Limited places Together we can reach everyone who needs hospice care 18 28 October 2018 Registered charity number: 256789 To make an enquiry: events@stbh.org.uk 01903 706354 Registered charity number: 256789
Join our exclusive team of St Barnabas House India Trekkers as you journey through the spiritual heart of Northern India, home to the Dalai Lama and the centre of the Tibetan community in the foothills of the Himalayas. As part of this spectacular challenge, participants will be invited to hang prayer flags at the highest point of our trek in Laka Got to celebrate the lives of loved ones and all those cared for by St Barnabas House. With peaceful and stunning views guaranteed, the team with pass through the Kingdom of Gaddi a semi-nomadic race who spend months wandering the high passes with their cattle, rhododendron forests, Hindu settlements and Buddhist monasteries. The excursion will round off with an unmissable trip to explore the incomparable Taj Mahal one of the world s greatest monuments to love ever built.
Why challenge yourself for St Barnabas House? St Barnabas House has been providing hospice care for local people, and their families, for over 40 years. In all that time our goal has been the same to give our patients and their loved ones the care and support we would all want for our own families. Each year we provide vital end of life care to hundreds of local people, both within the hospice and out in the community. The care we offer to cancer patients is a fundamental aspect of St Barnabas core service and this won t change. But we also have new ambitions for the future, as our care services grow and expand into further specialist nursing areas. The 2018 India Trek team will be helping us to support people with more complex clinical needs including dementia, heart disease, liver disease and kidney failure. We have the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference to the lives of every single person and family in our community. But, although we support over 80 per cent of local people living with cancer, we are only able to touch the lives of less than 10 per cent of people living with life-limiting conditions. Our trekkers will play an important role in helping us to pioneer new hospice services that will enable us to care for more people. Will you take on the challenge and help us reach everyone who needs hospice care?
Our Itinerary Day 1 We depart the UK for our flight to Delhi, arriving the next day. Day 2 Delhi to Pathankot We arrive in Delhi, meet our local guides and transfer to a hotel to freshen up. Depending on flight times we have some free time to explore Delhi. In the evening we will have dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the station to board our sleeper train to Pathankot. Overnight Sleeper train Day 3 Pathankot to Dharamsala We arrive in Pathankot early morning and are transferred (approx. 2/3 hours) to Dharamsala stopping for some breakfast en route. Dharamsala is home to his highness, the Dalai Lama. We have a free day to explore this fascinating town, which has an obvious Tibetan influence with monasteries and Himachalie shops. We then enjoy dinner as a group and prepare for the start of our trek tomorrow. Overnight in hotel Day 4 Dharamsala to Kareri (2,070m elevation) Our first few kilometres are undulating until we reach Satobari village, from here we make a steep descent through dense pine forest to Ghere village. We then take the bridge over the small mountain stream where we stop for lunch a perfect spot! Following our lunch, we push on with a steep ascent for around 2 hours to the top of the ridge where we ll be rewarded with some great views of the valley below. We then trek until we reach Kareri village where we set up camp in a lovely meadow next to the Laund River. Trekking distance approx. 14km / 7-8 hours - Overnight camping Day 5 Kareri to Bal Village (2,330m elevation) We begin with a gradual ascent to a charming local village, where we are greeted by warm and friendly faces we also have time to stop for a cup of hot Chai, and take in the views of the spectacular Dhauldhar Mountain range. After trekking through the open meadows and pine forest to another village, we then descend to a beautiful mountain stream to have some lunch. Back on foot we tackle the steep ascent 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 another beautiful campsite with a rushing river nearby. Trekking distance approx. 15km / 7-8 hours - Overnight camping Day 6 Bal to Triund (2,995m elevation) We begin our day s trek by crossing over a suspension bridge, then make our steep ascent though the rhododendron and pine forest for around 2 hours until we reach another small Chai shop where we can take a rest. We continue our ascent witnessing the Gaddi tribal people taking their cattle to the high pastures of Lak and Triund today we have even more spectacular views back to Dharamsala. Our camp in Triund is the most peaceful set on an alpine meadow, high up facing snow-capped peaks of the surrounding Dhaula Dahr range.
