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Balashram Himalaya Trek 2009

8 October- 17 October 

BACKGROUND

Balashram boys take a break.

Balashram is a residential school in rural Orissa, India 80kms from Cuttack. It was set up in 2004 for the poor and destitute children of Orissa. The school which is entering it's sixth year of operation presently takes care of 200 children both boys and girls giving them an opportunity they would not otherwise have. There are immediate plans to expand the school to accomodate 480 children and this April another 40 disadvantaged children are joining Balashram . The children are being educated in English and are growing up beautifully in all areas of their lives- academically, creatively, physically, socially morally and spiritually.

Paramahamsa Prajnanananda

The school ultimately needs to accommodate 480 children and substantial investment is still required to complete construction of the school buildings and infrastructure.

WHO CAN TAKE PART IN THE TREK?

The trek is open not only to those who practice Kriya Yoga but also to their friends and family. All you need is a spirit of adventure, be willing to be without your creature comforts and want to make a real difference to the children’s lives.

Balashram

Each trekker will need to raise sponsorship of at least £2,500 (EURO2,875 USD3,750) and pay £550 registration fee (EURO 635 USD825) towards the cost of the trek themselves. In addition each trekker will need to organise and purchase their own flights to Delhi and pay the operator £69 for travel insurance. Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The registration fee and insurance payment are due when you register and the sponsorship monies by the 30th July 2009. We are delighted that Baba Prajnanandaji, Rajarshi Peter Van Breukelen and Swami Mangalanandaji will be trekking with us.

Last years trek to Ladakh was physically challenging with trekkers climbing to an altitude of 4,950m. While this years trek is lower, trekkers will need to be of good health and fitness to walk up to 8 hours a day as well as committing themselves to raising the sponsorship monies.

The trek will be professionally organized by Challenges (Un)Limited who also trade as Charity Challenge and who are an experienced trek and tour operator. Marketing, initial administration and fund-raising will be co-ordinated by Kriya Yoga  UK. Participants are likely to come from all over the world.

THE ITINERARY: BALASHRAM HIMALAYA TREK, INDIA 2009 

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Day 1: 8th October International Travel to Delhi

You will need to book your own international flights to India and provide Charity Challenge with your flight details within 2 weeks of booking at  (please see your Q&A for more information).  Arrive in Delhi, India and make your way to the Hotel Good Times, 8/7 W.E.A Karol Bagh, New Delhi, 110 005 India. Phone: +91 11 2572 1469 in time for meditation at 1830hrs and meet-up meal at 2000hrs. Overnight in Delhi.

Day 2: 9th October Delhi to Haridwar.

Visit the banks of the Ganga and witness Ganga Aaarti.This morning you will take the train or AC coach to Haridwar (approx 4.5hrs). The sacred city of Haridwar is located where the Ganges emerges from the Himalaya. The city acquires a unique charm in the evening when the ghats become breathtakingly beautiful with thousands of Diyas and Marigold floating in the waters of the Ganges. You will visit various places like Mansa Devi temple.  You will see the priests of Haridwar performing Aarti (worship) on the banks of the Ganga. Every night in Hardwar, at about 1800hrs there is worship of the Ganga at the Brahma Kund.  Pilgrims flock here all year to ceremonially bathe in the Ganges. The main bathing ghat is at Har-k Pairi (The Footstep of God), which comes alive in the evening with floating candle offerings on the holy river. This is thought to be the precise spot where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains. The river has the power to wash away sins and a footprint of Vishnu is imprinted in stone. This will be the centre of the Kumbh Mela in 2010. You can also visit the Mansa Devi temple and take in the view from the nearby hill as you ascend by chair lift. The temple is devoted to Shiva’s wife in the form of Shakti Devi. You will visit Anandamayee Ma’s ashram. Anandamayee Ma (1896-1982) was one of the most influential spiritual luminaries of the twentieth century and a friend of Gurudev Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji for almost 30 years. Though virtually uneducated, she spoke with the authority of direct experience and captivated all with Her sweetness and power. To this day, Her presence and guidance is felt by those who turn to Her in prayer, and Her life is an inspiration to all who feel drawn to the spiritual path. Overnight in a hotel in Haridwar.

Day 3: 10th OctoberHaridwar to Uttarkashi (1,158m)

This morning you will travel by coach (approx 6-7 hrs) to Uttarkashi which is the gateway to trekking routes in the Garwhal, especially Gangotri. Uttarkashi is an important pilgrim centre in the beautiful Bhagirathi Valley where there are numerous temples, including the Vishwanatha Temple.  After lunch, we will take a short trek to a hilltop temple near the Kriya Yoga ashram. Overnight stay in our Kriya Yoga ashram in Uttarkashi.

Day 4: 11th October Uttarkashi to Gangotri (3,048m) Approx walking time: 2 hours.

