Monthly Archives: October 2011

UPPER ALAKNANDA RIVER EXPEDITION

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Upper Alaknanda

A self contained multi-day river adventure down the Alaknanda river.

The trip starts from our base on the Ganges river near the pilgrim town of

Rishikesh, and launches from the town of Chamoli to end at

Rudraprayag, descending 70 kms of a classic river run negotiating over 85

Class 3+/4 rapids!!

A scenic drive of 165 kms (6hrs) hours takes us past the town of

Devprayag, Rudraprayag and Nandprayag, situated on holy confluences which

later form India’s holiest river, the Ganga. We reach Kaldubagarh, situated

above the Alaknanda, on the road to India’s holiest shrines for the Hindus,

Badrinath. Enroute, we pass Rudraprayag, best known for the infamous

man-eating leopard shot down by Jim Corbett in 1932 in its forests. One of

the most exciting the river runs in this part of the Himalaya, we take you

through thick forests and deep gorges and cascading whitewater, Foaming

rapids, sandy beaches and starry nights make this a truly memorable outdoor

trip.

Itinerary

Day 01 / : Board morning Shatabdi Express from Delhi leaving at

6:55 am. Reach Hardwar at 11:30 am and transfer to Camp Silver Sands. We

check into Camp Silver Sands, which is located on a large sandy beach on the

banks of the Ganga river – briefing on Camp, its activities and the trip to

follow. Short run till Shivpuri to get familiarised with paddling commands

and safety techniques, negotiating a few rapids, like “Three Blind Mice”,

“Crossfire”, and the “Body Surfing rapid”. Return to Camp for hot tea /

coffee and snacks. Campffire barbecue dinner & overnight Camp.

Day 02 / : An early morning drive to Kaldubagarh (6 hrs), the put

in point. Enroute we stop at Devprayag, to see the confluence of the two

rivers (the Alaknanda and the Bhagirathi) which meet to form the Ganga.

Check into guest house upon arrival, and get personal kit ready. Overnight

Kaldubagarh.

Day 03 / : An early start today, we drive an hour to Chamoli and

begin our river trip after a comprehensive safety check. We raft 30 kms with

nearly 40 rapids today, including a possible portage at Hillary Fall. This

is the spot where Edmund Hillary’s famous “Ocean to Sky” expedition ended,

being unable to travel up this rapid. Lots of paddling, lots of scouts, this

is the quintessential river day. We float into familiar Kaldubagarh for the

night. Overnight guest house.

Day 04 / : Today we raft from Kaldubagarh to Gauchar, rafting

down a series of nearly 20 Class 3+ rapids over a 4 hour day. We camp near

Gauchar, 7 kms upstream of the confluence of the Alaknanda with the Pindar

at Karnprayag.

Day 05 / : Today we raft till below Rudraprayag in a 5 hour day

covering 30 kms of Class 3+/4 rapids, including a portage at “Kakar Fall”.

We drive back down the valley to arrive at Camp Silver Sands for dinner.

Overnight Camp.

Day 06 / : Relaxed morning at Camp. Post lunch transfer to

Hardwar to board the evening Shatabdi home. Arrive Delhi by 10:30pm. Trip

ends.

Cost per person :: Rs. 20,000 per person (land costs) + 5000 (train and transfers) + 3.09% service tax = Rs. 25773

Cost includes : all travel from Delhi and back to Delhi by road/ rail / air as applicable (by non ac car / 2 or 3 tier ac coach), all arrangements for staying and camping while on the trip, accommodation on twin share basis in tents / rest houses / hotels, all meals, professional guide fee, / permits where applicable, all rafting, kayaking and safety equipment with india’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook etc.

Cost excludes : railway station / airport transfers in delhi, any stay and meals in Delhi, sleeping bag, items of personal clothing, expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes, insurance; any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.

Booking conditions : All bookings are subject to availability of space at Camp. We book space on a 100% advance.

Email: pavanemann@gmail.com / call: +91 9810184360

TURKEY: beyond Istanbul!

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TURKEY: more than just Istanbul.

Say Turkey and people say Istanbul, which ofcourse is fascinating. But there is so much more, just two of those ‘more’ spots I am mentioning here because they so fascinate.

Cappadocia and Pamukale, both miraculous natural wonders that beg to be explored.

