Mountain Cycling the Kangra Valley, Paragliding at Bir-Billing (The world’s best site for the sport), Angling at the Pong Dam reservoir, Migratory Birds, Excellent Opportunities for Photography (Birds, Landscape, culture, people, flora and Fauna, & the MIGHTY DHAULADHARS), Trekking through coniferous forests, Staying on an island in the middle of The Maharana Pratap saagar, A glimpse into the Tibetan Buddhist way of life, Enjoying the Toy Train through the Kangra Valley, Boat Ride on the Reservoir – Lots of Fun, camaraderie and yes of course the GOOD TIMES !!!
Get ready! For the Kangra Valley Adventure Trail, on the foothills of the Himalayas affording grand views of the snow covered Mighty Dhauladhars. The Kangra district used to be an ancient kingdom and is dotted by several heritage sites, prominent being the Paragpur village, Andretta, Kangra fort, Taragarh. Kangra is also the seat of the Kangra school of painting. Home to important Hindu temples (Jwalaji, Chamunda, Baijnath) Kangra is also home to the Tibetans and his Holiness The Dalai Lama. Mc Leodganj an erstwhile British Bastion is a Mini Tibet. Kangra is also now on the map of IPL cricket with the world’s most beautiful and the highest cricket stadium at Dharamshala. The people are hospitable, a happy lot and it reflects in their cuisine of which we get a good taste and their local craftsmanship. Palampur is famous for its Tea Gardens and The Pong dam reservoir becomes the host for more than 253 species of Migratory birds who fly over here every winter from as far as Serbia and other destinations. It is an anglers delight with numerous spots for Mahseer, carp etc. The best way to explore Kangra is riding through the valley, at a relaxed pace, soaking in the vistas and the culture. It offers great trails and is well connected through its network of roads through small villages. We stop, we click and we ride. Bir and Billing is declared as being the best site for Paragliding in the world. During season it records a minimum 400 cross country and tandem landings a day. It is also the host for the paragliding pre world cup every year. We are going paragliding in this paradise under the expert guidance of professional pilots – the best in the sport.
The trip runs – part road, part train, part cycling, part sailing – with activities being the highlight and the essential. We cycle some trails and some roads, we hike through coniferous forests, we sail on a boat to the middle of the reservoir and camp or stay in the rest house depending upon the weather, We enjoy the great sunrises and sunsets over the Dhauladhars, We catch the migratory birds and the vistas on our lenses, We glide through the winds – PARAGLIDING to the meadows at Bir, we enjoy the campfires and just take it easy. We indulge in the great Kangra cuisine and get a peep into Himalayan Flora and Fauna. We also get a glimpse in to the Tibetan way of life visiting Mc Leodganj.
INCLUSIONS
The trip is supported by a dedicated transport, support jeep for cyclists, nutritional supplements during cycling, A grade accommodation(on twin sharing) in Hotels at Dharamshala and Bir and camping or a dak Bungalow stay at Ransar island, Mineral water, Vegetarian and Non vegetarian meals, experienced professional pilots for Paragliding and a field expert through the trip. Transport from Delhi to Dharamshala and back to delhi is also included. We also get to party and soak in the days adventure by the bonfires, chatting, GOOD TIMES (we know what it means) and yes singing to the guitar.
EXCLUSIONS
What we are not offering is taking your individuality and your personal space. You get your own insurance, pay your tips, use your own Mobile phone or STD/ISD, if possible do your own laundry or take the service, ALSO IF YOU WISH – Get your own Bike, Definitely get your own fishing rods, ALSO if you WISH get your own car.
Day Zero 1st Dec, 2011
Board the evening bus to Dharamshala from the ISBT Delhi.
Tentative Schedule Report at ISBT Kashmere Gate at 2000 Hrs (8 PM). Board Bus
Day One 2nd Dec, 2011
Arrive in Dharamshala in the morning (0600hrs) and board cabs to drive to Mc Leodganj. Check into hotel and after refreshing yourself and a heart breakfast, head out for a rejuvenating walk through coniferous forests. Head back into hotel/restaurant for a late lunch and thereafter explore the Tibetan Handicraft centre, The Dalai Lama temple and the Bazaar at Mc leodganj. In the evening we go down to Khaniara and enjoy our dinner by the bonfire.