This morning you will transfer by coach to Gangotri (approx 3hrs). Here we will have an opportunity to acclimatise to altitude and will have a warm-up walk. Gangotri is an important pilgrim site visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year. Situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal it is very close to the Indo-Tibetan border. Gangotri glacier, the original source of the sacred river Ganges, attracts pilgrims in large numbers every season. The glacier is the 2nd longest glacier of the Indian Himalaya after Siachin. At Gangotri there is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred stone where Raja Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. The 18th century temple constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa, is near the spot where the goddess Ganga is said to have first descended on earth from heaven, in answer to the prayers of Raja Bhagirath. Lord Shiva received Ganga into his matted locks to break the great force of her fall. From there it emerged into many streams and the one which started from Gangotri was called Bhagirathi. Overnight hotel at Gangotri.

Day 5: 12 October Trek from Gangotri to Chirbassa (3,600m). Approx walking time: 5 hours.

From Gangotri you will move along the beaten track towards Chirbassa, which is at the upper elevation for tree growth. The trail passes the Gangotri Temple where you will take a break at Raj Ghat. The entire trek today is along the roaring Bhagirathi River and passes through dense forest. Just before Chirbassa we will get the first views of the Bhagirathi peaks, including Bhagirathi 1. You will progress along a picturesque trail initially passing through dense deodar forests before emerging into the wide unforested valley. The path then carries on to a small isolated forest of pine at Chirbassa, literally the abode of pines. Tonight you will camp beside the river.

Day 6: 13th October Trek Chirbassa to Gaumukh (3,890m) and then to Bhojbassa (3,790m). Approx walking time: 8 hrs

Beyond Chirbassa the terrain becomes desolate and barren and the trail passes the last of the silver birches. Here we view the high mountain of Shivaling and to the South, Bhrigu Parbat. From Chirbassa you will trek to Bhojbassa, which is above the tree line, although Juniper bushes grow here. Just below Bhojbassa, the trail leads through a boulder field. Gaumukh is where the water of Ganga trickles down from the glaciers. The sages called it 'Gaumukh', because in the distant past, it is thought to have resembled a cow's mouth. From Gaumukh, source of the Ganges, the scenery is fascinating, with praying pilgrims and saddhus meditating along the banks of the tumultuous stream that pours out of the glacier. At Bhojbassa, there is a small temple and our campsite is located beside the river. Camp in Bhojbassa.

Day 7: 14th October Optional Trek Bhojbassa to Tapovan (4,450m) and return to Bhojbassa. Approx walking time: 8-9 hours.

Early in the morning you will enjoy the panoramic view of the Bhagirathi group of peaks.  After breakfast you will trek to Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges. You will explore the area and trek to Tapovan, one of the finest high altitude alpine meadows in the area. The trek from Gaumukh to Tapovan is a steep ascent, and as you climb, the view of the surrounding peaks becomes clearer. Tapovan is known for its beautiful meadows that encircle the base camp of the Shivling peak. Tapovan is a very pleasant spot with bubbling streams, wildflowers and campsites. Herds of Bharal (blue mountain goats) may be seen from here on the mountain ridges. It is little wonder why Sadhus and saints choose this spot for extended meditation during the long summer months. Alternatively today you can take the opportunity to rest and meditate in camp. From here the panoramic view over Shivling), Meru and the Bhaghirati massifs) is stunning.  Camp in Bhojbassa.

Day 8: 15th October Trek Bhojbassa to Gangotri and transfer to Uttarkashi. Approx walking time: 6 hours.

This area is well known for its diverse Himalayan wildlife and birdlife, including the Himalayan griffin vulture, monal, golden eagle and the lammergeier. The lucky few may see thar, musk deer and snow leopard. Monkeys who live in this area may amuse and join you on parts of our journey. You will be able to witness the Himalayan sunsets, as the distant peaks turn from white to crimson as the sun drops below the horizon and see the bright stars twinkling above the mountains. You will trek from Bhojbassa to Gangotri (approx 6 hours). You will then transfer to Uttarkashi and on the way stop at Gangnani hot springs (1 hour) for dip. Overnight stay in our Kriya Yoga ashram in Uttarkashi.

Day 9: 16th October Uttarkashi to Rishikesh via Mussoorie.

Celebration end of trek meal in Rishikesh. Travel back to Rishikesh (approx 6-7 hours).  Rishikesh is one of the most important places in the Hindu religion where peaceful Ashrams teach yoga and thousands of devotees ritually bathe in the River Ganges. You will celebrate the completion of your trek in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world!  You will have a celebration meal to reflect on an amazing journey and trek into this beautiful spiritual area of the Himalayas. Overnight hotel in Rishikesh.

Day 10: 17th October Free time in Rishikesh.  Afternoon transfer to Delhi. 

Celebration of Divali! You will have the morning free to explore Rishikesh. You can meditate, perform Ganga aarti on the banks of the Ganges, morning puja and visit some of the ashrams here in Rishikesh. We will have lunch in Rishikesh and then get the evening train (approx 5hrs) to Delhi. Overnight hotel in Delhi.

Day 11: 18th October Return Home. After breakfast you can take your own flights home.