Dalai Lama Trek
50km
Approx. distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
12 days
Challenge Duration
India
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Discover stunning views of the Himalayan mountains
Visit the one of the iconic New Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal
Experience Tibetan life and visit local monasteries
Trek through unspoilt landscapes and immerse yourself in astounding architecture
The Challenge
A fantastic five day trekking adventure through the colourful region of North India, which lies in the heart of the world’s highest mountain range. Spectacular, spiritual and sublime – just some of the words to describe this fascinating country. Explore the Kingdom of Gaddi, pass Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries with the spectacular Himalayan mountain range as our backdrop. We end this incredible challenge with time to explore the incomparable Taj Mahal, the greatest monument to love ever built, so join us and discover India!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart UK
We depart the UK for our flight to Delhi.
Day 2 - Delhi and overnight train to Pathankot
We arrive in Delhi and transfer to our hotel to freshen up, then we are free for the rest of the day to explore. In the evening, we will have dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the railway station to board our sleeper train to Pathankot.
Day 3 - Pathankot and transfer to Dharamsala
We arrive in Pathankot early morning, then transfer by coach (2-3 hours) to Dharamsala – home to the Dalai Lama – stopping for breakfast en-route. We have a free
day to explore this fascinating town, which has an obvious Tibetan influence with monasteries and Himachalie shops. We enjoy dinner as a group and prepare for the start of our trek tomorrow.
Trekking distance – 18km approx. / 6 – 8 hours
Day 4 - Dharamsala to Kareri (2,070m)
After an early breakfast, we begin our trekking challenge! The first few kilometres are undulating and then we make a steep descent through dense pine forest to Ghere Village. We take the bridge over a small mountain stream where we stop for lunch. Following lunch, there is a steep ascent to the top of the ridge where we’ll be rewarded with some great views of the valley below. We push on trekking until we reach Kareri Village, where we set up camp in a lovely meadow next to the Laund River.
Trekking distance – approx. 12km/7-8 hrs
Day 5 - Kareri to Bal Village (2,330m)
We begin with a gradual ascent to a charming village, where we receive a warm and friendly greeting by locals. We also have time to stop for a cup of tea (hot, sweet Chai) and take in the spectacular mountain views. We trek on through the open meadows and pine forests and cross the suspension bridge before a steep ascent takes us to Bal Village – the breathtaking views will definitely take our minds off the challenging trek! Upon arrival in Bal, we pass through the village along the terraced fields to our campsite alongside a rushing river.
Trekking distance – approx. 12km/7-8 hrs
Day 6 - Bal Village to Triund (2,995m)
We begin our day’s trek by crossing over a bridge, then take a steep ascent through the rhododendron and pine forest until we reach a small Chai shop where we can stop for a quick cuppa! We push on with our ascent, past the Gaddi people taking their cattle to the high pastures. There are spectacular views back to Dharamsala. Our camp in Triund is set high up on an alpine meadow, facing the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding Dhauladahr range. The perfect location to relax after a tough day’s trekking!
Trekking distance – approx. 10km/8-9 hrs
Day 7 - Triund to Snowline Café (3,300m)
Today we trek to Snowline Café. Initially the trail is steep up to a small shrine dedicated to a Goddess, but then our ascent becomes more gradual as we head towards the Snowline Café. Following lunch by the café we acsend another 100m to a temple with spectacular views across Dharamsala. We return on the same route descending to Triund to spend one more night in the best campsite of the challenge!
Trekking distance – approx. 9km/6-7 hrs
Day 8 - Triund to Bhagsu Nag
Today is our last trekking day with breathtaking views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks. We have a steep descent to Bhagsu Nallaha stream, where we cross the river with the help of our guides, then push on until we reach a pretty waterfall. We continue to the village of Bhagsu Nag, which has a lovely temple and natural springs and is where our trek finishes. We then take a short walk to our hotel and we toast our achievements
this evening at our celebratory meal.
Trekking distance – approx. 7km/5-6 hrs
Day 9 - Dharamsala to Pathankot and overnight train to Delhi
A free morning in Dharamsala to take in a visit to the Tibetan market and the local monastery. Later in the afternoon, we will transfer back to Pathankot to catch the overnight train to Delhi.
