Himalayan Trekking Expedition 2011 : SANDAKPHU - GURDUM DARJEELING

Celebrating 60th Anniversary of YHAI, W.B. State Branch.

Himalyan Trekking Expedition : 2011

SANDAKPHU - GURDUM

DARJEELING

Organised by: YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

WEST BENGAL STATE BRANCH

40B Gokul Baral Street, Kolkata - 700012

Phone :- 033 - 222 57058

(From 11 A.M to 7 P.M on all working days.)

Email: yhaiwestbengal@gmail.com

Website : http://yhaiwestbengal.blogspot.com

Under the patronage Department of Sport & Youth Service

Government of West Bengal

We are pleased to inform you that like previous years YHAI, W.B. State Branch are organizing Himalayan Trekking Expedition - 2011 (summer) to Sandakphu - Gurdum in Darjeeling region in Eastern Himalayas in the month of May. Darjeeling is unique in its versatility. For the tourists & trekkers, fresh from the sights of other lands, not only as a delightful surprise but as a variable relief from the hot & sultry weather from plains. The weather at this time of the year is Darjeeling best. Cool Languid days with hardly a cloud in a sky of clear and uninterrupted blue, near by slopes, a luxuriant green in the blue hills shimmering across the valley and the mighty Kanchenjunga range stands as a majestic background towering over everything.

Sandakphu, the world famous trekking paradise, from where you can enjoy the clear views of Himalayan Giants Like Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lothse, Nuptse, Makalu, Janu, Pandim, Chomolhori and many more upto Arunachal Pradesh.

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

(a) To encourage youth travel & provide low cost good accommodation among YHAI members.

(b) To promote interstate contacts and national integration.

(c) To expose the YHAI members to a greater adventure and to instill a sense of love for nature.

SCHEDULE
Day 1 : Reporting at Base Camp, Darjeeling (2134 Mt.)
Day 2 : Acclimatisation and Orientation.
Day 3 : Transfer to Dhotrey by Bus/Jeep. Trek to Tumling (2900 Mt.) 7 km.
Day 4 : Trek to Kalipokhri (3108 Mt.) 13 km.
Day 5 : Trek to Sandakphu (3636 Mt.) 6 km.
Day 6 : Trek to Gurdum (2910 Mt.) 14 km.
Day 7 : Trek to Rimbik (2286 Mt.) via Sirikhola, 13 km. ‘Barakhana’ & Valedictory Ceremony.
Day 8 : Transfer by Bus/Jeep t Darjeeling Base Camp (54 km.) Lunch and Check out.
Total Round Trekking Route - 53 km. (approx.) Programme & Route Schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

DATES
You may choose to report at the Base Camp on any day from 9th May, 2011 to 13th May. 2011 Each group consists of 50 heads only.

AGE OF PARTICIPANTS
Participation in this programme is open to all youth Hostellers above 12 years of age. This condition will be attached to strictly.

PARTICIPATION FEES
Participation fees – Rs. 2800/- + Rs. 200/- development fund = Rs. 3000/- per head. Which will cover stay in pacca built accommodation, simple nutritious veg. food, govt. registered guide, Insurance, Forest entry fees per person, not cameras. However, you will bear the to and for travel expenses from your home town and Base Camp, Darjeeling.
Adventure scholarship: 50% on participation fees for the handicapped youths.

THINGS TO BRING ALONG WITH YOU
Sleeping Bag, Rucksack, Cotton Shirt and Pants, Woolen Jersey and Wind-cheater, Inner Garments, Two pair thick woolen socks and two pair cotton socks, Trekking shoe and chappal, Woolen gloves and Monkey cap, Light Rain Coat, Sun cap, Towel, Sun Glass, Torch, Water Bottle and water purifier, Plate, Mug and Spoon, Packed Lunch Box, Needle and thread with spare Buttons, Toilet papers, Vaseline, Soap, Pen and Note Book, Medicine which you normally use at home.
Optional : Camera, Musical Instruments.

MEDICAL FACILITIES
Medical aid will be available at every campsite throughout the trek. However those on special medication or known drug allergies should bring their own necessary medicines. You are requested to inoculate yourself with anti tetanus.