Cappadacio’s unique landscape was formed from the erosion by wind and water of ancient lava ash deposits. It created what they call ‘Fairy Chimneys’ that the wind sings through and honey combed caves that were used by early Christians escaping from the Romans. They created hidden sanctuaries and complete settlements from the 4th to the 14th centuries.

The churches, monasteries and cave dwellings are still to be seen and fascinate. An absolute must visit hotel is an attraction that adds to the reasons to go there.

Pammukalle is a phenomenal natural wonder , imagine this crazy white cliff, with stepping pools of unbelievable blue just littered all over! Ofcourse, much as you would like to laze in one of those amazing pools, they don’t anylonger allow because of the deterioration that it was causing the area, however there is a spa pool that can be visited and anyhow it is a spectacle worth seeing.

Istanbul and it’s wonders are listed in this itinerary below that I have put together for what I think is a must do trip of Turkey – that there is much more to do – is a given, but this is a first essential.

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul. Transfer to (Garden house Hotel (http://www.gardenhouseistanbul.com/)  or  Hotel Daphne (www.hoteldaphne.com/)

Sightseeing in Istanbul is not included in the tour cost, incase you just want to wander and do things as you like, but options are listed below if you would like guided tours:

Sultanahmet – Old Istanbul – Small group tour price: 80 EURO per person (Private tour price: 105 EURO per person)
Visit The St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest building in the world for over 1000 years. See its intricate mosaics and huge central dome. Continue to the Topkapi palace, which was used by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. We will also see the impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed.(Entrance to the Harem is extra). After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of architecture with its six minarets and features 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Walk through the back streets of Old Istanbul and visit the Yerebatan underground Cistern. See the Grand Covered Bazaar (except Sundays).
Overnight Istanbul

Day 2 –  In Istanbul, sightseeing option as below:
Bosphorus Cruise with Beylerbeyi – Small group tour price: 90 EURO per person (Private tour price: 135 EURO per person)
Visit the exotic Egyptian Spice Market on the Golden Horn. Board your cruise of the Bosphorus, the waterway, which separates the continents of Europe and Asia. Pass Rumeli fortress, built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 to prepare for his conquest of Istanbul. We will visit the museum of Sadberk Hanim, which has an excellent private collection of artifacts dating back to the prehistoric period and an ethnographic section housed in an old Ottoman building.  After lunch in a seaside fish restaurant, cross over the Bosphorus Bridge to Asia and visit Beylerbeyi Palace, which was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, then on to Camlica Hill, for a magnificent view of Istanbul. Cruise is done by public boat unless other arrangements are made.
Overnight Istanbul

Day 3 – Istanbul – Cappadocia (L)
Take the morning flight from Istanbul Ataturk airport to Kayseri. Arrival and meeting at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name and transfer to Cappadocia. In the morning, first meeting with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: rock formations beyond belief in Devrent valley; walking in Zelve Open Air Museum: a journey into the past with its troglodyte houses; visit to Pasabag “fairy chimneys” where the voice of wind mixes with the “songs of fairies”. Lunch in Avanos, center of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC. and a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century). Climb on top of the Uchisar Rock-Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 4  – Cappadocia- (B.L)
Meeting at the hotel reception at 09:30am
Tour to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia. Soğanlı Valley, an Open Air Museum in a wild natural setting near a typical Cappadocian village with its different style Rock-Cut churches and frescoes. Villages in the valleys, surrounded by the “table top” mountains, are spectacular. Lunch and Visit to Sahinefendi newly discovered (01 May 2002) mosaic houses & Archaeological excavation site. Continue with Keslik Monastery near Cemil, that hides its frescoes behind a very thin smoke layer which we can only see by torch light. Our tour finishes with a visit to Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), an old Greek town with its spectacular old Greek houses; very fine examples of late Greek settlements and architecture. Overnight Cappadocia

Day 5- Cappadocia- Ephesus (B.L.D.)
Pick-up from hotel 2 hours before flight departure.
Take the morning flight from Kayseri to Izmir  by Turkish airlines: (direct or via Istanbul) . Arrival and meeting at the airport and Visit to the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures we will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary and church of St. John. Overnight Kusadasi near Ephesus.

