Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek – Information Evening
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Date:
22nd October 2024
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Location:
Online
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Summary:
Join us on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 for a virtual information evening. This will last one hour and be led via an expert guide from Charity Challenge. You'll have a chance to ask any questions and hear all about this amazing challenge!
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Virtual Information Evenings...
Join us on Tuesday 22nd October 2024 for a virtual information evening.
This will last one hour and be led via an expert guide from Charity Challenge. You'll have a chance to ask any questions and hear all about this amazing challenge!
Reserve your place at one of our information evenings
Conquer a one-in-a-lifetime challenge and discover the Indian Himalayas while supporting The Myton Hospices!
You'll explore the majestic Indian Himalayas, a region of unparalleled beauty, while raising vital funds in aid of your local hospice when we need you the most!
From the madness of Delhi, travel off the beaten path, to the beauty and tranquility of the Indian Himalaya. This unique expedition is the perfect introduction to India.
This challenge combines awesome Himalayan trekking with a visit to India's exiled Tibetan community.
Your experience begins and ends at the heart of the world's highest mountain range in Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community are located.
The expedition follows the Uhl River, through rhododendron and evergreen forests, taking in Hindu settlements and isolated Buddhist monasteries. This hidden route is rarely-trekked and, as a result, remains an area of pristine and unspoiled beauty.
- Fri 10 Oct - Tue 21 Oct 2025 (12 days)
- £425 registration fee. Self fund and minimum sponsorship options. See "Costs" tab for full details.
- Trek the Indian Himalayas
- Spectacular mountain scenery
- Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries
- Experience Tibetan life
- Optional extension to explore India and visit The Taj Mahal, Keoladeo National Park and Fatephur Sikri
Costs...
Self funder option...
The full cost of this challenge is £2,174 plus the air tax and fuel element contribution (capped at £250).
You will be required to pay the non-refundable registration fee of £425 at the time of booking, and 10 weeks before departure (01/08/2025) you will be required to pay the final balance of your challenge costs (£1,749), plus the air tax and fuel element contribution.
You will receive fundraising advice and sponsorship forms and be asked to raise a minimum of £500.00 for The Myton Hospices. As you have covered the full cost of the challenge, 100% of this fundraising will be retained by The Myton Hospices.
You will receive fundraising advice and sponsorship forms and be asked to raise a minimum of £500.00 in aid of The Myton Hospices by 03/08/25. As you have covered the full cost of the challenge, 100% of this fundraising will be retained by The Myton Hospices.
Minimum sponsorship option...
You will be required to pay the non-refundable registration fee of £425 at the time of booking and raise a minimum amount of sponsorship, £3,600 for The Myton Hospices. You should send your sponsorship money to The Myton Hospices as you raise it.
At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship required (£2,880) must be sent to the charity 12 weeks before departure (by 18/07/2025), and the remaining 20% (£720.00) within 4 weeks of completing the challenge (by 18/11/2025).
If you have raised the necessary funds, The Myton Hospices will then pay the balance of your expedition costs (which will not exceed 48% of the minimum sponsorship target). The charity benefits by keeping the remaining sponsorship money and every pound over and above that you raise.
Reduction for larger groups - Please note that costs are £125 less if the group reaches 25 or more paying participants. You will therefore be invoiced £125 less on your invoice for the fuel and air taxes which is due 10 weeks before the challenge. We will let you know nearer the time if this cost reduction is applicable.
For both payment options, you will also be required to pay the air tax and fuel element contribution 10 weeks before departure (capped at £250.00).
Typical group size - The typical group size is 20 - 50 participants
What's included?
- Support materials (itinerary, kit list, visa information, travel insurance, health notes, travel tips, responsible travel policy and guidance)
- Sponsorship forms
- 12.5% off Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, and Runners Need
- Access to your own password protected account including support materials and training schedules
- Warm up exercise routines
- Risk assessment and emergency management planning
- Public liability insurance
- Fundraising advice
- Fitness training notes
- Access to training weekends (optional and at additional expense)
- International flights to and from the UK, in economy class (see air tax exclusion below)
- Accommodation during the challenge (usually in twin share)
- UK-based 24-hour emergency support line
- Internal transfers (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Equipment as per the challenge activity
- Drinking water on challenge days
- An English speaking first aid trained challenge leader and full local support team
- A UK doctor and full medical kit
- A donation to a community project in one of the countries in which we operate
- Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
- Entrance fees to national parks or other places of interest visited on the itinerary
- Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
- A Charity Challenge T-shirt
- A bespoke Myton Challenge T-shirt
What's not included?
