Adventure Travel Company

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for the Blind Children, Kullu. Episode 5

2008-10-24T02:43:00.000-07:00

I am coming to the end of my stay in Kullu, for this year at least. I finished teaching last Saturday but will continue to work at the school, in a slightly different capacity, until the beginning of November. And there is no shortage of work! I will continue to do the Saturday art activities, as painting and the new scented colouring pens are going down a treat with the kids.
I plan to introduce Halloween to Kullu next week and am working on making a Twister which will be texture based rather than colour orientated so that all the students can enjoy.

Myself, a friend Kris working with the Kullu Project as a volunteer, and a nurse Judith, from Switzerland but living locally are developing a hygiene workshop to do here and also to implement at two orphanages in the area. Unfortunately there have been a lot of skin problems recently with a few students, for various reasons. But we all (staff at the school) feel that a few basic lessons in self hygiene would serve as a reminder to the kids and renewed encouragement. We will give each child a pack including new toothbrush, paste, soap and a comb to try to encourage continued practice.

I have few friends coming out to visit from home so I’m going to rope them into helping me give the bathrooms a new coat of paint with some of the money raised from home. Hopefully, as an incentive to keep them nice and clean. Apart from toiletries and paint the money will go really far. I will be able to buy new floor mats for meal times, thermal undergarments for the cold winter that is around the corner, socks, uniforms, a heater for the boys’ bedroom and one for the classroom and some new computer equipment. But most enjoyably we were able to take the children out on a long deserved picnic.

'Are we there yet?' Drive to Prashar Lake.

Last week, the day before Gandhi’s birthday, we rented a minibus and a jeep and in true local style we all crammed in, thirty five students and fifteen staff members. We drove to Parashar Lake. I never thought so much singing and dancing and drumming could be done on a mini bus driving around hairpin bends! But this is Incredible India.

'One more chapati for anyone?' Picnic at the lake.

The children had not had an outing since I have been here and it was definitely deserved especially after such fantastic end of year results at the boy’s school. All teachers contributed to the food preparations and we doled out big pots of vegetables and stacks of chapattis, I also introduced Potato Cakes to the staff. It was spectacular to see the kids running freely in grass and just being in a wide open space. So a huge Thank you from all staff and students.

At school the children are busy preparing for a Sports Day for the Differently abled. It will be held in Shimla, the state capitol, on the25 th of October. Students of all ages will participate in games like skipping and running races and the Opening Procession. Infact they have spent most of their time learning to march, which has been very entertaining to watch.

Practice for sports day at Prashar Lake.

Some of the music students have also performed on stage at the opening ceremony of the huge Dushera festival. Each village in the Kullu valley has its own Deptha ( god ) made from brightly coloured fabrics and usually with a head of six silver faces.( please look at the photos, difficult to explain) For Dushera, all 365 local gods are carried on the shoulders of men, to Kullu town ( though the gods themselves do lead the direction ) where they stay for a week. Men, Women and children flock from every direction to witness this spectacle. Each night of the festival there is a big culture programme in which the children took part.

Local Gods, Opening Procession of 'Dushera' Festival.

Before I leave I will also be working on a website for the school. Currently they don’t have one. I think it’s essential for the school for public awareness and to raise national and international funds. But there is no one here with the time to set one up so a new venture for me. And when it’s finally done I will email you all the link and you can keep track of progress at the school after my departure. So Ill certainly be kept busy here in my last weeks.

So until I see those of you who I will see, and to those of you who I won’t, many and the most Sincere thanks for the monetary and moral support over the last eight months.

If anyone even has the smallest temptation to travel to India, Do It.

To support the school please click here to contact IntoIndia.

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for Blind Children,Kullu. Episode 4

2008-09-16T05:25:00.000-07:00

We finally have a full house again at the school and hostel. Unfortunately some of the students who live in quite remote places were delayed by up to three weeks due to bad road conditions and landslides caused by severe rain. The heavy monsoons have eased now though and all are back safe.

Chess Demonstration at the Red Cross Event

The great news here at school is that the school has employed a new computer teacher. Also some of the teachers working hours have been adjusted so that some start later in the day. This means that the senior section students now have three teachers as opposed to one. It takes a huge amount of pressure off the one teacher and is obviously a huge benefit to the students.

Hand Painting

We have also initiated a new programme for two of the Prep class students. There are two girls aged seventeen and eighteen who sit in Prep class with the other children of six, seven and eight years. They have severe learning disabilities and have been brought up with no education so the teachers have no option but to put them into the Prep class. But it is a difficult position for the girls as they are aware of the huge age gap and are sometimes very uncooperative. So now we have them upstairs in the kitchen before and after lunch. They will learn how to prepare food and maintain a kitchen and basic household chores. So far it seems to be a success and it is incredible the difference in their behaviour when working upstairs. It is not expected that they will complete

Cultural Exchange- learning a new African song

We have three volunteers organizing activities on Sundays for the children. They have come from Germany and Kenya and are associated with the Kullu Project, an NGO set up a few years ago by a man from Wales and a man from Kullu. It is fantastic for the children to have a few hours of fun activities on Sundays. They have nothing but themselves after school hours to amuse each other which, inevitably leads to a bit of mischief sometimes. And the kids are always enthusiastic to learn new songs in any language.

