The Dalhousie Trek
Himachal Pradesh is a small state tucked away between the steamy plains of North India and the massive ranges of the Great Himalaya to the north. Given its location, the geographic spectrum of the state is vast, ranging from the rolling Shivalik foothills to the massive 6,000m peaks of the Pir Pinjal. Not surprisingly, there is a wildlife diversity to complement this, with sub-tropical forests, temperate woodlands and alpine meadows in close proximity. Similarly, given its strategic position between the former Northwest Frontier, the sub-continent and the Tibetan plateau, the region has long been a melting pot of diverse cultural and spiritual influences.
The Dhaula Dhar range forms part of the outermost Himalaya and rises dramatically from the low foothills to stark peaks of over 5,000m. These mountains are the traditional stronghold of nomadic traders and shepherds. The Gaddis are charismatic folk of Aryan descent who raise flocks of sheep and goats between the foothills and the high grazing meadows bordering Ladakh and Tibet. The Gujjars are hardworking Muslims who tend buffalo herds, selling much of their milk based produce to the sweet makers in the plains. The steeply sloping flanks of the Dhaula Dhar provide winter homes for these traditional traders - as well as a base for their families, who make a good living from the land in their absence.
In recent years, the lower hills have become home to many of the followers of the exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama. Thankfully, Himachal Pradesh has escaped the notice of mainstream trekkers and is still an unspoilt part of the Himalayas with most of the local customs, cultures and landscapes still intact. Outside the main tourist destination of Mcleodganj, foreign groups are rarely seen.
Recommended travel guide books: The India Lonely Planet Guide and the Rough Guide to India.
Trek notes:
18 day trip, London to London. 12 days trekking with full
porterage.
Average walking time 6 hours.
Maximum altitude 4,380m (optional). Average 3,250m.
3 nights hotels, 2 nights sleeper train, 12 nights
camping.
Responsible tourism
We have carefully selected our ground agents for their reliability, quality of service and their likeminded philosophy of supporting the mountain communities and people that make for a special holiday experience.
Private tailor-made treks Many clients choose to have tailor-made treks. This applies to individuals, groups of friends, honeymooners and schools who would prefer to fix their own dates and plan their own itinerary. Private treks cost approximately the same, and often less, than our equivalent brochure departures. Many clients prefer not to have a European leader and are happy to trek with the assistance of our well qualified English speaking Sherpas.
With over 25 years in the trekking business we have listed a selection of stunning treks for the outdoor enthusiasts.
For further information please telephone 01225 868544 or email info@essential-india.co.uk
Scheduled Departure Information
Duration: 18 Days
Dates: Thursday 10.04.08 until Sunday 27.04.08 , Thursday 16.10.08 until Sunday 02.11.08 , Mid range: (Deposit £300 per person) Final payment is due 8 weeks prior to your departure.
Cost: £1295 Airline: British Airways (Land only £795)
Car Supplement Cost: N/A
Domestic Flight Cost: N/A
- The listed price is per person for our scheduled departures in twin sharing accommodation.
- In-country Domestic flights are not included in the listed price. Our flight providers are Gold Medal Travel, one of the UK's leading independent travel companies, offering access to airfares from more than 130 of the world's leading airlines to 1500 destinations. Please contact us for a competitive price quote. To convert Pounds Sterling into Euro's or any other currency please click on this link
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- Please follow this link to read our terms & conditions.
- Prices include all Indian Government luxury taxes. If you are a single person booking onto one of our treks or special interest holidays, you do not have to pay a single room supplement. This is only payable if you wish to have a hotel room or a tent (or both) to yourself throughout your tour. The single tent supplement is £40 for the duration of any trek.
- Top range prices are based on your staying in Government approved 5 and 4 star hotels and Mid range prices are based on your staying in 4 star and 3 star en-suite accommodation.
- Train travel is in 1st Air-con carriage (fifties style 4 & 6 berth compartments) or the best available.
- During Christmas and the New Year period, many hotels charge a peak season rate. You also need to be prepared to join in (and pay for locally) any entertainment that may be arranged.
- The busiest periods for the airlines are Christmas/New Yearand Easter, July and August. If you take your holiday during these periods then please book your tour as early as possible.
- Our escorted (Delhi to Delhi) special interest/trekking holidays are based on a minimum of 4 people. The maximum number is 14. If the minimum number is not met then your tour will be led by our qualified English speaking guides and tour leaders in India. We can tailor trek departure dates for a minimum of 2 people travelling together. Details of our trek grading can be found on the 'Indian Himalayas' page of our website.
- We can offer group discounts for six or more people booking together on our fixed departures.
- It is essential that you take out adequate travel insurance if you are travelling to Asia. Essential Travel Insurance Ltd offers wordwide insurance cover at competitive rates.
- The meal plan is based on B&B and full board on our treks and culinary tours.
