National Himalayan Dodital-Darwa Pass Trekking cum Training Expedition (Uttarakhand) 2025 (By Delhi State Branch)

Who Can Participate?

This expedition is open to YHAI members who are 18 years and older and physically fit. Participants below 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants above 60 years will be allowed subject to approval from the Programme Coordinator or Authorized Persons in offline mode.

HOW TO REACH THE REPORTING CAMP:

By Air:          Dehradun’s airport is the Jolly Grant Airport, which is located 27 kmapprox away from the railway station. All airlines have regular flights to Dehradun. Mostly flights arrival time is around afternoon.

By Bus:        Dehradun is well connected to most cities such as Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh by Volvo, Deluxe, semi-deluxe and Uttarakhand State Transport buses. These buses arrive and depart from the Dehradun Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) near Clement Town. Buses depart from here every 15 minutes to one hour. Other bus terminals in Dehradun are the Mussoorie Bus Station, located at the Dehradun Railway Station which has regular bus services to Uttarkashi.

By Train: Dehradun is connected by regular train services to cities Delhi, Lucknow, Allahabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ujjain, Chennai and Varanasi. The Dehradun Railway Station is located 1-2 kilometers away from the city centre and should take you only ten minutes, depending on traffic. Dehradun is connected to the rest of the country by trains such as the Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express, Dehradun AC Express, Doon Express, Bandra Express and the Amritsar-Dehradun Express among others.

Road/Self Drive: A popular tourist destination, Dehradun has a strong road network, which makes for a pleasant driving experience. Dehradun is well connected by road to cities like Delhi by the NH 58 and 72 is approximately a 4 hour drive. Dehradun is also well connected to cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh

HOW TO JOIN:

For offline booking:Members can also deposit the participation fee in any branch of Canara Bank giving the following details:

Name of Account: Youth Hostels Association of India, Delhi State Branch

Bank Name: Canara Bank

Branch:        7/48, Diplomatic Enclave, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi -110021

Account No. 0157101030829

IFSC:             CNRB0000157

Offline Booking Process:Members desirous of joining this programme may apply on the prescribed registration form duly supported by YHAI prescribed Medical Certificate along with or Deposit Slip/NEFT Challan Copy or a DD/Cheque of requisite amount Rs. 9600/- in favour of “Youth Hostels Association of India, Delhi State Branch” payable at New Delhi

ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES:Accommodation in Home Stay/Tent on sharing basis will be provided.

FOOD & WATER SUPPLIES:Simple, nutritious vegetarian meals will be provided.On the first day, our programme will start with tea and snacks, so participants will need to arrange their own breakfast and lunch.

TRANSPORTATION:One side transportation will be provided by YHAI from Dehradun to Uttarkashi by Tempo Traveler/Jeep.

Transportation can be organized from Uttarkashi for return journey for group.

Cost of the cab – Rs 5,000 per vehicle (Approx) for a Jeep 7-seater.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG:

Rucksack: 40-60 Ltr.YHAI will provide a rucksack, you can carry your own rucksack, if you have.

Small Backpack/Day Pack: 10-20 Ltr.

Trekking Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable.

Floaters/Flip Flops: For wearing around the camp.

Socks: Multiple pairs, including woolen ones for warmth.

Rain Gear: Raincoat and Poncho.

Lighting: Torch (flashlight) with extra batteries.

Food Storage: Lunchbox.

Hydration: Water bottle.

Warm Clothing: Woolen garments such as jackets, sweaters, cap, gloves, and extra pairs of socks.

Sun Protection: Sun cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen cream.

Skin Care: Moisturizer and lip balm.

Personal Medical Kit: Essential medications and first aid supplies.

Hygiene Items: Soap and towel.

Tech Essentials: Camera and power bank.

General Clothing: Appropriate clothing layers for various weather conditions. Weather will be around zero to five degrees at higher camps in evening and morning.

Personal Utilities: Any personal items and utilities needed for the trek.

Exclusions:

Travel to Base Camp: Expenses for travel to and from the base camp are not included.

Personal Gear: Items such as trekking shoes, personal clothing, and other gear are not provided.