Highlights Mc Leodganj, Tibetan Handicraft Centre, Dalai Lama temple, Trekking (either to Triund, Bhagsunag or the reservoir village depending upon the weather), Evening Bonfire.
Tentative Schedule
0600 Hrs Arrive in Dharamshala
0615 Hrs Board Cab to Hotel
0645 Hrs Arrive at Hotel.
0930 Hrs Breakfast
1030 Hrs Leave Hotel for Trek
1600 Hrs Late Lunch
1700 Hrs rest at Hotel
1930 Hrs Drive for Bonfire and Dinner
2130 Hrs dinner
2230 Hrs drive Back to Hotel
Day Two 3rd Dec, 2011
Today is an early morning ride on your Mountain Bikes (with your support jeep at bay) from Dharamshala (0900hrs) towards Masroor rock temples, Andretta village and continuing further towards Nagrota Suriyan on the banks of the Maharana Pratap Saagar. We undertake the boat ride from here to Ransar island in the middle of the water reservoir. The evening is spent gazing at the vistas and catching the migratory birds on our cameras, followed by bonfire and Dinner.
Total Distance covered: 90 Kms
Total Cycling Distance: According to your fitness and stamina
Highlights: Masroor Rock temples, Andretta Village, Mountain Biking, Pong Reservoir, Photography, Migratory Birds, Boat ride to Ransar island.
Tentative Schedule
Bed Tea 0700 Hrs
Breakfast 0800 Hrs
Bike Orientation & Cabs 0900 Hrs
Lunch on the way 1400 Hrs
Arrival at Nagrota 1600 Hrs
Board Boat 1630 Hrs
Arrival at Island 1800 Hrs
Campfire 1930 Hrs
Dinner 2130 Hrs
Day Three 4th Dec, 2011
We go angling in the morning (0600hrs) and walk back for a hearty breakfast. Head out again on the boat to reach Nagrota suriyan to board the toy train to Ahju station. From ahju village we ascend to Billing – the world famous site for Paragliding take off. It’s a one hour exciting flight from Billing to Bir under the guidance of expert pilots. Land at Bir, followed by a late lunch. After lunch we head out to explore the serene environs of the Norling Monastery. The evening is spent by the bonfire and dinner.
Total distance Covered 90 Kms
Total cycling Distance According to your fitness and stamina
Highlights Early Morning angling in the reservoir, For those who want a ride on the toy train to Ahju village (5 hours), Cycling, PARAGLIDING from Billing to Bir, Norling Monastery, Bir bazaar, Evening campfire.
Tentative schedule
Wake up tea 0530 Hrs
Leave for angling 0600 Hrs
Breakfast 0900 Hrs
Board Boat 1000 Hrs
Arrive at Nagrota suriyan station 1200 Hrs
Disembark from Train at Station 1400 Hrs
(depending upon arrival)
Arrive at Billing for flight 1500 Hrs
Landing 1600 Hrs
Late Lunch 1700 Hrs
Campfire 1930 Hrs
Dinner 2200 Hrs
Day Four 5th Dec, 2011
An early morning ride which starts from Bir and follows backtracks to Palampur, through tea gardens and winding singletracks and jeep tracks. Visit the Gopalpur wildlife park and continue thereafter winding your way towards Norbulingka. Early evening arrive, disembark and enjoy the farewell party. Board your bus at 2030 hrs towards Delhi.
Total Distance Covered 70 Kms
Total Cycling distance According to your fitness and stamina
Highlights Riding through palampur Tea gardens, Taragarah fort, Gopalpur wildlife park, Norbulingka, Farewell party.
Tentative Schedule
Breakfast 0800 Hrs
Start Cycling 1000 Hrs
Arrive Palampur 1330 Hrs
Lunch 1400 Hrs
Arrive Gopalpur Zoo 1530 Hrs
Arrive Norbulingka 1700 Hrs
Farewell Party 1830 Hrs
Arrive at Bus station 2000 Hrs
Board Bus 2030 Hrs
KANGRA VALLEY ADVENTURE endeavors to be a LEAVE YOUR WALLET AT HOME kind of a trip. The costs involved are as below. Prices are indicative of Per person for the whole trip.
