narrow gauge railway, winding out of the Himalaya to Kalka. From here it's a short journey to Chandigarh from where you can take the train to Jaipur (remember that trains must be booked well in advance).
Explore and Travel
12 R&R
Rest and Relaxation in Jaipur. Travel to Jaipur, the "pink city" that was named after the entire old city was painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. Around five to six hours from Delhi, Jaipur is home to a wealth of wonderful sights from Hawa Mahal "The Palace of the Winds", the Amber Fort and the Observatory (Jantar Mantar). You could organise taking a guide for all the sights so you get the most out of your time here. If you have time make sure you consider a day trip to Pushkar. Pushkar is a holy town famous for its lake, various ghats and temples spread all around the lake. It is well worth the visit!
ADVENTURE
Community Project. Your project phase will be an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in Indian culture and to learn about day to day life in an area most travellers don't get to experience. Exact details will be confirmed closer to departure. Take advice from your project hosts on the best place to buy materials, and make sure you bargain hard over the prices to make the money go further. It’s a good idea to go shopping for materials with the project coordinator or someone local. You could be involved in lots of different tasks such as repair and maintenance work, improving a rundown bathroom or kitchen, painting a nursery with colourful educational murals, teaching, organising sports, or even installing much needed facilities for a local community or school. The work may demand initiative and imagination to be a success, so be prepared to put in some effort before you see the rewards. Don't underestimate the power of knowledge; if you do your research in advance it will pay off. Learn the local customs and try to dress and act politely, for example, avoid eating with your left hand. People here are renowned for being friendly and hospitable, so try to engage with them as much as possible. Even though English is widely spoken, learning some of the local language will go a long way. The expedition project will offer a unique opportunity to fully engage with community - passionate local people and organisations - seeking to make a positive impact. As valued guests of a host community you will undertake a task-specific project that will contribute towards the ongoing needs of local communities or other environmental priorities. You will need to listen in order to gain a better understanding of the local challenges and work hard to achieve the best outcomes possible. Don't get downhearted if the task seems too big or too small - instead ask for help, ask what help is needed, work together with the host community and local organisation. There is so much more to a project phase than you may initially think. Just like any journey your project is not always about the immediate or visible results – real development takes time and the work will go on long after you have returned home. While your manpower and financial contribution are so valuable, your hosts will also be proud to share something of their culture with you. Cultural exchange works both ways so come prepared with ideas. Photos of your school, community and families are often great ways to make friends. Everyone loves to play sports, share songs and perform dance routines! Be prepared to cook a meal for your hosts, or learn to make traditional dishes. The more you engage with the project hosts the more you will feel part of something bigger - a community. Don't forget to learn some of the local language, either before you arrive or while you are on expedition - it will be invaluable! We believe that as in life, you will get out of it what you put in, both as individuals and collectively as a team. While we have provided all the ingredients - you should be prepared to get creative and use your initiative to make this phase a great success. Ask questions, be inquisitive and be the instigators of the change you want to see. We hope this will inspire the next generation of leaders to take action for a better world. Once your time has come to an end why not seek to keep in contact with your project and find ways to support the work once you return home. This may involve raising funds or awareness or even volunteering on an issue you feel passionate about? Your contribution need not stop when you leave the project site.