This location is perfect to relax after a tough days trekking! Trekking distance approx. 14km / 7-8 hours - Overnight camping Day 7 Triund to Laka Got (3,500m elevation) In the morning we start our trek to the fascinating Laka Got. Laka Got is the site of a temporary shepherd camp in the summer and is situated at the tip of a glacier. There will be an opportunity for us to take a walk on the glacier to reach Lahes cave an overnight shelter used by the shepherds travelling over the mountains with their sheep. We then trek back to Triund, to spend one more night in the best campsite of our challenge! Trekking distance approx. 12 km / 7-8 hrs - Overnight camping Day 8 Triund to Bhagso Nak, to Dharamsala After breakfast, we set off for our last day on foot and trek over a grassy ridge with even more breathtaking views of the valley below and snow-capped peaks. We then start a steep descent to Bhagsu Nallaha stream where we cross the river by hopping over boulders to a small Chai shop the expertise of our guides will help us with the adventure of crossing the river. We continue our descent until we reach an attractive waterfall where we stop for lunch. The group continues until we reach the village of Bhagsu Nag which has a lovely temple and natural springs. We then transfer to our hotel in Dharamsala where we will hold a celebratory meal to celebrate our achievements! Trekking distance approx. 12km / 6-7 hrs - Overnight in hotel Day 9 Dharamsala, to Pathankot for train to Delhi We have a free morning to experience the delights of the Dalai Lama s town by taking in a visit to the Tibetan market and the local monastery. Later in the afternoon, we ll be transferred back to Pathankot to catch our sleeper train to Delhi, arriving early the next morning. Overnight sleeper train Day 10 Delhi to Agra - Taj Mahal Upon arrival in Delhi we are met before traveling by bus to Agra (approx. 5hrs). Upon arrival in Agra we are taken to our hotel to freshen up. Later we visit the incomparable Taj Mahal one of the new Seven Wonders of the World! The Taj Mahal is built on the banks of the Yamuna River which adds to the charm of this amazing building. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife and will always be a symbol of undying love. Overnight in hotel Day 11 Agra to Delhi We take a very early transfer back to Delhi to catch our flights back to the UK, arriving the same day.
Anne Porter took part in our St Barnabas House Inca trek in 2012 and has kindly shared her experience with us. It was my late husband Mike s idea... He thought that I should go on a little adventure afterwards, that it would give me a focus and would also be good way of saying Thank you for the wonderful care he was receiving at St Barnabas House. He passed away in October 2011 and a few weeks later, just before Christmas, I had a mad five minutes and signed up! Well, the rest is history as they say. I met my trekking companions and before I knew it, got involved in curry nights, training walks and pub quizzes. It was a bit of a shock to the system, but luckily everybody was so friendly and encouraging. The day came to leave for Peru and what can I say, Mike was so right! It didn t just test me physically, but emotionally, spiritually and mentally too. It was far more than just a walk in the Andes! When I reached the Sun Gate, so many things happened that I cannot describe. In a way, it was probably at that moment that I said goodbye to my Mike and turned a huge page in the little book of my life. I came back down from these mountains renewed, refreshed and so very proud. The dark clouds had gone and I could see blue skies ahead. I met some truly wonderful people, we had some very memorable moments together. The best part is that I have met Paul, my new partner, as a result of that journey and have embarked on many new adventures together, gone on other challenges and still meet regularly with the rest of the team. You will love every minute of these challenges and, yes, you can do it. You will gain so much more from the experience than you can ever imagine. Anne Porter St Barnabas House Inca Trek, 2012
Your questions answered Is this trip for me? Absolutely! This trek is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 18 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a sense of adventure and the desire to help St Barnabas House. Most people will sign up as individuals meaning you will all be in the same situation joining together as Team St Barnabas. How fit do I need to be? This trek has been designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone, as long as you train beforehand. Remember, you are trekking for five consecutive days the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge. Trekking training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction. St Barnabas House will invite you along to group training walks to aid your training and meet some of the trek team. Where will we stay? On the return journey from Delhi to Pathankot, we will stay in cabins on the overnight train. While in Dharamsala and Agra we will stay in hotels; twin share with en-suite washing facilities. Whilst on the 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 suggested kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some