Home Science Class - making Pakoda, a tasty local dish

The school recently attended a huge Red Cross fundraising event in a local park. It was held over three days and all schools in the area participated by setting up stalls and selling various local foods and other bits and pieces. Our school set up a stall for one day to demonstrate the teaching techniques used at the Blind School. And again it was obvious to me how important these events are to raise public awareness and hopefully encourage other blind students to attend. Unfortunately the Chief Guest of the function was due to visit the stall but cancelled at the last minute however the students had a visit from a local film star so of course they were delighted and it really made the day for them.

Lunch Time

On Friday I experienced yet another treat that I could not have imagined. It was Teachers Day. A national day of celebrating teachers. The children themselves organized a programme of songs, poems and dancing with tea, samosas and decorations for all to feast on. All teachers were encouraged to play musical chairs which ended in a battle between the two computer teachers. It all ended with all students and teachers dancing around the tiny classroom with three students singing and a few drummers. I might take this idea back to Ireland!

Teacher's Day- Full Enjoyment

I have had great support since the last blog so sincere thanks to all and Ill let you know where everything goes.

And I’m sure you will be glad to know that all the hundreds and thousands of goats and sheep who migrated to the mountains for the summer( via my village ) are still alive and well and making their way back to the valley for winter, so here come the noisy evenings!

To support the school please contact us

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for Blind Children,Kullu. Episode 3

2008-08-08T06:18:00.000-07:00

Back to school............

The primary section children have just returned from a two week holiday with their families. The senior students are on holidays for a further two weeks.

The primary students

Unfortunately though, the classroom has become somewhat of a swimming pool. There has been an on going problem with the motor and the pipes to the water tank. I don’t know exactly what the problem is but a lot of water leaks as soon as the motor is switched on. So it can only be left on for five minutes at a time or there is a flood on the stairway. Now however the water has made its way through two floors of concrete and is taking the plaster with it. The heavy monsoon rains have obviously accelerated this. It is an absolute hazard in so many ways so let’s hope it can be fixed soon.

However it is great to see the kids again and of course they enjoy splashing around in the puddle, much to the teacher’s dismay!

The classroom did get a paint job during the holidays, donated by a local family. It’s amazing how bright clean walls can lift the spirits. Now all we have to do is fill them with new posters and charts.

Home from Home

There is nothing available locally, suitable for blind learners and even if there was the school could not afford to buy them. So we will be busy hand making posters over the next few Saturdays. The children love getting involved and know where each and every poster is on the walls. Every outline and detail needs to have a raised or a textured surface. We use real objects like flowers and leaves and lots of glitter pens and cotton wool. We use beads as Braille dots so that the children can read any text. We have so far made posters of basic shapes, simple objects as a trees and more complicated charts of amoebas for the science class.

It’s so important for the children to develop their sense of touch as early as possible because they will be using their hands to identify everything for the rest of their lives and they also need to develop quite a sensitive touch for reading Braille.

Two of my students has now moved on to first class and are flying through with the Braille writing. And another student of the prep class has just started to learn Braille this week. I have learnt to read and write Braille since I came here now, I have to learn how to teach it!

I have one new student who is proving quite challenging. When students arrive they are in totally new surroundings without their families for the first time, it is a difficult time for them. And for most it is the first time in a school environment. His behavior is very erratic but hopefully as he settles it will calm down.

Unfortunately we had more bad news today. The school has been pursuing the government for a plot of land to build a new school, for the last 6years.The government had agreed, in March, to give the land to the school but now they are asking for rent. The government will only lease this land to the school. There is no point in the school accepting these conditions, even if they could afford the rent. They need to own the land that they build on, it makes sense of course. And with the school building in such a need of repair at the moment it makes so much more sense to invest money into a new building.

Apart from that most of the children are in real need of new shoes and uniforms. Local families are extremely generous at donating meals and fruit to the children but if anyone had childrens shoes that could be sent over it would be hugely appreciated. I have witnessed the gratitude for something so small as a banana, imagine how happy a child would be with a new pair of shoes!

Nature Vocabulary Class with a difference

There is also a life membership to the school with a yearly subscription so if anyone would like more information regarding that please post a comment on the website.

And to those of you who gave me money before I came out, what I didn’t spend on headlice treatment, toothpaste and brushes I bought some materials to get the kids creative skills going. You can see some of them at work in the photos.

So really, Thanks a lot.

To support the school please click here.

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for Blind Children,Kullu. Episode 2.

2008-07-15T03:03:00.000-07:00

We appear to have entered into the goat herding season here in Himachal. Every night this week , from 10pm onwards for 3hours or more I have heard the jingle of donkey bells coming up the hill. This ,I have come to learn will be followed by the cackle of two hundred goats and sheep, making their way from the lower valleys to the cooler pastures of Rhotang and beyond. This is all very well to listen to from the safety from my bed but to try to navigate through the masses is another story. And needless to say that is where I found myself at 11.30 last night, with only a meagre mobile phone to light the way. But thanks to the two tough local women I was walking with we made it through without a scratch.

Dance rehersal

What led to the late walk was yet another enthralling cultural programme. One of many I have been invited to.A couple of weeks ago six of the girls performed at such a function. They received a very warm reception and much praise. It is an honour for the school to be invited to perform and with such strong musical talent present here it is easy to see why it occurs so frequently.What these guest appearances also achieve is publicity for the school an awareness of the fact that visually impaired children can learn to sing and dance and be educated like all others. A lot of people here are not aware of Braille or that the same educational achievements are a possibility for the visually impaired.