Insurance: Personal accident insurance or any other insurance except for the group insurance provided.

Additional Food and Beverages: Any food and beverages outside of the provided meals are not included.

Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses beyond first aid and basic assistance are not covered.

Items not mentioned in inclusions.

SAFETY & SECURITY:Trained and expert camp leaders will be available to provide guidance throughout the trek. Medicines and first aid/basic medical assistance will be available in the camp. While every precaution has been taken to ensure safety of participants, The Youth Hostels Association of India, Delhi State Branch will not be responsible for any accidents, illness and any such unforeseen circumstances.

Special Casual leave:The trekking expedition organized by the Youth Hostels Association of India is approved by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (Dept. of Personnel and Training), Government of India, as per Office Order No. 28016/3/89 Estt (A), dated 25 October, 1989. Participants working in Central Government organizations can apply to the concerned authorities to avail special casual leave for the duration of the expedition. This leave can be sanctioned by their office for up to 30 days in a calendar year.

Certificates: Participants who successfully complete the trek and adhere to the program's discipline will be awarded certificates in recognition of their accomplishment.

Documents required at the time of reporting

1) Admit Card, 2) YHAI Membership Card, 3) Two Passport Photograph, 4) Medical Certificate (Compulsory) 

Main Objectives of the Dodital Darwa Pass Trek:

Nature Immersion: This trek aims to immerse you in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Physical Challenge: It offers a balanced mix of easy and challenging segments, allowing trekkers to test and enhance their endurance and strength.

Cultural Experience: Passing through villages like Agoda and Manjhi gives you a glimpse into the local culture and traditions.

Scenic Views: Witnessing majestic peaks like the Gangotri group, Bandarpoonch, and Swargarohini is a visual treat, offering an unparalleled connection to nature’s grandeur.

Personal Growth: Facing and overcoming the physical challenges of the trek fosters resilience and self-discovery.

Ecological Awareness: Understanding the diverse flora and fauna, and the importance of conserving these natural habitats.

Survival Skills: Gaining practical skills in camping, navigation, and wilderness survival.

Cultural Appreciation: Learning about the lifestyles and traditions of the local communities you encounter along the way.

Mindfulness and Reflection: Trekking in the Himalayas provides ample time for introspection and appreciating the simplicity and beauty of the natural world.

Minimalism: Embrace the simplicity of life by carrying only essentials and appreciating the beauty around you.

Disconnect to Reconnect: Unplugging from technology allows you to connect more deeply with nature and fellow trekkers.

Mindful Observation: Take the time to observe and appreciate the small details – the rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the changing hues of the sky.

Physical Engagement: Engaging your body in the trek makes you feel more connected to the environment, as you navigate varied terrains and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

This trek is not just an adventure but an opportunity to grow, learn, and find peace in the simplicity of nature.

Additional Notes

Prohibited Substances: Smoking, and the use of alcohol or narcotics in any form is strictly prohibited during the course of the program.

Route Adherence: Participants must adhere to the designated route of the program. Any deviation is not permitted. Participants wishing to join other activities may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after completing the program and checking out.

Accommodation: Staying outside the designated YHAI Camps is not allowed for the entire duration of the trek.

Environmental Responsibility: This is an environment-friendly trek. Do not litter or spoil the trail in any way. If you come across any litter, such as wrappers or plastic bags left by previous trekkers, please carry them with you and deposit them at the next camp.

Campfire Rules: Burning of wood during campfires is strictly prohibited to prevent deforestation and environmental damage.

Medical Certificate: A medical certificate is compulsory and must be submitted at the time of reporting for the trek.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation by the participants: In case you are unable to join the trek, you will receive a 50% refund of the program fee, which amounts to Rs. 4800/-, provided that your cancellation request is received on or before 31st March 2025. Any cancellation requests received after this date will not be considered for a refund.

Cancellation by the organization: In case the cancellation due to natural calamity, government restrictions, cancellation of permissions, or any other unforeseen circumstances, YHAI will be accountable only for the program fees. Other expenses incurred by participants for joining the program will not be covered. In such situations, the decision regarding the refund of participation fees will be made by YHAI and will be final and binding on all participants.