Day 6 – Ephesus – Pamukkale (B.L.D)
Meeting at the hotel reception at 08:30am
Drive to Pamukkale, on the way, visit  Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias was primarily known as a center for the arts, specifically sculpture. The Aphrodisias School of Sculpture had a distinctive style and was very well circulated throughout the Greek and Roman world. Discovery of Travertine terraces and Hierapolis. The travertine terraces at Pamukkale are one of the most spectacular natural wonders we ever have seen. Formed by  various mineral springs in a vast white cliff side, about 200 m overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have dripped down over a series of terraced levels and created a fairyland of bizarre solidified cascades and shell-shaped basins. It looks like creations of snow or like swathes of cotton, which gave the scenery the Turkish name Pamukkale (cotton castle): “pamuk” for cotton and “kale” for castle. Moreover the water in the basins changes color with the light through the day. Overnight Pamukkale.

Day 7 – Pamukkale – Istanbul (B)
Pick-up from hotel 2 hours before flight departure.
Transfer to Denizli airport and take the Turkish Airlines morning flight from Denizli to Istanbul Ataturk airport- END OF SERVICES.

Depending on your connecting flight back home the requisite arrangements for another night stay in Istanbul may be made.

RATES
Small group tour (Maximum 8 people): 1200 EURO per person sharing a double room.

Private tour (Exclusive for 2 – 4 people):  1500 EURO per person sharing a double room.

Sightseeing in Istanbul:
Sultanahmet – Old Istanbul – Small group tour price: 80 EURO per person (Private tour price: 105 EURO per person)

Bosphorus Cruise with Beylerbeyi – Small group tour price: 90 EURO per person (Private tour price: 135 EURO per person)

(Please note rates are estimated as of Oct 2011 and would fluctuate at the time of booking)

INCLUDING:
– Domestic flights in the program.
– Airport transfers where needed.
– Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car/Van with professional driver.
– Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours.
– Gamirasu Cave Hotel (www.gamirasu.com)   in Cappadocia with breakfast.
– Richmond Thermal (www.richmondhotels.com.tr)  Hotel Pamukkale with breakfast and dinner
– Charisma Hotel (http://www.charismahotel.com/) in Kusadasi near Ephesus with breakfast and dinner.
– Entry fees to the sites and museums
– Parking fees.

EXCLUDING
– International flights
– Drinks, Lunch, Dinner apart from those mentioned in the inclusive per hotels as above.
– Tips to guide, driver and hotel personnel.

PS:
Package Rates based on double room at Gamirasu in Cappadocia (www.gamirasu.com), if you wish to upgrade: for a deluxe room please add 20 EURO per room per night.  For a Cave Suite, please add 90 EURO per room per night. For a Superior Suite, please add 140 EURO per room per night. For Eagle Nest Suite, please add 240 EURO per room per night, for Byzantine King Suite, please add 900 EURO per room per night

** Hot air balloon: http://www.cappadociatours.com/cappadocia_balloon.html
Cappadocia has a magical unique landscape. If you wish to do a balloon ride one time in your life save it for Cappadocia, you will have an unforgettable experience. Please reserve at the earliest, dates and locations fill fairly quickly. Price from 140 EURO per person, please ask for details.

It’s a new season

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Hullo all,

I am rather late getting this letter out to everyone. We would like to let you all know that we are not setting up our own camp on the Ganga this year.

It saddens me to not be hosting you in camp anylonger and I miss it and will miss all the old friends.

However, this has left me free, after many years, to have the time to offer you a whole array of wonderfully interesting trips that I hope you will enjoy as much as I do, and almost as much as you enjoyed coming to camp.

I have taken most of this year to travel, almost all over the globe, and have collected amazing experiences and discovered some gems: camper vans through New Zealand, canal boat cruises in England, sailing the Mediterranean on a small yacht with friends ( you can choose to be your own captain, or hire the services of one.). Want a farm in Italy where you can see  wine and cheese being made? Or want to stay in the caves of the Albaicin in Granada? Cycle through the Pyrenees or in Ireland. Stay in the most amazing cave hotel in Turkey.

All that and of course a host of special adventures right here too, that I am culling off my many associates and friends who run the most professional trips in their areas of expertise. Great outdoor people who know how to give you the best, safest, adventure holidays, but rarely know how to reach you!

So do have a look at the Adventure Calendar, remember though not ours, we can still offer you the camp experience with two of our closest associates, there are even a couple of new rafting resorts which all of you, who did not come because of the ‘loos’, might now want to try.