Top Priority- Cricket on Sundays.

I have to admit it was quite a surprise to me to hear that the boys play cricket but why not! And what an enjoyable afternoon that turned out to be, watching the boys play their passion. They have had much reason to be happy of late because the boys in the government school got the results of their board exams. Two of them, in different classes, had the top results of all students and three others in very high positions. This is a huge achievement for both teachers and students and a really deserved result from what I have seen of the work input here.

Saturdays, activity day always ends in song.

I have been busy introducing craft activities here, which has proved a great success. The children had previously learned to make candles and paper envelopes and of course some of them have a great affinity to this creative process. The process itself is great in many ways but also the result, one of which was a papier mache bird has led to lots of other activities, games and stories in hindi and english, and the imagination of free and innocent children is always worth listening to.

Apart from school I have been out rafting with staff. A surprise trip with some of the women , whos enthusiasm for fun never ceases to amaze me.I am also busy doing hindi classical dancing classes, Kathak, which sometimes involves me reluctantly singing! So never a dull moment.

What am I expecting of the forthcoming month? Well hopefully no more noisy goats but a bountiful supply of ripe and juicey lychees, plums, walnuts and pears, to name a few.

To support the school please contact IntoIndia

Trekking in Ladakh

2008-05-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

Tso Moriri Lake on the Parang la Pass trek.

Trekking in India can be done all year round. In the summer months, June, July and August, Ladakh is the best location for trekking in India. Because of its higher elevation it does not become as hot as areas further south. Ladakh is the region sandwiched between Pakistan and Tibet, incorperating the Karakoram and Himalayan mountain ranges as well as the upper Indus valley.

Wild Horses on the Rangdum Plains.

This August IntoIndia are offer 3 fantastic trekking Holidays in the Region. A 9 day moderate trek in the beautiful Ripchar Valley, incorporating visits to villages, monastires, palaces, markets and much more. A 16 day demanding trek over the Parang La Pass (5600m). This trek along an old trade route is one of the best in the Himalaya when considering, epic scenery, diversity of landscape and people, wildlife and sense of adventure. Finally they are offering a 10 day demanding peak ascent to Stok Kangri (6153m). Although at a huge height it is a non-technical route to the summit and the views of the Himalaya and Karakoram including K2 are breathtaking.

Two young Ladakhi Boys.

With any trek in Ladakh the lasting memory is always the culture and way of life of the local mountain people. The people of the region are of Tibetan and Indo-European origin. The majority of the population about 95%, practice Tibetan Buddhism earning Ladakh the name 'Little Tibet'. The region is characterised by high mountains, glaciers and a typically barren landscape which is very inhospitable and inaccessible. The region has one of the lowest population densities in India it is a trekkers paradise. Apart from the lager towns such as Leh and Kargil there are just scattered villages and an occasional Buddhist Monastery (Gompa).

The view from atop Stok Kangri.

Trekking Dates:

Parang La Trek - August 8th to 23rd
Stok Kangri Ascent- August 11th to 20th
Ripchar Valley Trek - August 24th to September 1st

Prayer flags at Bokar Gompa

For more information contact us at IntoIndia.

High Altitude Trekking

2008-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Trekking at high altitude is not something you should worry about, the key is being well informed.

The human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of barometric pressures. However, this process of adaptation or acclimatisation does take time and the most important rule is to gain elevation slowly. Most people encounter ill effects due to altitude purely because they gain altitude too quickly. The best practice is move slowly and avoid large altitude gains in a single day. This is not always possible as every route or trail is different and on some days one has but no option than to gain an above average amount of elevation. These days are best followed by a rest day. Hydration is also a significant factor, you should increase your water consumption by as much as possible while at high altitude.

Climbers on the Summit of Shitidhar (5394m / 17368ft), Himachal.

Good physical preparation is also key. Spend the 2 to 3 months before your trek improving your fitness. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trek. Also if you do feel the effects of altitude that extra bit of fitness training can be the deciding factor in you achieving your goals.

Trekker on Stok Kangri (6153m / 20187ft), Ladakh.

Taking Diamox is also popular among some trekkers. Please read the following piece from the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA).

Diamox (acetazolamide) is of some value in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Diamox, a drug often used in the treatment of the eye condition glaucoma, is also useful in the prevention of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). AMS occurs commonly during visits to 3000-4500m and may cause a severe headache, exhaustion and general feelings of illness.

Diamox reduces the headache of AMS and helps the body acclimatise to the lack of oxygen - it also probably reduces the incidence of the complications of AMS. Whether or not one takes Diamox is obviously a matter of personal choice - travel to high altitudes is quite possible without it. Though the drug is not recommended as a routine treatment, though there is variation of opinion about this many people choose to use it if travelling quickly to altitude (eg. if flying into Lhasa, Leh or any airport at altitude).

How to take Diamox

If you decide to use the drug, suggested dose is Diamox 125mg (half of one tablet) to be taken twice daily - take the drug for three days before staying at altitude and thereafter for two or three days until you feel acclimatised, for about five days in all. NOT FOR THOSE ALLERGIC TO SULPHA DRUGS

Side Effects

Like all drugs, Diamox may have unwanted side effects. Tingling of the fingers, face and feet is the commonest, but this is not a reason for stopping the drug unless the symptoms are intolerable. Dizziness, vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, rashes and more serious allergic reactions have all been reported but are unusual. In exceptional cases, the drug has caused more serious problems with blood formation and/or the kidneys. Those who are allergic to the sulphonamide antibiotics may also be allergic to Diamox. More commonly, the drug makes many people feel a little "off colour"; carbonated drinks and beer also taste strange when you are taking Diamox.

