Sunshine Himalayan Adventure Presents
An Adventure Pilgrimage with Dr. Jeff Salz An exclusive invite only trek in the Western Himalayas into “The Great Himalayan National Park� Expedition date : 2nd September 2006- 17th September 2006
Sunshine Adventures A. B Kullu-175101 HP INDIA Ph: 91-1902-225182 Fax: 91-1902-222391 info@sunshineadventure.com www.sunshineadventure.com
Your Leader : Dr. Jeff Salz is an acclaimed explorer, with a Ph.D. in anthropology. Jeff is a wilderness professional who has traversed most of the remaining blank spots on the globe. He is an experienced speaker, expedition leader, recognized television personality whose adventure specials air frequently on the Discovery Network and the author of The Way of Adventure.
Your Trekking Area: The Great Himalayan National Park, undoubtedly the most pristine mountain landscape in the Western Himalayas… and perhaps the planet. From the Andes to Nepal and Tibet, to the mountains of Eastern Europe and Western China - the pressures of a growing human population have left the landscape – even so-called “national parks’ - overgrazed, denuded of timber, devoid of wildlife and covered with signs of animals and their shepherds. Ironically, here in India, home to over a billion people, it is still possible to find vast virgin forests and endless fields of wildflowers and ranges of un-named, unclimbed summits. Blue sheep, Himalayan Thar, even bear and snow leopard abound.
Your Travel Organizer: Sunshine Himalayan Adventures : Founded in 1996 , Sunshine Himalayan Adventures (SHA) is an approved Tour Operator in the Northern Indian State of Himachal Pradesh (HP) and the only one permitted to offer tours in the pristine wilderness of India’s newest National Park – The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). SHA is dedicated to responsible Eco-tourism principles and tour products that are environmentally sustainable and economically beneficial to the local people. We offer our clients the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of the Western Himalayan ecosystem and the exciting culture of the renowned Kullu Valley, known throughout India as the “Valley of the Gods.”
Our Mission: Creating a New Model for Responsible Ecotourism: SHA has a unique and exclusive relationship with the regional Kullu Valley organization, SAHARA (The Society for Scientific Advancement of Hills & Rural Areas) operating under its guidance. SAHARA’s activities include promoting visits of friends from foreign lands to create a better understanding of the Western Himalayas, its people, religions and culture. The ecotourism program continues developing a paradigm wherein local villagers actually benefit from having their ancestral lands turned into a wilderness preserve. Part of the plan is to train local youths in ecotourism and trekking so that more resources become available to them than ever in the past while wild nature is preserved for posterity. A plan of simple elegance and sweeping implications!
DETAILED ITINERARY Meals included are specified at the end of each itinerary day as "B," "L," or "D" (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). Day 1 - September2 Arrive Delhi The late-evening flight is met for transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Marriott Hotel. Day 2 - September3 Delhi The day is free to rest, shop, or just relax by the hotel pool. For those who are interested, we offer an optional tour of Delhi We gather in the evening for an orientation and welcome dinner. Overnight at the Marriott Hotel...BLD
Day 3 - September 4 Morning Flight to the Kullu valley Transfer by jeep to our riverside camp at Ropa . On the way we visit the headquarters of the Great Himalayan National Park’s Tirthan range. Pre-trip preparations include a meeting with the GHNP Director, an audio visual introduction to the park and its activities, campfire dinner and cultural evening with the SAHARA families. Day 4 - Trek Begins * Day 3 - September 4 - Train to Chandigarh / Nalagarh (BACK UP PLAN IN CASE THE FLIGHT IS CANCELLED) We board the early morning express train for Chandigarh, with mineral water and snacks available on the journey. Our train ride of about two hours brings us into the prosperous state of Punjab, a fertile agricultural basin watered by the five major tributaries of the Indus (Punjab means “five rivers”). The Punjab is not the vast territory today as it was in Britishruled India but it is still India’s bread basket, the place where Punjabi farmers produce nearly a quarter of India’s wheat and dairy foods. The capital, Chandigarh, was designed in the 1950s at the request of Jawaharlal Nehru as a “city of the future” by French architect Le Corbusier. On arrival in Chandigarh, we drive out to Nalagarh, about 30 miles outside Chandigarh. Set at about 4,000 feet in attitude, Nalagarh was the capital of a Hindu kingdom founded in 1100 AD. After settling into our hotel, we head out for a walk to a nearby village. Our heritage hotel, the Nalagarh Fort Resort, is a converted 18 th century palace and fort with panoramic views across the Shivalik Hills. The Nalagarh Fort was built by the rulers of Nalagarh in 1421. The present-day Raja of Nalagarh and his family continue to live in a section of the palace and extend a royal welcome. Set on 10 acres with badminton, croquet, and tennis courts, the hotel features rooms furnished with period furniture. There is an Ayurvedic Massage Centre on site...BLD * Day 4 - September 5 By road from Nalagarh to Sai Ropa Journey from Nalagarh to Ropa camp – The head quarters of the Great Himalayan National Park’s Tirthan range. Pre tour preparations and meeting with parks director An audio visual introduction to the park and its activities . Campfire Dinner and cultural evening with the SAHARA families.
