Terran drew "Hills of the Garhwal" and at first we were all kind of disappointed that he didn't get "Bike and Hike the Himalayas." The latter sounded MUCH more up his alley. Some of the trips were service oriented, and others more action oriented.
We packed up his rucksack and sent him on his way late one night last week. We spent the week missing him and hoping he was having a great time (no texting or phone contact along the way). Todd met him at the school near midnight on Thursday and we have had so much fun looking at photos, a video of him rafting and hearing the stories of his amazing trip.
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A quick version of their itinerary.
Day 1 :: Travel from New Delhi via train to the Haridwar Railway Station. Arrive at base camp on the Ganges River.
Raft from base camp to Rishikesh in the morning. Lunch, info briefing, dinner, overnight at camp.
Day 2 :: Trek 6 hours through mixed forest of rhododendron, pine and oak through a secluded part of the lower Himalaya. Picnic lunch en-route.
Arrive at the campsite on a high ridge with views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks of Garhwal, Kumaon and Nepal.
Camp overnight on the ridge in alpine tents.
Day 3 :: Rise early and walk to the Summit Hill (approx 400 ft above the campsite). Watch the sun rise over a 360 view of the best Garhwal Panoramas.
Return to the campsite for breakfast. Pack and trek (mostly a level walk) through thick jungle (for approx 3-4 hrs) to the hill village of Ranakot.
Get a glimpse of a typical Garhwali village. Set up camp near the village.
Day 4 :: Rise early for breakfast. Descend through village to road head above Bhagirathi valley.
[Ritu, their trekking guide]
Day 5 :: After breakfast, start rafting, past Kaudyala and onwards to HRR Base Camp.
[Ram, one of the guides]
Rapids like Daniel’s Dip and The Wall (grade IV). Arrive at HRR base camp for lunch. Camp activities such as volleyball, frisbee etc. Depart camp and drive to the Haridwar railway station to board the Dehradun Shatabdi train for return to New Delhi.
(Terran hiking back up to his group during an early morning sunrise)
"In these hills, nature's hospitality eclipses all man can ever do. The enchanting beauty of Himalayas, their bracing climate and the soothing green that envelopes you leaves nothing more to be desired."
I am jealous, in awe, thankful, grateful and impressed. I'm thrilled that Terran had this opportunity, as I know it will be one that remains in his heart forever. I have to admit I was moved close to tears as I looked through his hundreds of photos, knowing that he is one of few who has had this great experience, at such a young age.