*COPYRIGHT UIAA MOUNTAIN MEDICINE CENTRE*

To Teach and be Taught, My Adventures in the Chander Abha Memorial School for Blind Children,Kullu. Episode 1.

2008-05-10T02:49:00.000-07:00

The Kullu Valley.

It is now two months since I arrived in the town of Kullu, ready to start on a new adventure. Kullu, renound for its intricately hand woven shawls and of course its delicious apples, is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the deep glaciated valley of the river Beas. The spectacular views of the dramatic snow capped mountains of Manali and the luscious green apple orchards all around, will provide some calm in he evenings after my challenging days in school.

'Shivrathri' celebrating one of Indias many great festivals.

I came here with time to offer. Open to any work needing done I have been given the responsibility of he Prep class. This class consists of seven students with varying degrees of visual impairments and learning disabilities. There are 35 students in total attending The Chander Abha Memorial School for The Blind. The senior students are now, thanks to the perseverance and dedication of teachers and staff, integrated into the local government school. This of course is essential to the social development of the children and a huge benefit to their confidence and sense of independence.

'Chimta' one of the instruments the children love to play, music is an essential part of life here.

On another positive note the school has recently acquired a plot of land to build a new school, from the government 6km outside of Kullu. Though this was no easy task, the Principle has been working and petitioning hard for 10 years now for this. And it will take a lot more time energy and money before this project is up and running. But this will be an ideal setting for the children’s education and welfare and they will have the huge benefit of outdoor space. In the mean time, the children, for the best part of 11months of the year, eat, sleep, play and are educated in the 3 small rooms here at the Mahila Kalyan Bhawan, (Womens Social Welfare Building, another N.G.O. ) But these lively and ambitious kids make the absolute most of everything and take nothing for granted and are driven by the encouragement of their four fantastic teachers.

'Utsav Janem Din', birthday celebrations.

Each day here is a challenge for me but I have been welcomed into this warm and open family and so far am thoroughly enjoying every new experience each day. I am quickly learning the ways of the culture here and the children seem to enjoy helping me through with hindi, especially what seems to be my hilarious pronunciations

To support the school please contact us at IntoIndia.

By Meadhbh O'Donovan

Zanskar River Expedition - The Grand Canyon of Asia - August 21st to September 1st

2008-05-07T06:22:00.000-07:00

Drive to the Zanskar River. Photo Dave Prothero

The Zanskar River is located in Ladakh in Northern India. The Doda and Tsarap Rivers join near Padum and form the Zanskar. The Zanskar flows north east through the Grand Canyon of Asia to where it joins the Indus river near Leh.

Karsha Beach Camp. Photo Anvesh Singh Thapa

Once rafters and kayakers enter the Gorge they are committed to reaching the end. The walls of the gorge are near vertical and up to 600 meters high in places. There is virtually no flat water as the river moves at ferocious pace. The rapids are long and continuous. Camping spots are rare and usually found only where side streams or tributaries enter the Gorge. The Gorge constricts down to 5 meters in places yet the river is four times the size and volume of the Indus when they meet.

In the Gorge. Photo Dave Prothero

The people of the region are of Tibetan and Indo-European origin. The majority, about 95% of the population practice Tibetan Buddhism. The region is characterised by high mountains, glaciers and a typically barren landscape which is very inhospitable and inaccessible. Apart from the river which can be rafted in the summer and walked on when frozen in winter the area is only accessible by one road. The largest town and capital Padum has a population of 700 and apart from that it there are just scattered villages and an occasional Buddhist Monastery (Gompa).

Ladakhi Man.

The Zanskar River Expedition is a 12 day holiday starting and finishing in Delhi. It includes return flights to Leh, 3 nights in Leh, 3 days of driving through the Ladakhi moonscape to reach the river and 6 days through on the Zanskar on raft or kayak. For more information please click here or contact us

The Gorge begins to Narrow. Photo Anvesh Singh Thapa

The Coveys in Corbett

2008-05-06T03:08:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic time in India, and our visit to Corbett Tiger Reserve will never be forgotten. We arrived at Forktail Creek camp mid-morning with the warmest welcome and some refreshing cold drinks! Our first impression of the camp was awe at the beauty and simplicity and we were delighted with our rooms. It was then that we saw our first fauna: several different types of bird and a rather large and handsome monitor lizard! (He was resident in our hut and could be found sunbathing daily in the heat!). The walk in the forest that afternoon was a joy and we encountered many different animals as well as seeing some tiger scratch marks on a tree - our first taste of what we were soon to encounter! The camp staff were incredibly friendly, generous and helpful - and the food was just superb!!!

Elephant Safari

Over the next two days we made two trips into Corbett Tiger Reserve. The first was a morning trip - we were jolted awake by the beauty of the park (and also the rough roads!). We had a wonderful time looking at all the wildlife, including three different types of deer, some peacocks displaying their tail feathers, monkeys eating in the trees and much more. We returned to the camp for lunch before heading off mid-afternoon for an elephant safari. It was a fantastic experience! As you are no longer confined to roads you can get much closer to everything and we all enjoyed it very much.