Do please get in touch, I shall look forward to hearing from you and planning great holidays together.

Pavane

Brahmaputra River Expedition

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THE BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER EXPEDITION

An exciting journey down one of the world’s greatest rivers, an option only for the true adventurer. The river, after flowing gently eastwards through Tibet, cuts the Greater Himalayas and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Namche Barwa before it enters Arunachal Pradesh, where the expedition begins, a few miles inside the line-of-control with China. The expedition takes you through remote hillsides dotted with tribal settlements in clearings surrounded by leech-infested rainforest. It negotiates the finest big volume white water in an area, which is surely one of the most inaccessible in the world. A 7-day self-contained run from Tuting to Pasighat (180 kms approx.) through one of the most inaccessible regions in the world makes this one of the most premier expeditions offered.  Between 2002–09, we have run 08 very successful expeditions on the Upper Brahmaputra, and several people bear testimony to our operational expertise in one of the toughest logistical operations in the Indian Himalayas.

ITINERARY

Nov 17
Arrive Delhi and transfer to domestic airport.  Arrive Dibrugarh late afternoon by air.  Transfer to hotel.   Overnight Dibrugarh hotel.

Nov 18
Transfer to Boghiwheel Ghat (45 mins) and ferry across the river to cross onto the northern bank. Drive 3 hrs to Pasighat by road.  Overnight Pasighat.

Nov 19-20
Drive 02 long days along a Siang river, through Adi villages, settlements and lush tropical rainforest.  Reach our campsite at Purang by teatime. Check into tents, relax.

Nov 21
Relaxed day to sort out gear – walk around and interface with local tribals at the nearby village, time permitting. Ready rafts in the afternoon – a comprehensive safety briefing followed by instruction on paddling commands and rescue procedures. Overnight at Camp.

Nov 22
Raft to Pango (5 hrs). Camp. This morning, we encounter the big monster Class IV+ Ningguing rapid and another Class 4 rapid, Pulsating  Palsi to reach Pango, where we set up Camp for the night.  Campfire dinner and overnight Camp.

Nov 23
Raft  Pango – Cherring. Camp. Today, we scout and raft down the Pango rapid and enter the Ningguing and Marmong gorges, one of the most beautiful and remote jungle gorges in the world. It has steep impenetrable forests rising into oblivion on each side past the big rapid at Rikor and Zebra Rock rapid to set up Camp above a Class 6 rapid “Tooth fairy” at Cherring.  Overnight Camp.

Nov 24
Raft Cherring – Yinkeong / Alubadi.  Camp.  After a portage around the Class six rapid, we raft out of the Marmong gorge negotiating several Class 3+ rapids followed by a float till Yinkeong / Alubadi where we make Camp for the night.

Nov 25
Rest day at Geku Twins. Camp.

Nov 26
Raft to Geku Twins Camp.  We begin with a big rapid below Alubadi beach, called ‘Moing Madness” followed by milder ones all the way till the suspension bridge at Nubo.  We raft down “Karko” and make it to a beautiful site near Geku. Camp for the night.

Nov 27
Raft Geku Twins till below Sangam.   After Geku, we begin a long float till the 65 Bridge at Ditte Dime. An easy day with long float sections. We pass several Adi tribal settlements on the way and float past the confluence of the Siang river with the Siyom river after the
suspension bridge at Boling. We pass the flood-rutted guesthouse of Yembung and float onto camp near Rotung village, in time for hot lunch.  Transfer all gear onto our travel bags from the dry bags, and a chance to wash up near a fresh water spring.

Nov 28
Raft Rotung- Pasighat. We begin the final run to the plains at Pasighat by negotiating the last biggie on the trip at Ponging. The Siang seems to gather a lot more volume as we float into Pasighat where we beach our rafts for the last time on this trip. Transfer to rest house at Pasighat.

Nov 29
Drive to Boghiwheel Ghat and take a ferry boat across to Dibrugarh. Transfer to airport for flight to New Delhi. Trip ends.

Note :  1. We reserve the right to begin the rafting trip at Purang Nallah, 20 mins by river downstream of Tuting, if guide discretion demands that the Ningguing rapid be excluded from the run.  This right will be exercised in the best interest of the trip, and everybody’s safety.

