trek Darjeeling actionchallenge in Darjeeling This spectacular Himalayan trek takes us high into the mountains through lush forests, rural villages and breathtaking mountain scenery on an eleven day adventure of a lifetime. Our hike begins with a 1,000 m climb to the Tonglu Ridge (3,070 m) with its stunning views across Darjeeling and beyond to the plains of North Bengal and the snow-capped peaks. We follow our trail as it leads us up and over valleys blanketed in silver fir and spruce trees. As we continue deep into the mountains, rhododendrons, magnolias and orchids line our route. Together we pass through small rural villages where we meet the local people and get a glimpse of their culture and way of life. Our tough ascents are more than rewarded with stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the giant snow-capped peaks of Nepal and Bhutan. At Sabarkum we leave our tea house early to see the sun rise over the highest mountains in the world, lighting up the snowy peaks and deep valleys around us. A magical experience and a dawn we’ll never forget. We spend a day in the Himalayan hill station of Darjeeling exploring, shopping in the bazaar or taking a trip on one of the last remaining famous ‘Toy Trains’, an original steam train running on the UNESCO World Heritage railway built in 1879. We celebrate our trekking achievement with a group dinner and party, a fitting end to a at a glance trip highlights ● Activity: Trekking ● All inclusive 11 day group challenge ● Location: Darjeeling, India ● See Darjeeling hill station ● Duration: 11 days / 6 days trekking ● Camp under the starry night sky ● Difficulty: Moderate - Tough ● Enjoy Tonglu Ridge’s stunning views ● Distance: 88 km ● See the great Kanchenjunga ● When: April 2014 ● Cool off in the clear running streams ● Group size: 15 -25 people ●Ride Darjeeling’s ‘toy train’ Action Challenge have been leading inspirational team adventures across the world for individuals, private groups, charities and corporate clients since 1999. Our trips enable people to experience the world’s most exhilarating locations, often in aid of charity. At the heart of every challenge is team spirit and fulfilment; together we take on once-in-a-lifetime adventures, achieve formidable goals and forge friendships for life. www.actionchallenge.com trek Darjeeling introduction This fully-inclusive adventure to Darjeeling will begin as soon as you register! You will April 2014 receive a challenge pack including a training guide, kit list and discounts for all the essentials you may need. If you are raising money for a charity, we will sort out all the Please visit our website for more details formalities so you can concentrate on your own preparation and fundraising. We offer pre-challenge briefings and training weekends in the UK, where you can meet our trek leaders, members of your group and others taking part in challenges around the world. All inclusive trip cost from £2,099 On the day of departure you will meet your group and Action Challenge leader at the Initial £399 deposit to sign up airport in London. Whether you’re joining the challenge on your own or with others, you will instantly be made to feel welcome. As a team we will board our flight to Kolkata, Three payment options available ready to take on the hike of a lifetime! Please visit our website for more details brief itinerary Day 1 Depart UK Day 7 Samandem Day 2 Darjeeling Day 8 Rimbick Day 3 Tonglu Ridge Day 9 Darjeeling Day 4 Phedi Kohla Day 10 Depart Delhi Day 5 Sandakphu Day 11 Arrive UK Day 6 Sabarkum what’s included · International and domestic flights · Action Challenge trek leader · Full support team, including local guides · UK medic · All accommodation · All meals, except in free time This has been classed as a moderate to · Airline taxes tough challenge which means that some · Treated drinking water prior training would be recommended to undertake it. The terrain is varied with · All transfers in local vehicles some steep uphill climbs and downhill · National Park entrance fees passes. The highest point along the route · Celebration dinner in Darjeeling is 3,600 m. · Invitation to a challenge briefing in London · Discounted training weekends in the Peak District, Snowdonia & Brecon Beacons · Fitness and training guide · Discounts from UK retailers Why not stay on after the challenge and · Reduced rates at Nomad Travel Clinics and Masta Health explore some more of India’s highlights? Please email us for more information The best time to visit India is between October and April, when the country is at its most beautiful after the rains. The temperature is balmy and visibility is excellent, making sure you get the most stunning