broken in trekking boots, sleeping bag and maybe some trekking poles, you do not need any specialist kit. Do I have to carry my own luggage? No. Participants will only have to carry a day pack (for items such as sun-screen, water, sun hat, and camera) and your kit bag will be carried from camp to camp. You will be able to leave your main piece of luggage at the hotel in Dharamsala. Food matters... All meals will be provided except lunch on Days 2, 3, 9 and 10, as these meals fall in free time. We can cater for all 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 s included? Return flights from London to Delhi, train tickets Delhi/Pathankot/Delhi in sleeper class, all accommodation, transfers, tents and other camping equipment (participants must bring their own sleeping bags), all meals including celebratory dinner (except lunches on Days 2, 3, 9 and 10), porters/ponies to carry luggage (15kg per person), cooks, food, water and other supplies, local English speaking guide, Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, a full, comprehensive first aid kit. What s not included? Personal travel insurance, sleeping bags, Visa (approx. 109) gratuities, monument entrance fees and donations, camera fees, any associated local departure taxes at Delhi Airport, alcoholic drinks and your personal kit. Can I stay in India after the challenge? All extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability, and are strictly given on a first come, first served basis. Those wanting to request an extension should contact Global Adventure Challenges at enquiries@ globaladventurechallenges.com as soon as possible. There is a minimum 60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended. Please note, the final decision always rests with the airline. What sort of back-up is there? There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides and porters. Full, comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and satellite/mobile telephones will be used to ensure your safety and security at all times. A UK doctor will also be travelling with the group offering additional medical support. What happens if I get tired? There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group ensuring no-one is left behind remember though, this is not a race!
Will the altitude affect me? Altitude sickness can occur at heights over 2,500m above sea level. However, the more severe symptoms of altitude sickness only tend to occur at altitudes of 3,600m and above. Your physical fitness will not affect your ability to cope with the altitude. However, the fitter you are the better you will cope whilst in the mountains. Altitude sickness is caused by decreased oxygen concentration in the blood due to the lower atmospheric pressure at altitude. All individuals are affected differently, but symptoms can include breathlessness, nausea and headaches. Please be assured that this trek has been designed to maximise your chances for sufficient acclimatisation i.e. the speed at which we trek, the route taken and the number of highly trained experts in the support team. Tell me about the fundraising challenge? Part of the challenge is raising the sponsorship money to help St Barnabas House expand its care services through its Hospice Care Pioneers initiative. To take part in the challenge you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of 299 to secure your place and then commit to raising a minimum sponsorship of 2,800. The first installment of 80% ( 2,240) of the minimum sponsorship money, must be paid to St Barnabas House at least 12 weeks before the departure date of the challenge (26 July 2018). The remaining must be paid at least two weeks before departure (4 October 2018). We can offer you support for your fundraising, giving you ideas and tips along the way. 2,800 may seem like a lot to raise but if you break it down into small chunks and start fundraising straight away it is achievable. To give you a rough idea, here are a few tips on how you could raise 1,000: Set up a JustGiving page and send to your contacts = 200 Hold a collection at a supermarket = 250 Organise a summer barbecue and charge 20 friends 10 entry = 200 Hold a coffee morning and raffle at work = 250 Arrange a sweepstake on a major sporting event = 100 How do I go about raising sponsorship? Once you have signed up, we will be in touch to help support you with your fundraising. We will send you a fundraising pack full of ideas to make your fundraising as easy as possible and will be available along the way to help you maximize your fundraising activities. I am interested... what do I do now? Places are limited and go on a first come, first served basis so try to register as soon as you can! Register at www.globaladventurechallenges.com or request a paper registration form to post back to Global Adventure Challenges along with your 299 registration fee. Once your registration is received, Global Adventure Challenges will write to you sending you further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! St Barnabas House will also be in contact to discuss your fundraising. To find out more please contact: St Barnabas House Events Team 01903 706354 events@stbh.org.uk www.stbh.org.uk/india Registered Charity Number: 256789