HOW TO REACH BASE CAMP AT DARJEELING
Darjeeling is easily accessible from any part of India by Air, Rail or Road, The Railway Station is NewJalpaiguri and the Airport at Bagdogra being the links to the outside world.

From there avail Bus/Jeep/Taxi services to reach Darjeeling (90 km.) in 3.5 hrs. or to make the uphill Journey by the world famous and now UNESCO Wrold heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railways in 7 hrs. (Toy Train). From Darjeeling Railway station 15/20 mts. uphill walk to Jalapahar Youth Hostel (Hotel Broadway Annexe), crossing BSNL tower & DGP Banglow.

SAFETY
Extensive and painstaking preparations have done into the planning of trekking routes for your safety. Our field staff have been visiting the area to check all in details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety. Youth Hostels Association of India, West Bengal State Branch cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen even casualties.

Deviation from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join and other activities they may do so at their own cost and responsibility and only after finishing the programme and checking out.

HOW TO APPLY

Members desirous of joining this programme may apply on prescribed registration form (download), supported by medical certificate (download) and DD and fees in favour of the Secretary, YHAI, WB State Branch and send it to YHAI, WB State Branch, 40B, Gokul Baral Street, Kolkata - 700 012. On or before 30th April, 2011.

You can also deposit fees on any Axis Bank branch, A/c no. 910010010343332 of YHAI, WB State Branch, Kolkata. While depositing cash to any Axis Bank please ask Bank official to incorporate your name in Youth Hostel's Account for e.g. by Cash/Mr.Ms........................

CERTIFICATE
Participants who will successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded Certificates and Momentous.

CANCELLATION
In case you are unable to join the programme after paying the participation fees, you will get refund Rs. 1400/- only, provided, your request is received directly in the. West Bengal State Branch Office at least 10 days in advance from your Reporting Date. No refund will, however, be admissible if such notice of request falls short of 10 days.

SMOKING, USE OF ALCOHOL AND NARCOTICS OF ANY DESCRIPTION ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED DURING THE PROGRAMME.

SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE
The Trekking Expedition organised by Youth Hostels Association of India have the approval of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and pensions, (Dept. of Personnel and training), Govt. of India Vide Office Order No. 28016/89, Estt(A), dated 25.10.89, Participants working for Central Govt. can apply to the authorities concerned for availing special casual leave for the duration of the expedition. This leave can be sanctioned by their office up to 30 days in a calendar year.(Download)

YOUR ATTENTION
Please note that it is an environmental friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trail in any way. Darjeeling region is plastic free-zone. Carrying plastic bag is punishable offense.

WARNING
Burning of woods during the Camp Fire is not admissible.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN DARJEELING
Popularly known as the "Queen of Hill Stations", Darjeeling is at a height of 2134 Mt. (7000 ft.), offering a magnificent view of the Himalayan Panorama including the Kanchenjungha Peak. It Has the Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, Dhirdham Temple, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and the World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train. Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop with engineering skill, Barbotey Rock Garden and Ava Art Gallery. HMI and Himalyan Zoological Garden is Free Entry for Participants

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
In accordance to Centenary celebration of IYHF & 60 yrs. of YHA, 58 yrs. of YHAI, WB State Branch, we are organising photographic competition on under-noted themes :
a) Nature ( wild life, birds, flowers, sceneries)
b) Trekking

You may send your colour prints in the size 8” x 10”. Please mention details of location and date of photography, your name, group No. and address on the reverse of the photograph. Perhaps you may be the one to get a cash award or certificate of merit. YHAI, WB State Branch has the right to retain/ use even the entries, which are not selected for award with due acknowledgement/compensation. Last date for submitting entries is 30th June 2011.

For Booking & Date Confirmation:
Mr Kartick Sharma -Field Director - Mob. : 09432866652
Mr Stimit Srimani - Chief Advisor - Mob. : 09339263749

For any other information please enquire to:

Mr. Samar Kumar Mitra - State Chairman - Mob. : 09433770501

State Vice-President - Mob. : 09433928739

State Secretary - Mob. : 09477072150

Programme Director Ph. : 033 - 22257058