Price per person: Rs. 1,35,000/- (For rafters)
Rs.  1,25,000/- (For kayakers)
Service Tax of 2.575% applicable. Please see actual forex rates to remit above Rupee Value

Extra cost for Helirafting group chopper charter : Rs. 6,00,000/-
(approx. US$ 15000 ; will carry 14 persons + 400 kilograms of personal baggage)

Cost includes:  Flights Delhi-Dibrugarh-Delhi, All hotels and breakfasts except in Delhi according to above plan, restricted area permit and fee, tented and rest house/hotel accommodation on twin share and all meals while on the trip; lead safety boater, professional guide fee and camp staff, all transfers by jeep / coach, guide, wetsuits, all sightseeing.
Cost excludes: Delhi hotels and airport transfers, expenses of a personal nature such as alcohol etc.; insurance; any hike in air fare/fuel cost/taxi rates; end of trip tips and gratuities ; any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, flight cancellations, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.

Note :
a) Kayakers to bring own boat and gear. We can provide kayaks for US$ 250 if you do not want to carry your boat out (choose from Liquid Logic HOSS, Session Plus, Dagger, Necky and Perception boats).   This river demands solid boaters with Class 4+ skills and experience in big water.
b) Cost does not include transfers and hotels in Delhi, as there are several options. Airport transfers in Delhi and Delhi hotels can be arranged on request.  An airport transfer costs Rs. 1800 (US $40) per transfer. Delhi hotels : The place which we have been using is close to our office,  (and where we put up most of our river guests) in a quiet part of South Delhi (about 30 mins from Connaught Place, but equidistant from the airport). They charge Rs. 3900  (US$ 95) for a double room per day.
c) The US $ conversion equivalents are calculated using the exchange rates averaged over the previous year.   Please check for any foreign exchange fluctuations at the time of booking.

Reading List :
“Tales from the river Brahmaputra” – Tiziana & Gianni Baldizzone
“The Seven Sisters of India – Tribal Worlds between Tibet & Burma” – Agjala Stirn & Peter van Ham

Rates quoted are on twin share. If you prefer single accommodation, the single supplement is Rs. 10,500. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodation, we will try our best to find you a roommate. If that is not possible, you will need to pay a “forced” single supplement of Rs. 6750.

Booking conditions: All bookings are subject to availability of space at Camp. We book space on a 100% advance.   All payments by wire transfer, cash or cheque/draft in favor of “Aquaterra Adventures (I) Pvt. Ltd.”

Activity Level
Our expedition trips are designed for energetic and flexible people who have the spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.  Previous experience in the outdoors and camping helps, though is not a must. These trips are participatory in nature, and everyone is expected to pitch in, set up and break down their own tent, clean their own dishes and help with loading and unloading the rafts.

The Next Step
Ready to go? Email me at pavanemann@gmail.com to book your place and we will guide you through the booking process.

Services provided
In remote regions, we often use local suppliers who provide services that may include vehicles for transportation, equipment, logistical support, hotels, guest houses etc. We do not own or operate these independent services or suppliers. We work with them as they share our commitment to service and quality.

Dodital Hanuman Chatti Trek

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Dodital Hanumanchatti Trek
A moderate trek which starts from the Bhagirathi valley, goes up to the lake of Dodital (wrapped in perfect wilderness) to the alpine meadows and crosses over at Darwa Pass (4150m) to the Yamuna watershed. Traditionally this trek has been continuously used by the Gujjars, the nomadic herdsmen who get their buffalos to the high meadows every summer and occasionally by the pilgrims / sadhus walking between Gangotri and Yamunotri.

Grade : Moderate

Day 1 : Delhi to Camp Kuflon (1550m)
Board Dehradun Shatabdi leaving Delhi at 6:55am. Arrive Hardwar at 11:20am. Transfer to Kuflon, near the road head for Dodital, 11 kms from Uttarkashi in the valley of the Assi Ganga.(5 hr drive) Overnight Kuflon.

Day 2 : Camp Kuflon to Bevra (2400m) 4-5 hrs
Depart for Bevra – the walk is 8 kms (4-5 hrs) of which 2 kms is on the road along the Assiganga stream. Bevra is a camping spot 1.5 kms ahead of Agoda village. A dip in the stream in Bevra is the best way to wash out the first day body aches.