Day 10 - Delhi to Agra and the Taj Mahal
Upon arrival in Delhi, we transfer by bus to Agra (5 hours). After freshening up at our hotel, we are free to visit the incredible Taj Mahal situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. Voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this beautiful monument was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, as a symbol of his undying love for her.
Day 11 - Agra to Delhi
We take a mid-morning transfer back to Delhi from Agra. he rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Delhi or just relax at the hotel.
Day 12 - Agra to Delhi and Return to UK
We catch our flight back to the UK arriving the same day.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed. Mountain weather conditions, the group’s ability and any other factors outside our control can impact on the schedule set out in this brochure.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- Return flights from London Airport to Delhi
- Train tickets Delhi/Pathankot/Delhi in sleeper class
- All transfers
- All accommodation
- All meals on trek and celebratory dinner
- Cooks, professional English speaking local guides and local English speaking medic
- Global Adventure Challenges Leader from the UK
- Porters/mules to carry luggage (12kg per person)
- Tents and other camping equipment (participants must bring their own sleeping bags)
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Airport Tax and Fuel Surcharge contribution – please refer to Dates and Costs tab. These are approximately £250 and payable 12 weeks prior to departure
- Personal trekking kit (trekking boots, poles, etc)
- Personal travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
- Sleeping bags
- Visa for India
- Monument entrance fees and donations
- Any associated local departure taxes in Delhi
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m interested... What do I do now?
You can register online below – payment of the registration fee is due at time of booking. All payment options and costs are explained below. Once your registration is received we will get in touch with further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising.
Is this trip for me?
Absolutely! The trek is suitable for all abilities with the correct training. The minimum age for this trek is 18 years old (if you are aged between 14 – 17 years you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This challenge has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme meaning the trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable as long as you train beforehand. You will be trekking for 5 consecutive days, and at high altitude and in varied temperatures, so a good cardiovascular fitness is required – the fitter you are the more you will enjoy the challenge! We will provide you with a full training guide once you register, this is also available to download via our website. Why not join one of our challenge training weekends – it’s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and other challengers, and train together prior to the event.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Where will we stay?
On the return train journey from Delhi to Pathankot, we will stay in four berth air-conditioned cabins on the overnight train. While in Dharamsala and Agra we will stay in hotels; twin share with en-suite washing facilities. Whilst on trek we will be camping – all tents and camping equipment will be provided but participants are expected to bring their own sleeping bags
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to
take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots and possibly trekking poles you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sunscreen, water, sun hat, camera etc) and whilst on trek your main piece of luggage will be transported by the support vehicle.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided except for lunches on Days 2, 3, 9 and 10 as these meals fall in free time. We can cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form enclosed. Indian food is very varied and nutritious with plenty of vegetables.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times.
Can I stay in India after the challenge?
Yes you can, but this is subject to us being able to amend your booking from our flights inclusive package to our ground only package. For further information on how our ground only packages work, please visit our guide to ground only challenges.
If you have already registered and would like to request a change to our ground only package, please contact customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks – there is no problem with you taking more rest stops should you need them. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left alone. Remember this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from your charity in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. This is used to administer the challenge, and to secure relevant permits. You then commit to raising the minimum sponsorship and send it to your chosen charity as you raise it - 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be received by the charity no later than 12 weeks* before departure. Failure to do so may mean non-participation in the challenge. Your chosen charity will decide when the remaining 20% should be received - this is a normally a couple of weeks after your return to the UK - proof of pledges may be required. The Challenge Costs will be paid for you by your charity out of the sponsorship raised. Do try and raise as much as you can, as every penny you raise over the minimum sponsorship will be retained by your charity too!
*For the challenges listed below, 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. You pay the non-refundable Registration Fee to Global Adventure Challenges. You will then be required to pay the challenge balance no later than 12* weeks before the challenge date. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
*For the challenges listed below, the challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 6 weeks before departure:
• Snowdon at Night Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall 25KM Trek
• Peak District Trek 25KM
• Ben Nevis at Night Trek
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks Trek
• Hadrian’s Wall Trek
2024
2025
Registration Fee
£299
Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
£3,400
Option B - Self-Funding
£1,700
Airport Tax & Fuel Surcharge
£250
Single Occupancy Supplement (Optional)
£425
When?