views throughout the trek. +44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.actionchallenge.com [email protected] trek Darjeeling itinerary Breakfasts each morning will be at our DAY 1 - Depart UK accommodation whilst lunches will be en route. Evening meals will be freshly We have an overnight flight to India. prepared for us either at our hotel, camp or tea house in time for our arrival. There will be a variety of rice, pasta, vegetables and a selection of fresh meat and fresh DAY 2 - Darjeeling fish. On arrival into India we take a domestic flight to Bagdogra. Here we are met at the airport for our four hour transfer to Darjeeling (2,134m). En route we stop at Kurseong, We can cater for all dietary requirements where we have the chance to taste our first cup of Darjeeling tea. Tonight we enjoy a if informed in advance. typical Darjeeling welcome meal. Meals: L,D Accom: Tea House • Two nights in comfortable 2-3* hotels DAY 3 - Tonglu Ridge 3,070 m • Two nights camping • Three nights in tea houses with shared We leave our hotel early and transfer 1½ hours to Maneybhanjang (1,972m) where our washing facilities on the trek challenge begins. Our first day of trekking is a tough one as we climb 1,000 m onto the Singalila Ridge for spectacular mountain views. We then continue at a steady pace to All accommodation is on a twin/triple- the magnificent Tonglu Ridge, where we reach our camp for the night in the village of share, single-sex basis and we will pair Tonglu. you with someone of a similar age, where possible. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 11 km If you wish to share a room with someone you are travelling with, please specify this on your registration form. DAY 4 - Phedi Kohla This is one of our shortest trekking days. We follow the trail from Tonglu downhill through woodland and small rural villages. Passing through the Village of Dilpah, we make our way to the bottom of the valley to the monastery compound of Phedi. We aim If you decide that you would like to have to reach Phedi in time for a late lunch where we hope to be able to have some fun your own room on the challenge, we can interaction with the local children and villagers. Tonight our camp will be in the grounds accommodate this in the majority of of Phedi Primary school, which sits on the bank of a stream (perfect for us to cool off!). places. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 13 km Please email us for more information DAY 5 - Sandakphu Today we face our most challenging day as we gain nearly 2,000 meters in altitude. • Insurance - Approximately £60 Although the trail is tough it is very beautiful and the scenery is varied. After passing • Visa - £92.20 through villages, we head back up into the woodland and into low bush forest. We soon • Vaccinations - Yellow fever vaccination rejoin the main Rimbick-Sandakphu trail and from here onwards the ascent is gradual and up-to-date on boosters. Malaria and the trail widens out making it a pleasant climb to our campsite for the night. tablets will also be required, please seek advice from your GP. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tent Distance: 16 km • Tips for local staff - Recommended £30 • Airline fuel surcharge / supplement as applied by airlines. Please note that this is capped at a maximum of £150. +44 (0) 207 609 6695 www.actionchallenge.com [email protected] trek Darjeeling DAY 6 - Sabarkum Due to the undulating terrain today, there is no let up for our weary legs as the trail winds A kit list will be sent to you on receipt of through rich flora and fauna with a picturesque backdrop of snow-covered peaks. After registration. Many everyday items can be lunch we have a 200 m climb over 4 kilometers to Sabarkum and our accommodation used on this challenge, and we offer a kit for the night. hire service to keep costs down. Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tea House Distance: 15 km If you are planning on travelling to DAY 7 - Samanden Darjeeling before the challenge or wish to organise your own flights, we do offer a We wake early to watch a truly unforgettable sight, the sun rise onto four of the highest land only option, with a significant mountains in the world. After a hearty breakfast, we descend through the forest towards discount off the trip price. You will be the village of Gorkhey, surrounded by lush vegetation. From here we climb gradually to required to meet your group at the hotel Samanden, where we enjoy a well-earned rest and an early night after another long day on day two of the itinerary. of trekking. Please email us for more information Meals: B,L,D Accom: Tea House Distance: 17 km DAY 8 - Rimbick And so to our final day.