THE FOREST LEARNING PROGRAM for FUTURE HOPE KIDS 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 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 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 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 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.
The Forest Learning Program is conducted out at Camp GHNP at Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, H.P. developed under plaNETwork program. Program for kids who are 12 and above: Traverse across the Great Himalayan National Park Time taken 6 days : Map as follows
Program of kids who are 11 and younger : will participate in the Forest Learning Program
Day 01
Day 02 : Day 03 : Day 04 :
Day 05
Program for Future Hope kids Arrival Group in Kalka : Pick up by bus and transfer to SaiRopa ( 7 hour journey) Evening introduction to the Great Himalayan National Park , activities and staff Bonfire Dinner and go to sleep Rappelling and River crossing adventure , Biodiversity trail and preparation for the trek Sairopa to Rolla o/n Rolla o/n Tents and hut Group I ( Elder Kids ) Group II( small Kids) Rolla to Shilt o/n Tents and hut Rolla to Chalocha and back to Rolla o/n Tents Rolla-Shilt walk from Rolla (1963m) to Shilt and hut (2900m) up very steep track. Narrow zigzag up A Day in nature : Walk inside a prime forest 40-degree slope made for very tough going. toward Chalocha ‌the Tree God. Have lunch by Camp around Shilt hut. Afternoon follows a the river and come back to camp Rolla . There is downhill through a very thick forest full of Monal a huge rock besides the camp at Rolla where we Pheasant. (A large plump pheasant with a loud, would practice Rock Climbing before Sundown. ringing call. Males are mainly iridescent blue, o/n Nati Dance with SAHARA staff. green on the mantle and rufous on the neck, with a white patch on the lower back and an orange tail). It is a prominent bird and the state bird of Himachal, well known to the local villagers and often seen by the tourists and trekkers.). Evening campfire with local dance performed by the staff accompanying you on the trek. O/n Rolla Shilt to Ghuntarao o/n Tents and hut Moderate up and down, lush bamboo forests, streams and waterfalls and up to the top of the
Rolla to Sai Ropa o/n SaiRopa Forenoon Trek back from Rola to camp base.
tree line at Ghumtrao (3500m). Good chances of finding Kutki and Atis. A relatively easy day in preparation for day 4
Evening
Day 06
Ghumtaro to Dhela ( rest day) o/n Tents and hut Spectacular trek including narrow path with sheer drops of 200m, going up to Jatamansi zone and crossing the highest point of the trek at 4120m. Chances of seeing Himalayan Tahr. Day ends in Dhela (3737m) on the other side of ridge looking into the Sainj valley. A full day’s walk. Full shakti! Extraordinary!
SaiRopa to jalori Pass and back o/n SaiRopa Morning Departure to Jalori Pass and a small nature walk to Raghavpur Fort to have the view of the Himalayas. Have hot lunch at jalori Pass or on way back at Jibhi . Evening bonfire dinner with local songs.
Day 07
Dhela to Shogah o/n Tents and hut A full day’s walk, mostly level, along the main ridge between Banjar and Sainj valley to Shomga (approx. 3450m). Great views and should be plenty of herbs all the way Lapah to Shangarh o/n Tents and hut A steep descent of 1000m through thick forest (bear territory, plenty of tagarh) ending at Chanyara Farm (2500m) in the evening. At the farm there is a bed and a hot shower.
SaiRopa ( activity day) o/n SaiRopa Visit to waterfall and bird watching activity along with fishing demonstration o/n Dorms
Day 08
Day09
Shangarh (Rest Day) o/n Tents and hut
Day 10
Shangarh to Aut and evening bus to Delhi
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.
SaiRopa to Shangarh Morning departure by jeeps to Neuli and then a climb up to the beautiful Shangarh Village where you will meet the other trekkers as well.
Costing: The cost would be Rs 5200/= per student based on a minimum of 35 students. Two teachers would be free on this package.
The tour costs include
1. Transport from Kalka to Sai Ropa and back to Delhi in a deluxe non a/c bus. 2. Food in Sai Ropa and trek 3. Accommodation at Sai Ropa in Dormitories and rooms for teachers on twin sharing and tents on the trek to Rolla. 4. Activities as described above 5. Staff, Equipment (Sleeping bag, tent, kitchen, guide) on the Trek. 6. Entrance ticket to the Great Himalayan National Park. The cost would not include meals in the Journey from Kalka and back and any other expenses other than mentioned above.
Please confirm the program by the 10th of the month for the bookings on exact number of students.
This program is conducted by the joint venture of Sunshine Adventures and the local communities of the ecozone of the GHNP. Please confirm your details at Sunshine Himalayan Adventures - Unique Himalayan Tours Helping the Local Environment Near Arya Samaj Temple, Akhara Bazar Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India -175101 Phone : +91-1902-225182 Fax : +91-1902-222391 Mob: 94181-02083 Email : sunhimalaya@gmail.com, info@sunshineadventure.com
Friends of Nature
SAHARA
Eco-Tour Operators