Spotted Deer

The next morning we set off for a full day safari. Early that day we saw our tiger. She was magnificent! As our spotter was the first to track her down we had several minutes all to ourselves before other jeeps arrived and we were literally left speechless! It was definitely a highlight of our trip. We then moved on and spent the long lunch break at an isolated comopund - a treat. That afternoon we saw warthog, a mongoose and a snake amongst other wildlife. The whole day was brilliant and we returned to camp tired but happy. Our trip to Corbett will always be remembered as a wonderful and inspiring experience.

Our Tigress

Thank you for organising such a fantastic trip for us!

The Coveys

Blog by Karen(17) & Alex(14) Covey

Tons River Expedition, May 17th to 24th 2008

2008-03-28T12:03:00.000-07:00

2 rafts of the Tons River.

The Tons River is a unique river in India. Most rivers in the Indian Himalaya are very large volume with big water features such as large holes, waves and aggressive eddy lines. The Tons River however is much more technical, with many boulder gardens and tight shoots. Rafters on this river need to be physically fit as raft guides need as much help as possible to guide boats through the rapids.

Local women carrying water.

The Tons is also a great river for kayakers who enjoy technical white water. The river has over 100km of quality class II, III and IV white water. There is also some great tributaries of the Tons such as the Rupin River which has good class IV and IV+ white water.

Dave Prothero.

The Tons River Valley offers a great cultural experience. It's people are less effected by western culture as it has a low population and no through roads. The culture of the the Tons valley is very unique even by Indian standards. In some villages Polyandry and to a lesser extent polygamy are common. These practices came about in olden times to keep population down and prevent the division of land into to small holdings. Interestingly there is a system of bride price, with the value of a wife increases with the number of past husbands she has had.

Passing under the foot bridge on the Tons River.

We are running an 8 day trip this May in the Tons valley. It is a rafting and trekking combo trip incorporating 2 half days rafting, 2 days trekking and a 3 day self-contained rafting expedition covering 60km.

Kayaker looking for the line through a boulder garden.

For more details please contact us.

The Tons River Valley.

Stok Kangri, August 11th to 20th 2008

2008-03-21T15:32:00.001-07:00

Stok Kangri (6153m) is located in the Stok Himalayan Range in Ladakh in northern India.

Map of the Region.

It is an ideal objective for inexperienced trekkers who want to summit a Himalayan Peak. Although you need a good level of fitness no pervious mountaineering experience is required. The South Ridge offers an exciting yet straightforward route the summit with great views of the Karakoram and K2 in the distance.

Buddhist monks in Leh.

The trip starts with a days acclimatisation in Ladakh’s capital Leh, where we visit various markets and temples. We then start the trek to the summit, gaining altitude as slowly as possible to maximise chances of a successful summit attempt. Along the route we often meet nomadic herdsmen and stop off in villages for shorts rests and warm chai.

Trekker on the Summit.

For most trekkers the highlight of this trip is the people and culture of Ladakh. Ladakh is renowned for its scenery and culture and is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Tibet’ because of the strong Tibetan culture in the Region. Visits to Buddhist temples and Tibetan markets as well as the warm Ladakhi people, often form the lasting memories of this trip.

Nomadic Herdsman.

We have changed the itinerary for the Stok Kangri peak ascent this year adding an extra summit day. It is now a 10 day trip from Delhi to Delhi. This extra summit day allows one more time to acclimatise before attempting to summit Stok Kangri. It also gives us a second day to attempt the summit in the event of bad weather.

Mule train moving through the Ladakhi moonscape.

For more information contact us; info@intoindia.com

Old woman with a smoke.

Carbon Offsetting

2008-03-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

Airplanes release a large amount of CO2.

Carbon offsetting is where you pay someone to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere on your behalf. Every time you heat your house, drive your car or take a flight, you burn fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil. When burned they all release CO2 which is a greenhouse gas into the Atmosphere. There are many ways to reduce your carbon footprint such as installing solar panels in your house, using public transport, walking or a driving more efficient car or bio car. However for flights it is impossible for you to have any impact on the amount of CO2 the plane releases, in this case you can pay someone to offset your omissions.

Treadle Pump, India.

Climate Care is one of the leading and most reputable carbon offsetting companies. Climate Care calculates your CO2 emissions based on the distance your plane travels, typical aircraft emissions, the average number of seats on your flight, and the average amount of freight carried on your route. From these calculations they work out your share of the total CO2 emissions. They then work out how much it will cost them to remove that amount of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Large wind farm, China.

Climate Care reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by funding renewable energy and energy efficiency projects all over the world. Climate care only fund projects in developing countries that have not signed the Kyoto agreement. In India they are funding the Treadle pump. A man powered pump that can draw water from wells, streams and lakes up to agricultural land. It is replacing the common diesel pumps currently used in India to pump water. In China, a country reported to be commissioning a new coal fuelled power stations every 5 days, they have set up several wind farms. In Uganda and Cambodia, they are working to upgrading villagers stoves with more efficient devises. Click here for more information on Climate Care projects.

Wind Farm under construction, China.

If you book an adventure holiday with IntoIndia we will pay Climate Care to offset your CO2 emissions on any internal flights you take in India. We encourage you to travel responsibly and offset your CO2 emissions on your international flights to India.

Rocket elbow stove, India.