Day 3 : Bevra to Dodital (3310m) 6-7 hrs
Early morning breakfast. Commence trek to Dodital, 16 kms (6-7 hrs) with packed lunch. The walk is gradual. The Rhododendron and Oak trees mainly dot the trek with occasional Seabuck thorn bushes. There is no habitation beyond Bevra except for the Shepherd shelter in Majhi. Dodital at 10,000 ft is a fresh water lake amidst thick jungle. The brown trout in the lake adds to the beauty.

Day 4 : Dodital to Darwa Pass (4150m) to Kanasar (3900m) 4-5 hrs
The walk to Darwa Pass is about 5 kms (2-3 hrs). The entire walk is an uphill climb. It starts with the climb along the feeder to dodital breaking into a thick birch forest opening into the high meadows. The pass at 4150m offers an ampi-theatre view of the Bandarpunch range of peaks. The more adventurous ones can go higher up to climb the Darwa Top and the rest can proceed to camp at Kanasar (3900m) just below the pass. Overnight Camp.

Day 5 : Kanasar to Kandoli (2800m) 6-7 hrs
Long traverse in the meadow with impressive views of the Banderpunch range brings one to the beautiful grazing ground of Seema. After having lunch here we start our descent through the forest to our campsite at Kandoli, having a few summer houses. Overnight Camp.

Day 6 : Kandoli to Hunumanchatti (2400m) to Delhi.
Trek 2 hrs to reach the roadhead at Hanumanchatti. Drive 6 hrs to Dehradun to board the overnight Mussoorie Express to Delhi.
Cost Per Person: Rs 19890/- 

Rs 14000(trek cost)+Rs 5390(travel cost)=Rs 19390+3.09%(service tax)
Cost includes: all travel from Delhi and back to Delhi by road/ rail / air as applicable (by non ac car / 2 or 3 tier ac coach), all arrangements for staying and camping while on the trip, accommodation on twin share basis in tents / rest houses / hotels, all meals, professional guide fee, peak fee, sanctuary fee / royalty / permits where applicable, all trekking arrangements with India’s most experienced guiding team, camp staff, cook etc.

Cost excludes: Railway station / airport transfers in Delhi, any stay and meals in delhi, sleeping bag, items of personal clothing, expenses of personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, cigarettes, insurance, camera fee and any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.

Activity Level
Our expedition trips are designed for energetic and flexible people who have the spirit of adventure and a positive attitude.  Previous experience in the outdoors and camping helps, though is not a must. These trips are participatory in nature, and everyone is expected to pitch in, set up and break down their own tent, clean their own dishes. Look up our trip grading before you sign up.

The Next Step
Ready to go? Email me at pavanemann@gmail.com to book your place and we will guide you through the booking process.

Services provided
In remote regions, we often use local suppliers who provide services that may include vehicles for transportation, equipment, logistical support, hotels, guest houses etc. We do not own or operate these independent services or suppliers. We work with them as they share our commitment to service and quality.

CHECKLIST FOR ESSENTIAL PERSONAL ITEMS FOR TREK:

01. Warm Sleeping Bag till 0’C (you could hire one @ Rs 100/- per day)
02. Woolens/thermal underwear
03. Wind/rain proof jacket
04. Good hiking/trekking shoes ; spare sandals
05. Socks – cotton+woolen / gloves
06. Water Bottle – at least 1 Lit.
07. Flash Light and spare batteries – important
08. Sun Shade/Hat with Brim/woolen hat/gloves
09. Sunglasses
10. Sunscreen/Sun block SPF 50 and more
11. Vaseline/Lip Salve
12. Insect Repellent (if you are prone to bites)
13. Personal Toiletries – towels/soap etc.
14. Rucksack/duffel bag to carry your baggage
15. Kari mat / Thermarest (optional)
16. Small daypack to carry camera, packed lunch, water bottle and wind/rain jacket on a walk.
17. Long trousers / long shirts / T-shirts etc.
18. Thermal underwear for cold days
19. Shorts / swimsuits for those warm days and a possible swim
20. Personal medication, if any
21. Your favourite Poison packed in plastic bottles.

Note:  Please keep your personal items to a minimum (besides the essentials) so that your bag (No hard shells please) is light and easy to carry. An extra daypack is a must to carry your camera, packed lunch and water bottle.

This is very important – please read very carefully – it will help you immensely in readying for the trek.