Day 5 - September 6 Ropa to Rolla Ropa (1500m) to Rolla (2100m): Walk through Ecozone of GHNP. Gentle gradient at the beginning of trek. Distance: 10 kms. Interactions with local villagers. Visit to hilltop shrine at Dingcha village. Day 6 - September 7 Rolla to Nada Rolla to Nada Meadow (3300m): Strenuous climb through oak and conifer forests. Visit a prominent ‘tree god’ and shrine near Chalocha (2450 m) from where the climb starts. Possible sightings of Himalayan Tahr or Black Bear. Nada meadow is very good place for bird watching. Distance: 12 kms.
Day 7 - September 8 Nada to Majhouni Nada Meadow to Majhoni (3800m): Steep descent through forests. Distance: 12 kms This forest is home to the endangered king of the birds “the Western Tragopan” (In the villages close to GHNP, the local name of Western Tragopan is Jujurana . Juju means bird and rana means king, i.e. the king of the birds). There is a local legend that the “Lord” created this pheasant and all the birds in the universe donated a feather each to give it color and unparalleled beauty. The male is one of the world's most spectacular birds: black on the head, a deep crimson on face and mantle and orange on breast, the black belly and dark wings are spangled with star-like white specks. Though rare, with luck we might see them! Day 8 - September 9 Majhauni – Tirath – High Cam p at Saketi Majhoni to Tirath. Moderate gradient leading high above tree-line into the vast meadow of Tirath. Views of magnificent mountain panoramas and the opportunity to experience the holy pilgrimage destination sacred to the villagers of Tirthan valley. Here the trail ends and we continue the steep climb up wild meadows, streams and wildflowers. Rock towers rise above the glaciers and a half dozen waterfalls ring our high camp in the emerald meadows of Saketi (4000m). Distance: 16 kms Day 9 –11 September 10-12 High Camp The trek halts here for a three days to explore the wildlife and the surroundings. Opportunities for individuals to explore the highest reaches of the GHNP, climb, photograph, write, draw…. whatever! Day 12 - September 13 High Camp to Nada Meadow Day 13 - Sep 14 Nada to Rolla
Evening campfire and celebration with local dance performed by staff of SHA and SAHARA. Day 14 - Sep 15 Rolla to Kullu and Apple Valley, Kullu Evening at hotel. Restaurant dinner and farewell with staff. Day 15 - Sep 16 Flight Kullu to Delhi Afternoon spent in Shopping. Evening flight to the US
Tour Extensions (one week)Please ask for detailed program and costs • •
Option I : Delhi – Agra- Bharatpur – Jaipur- Delhi ( 1 week) Option II: Spiti valley jeep Safari – Chandertaal – Kaza- Ki- Kibber-Monasteries of Spiti and Back to Manali (1 Week)
Trip Cost & Important Trip Details LAND COST: $2700 per member (12 members) Single supplement: $1000
Our trips are budgeted for a full or nearly full sign-up. To avoid having to cancel trips with fewer members, we charge more for smaller groups, to cover the fixed costs of the trip. Costs are based on double occupancy; if you are traveling alone and wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. If you are willing to share accommodations we will match you with a roommate if one is available.