Singalila Ridge Trek with Home-Stays

2008-03-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Sandakphu

The Singalila Ridge Trek with Home-Stays is one of the best treks in the Himalaya. The trek is most famous for its views of the Greater Himalayan Range. The views from Sandakphu on Day 4 of the trek are consider by many as the best of the Himalaya. Trekkers rise early at both Sandakphu and Phalut to watch the sunrise and beam it's light on the snow-capped giants of the Himalaya.

Prayer Flags just before sunrise

From the Singalila Ridge, which forms the international border between India and Nepal one can see a huge panorama of peaks stretching for several hundred kilometres. Included in this view are Mt Everest (8850m), Lhotse (8516m), Makalu (8481m) and Khangchendzonga (8585m) four of the five highest mountains in the World. The peaks of Bhutan and Tibet can also be easily seen from the ridge.

The trekking route along the Singalila Ridge

Most of this trek is in Singalila National Park. The park has a number of tree species such as Oak, Hemlock, Juniper Silver Fir, Magnolia and Rhododendron. The park has good wildlife stocks, leopard, elephant and the rare Red Panda being the most famous. As well as a number of Migratory birds the park had resident pigeon, dove, minivet, magpie, sibia, cuckoo, hornbills and kaleej pheasants.

Mt Khangchendzonga at sunrise

After walking the length of the entire ridge we descend to the Ramam valley and walk back towards Darjeeling. We pass through many thriving villages with fertile terraced fields and plenty of livestock. When we return to Darjeeling we visit a local tea plantation too sample some of the region's world famous tea.

Grazing Yak

New from this year we are offering this trek with Home-Stays. This is where instead of camping you stay in a small guest building adjacent to a village home. One learns how Himalayan communities farm, cook, eat and go about their daily lives. Home-Stays are undoubtedly one of best ways to experience any country in the world.

Views of Bhutan from above the clouds

Clean Himalaya

2008-02-29T09:40:00.001-08:00

Clean Himalaya is an NGO committed to recycling and waste management in the Rishikesh area. Their goal is to maintain the sanctity and beauty of the Ganges and the Himalaya.

Cows eating Rubbish in Rishikesh

Clean Himalaya was started in 2000 by Jitendra Kumar to combat the mass littering on the hillsides, streets and fields surrounding the Ganges. From a small poorly funded operation, Clean Himalaya has now expanded to employ seven workers gathering and sorting the rubbish full time. The project also collects rubbish in over 150 ashrams, hotels, restaurants and households, as well as offering educational programs to schools and businesses about responsible waste management.

Collecting the Rubbish

Clean Himalaya is striving to expand its operations collecting more rubbish from an even bigger area. However, more importantly they plan to develop public awareness about the importance of good enviormental practice and continued environmental awareness. In 2007, Clean Himalaya won the World Bank IDM Award for Grass Roots Initiatives.

Jitendra accepting the World Bank IDM Award

IntoIndia is a proud sponsor of Clean Himalaya. Please see www.cleanhimalaya.com for more information or contact us if you wish to sponsor Clean Himalaya and help a great cause.

Jitendra and worker standing with the Clean Himalaya Van

Travel Tips India Part 3: Flights

2008-02-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

London to Delhi

There are currently over ten airlines that fly from London to Delhi, making it much easier to find cheap flights. We recommend that you fly direct from London to Delhi, as adding a stopover is not any cheaper in most cases and can only save you up to £50. Currently , return flights from London to Delhi cost between £400 and £550 including taxes and fees.

We recommend you search for flights on the following websites

www.lastminute.co.uk
www.ebookers.com
www.expdeia.co.uk
www.skyscanner.net

Top tip
www.cheapflights.co.uk - Return flights for £302.

Dublin to Delhi

Unfortunately there are no direct flights from Dublin to Delhi. The cheapest way is to stop over in London. We recommend that this be your only stop and you fly direct from London to Delhi. Return flights from Dublin to Delhi cost between €700 and €800 including taxes and fees.

We recommend you search for flights on the following websites

www.lastminute.ie
www.expedia.ie
www.ebookers.ie
www.skyscanner.net

Top tip
www.cheapflights.ie -Return flights for €695

Travel Tips India Part 2: Medical Advice

2008-02-18T04:40:00.000-08:00

Vaccinations

It is very important that you get the required inoculations before you travel to India. The risks to health while travelling vary between individuals and many things need to be taken on board such as; activities on your holiday, length of holiday and your own personal health prior to departure. Consult your GP or practise nurse who will asses your health risks before recommending vaccines and malarial tablets. You can also visit your countries travel-health website for more information.

The World Health Organisation (www.who.int) make the following recommendations before travelling to India.

Make sure your primary courses and boosters are up to date - measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations. Also vaccines given to special groups because of risk to exposure or complications (e.g pneumococcal and influenza for the elderly and hepatitis B for health care workers.
For all travelers they advice: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A and typhoid.
Depending on when and where you go they also advise: hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, Japanese encephalitis, cholera.

Proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required if you are arriving in India from a country in the yellow fever zone or have been in such a country within the six days prior to arriving in India.

Malaria

Malaria is a very serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted through mosquitoes. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria.