- Visa (if required)
- Travel to and from the UK airport of departure
- Vaccinations (please check Trip Notes for requirements)
- Contribution towards air taxes and fuel element (please see the section below on "Air Tax and Fuel Element Contribution")
- Tips
Registration fee in instalments...
The first instalment of £215 is due at the time of booking. The second instalment of £210 will automatically be debited from your credit/debit card 31 days after you book.
We can only accept payment for your registration fee by instalments if you book and pay online. Please note that when paying your registration fee in instalments, a £10 admin fee will be added to your first registration fee payment.
Please note that your booking will not be processed (and we will not send an authorisation request to your charity) until we receive the payment for your second instalment.
Your place on the challenge will only be held until 31 days from your initial booking. If we are unable to take your second instalment, your booking will be cancelled and normal cancellation terms will apply.
Fundraising deadlines...
You will need to send your sponsorship money to the charity as you raise it.
At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship required must be sent to the charity 12 weeks before departure (by 18/07/2025), and the remaining 20% within 4 weeks of completing the challenge (by 18/11/2025).
If you have raised the necessary funds, the charity will then pay the balance of your challenge costs.
The charity benefits by keeping the remaining sponsorship money and every pound over and above that you raise.
Air tax and fuel element contribution...
The air taxes, and fuel element, that make up part of the flight costs can fluctuate significantly before a challenge takes place.
As such, we exclude part of these taxes from the initial cost of the challenge and we will invoice you for it 10 weeks before departure.
This applies to all participants on all payment options. For the challenge you are booked on this payment will be capped at £250 and we will absorb any amount above that. Please be sure to factor this cost into your budgeting for the challenge.
Optional extras...
- Business class upgrades*
- Travel insurance
- Extensions at end of trip*
- Single room supplements*
*subject to availability
Travel insurance...
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenge is our main concern, which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy, which covers you for the adventurous nature of your challenge, the activities you are undertaking, and the altitudes.
We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities.
Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge.
Itinerary and FAQs...
Download our Essential Information and FAQs here.
DAY 1, FRIDAY 10TH OCTOBER 2025
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE FROM LONDON
Full of excitement and nerves you meet your fellow teamates at the airport. Wave goodbye to family and friends as you set off on your long-awaited adventure to Delhi, India.
DAY 2, SATURDAY 11TH OCTOBER 2025
OVERNIGHT TRAIN TO CHAKKI BANK
A local Charity Challenge representative will be waiting at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. The day will begin with the chance to explore India’s bustling capital, Delhi. Test your haggling skills or soak up the sights, from the Red Fort to the Raj Ghat. Later, the group will meet up for the first team dinner, before catching the overnight sleeper train to Chakki Bank.
Accommodation: Sleeper train.
DAY 3, SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER 2025
DHARAMSALA
Arriving early in Chakki Bank, it’s a further three-hour transfer to Dharamsala - home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Dotted with temples and monasteries, multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. Take a clockwise kora walk of the Dalai Lama's temple and residence, with many giant prayer wheels, mani stones and colourful prayer flags. The walk will be fully guided, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama and Tibetan way of life.
Accommodation: Hotel.
DAY 4, MONDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2025
DHARAMSALA TO BIR
Spend the morning further exploring Dharamsala or stroll to Bhagsunag Waterfall before transferring to Bir, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Once there, you’ll be welcomed at the Dream and Adventure Centre.
There will be time to explore, as well as relax in the grounds of the tea plantation, and the evening will be spent enjoying home-cooked food and bonding with your teammates.
Accommodation: Dream and Adventure Centre.