LAND COST INCLUDES: The price Includes: • Domestic Flight Ticket from Kullu to Delhi and back • All accommodations in hotels and lodges • All trek logistic support: porters, cooks, personal porter (to carry client’s main clothing and gear pack of each trekker). • All meals during trek and as mentioned • All taxes ( service tax , VAT etc) • All ground transport in deluxe a/c Qualis Jeeps. • Services of Trip Leader and local guides • All entrance fees to monuments in Delhi, all Great Himalayan National Park admission fees and Park Video & Camera Fees. • A list of required and suggested gear needed by trekkers will be provided to participants. • Please send the complete medical form and the liability waiver. LAND COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: • International round-trip flight tickets from abroad to Delhi . • Changes in programs or flight schedules due to reasons like climate and geographical hazards • Tips to porters and trekking staff & any items not mentioned above • Any meals not specified after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes • Optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff • Additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors • Pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any) • Travel and flight insurance, emergency medical repatriation charges. • Expenses of personal nature including: liquor/drinks, telephone calls, shopping, etc. TRIP PAYMENT SCHEDULE CANCELLATION FEE SCHEDULE At time of reservation $500 ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE On Day 1, you are met at the Delhi airport for transfer to the hotel. At the end of the trip, you are transferred to Delhi airport to connect with homeward-bound flights. LEADERSHIP Renowned for their ability to share their knowledge of Himalayan mountains and cultures, our leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of our leaders, and of the incredible travel experiences that they make possible. WHAT THE TRIP IS LIKE This trip is “strenuous”, according to our trip grading system. It is a land based cultural trekking adventure, with travel inside the Great Himalayan National Park, the newest national park in India. Accommodations are in hotels and lodges, ranging from a former maharaja's palace to a trekking-style camp. This is a hiking trip and the essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity, enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and openness to the unexpected.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TRIP Adventure travel often involves exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, or activities you may not have participated in previously. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please email Sunshine Himalayan Adventures.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER The state of Himachal Pradesh covers a wide variety of terrain and the climate varies from semi-tropical to alpine, depending on the altitude and season. In the post-monsoon period of early September, it can be humid in the lower hills. Rain is also likely. At higher altitudes the daytime air is cool and fresh and wildflowers adorn the valleys. It can also be quite cold at night. Snowfall is possible above high camp. It is best to come prepared for a variety of temperature and climates. Dress in layers.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION MASTER CHECKLIST For your trip, you must have: Valid passport (valid for at least six months after your date of exit from India) Visa for India (see Visa Kit) 2-4 extra passport photos Photocopy of passport page to carry in wallet Air tickets and expense money TIMETABLE OF ITEMS WE NEED FROM YOU As you prepare for your trip, we offer a reminder of when we need various items from you: At 120 days before departure: Copy of your Air Itinerary (if air travel is not arranged through us) Signed Medical Form Signed Trip Application Form At 60 days before departure or earlier: Balance of Land Cost. You will be invoiced 75 days before departure. TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly recommend that you get coverage for medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for non-refundable payments should you need to cancel your trip due to a covered sickness or injury to yourself, a traveling companion, or family member, or for some other unforeseen circumstances. PASSPORT A valid passport is required for your trip; be sure to check the expiration date. Your passport must be valid for six months after your date of exit from India. It is a good idea to carry a photocopy of the photo page and the entry stamp page of your passport as an additional piece of identification. It is also a good idea to have at least two extra passport photos. If you lose your passport, or if you keep your passport in a hotel safe or send it to an embassy for visas, having a photocopy and extra passport photos will prove invaluable. US citizens need a visa for India. Indian visas cannot be obtained at the airport upon arrival: you must obtain an Indian visa in advance of your departure from the US. If you are a citizen of any other country, check with a local consulate or tourist office for entry requirements.
MONEY India’s currency is the rupee. You can exchange your travelers checks for rupees in the airport upon your arrival, in hotels, and in banks. You will be issued a currency exchange form each time you change money. You will need these forms to change rupees back into dollars (at a slight loss) upon departure. We advise you to carry most of your money in the form of travelers checks in US dollars. Most major American travelers checks are recognized and accepted. It is a good idea to have some US cash on hand for minor expenses. Please note that ATM machines are rare and difficult to find in India, even in big cities You will need to budget spending money for gratuities, any meals listed as “on your own” in the trip itinerary, for international and domestic airport departure taxes, and for personal items such as beverages and souvenirs.
A great variety of carvings, weavings, painting, metalwork, and other crafts are available; depending on your taste, you could spend anything from $20 to $200 or much more.
