Himalayan Challenge For Whizz-Kidz
From here to the Himalayas…..
GREAT EXPECTATIONS! Though the challenge that lies ahead will doubtless be tough, nevertheless it promises to be a unique expedition through one of the most spectacular areas of our planet. The journey to be undertaken combines awesome Himalayan trekking with an opportunity to listen to the teachings of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
“Learn much and live courageously. Life is like going mountain paths shouldering heavy loads.” Yukito Kishiro
THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT	THE ITINERARY Day One Flight from London to Delhi… Day Two By rail from Delhi to Dharamsala… After exploring India’s capital, we take the overnight sleeper to Dharamsala Day Three Dharamsala… Situated in the Northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamsala has been the centre of the Tibetan community since the 1950s. Today is for exploring the city and attending a public audience given by His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his home in McLeod Ganj…
Location of Himachal Pradesh	Himachal Pradesh
	Day Four Dharamsala to Bir… We visit the Bhagsu waterfall and attend the Dalai Lama’s teachings, then explore the temples of his monastery, before moving on to Bir in the foothills of the Himalayas… Day Five Bir… After stepping back in time in the Tibetan village of Bir that has remained unchanged for centuries, we visit the Sherab-ling Monastery. We have lunch with the children from the Bir Tibetan Colony School and afterwards meet the trekking crew who will brief us for the challenge ahead… Day Six Trek to Barot… Walking upwards along an ancient trading route towards Haribag Pass at 2500m, we take a lunch break at Barua, beside a shepherd’s encampment. Heading down to Barot, there is a multitude of wildlife to see and the end of the day is celebrated around the campfire…
Day Seven Trek to Thadkot… We cross the Sun Pass at 2,700m, following the Thadkot River through terraced fields and small traditional hamlets. The day draws to a close with the promise of an amazing Himalayan sunset… Day Eight Trek to Banghla… An adventurous day lies ahead with the prospect of crossing three mountain passes with views of the Shivalik Mountains, the plains towards the Punjab and the snow-capped Dhauladhar range. We spend the night in an old colonial hunting lodge… Day Nine Rest day/optional trek… A day for a well-earned rest with a chance to relax and absorb the scenery, or the added challenge of a 5 hour trek to a nearby pass. We spend the night in a derelict hunting lodge…
	Day Ten Trek to Bal… On the way to Bal we pass Shilpadhani, a small village perched on a steep slope. This is home to the Gaddis, Himalayan shepherds, whose lifestyle has remained unchanged for centuries. We pitch camp in Bal beside the Uhl river… Day Eleven Trek to Ropa and on to Taragarh Palace… After visiting Dena Park on the last day of the trek, we move on to Taragarh Palace, and become Maharajas for the night, enjoying a celebratory banquet and sleeping in luxury.… Day Twelve Taragarh Palace to Norbulinka… A peaceful morning at the palace is followed by a trip to Norbulinka Institute to learn about traditional Tibetan arts and crafts. There is an opportunity to explore a temple set in Japanese gardens. We then take the overnight sleeper train to Delhi…
Day Thirteen The Taj Mahal… A day of total contrast as we visit the most extravagant monument ever built for love by Emperor Shah Jehan in 1631, in memory of his wife. From here we return to Delhi for a farewell supper, before preparing for the flight to Heathrow… Day Fourteen Return to UK… Arrive in the UK. Back to home page