Malaria precautions are necessary in all areas below 2000m, throughout the year. There is very low to no risk in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir and Sikkim, which are at high altitude. Please note to get to these areas of high altitude you usually travel through a malarious zone.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long sleeved garments and full length trousers especially after sunset, using mosquito repellent on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.
Consult your doctor or practice nurse about suitable antimalarial tablets.
Most importantly if you develop a fever while traveling seek medical attention immediately. Remember malaria can lie dormant and develop up to a year after exposure.

Travel Tips India Part 1: Tourist Visa’s

2008-02-07T03:07:00.000-08:00

All foreign nationals including children must get a visa before arriving in India. Six month multiple-entry visa are issued to nationals of most countries, regardless of how long you plan to stay. If you plan on staying longer than that you must leave the country to acquire a new visa and then return. Most people choose to go to Kathmandu in Nepal or Colombo in Sir Lanka if they are not returning to their resident country between visits.

How to get a visa?

You need to contact your countries Indian embassy to obtain an application form for a tourist visa. You need to fill in your application on the original form not a photocopy. Along the completed application form, you need;

Original passport valid for at least 6 months
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Application fee is €50 / £30 / US$73 at the time of writing

The fee is payable by bank draft or postal order in most countries. Cash or Credit Card is rarely accepted.

New Treknraft 2008

2008-01-24T01:40:00.000-08:00

Location: Uttarakhand
Duration: 15 days
Grade: Moderate Trek - Class III(IV) River

Camp just after sunrise

IntoIndia has changed its trekking and rafting combination trip for 2008. This year’s treknraft is a combination of the Roopkund Lake Trek and and Kail River Expedition. This trip combines a mountain trek with a river expedition and offers the best of both worlds. No experience is required to join this holiday.

Enjoying the warm camp fire

The Roopkund Lake Trek (5029m) is a beautiful journey in the shadow of the huge Nanda Ghungti (6310 m), Changabang (6864 m) & Trishul (7120 m) peaks. The route takes us through remote villages, forests and green meadows.

Village donkey carrying bricks

The Mystery Lake was made famous by the skeletal remains discovered there in 1942 by a forest ranger. After much research a team of scientists discovered that most of the pilgrims suffered an identical cause of death, large skull fracture caused by one of the most deadly hail storms in history. The history of the lake adds to the trip which already boasts of the best scenery in the Himalayas.

Praying Mantis

The Kali River is a great introduction to white-water in

India

. It is a classic pool drop river, with relaxing calm scenic sections followed by big fun rapids with long wave trains. The river flows past terraced farms, mountain streams, white sandy beaches and thick tropical jungles.

Kayaker on the Kali River

Forming the border between India and Nepal it gives a great insight into the people living in both countries. The river is teeming with fish and the area is rich in wildlife. The region is home to bear, leopard, elephant, monkey and over 500 species of bird.

Flotilla of rafts

Please see www.intoindia.com for current departure dates, or contact us to tailor private dates.

Ripchar Valley Trek - Ladakh

2008-01-17T02:27:00.001-08:00

Buddhist Monk at Lamayurug

Location: Ladakh
Duration: 9 Days
Grade: Moderate

Wild Horse on Rangdom Plains

Due to the volume of enquires IntoIndia has been receiving; we have added a new trek to http://www.intoindia.com/. The Ripchar Valley Trek is a short but special trek in Ladakh in northern India. In July and August it is the best location for trekking in India.

Setting up Camp

Ladakh, meaning ‘land of high passes’, is bound by the two largest and biggest mountain ranges in the world, the Karakoram to the north and the Great Himalaya to the south. Commonly referred to as ‘little Tibet’, it is characterised by Buddhist culture and tradition, with spectacular Gompas perched high on valley walls or hillsides, it is truly an amazing place.

Buddhist Player Wheels at Lamayuru

The Ripchar Valley Trek gives one a great insight into Ladakhi culture, people and religion as we visit some beautiful monasteries, unspoilt villages and nomadic settlements. The landscape is truly spectacular with a number of parallel mountain ranges including the Karakoram, Zanskar and Greater Himalayan ranges offering endless panoramic views.

Trekkers on the trail

This nine day holiday starts with a flight from Delhi to Leh, followed by a of day acclimatisation and sightseeing taking in Leh‘s monasteries and markets. We then drive to the trail head, stopping to visit the famous Lamayuru monastery en route. We then trek for four days in the mostly barren landscape of the Ripchar valley but we also pass some flower-filled pastures and quaint villages with irrigated fields of barley and potatoes. The route takes us over several high passes finishing in Chilling (famous for copper production) before driving back to Leh, and flying back to Delhi the following day.

Please see http://www.intoindia.com/ for current departure dates, or contact us to tailor private dates.

Ripchar Valley

Brahmaputra River Expedition

2007-12-26T04:22:00.000-08:00

Crossing a bamboo bridge to Tuting village

I just finished a river trip on the Brahmaputra river in northeast India. Wow. It was an epic trip. the river and the rapids were great. I've never seen waves that big. You could feel the power of the river.

Running center line on Ponging

The quality and skill of the crew made for a fun and safe journey threw the rapids. The camps were pretty neat, mostly big sand beaches. Every morning and night the cooks made us great food which we ate by a warm fire. It was good to be on an expedition trip and not eat expedition food. I love Indian eats!

Dave barbecuing the days catch

I think my favorite part of the trip was the part of the world we were in. I don't think that many tourists go there. We really got to see the culture of the area. We got to see local dances and drumming as well as a village only twenty kilometers from the border of Tibet. We were really up there.