DAY 5, TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 2025
TREK TO MAJAJ (APPROXIMATELY 6-8 HOURS)
Your incredible 5-day trek begins, centred around the Uhl valley and river and situated in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks. The trek commences through oak and rhododendron forests towards Haribag Pass (2,500m), an ancient trading route. You will then pass by the village of Barua, where you will stop for a picnic lunch in beautiful meadows, soaking up the great views of the mountains and surrounding peaks.
Crossing the pass you head down to Majaj, a favourite spot for bird-watchers and nature-spotters alike. The area is well known for its diverse Himalayan wildlife and birdlife, including the Himalayan griffin vulture, monal, golden eagle and the lammergeier. A lucky few may see thar, musk deer, forest leopard, puma and Himalayan black and brown bear. You will celebrate the first day of the trek around the campfire.
Accommodation: Camping.
DAY 6, WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2025
TREK TO SHANAG, MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 2,700M (APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS)
Today, you’ll walk alongside shepherds and locals, before crossing the Sun Pass at 2,700m. Pushing onwards, you will follow the Thadkot River alongside traditionally farmed terraced fields and tiny hamlets.
You’ll arrive into camp in time to witness a stunning Himalayan sunset as it casts shadows over the distant, snow-capped peaks.
Accommodation: Camping.
DAY 7, THUSDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2025
TREK TO BAHRUA, MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 2,300M (APPROXIMATELY 6-7 HOURS)
Wake up beneath the snow-capped summits basking in the early morning sun. After a quick cup of delicious Himalayan tea, it’s off on a winding path upwards with spectacular views of the Shivalik Mountains. The surrounding alpine pastures are strewn with wild flowers and medicinal plants.You’ll stay at an old colonial hunting lodge, used many years ago by the British and the Maharajas.
Accommodation: The lodge is used as a camp area and you will either sleep in tents or on camp beds in a basic room.
DAY 8, FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 2025
REST DAY OR OPTIONAL 10KM TREK, MAX ALTITUDE 3,050M (APPROXIMATELY 4-5 HOURS)
Weary legs may need a break, so today is a rest day in preparation for the final days of the challenge.
For those still in the mood for exercise there are some great optional walks available. You can climb a nearby peak which boasts arguably the best views in the Himalayas. The group will rendezvous again in camp for the evening meal, before spending another night at the hunting lodge.
Accommodation: The lodge is used as a camp area and you will either sleep in tents or on camp beds in a basic room.
DAY 9, SATURDAY 18TH OCTOBER 2025
TREK TO BAL, MAXIMUM ALTITUDE 2,300M (APPROXIMATELY 5-6 HOURS)
It’s the last day of your challenge and this morning is the perfect time to reflect on your journey.
Today you’ll walk from Bal to Shilpadhani, a small village surrounded by thick woodland. En route you’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and soak up the inspiring views for the last time. You will then return to the Dream and Adventure Centre for a well-deserved celebratory meal.
Accommodation: Dream and Adventure Centre.
DAY 10, SUNDAY 19TH OCTOBER 2025
DREAM AND ADVENTURE CENTRE TO BAIJNATH TEMPLE AND NORBULINKA INSTITUTE TO DELHI
It’s the penultimate day of the challenge and with spirits high, you’ll travel to the Baijnath Temple which was built in 840AD.
From there, it’s off to the Norbulinka Institute, which was established to preserve traditional Tibetan arts. Set amid Japanese gardens, there is a serene temple with delicate bridges across tiny streams. Enjoy the serenity here before heading back to the chaos of Delhi on an afternoon fast train. Evening to enjoy Delhi.
Accommodation: Hotel.
DAY 11, MONDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2025
DEPART DELHI
With amazing memories and a massive sense of achievement, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, making sure you’ve swapped details before heading home. Depending on your departure time you will either arrive home today or tomorrow.
DAY 12, TUESDAY 21ST OCTOBER 2025
ARRIVE HOME
Depending on your departure time from Delhi you will either arrive home yesterday or today.
Conquer a one-in-a-lifetime challenge and discover the Indian Himalayas while supporting The Myton Hospices!
To find out more about this incredible experience or secure your place, please click here.
