Very few things are more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise. Trees have from time immemorial been closely associated with magic. These stout members of the vegetable kingdom may stand for as long as a thousand years, and tower far above our mortal heads. An untouched forest, studded with trees of all ages, sizes and types, is more than a mysterious, magical place – it is a vast energy ergy reservoir of nature. Forests once stood tall over the entire landmass of our planet. Today, they are fighting what can be called as their last battle for survival. Onslaught of humanity is undermining the health of forest ecosystems at the peril of its its own future generations. The Forest Learning Program at the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) seeks to expose the young minds to the mystique of forests as vibrant ecosystems. Another aim of the Forest Learning Program is to make the participants realise realise the critical role of forests in maintaining the viability and vitality of earth as a living planet. History is replete with the examples of individuals who even gave up thrones for the bliss of a forest. Time spent in exploring a forest is an investment investment into one’s future. It can also be a wonderfully different way to learn about the realities of nature that constitute the foundation of human existence. The Forest learning Program at GHNP exposes the participants to physical and intellectual challenges posed by a forest while also respecting their personal limits. It also seeks to enable them to discover, understand and enjoy the incredible charisma of Nature.
Day 01 Transportation From Delhi
To
Mode
Duration
Camp GHNP Sairopa, Distt Kullu (H.P)
Coach
12 Hrs
Distance 550 Km
Night Journey urney to Sai Ropa by 2x2 push back coach . Morning arrival at Sai Ropa. Accommodation Name of Accommodation Phone # of Accommodation Type of Accommodation Location (Town name) Approximate Altitude Nearest Best Health Facility
Camp GHNP, Great Himalayan National Park 01903 01903-223109/ 225109 Dormitories Vill. Sairopa, Dist. Kullu (HP) 4500 Feet Civil Hospital, Hospital, Banjar (15 Minutes from Camp Site) Ph. 01903-222214 01903 First aid is available at the camp base
Morning : Tea , Rest and Freshen, Breakfast up till 11 ‘o clock Afternoon Orientation Session Introduction to World of Forests and issues involved through a slide-show show presentation. Bio-diversity Walk: An in-camp camp activity, in which participants will document, with the help of local NGO staff, the plant diversity in and around camp site as well as the commercial and medicinal uses of prominent trees and plants. Evening Ecological Gamble : An exciting educational chance game Folk Music Workshop with local artists around Bon-Fire
Day 2 Transportation From
Duration
Distance
Mini Van
30 Min
5KM
Gushaini- Tinder Village Eco-zone Tour
Trek
4.5 Hrs
6 KM
Gushaini
Mini Van
30 Min
5 KM
Camp GHNP
To
Mode
Gushaini Village
Camp GHNP
Accommodations Activities during the Day:
Same as Day 1
Forenoon GHNP Eco-zone Tour: Part 1 The Eco-zone zone areas are adjacent to the Park and provide a combination of natural and cultural experiences. The trail goes through villages and offers an opportunity to interact with villagers villagers and get a hands hands-on feel of daily life in the upper reaches. Weaving and Basket Making Workshop (conducted by local artisans) Kullu region is known for shawls made by local artisans. Basket making is also a local art that sustains thousands in the region). Eco-Treasure Hunt: Treasure hunt is based on the clues and description about the various components of the environment (e.g. medicinal plants, trees of commercial use, minerals, energy sources. The participants will search for specific components ts from their surroundings based on these clues and will present their findings on the final day. Afternoon LUNCH (with the a few prominent villagers, organised by BTCA) GHNP Eco-Zone Tour Part 2 Interview/interact with the residents of the village of Tinder to know more about their livelihoods (Theme Areas: Agriculture, Livestock, Energy and Festivals). Preparation for group presentations (to be made on Day 5) Evening Film Show: The Final Frontier followed by interaction with the Field Director, Great Himalayan National Park
Day 03 From
To
Mode
Duration
Distance
Camp GHNP Gushaini Village
Gushaini Village Rola
Trek. Trek
1 Hr 3 Hrs
5 Km 4 Km
Accommodations Name of Accommodation Phone # of Accommodation Type of Accommodation Location (Town name) Approximate Altitude Nearest Best Health Facility Nearest Police Station
ROLA --All weather alpine tents Same as Day 1 6800 Feet Primary Health Centre, Gushaini Banjar Phone: 01903- 222227 Banjar,
Activities during the Day: Forenoon Trekking Excursion to Rola (Trek to ROLA: Rola at the height of 6800 feet offers striking views of GHNP. It offers an easy to moderatee trekking experience)
Continue Trek to Rola. Picnic Lunch on the way. Afternoon: Arrival at ROLA Tent pitching/ Relaxation/Forest Exploration & Bird watching session (The The birds of GHNP are an important part of the Park's biological diversity and an attr attraction for bird watchers. The Park falls within one of the globally important Endemic Bird Areas identified by the ICDP Biodiversity Project.) Evening Astronomy Workshop after Sundown Camp Fire/Cultural Program Overnight stay at Rolla
ASK US
Day 04 Transportation From
To
Mode
Duration
ROLA
Sai Ropa
Trek
4 Hrs
Accommodations Name of Accommodation
Distance 9 Km
Same as Day 1
Activities during the Day: Forenoon Trek back from Rola to camp base. Afternoon Participate in performing a street play for a local audience comprising of residents of surrounding villages to convey the message of conservation and sustainable development (in conjunction with volunteers from SAHARA, a local NGO). *The The Society for Scientific Advancement of Hills & Rural Areas (SAHARA) is a dynamic, young NGO (Non (Non-Governmental Organization) engaged in enhancement of local livelihoods and promoting conservation in the villages in the buffer zone of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). SAHARA has a group of volunteers (KALAA (KALAA-JATTHA) that spreads the message of conservation through street plays all year round. The AES students will work with SAHARA personnel to design and later stage the street-play play at a suitable location loc in the Eco-Zone.
Evening Group Presentation on Eco-zone tour, Eco-treasure treasure hunt findings
Eco-Quiz: Film Show:
An environmental quiz (Prizes from Penguin Books India) Winding Up: An interactive tive discussion Beautiful People (A film by Warner Brothers on Wildlife)
Day 05 Morning Visit the Kullu valley for shopping after breakfast. Sightseeing of the Bajaura temple and the Kullu Dussehra deity in Sultanpur. Evening departure to Delhi by Bus Optional Activity ( River rafting in the Beas @ Rs 400 per head extra) Option of extending xtending to Day 6 to visit to Manali and Rohtang Snow Point @ Rs 700 extra) Costing: The cost would be Rs 3500/= /= per student based on a minimum of 35 students. Two teachers would be free on this package. ( All inclusive of food, accommodation, activities, activiti equipment, entrance tickets) Only excludes transport from School to SaiRopa