Local tribeswomen performing traditional dance

In Tooting we got to eat beetles and roasted jungle squirrel. They were tasty. The crew really showed us as much as they could. We even got blessed by tribal priests before we put in.

Adi tribesman with bamboo snares

I've been on a lot of river trips and this one was a great all around experience. When we were in Pasighat on the last night of the trip I really felt we had accomplished something big. I know I'll miss the crew and all of the friends I made on the trip. I can't wait for my next India experience with "IntoIndia". Thanks for the great experience.

Eli

Sanjay breaking through a huge wave

Kali River Trip

2007-12-04T21:32:00.000-08:00

Going Good in My Duckie

The trip began as one of the most scenic road trips I’ve ever done. Winding our way up through the Panchuli region we got a fly-by glimpse at many aspects of rural Indian living, from fashion and farming to innovative road construction methods. We traversed low lying Himalayan hills and rivers, taking in spectacular views of Nada Devi to climb high in the valley to our river put on, all the while taking our chances with the hectic local traffic which often included homemade richshaws.

Local School Kids at the Put On

With our paddle and gear rafts, safety kayaks and my lonely little duckie loaded with enough tents, clothes, booze, food, games and gear to keep our party of 21 safe, happy and fed we launched our 6 day adventure on the Kali River in a heat that was beautifully bearable from the conflunence of the Gori Gunga and Kali Rivers.

The Chennai Boys Going Big on Chooka Rapid

Getting to grips with navigating my own craft on the water provided most of the entertainment for everyone else on the river. In fact I was having such a hilarious time getting thrown out of the duckie in every possible direction at most available opportunities, some of the brave rafters decided to join me in the 2 man raft to tackle the bigger rapids that got progressively more frequent as the days went on.

Breaking over the Top of a Large Wave with Nikki in My Duckie

A highlight of the trip though was successfully breaking over the peak of a massive mid river wave (without flipping) while the others waited close to the banks, cameras at the ready, all set to clear up the carnage for what we all thought was going to be an inevitable BIG flip. Shamefully I was no better at staying in the thing on the last day than I was on the first, I think my swims totalled somewhere close to 25 for the whole trip. That said, with the sun toasting my pale Irish skin, the odd swim was refreshingly chilling!

Relaxing around the fire. This photo was achived using a slow shutter and a head lamp.

Every meal time I was amazed as to how our two cooks managed to emerge with a huge spread of tasty Indian cuisine. In fact it seemed as though, if we weren’t paddling on the river or enjoying beach life at our night time camp spots we were eating! Snacks, soup, 3 course meals, bigger breakfasts than my mother ever made me… it was endless and it was all good! Night time around the camp fire with rum and coke in one hand and toasting marshmallows with the others, there was no shortage of messing and music under the full moon sky.

Eli on the cataraft, Dimberghat rapid.

Knackered as I was after a week negotiating big bouncy wave trains cutting there path through a remote jungle, afternoons of cricket and Frisbee and nights by the fire I was sorry to leave and board the train for my return trip to Delhi.

All the team

Kauri Pass Trek

2007-11-19T03:52:00.000-08:00

Terraced fields at Ghunni

Is there no where in

India

where people don’t live? Second biggest population in the world, yes I knew that! But high in the mountains at 4000meters, having just descended from the snowy pass and with the nearest village a days walk away…. in front of me a small shepherd boy is standing on the first branch of a lonely tree about 8 feet off the ground staring out at the snow capped peaks that surround us in every direction….. clearly oblivious to the world I live in! Hmmm I never thought I’d find myself wishing I was an 8 year old Indian boy.

Mt Dunagiri 6892 M

We left our tents at 4am guided by the light of our head torches and the stars in the sky, spurred on by words of encouragement from our hilariously entertaining Indian guide to ascend the final uphill section of the trek.

Pankaj, Sinead and Jam at the Kuari Pass

We reached the snow covered Kuairi Pass in time to see the sun rise over the easterly peaks of the North Indian Himalaya. This undoubtedly, was the scenic highlight of the trip. However the days in the lead up, as we climbed and descended though valleys, villages, across river beds and under waterfalls were a close runner-up.

Me with my new found friend

This can only be described as an ideal trek, with the option to chip in and help with camp set up or cooking or just relax and let your every need be catered for by a first rate team. With trekkers and guides from various parts of the globe, together with our local mule guides, cooks and trekking guide we made our way over 7 days to final our destination. A huge breakfast feast geared us up for each morning of nicely paced walking arriving early afternoon each day at camp spots that offered spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and terraced fields. With a little each of hail and rain, the sun shone predominantly throughout.

Village women carrying the fresh harvest

At night we devoured beautifully prepared and abundantly endless dinner around a camp fire as we listened to local tales or returned to the rudiments of wholesome entertainment with singing, playing cards and charades.

Camp at Khulara Meadow

India: The Adventure Destination

2007-10-04T03:34:00.000-07:00

The Indian Himalaya is one of the great adventure travel destinations in the World today. These huge mountains stretch from Pakistan in the west to Burma in the east covering a distance of almost 2500km. This vast area is diverse in its people, culture, geography and weather. Due to the many micro climates in the region, perfect weather conditions for adventure tourism can be had 12 months of the year. The Indian Himalayas can be most easily divided into two Regions the areas to the west and east of Nepal. Both areas offer great trekking, rafting and kayaking but yet they are so different and diverse.