FULL BOARD WITH ALL ACTIVITIES: INR 17, 400/-
FULL BOARD EXCLUDING CYCLING: INR 14,400/-
FULL BOARD EXCLUDING PARAGLIDING: INR 15,400/-
FULL BOARD EXCLUDING CYCLING & PARAGLIDING ONLY: INR 12,400/-
FLLL BOARD WITH YOUR OWN CYCLE: INR 15,400/-
SELF DRIVE OPTIONS
FULL BOARD SELF DRIVE WITH ACTIVITIES: INR 15,400/-
FULL BOARD SELF DRIVE WITH YOUR OWN CYCLING: INR 13,400/-
FULL BOARD SELF DRIVE EXCLUDING PARAGLIDING: INR 14,400/-
FULL BOARD SELF DRIVE NO CYCLING: INR 12,400/-
FULL BOARD SELF DRIVE EXCLUDING ACTIVITIES: INR 10,400/-
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1. The itinerary as indicated is the best itinerary. Any changes and alterations are reserved with the organizers with respect to weather, landslide, road damage, natural calamity, a situation arising out of an emergency, road closure etc which are not in direct control of the organizers and are at the behest of third parties involved including government agencies (rest house etc).
2. All participants must sign an indemnity bond at the commencement of the trip. This will be mailed to you which you must download, scan and email.
3. Your trip stands confirmed only if we have received the full advance from your end 5 days before the trip. Any cancellations when the trip is five days later would not be refunded. Cancellations when the trip is ten days later would be refunded 50%. Cancellations before 15 days would be fully refunded.
4. The minimum number of people required to run the trip are 4 (Four). If there are less than 4 people who have made reservations the trip would stand as cancelled or deferred to a later date. In any case full refund of your deposit amount would be made to you.
5. A receipt and details of the trip with the essentials would be sent when we receive your participation fees.
6. All accommodation provided is as indicated in A GRADE HOTELS or Camps/Rest Houses as indicated on TWIN SHARING BASIS. If there are even number (4,6,8 etc) in the group the accommodation is on twin sharing. If there are is an ODD combination there would be an extra bed (ground) provided. For Single supplement there would be an extra cost.
7. You are expected to carry your own personal medicines and also indicate at the start of the trip if you have certain medical conditions (allergies, asthma etc)
8. Where indicated please carry your own equipment.
9. Any extras will be charged as actual.
10. All meals will be served as Buffet style.
11. Soft drinks are not included, however an unlimited supply of tea ensures enough oxidation.
12. Alcohol is not included, though you may carry your own.
13. Stretching the itinerary by a day or two and making necessary arrangements is not a problem with us. However extra costs involved will have to be borne. You may go ahead and make your own arrangements.
14. The trip is planned and executed as an experiential trip. We always endeavor to exceed your expectations. What to expect is laid out. We do also expect your suggestions and feedback, however complaints related to that you did not like a particular experience or activity is your own individual and personal domain. We encourage you to participate, explore, learn and experience. It’s like some people prefer tea and some coffee. We expect you to be accepting, with a free mind and a willingness to be in the outdoors. The services offered are the best available, and endeavors are made to keep getting better. Any glitches due to natural and unavoidable circumstances and situations are expected to be accepted with a willingness to contribute and gel together. Where glitches are due to third parties, we expect to make alternate arrangements as soon as possible. Imperfections are politely accepted and avoided.
15. We run our trips on tight budgets and huge logistics. Discounts are seldom offered, till you are a group of 4 or more. 4 people can expect a discount of 10% on the participation amount.
16. Injuries can be sustained during adventure trips. We immediately provide interim relief in the form of first aid, or rush you to the nearest hospital. If rescue arrangements need to be made, these are to be borne by your own pocket, though every care would be taken that this does not hamper the rescue and dampen your spirit. We are humane first and adventure lovers later.
17. Please respect Local Cultures, People and the environment. Any intolerance towards these are not welcome, and you are free to go back home and leave the trip. If you don’t like a particular custom (sacrificing of goats in pahari temples, welcoming with drinks etc) please refrain from pasing negative remarks and reserve them from later. We do not have to be sensitive we have to be sensitized towards places and people who are our hosts.
18. Any questions, clarifications, details about the places, trivia etc are welcome. You please may email us on reachdj.dhananjay@gmail.co