What to expect :
Temperatures & climate : Temperatures on the trip will vary from 20-30 degrees or to minimum 0-5 degrees Celsius. Its best to be prepared for lower temperatures due to wind chill or the weather turning bad.   The days are hot and the nights refreshingly cool.   You should be ready for inclement weather in any case as storms build up rather quickly at altitude.
What to carry: Keep it light – although what you carry with you is a very personal decision. Some of our guests love to travel as light as possible while others are only happy when they have countless bits of equipment for every possible occurrence, most of which will never be used.    The list we sent out covers all essentials that you must carry.
What you are expected to carry during the day on the trail is a  day pack – to carry things that you will need throughout the day, such as your camera, extra film rolls, water bottle, packed lunch, sweets, rehydration powders, waterproofs, toilet paper, a fleece or a jumper. It may be also advisable to carry a small flashlight in your daypack, just in case.
Good footwear is very important – most trails in the Indian Himalayas are pretty rough and steep so a good pair of shoes is important.   Socks, both for walking and a pair of warm ones for keeping feet warm inside the tent at night, is a good bet. Its important to bring a broken in shoe than a brand new one which could cause severe blisters.
Clothes: A good base layer which could be a thermal top (polypropylene), with a T-shirt on top will keep you warm and dry. Mid layers provide insulation so anything that is warm will do e.g. a medium thickness woolen jumper or a mid-weight fleece top, along with another lightweight fleece top will suffice. If you really feel the cold, substitute the thinner layer with a down jacket. The outer layer is the final layer between you and the elements and must be capable of keeping out the wind, rain and snow. Any good waterproof, windproof jacket would do the job. Leg wear in the form of thermal long johns are invaluable. Cotton trousers or long skirts (long skirts for ladies also double as a `port-a-loo’) worn over this layer can keep you very comfortable. A good sun hat is very essential. Sunglasses which offer 100% UV protection are necessary to combat strong daylight.
A good quality sleeping bag ensures a good nights sleep after a long day outdoors. Do not compromise on your sleeping bag – err on the side of carrying a warmer bag,  than carrying a light one which may give you many sleepless nights.
Carry any and all personal medication that you may need, and its an absolute must to let us know  well in advance should you be suffering from any particular ailment.
How to carry: Its best to carry your belongings in a large, tough duffel bag or a big rucksack.   A bum / waist bag is handy to have your camera, film rolls, flashlights (handy when visiting monasteries / temples) and a guidebook, when you are sightseeing.   Pack similar things such as clothes, washing things, camping equipment etc. in separate stuff sacks or polythene bags so they are easier to pull out and add to the waterproofing in your bag.  Your main bag should be a tough one as it will be on mule back, not the best place to be for a fragile backpack.
Altitude considerations:
Travel to any part of  the Indian Himalayas deserves a little more respect than many other high altitude destinations because the most of the regions lie over 2600 meters (8500 ft). People in good health should not get alarmed by this but if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, you must take the advise of a doctor who has experience with the effects of altitude. We do not take heart or lung patients, or pregnant mothers on such trips.
Any kind of exercise which gets you fitter before this trip is advisable, as it will enable you to enjoy the region more.
A day on a trek begins with breakfast at 7 am by which time; you are expected to vacate your tent so packing can begin. Your   help with setting up and packing up of tents is always welcome. We aim to usually be on the trail by 8:30 am and reach our camp for the day by 2-3pm, if not earlier. Long days on the trail   may mean an earlier start and a 8-10 hour walking day. Lunch is usually had on the walk, and you’d get into camp for a welcome cup of tea. Remember to carry your favorite poison – there is no local produce to bank on.
You will sleep inside tents. Karri mats are provided for you to sleep on and are placed under your sleeping bag.   If you have your personal karrimat, please carry it along.
Our entire crew will consist of guide and cooking staff (alongwith mules and mule men), which would prepare the days meals for the days that we are camping out.  Menus vary from Indian fare to Chinese, pasta, cold cuts, sandwiches, eggs etc.. We will provide you safe drinking water throughout the trek – it will either be bottled or boiled with a  dash of iodine.
The entire crew moves together in a totally self-contained manner like a tight knit unit. All food, water and shelter, is carried on the trek which is why we need to use discretion while packing – see the update above on packing.
It will help for you all to carry some easy to access medicine on the trip, for headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and some re-hydration powders like Electral etc. It’s also a good idea to have a roll of toilet paper accessible should you need to go.