GRATUITIES During the trip, the Trip Leader takes care of tips for waiters at restaurants and for porters for luggage handling. For the staff that has accompanied you throughout a significant portion of your adventure–our local guides and drivers--excellent service can be rewarded by a pooled tip, a process that will be facilitated by the Trip Leader. Tipping for the Trip Leader is not formally organized. Should you wish to tip your Trip Leader, we suggest that you do so towards the end of the trip. Tipping is completely discretionary, but over the years, clients have asked us for tipping guidelines to reward outstanding service. A range of reference would be $70-$95 per trip member for the Trip Leader and $30 per trip member for the local guide/drivers. SHOPPING TIPS India is a fantastic place to shop. Be aware that when you buy items that need to be shipped home, you may have to pay customs and handling charges in addition to shipping charges. Take some time to look around before you purchase. Try to discern the fake from the real, especially when buying gems or carpets. Visit a few state-run emporiums for cottage industries because they offer fixed prices and give you a good idea of what you should pay when shopping from private dealers. PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT Whether it be digital or film, whatever camera you use, check that it is working properly before you leave home. Before departing, shoot at least one roll of film and check the results to be sure that everything is working and you are familiar with all the essential functions of your camera. Bring your manual with you. Also bring extra batteries (lithium batteries last longer and continue to work even in cold conditions). Pack your equipment well and use plastic bags to protect it from dust or moisture. You may want to consider insuring your equipment. A single zoom lens, such as a 28-135mm is often the easiest way to have flexibility and still travel light. For good wildlife photography, you need a longer telephoto lens, which can be supplemented with a 28-70mm or similar lens for more general use. With an automatic camera, try to keep your flash mode on “fill” most of the time. Midday sun tends to create dark shadows, which the fill flash helps alleviate. CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS When taking pictures of local people, be aware of cultural considerations. Heed your Trip Leader’s guidelines for what is appropriate, and always use gestures or simple phrases to ask permission. If people do not wish to be photographed, please honor their requests. We urge travelers to avoid giving money in exchange for photo opportunities, which only makes it harder for other travelers to take pictures and to have a personal interchange with local people uncolored by the demand for money. Wight limit of 33 lbs on internal flight from Kullu to Delhi and back. The excess baggage will be sent by an overnight vehicle to Kullu. A large back pack that can carry up to 70 lbs A large day pack that you will be carrying that can contain the following: your water bottle, camera(s), clothing for instant weather changes (ie: a rain poncho, your hat, gloves, warm jacket, extra pair of socks, umbrella if needed, some snack foods, your journal, your sunglasses, a cover for the day pack in case it is raining heavily, etc.)
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT "Adventure 16, a major California outdoor retailer, is offering a special discount on all purchases made for this expedition! Talk to Jeff for details."
NOTES ON CLOTHING We recommend that you bring comfortable clothing and shoes made for walking. Dress in the cities is casual but neat. India is generally a traditional, conservative culture. Women dress very modestly—they almost never expose their legs or shoulders.
MEDICAL INFORMATION The following recommendations should be used as a guideline only; consult your physician for advice. It is vital that you let Sunshine Himalayan Adventures know of any medical problems, allergies, or physical limitations that you have. Once Sunshine Himalayan Adventures has confirmed your place on the trip, no refunds will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a trip of this nature. Sunshine Himalayan Adventures is not a medical facility and has no expertise or responsibility regarding what medications or inoculations you and your physician decide necessary for your safe participation in the tour. Traveler’s health information is available from the Centers for Disease Control Hotlines: Live line: 404-639-3311; Automated voice line: 877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8747); Fax: 888-232-3299/404332-4565; Malaria Hotline: 888-232-3228; Internet: CDC Home Travel Information Page:www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm A catalog of medical travel products is available from Travel Health Medicine: 800-TRAV-MED, or www.travmed.com PERSONAL FIRST AID SUPPLIES Every trip member must bring a small kit for personal use. Please pack toothpaste, shampoo, and other such items in “zip lock” bags in case they spill. 1. Sunscreen SPF #30 or higher. At high altitudes, we recommend the additional use of zinc oxide. 2. Lip balm with sunscreen and/or zinc oxide 3. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or Tylenol for muscle pain or headache. 4. Topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin) for cuts, bites, or sores 5. Insect repellent 6. Blister kit, Second Skin, assorted Band-Aids 7. Moisturizing cream, Vaseline for nose/lips (for dry air at altitude) 8. Anti-bacterial gel for hand washing 9. Post-insect bite cream (antihistamine) 10. Antihistamine such as Benedryl and cold remedy such as Sudafed 11. Pepto-Bismol tablets for diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion 12. Imodium for diarrhea. If you wish to bring an antibiotic for diarrhea prophylaxis, please consult your physician. 13. Prescription medications properly labeled 14. Contact lenses or prescription glasses; contact lens wearers should bring spare glasses (or extra disposable lenses) for dusty areas and at altitudes 15. Ace bandage 16. Eye drops, foot powder, nasal spray 17. Feminine protection (not always available for phase). Women may have disrupted menstrual cycles when traveling, so bring supplies just to be safe. 18. Iodine tablets or iodine crystals for water purification, available at most outdoor or camping stores
INOCULATIONS At the present time no inoculations are required for entry into India. Entry requirements and international health situations do change; check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. Arrange a schedule of inoculations to begin well before departure so that they can be adequately spaced. All shots should be entered on your International Health Card (yellow card), which is provided by the facility giving the shots. Keep it with your passport while traveling. It provides an important personal record for you to refer to when making future travel plans.
You may wish to consult with your physician regarding the following: Tetanus Booster Strongly recommended (effective for 10 years). Polio People who have received the primary series of at least three doses of polio vaccine are considered fully immunized. People who are unsure of their status should receive the vaccine (three doses spaced at intervals). Hepatitis The vaccines HAVRIX and VAQTA (two injections, six to 18 months apart) give long-term protection against Hepatitis A and are worthwhile if you travel regularly to developing countries. Typhoid The CDC recommends the oral vaccine. The oral vaccine, Vivotif Berna, consists of a course of four capsules, one every other day for a week, with full effectiveness reached in a week. MEDICAL FACILITIES Medical services are extremely limited in rural India. In the event of illness requiring evacuation, there are risks involved. Depending upon the point where we are in the itinerary, an evacuation may take several days. We try to have a trip physician on each trip but this cannot be guaranteed. Our Trip Leaders have basic first aid skills and are knowledgeable about the risks and problems of altitude sickness. A first aid kit will be along throughout the trip. You should bring an ample supply of any prescription medicines you need and the items listed on the personal first aid list, in consultation with your physician. If you have any chronic health problems (respiratory or cardiac problems, a bad back, or diabetes), we recommend you consider a less rigorous trip. FITNESS Since this is a hiking trip, the shape you're in will be an important factor in your enjoyment of it. Make special efforts to get in good physical condition for the trip by bicycling, swimming or participating in other forms of exercise beyond your normal routine. It is vital that you let Sunshine Himalayan Adventures know of any medical problems, allergies, or physical limitations that you have. Please fill out and return the personal medical questionnaire, and feel free to consult us if you have any questions about your ability to undertake a particular trip. STAYING HEALTHY Change of diet and a number of other factors can cause stomach upsets while traveling, especially in underdeveloped countries. To guard against illness, follow these guidelines: In India, consider all tap water unsafe. Do not drink it or brush your teeth with it. Bottled water is available everywhere. Don’t drink the water served in restaurants (order bottled water). Avoid ice in your drinks (it may not have been made with treated water). Beware of uncooked or raw foods such as salads. Don’t eat
fruit unless you have peeled it yourself. Avoid custards, pastry creams, yogurt, and milk where refrigeration and pasteurization are unreliable. Don’t eat food bought from sidewalk vendors. Overall, be conservative about what you eat. When in doubt, ask your Trip Leader for guidelines. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the bathroom and before eating, can cut down on the possibility of traveler’s diarrhea. On any airline, drink only the bottled water or bring your own. On any airline, drink only the bottled water, not the tap water. Dietary Restrictions Please let us know immediately if you have a restricted diet. We will try to accommodate you. However, cultural differences and other factors can make it difficult and at times impossible to accommodate your restrictions. Bring a flexible attitude and supplemental foods to ensure your dietary needs are met. Also inform your trip leader at the beginning of the trip of any special food requirements. Jet Lag To combat the fatigue and insomnia that often results from crossing multiple time zones, we recommend the following: Before Your Trip Be as well rested as possible. Try to avoid last-minute flurries of activity. If traveling east, try going to bed and getting up earlier for a few days before departure; if traveling west, try staying up late and so forth. Cut back on caffeinated beverages. During Your Flights Eat sparingly. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Drink plenty of water and other liquids because airplane air can dehydrate you and aggravate jet-lag symptoms. Try to sleep or rest with eyes closed. When awake, try to occasionally walk, stretch, and stand in uncrowded areas. On Arrival East a high protein meal, stretch, walk, do yoga or breathing exercises. A shower or a swim can be a great help. Don’t let yourself fall asleep until it is evening in your destination, and eat meals at normal times there. VISIT US ONLINE at www.sunshineadventure.com