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Broad Strokes India Tour West to East
Join Alpine Ascents Director of Programs, Gordon Janow for a “something true and something new” exploration of India, as we visit New Delhi’s and Varanasi’s historic sites then head off to trek in the wilds of Northeast India’s Arunachal Pradesh state.
Beginning with Gordon’s trademark tour of Delhi, we will explore the great empires of New Delhi before boarding the train to traverse the grand trunk road-of Kipling fame- to Varanasi (formerly the ancient city of Benares, the Jerusalem of India). We will delve deep into the rich, incoming and often overwhelming demography of Hinduism.
After touring Varanasi and nearby Sarnath (where Buddha first taught enlightenment) we will head to northeast India, for a trek and tour of Arunchal Pradesh, which lies along the Burmese, Chinese and Bhutanese borders. Known for rich forests and Buddhist monasteries, we will hike and jeep through this “land of dawn-lit mountains.” Expect rudimentary and traditional lodging, meals, and trails as we work with our local sponsors to create a unique adventure experience.
This is a tour for those with an exploratory spirit and understanding that conditions for parts of the journey will be basic. The expedition offers the opportunity to venture beyond the standard tourist experience and be open to a diverse exploration of these lesser touristed areas of rural India.
Gordon Janow will be your guide. Gordon will be accompanied and enhanced with local guides as we delve into traditional India and culture before heading into the mountains of Arunchal Pradesh.
This is part of the Alpine Ascents Alpha Series Tours and will not be posted on the website. For more information please contact Gordon Janow, gjanow@alpineascents.com 206-378-1927. Gear lists, travel recommendations, training, reading lists and preparations to be provided upon sign up or by contacting Gordon.
Trekking Level: Moderate to challenging
October 23: Depart Home Country
October 24: Arrive in Delhi after mid-day. (Small tour for early arrivals).
October 25: Delhi Tour. Full day sightseeing to include Humayan’s Tomb, Quitab Minar, Haus Kas Village, and Lodhi Gardens, with a possible trip to Old Delhi as time permits
October 26: Train to Varanasi. Early morning transfer to New Delhi railway station for 10-12-hour train to Varanasi. Evening witness Aarti ceremony (Holy Ganges Worship Ceremony), arrival time permitting.
October 27: Explore Varanasi. Early morning boat ride at Ganges, followed by a walk through the great ghats (stairs) and discussion of Varanasi’s history. Travel to ancient local temples and visit Sarnath (Buddha’s first talk about enlightenment/Dharma). Overnight at hotel.
October 28: Fly to Guwahati; onward to Tezpur in Arunachal Pradesh. Transfer to Varanasi airport for 3-hour flight to Guwahati (NE India), then a 4-hour drive to Tezpur.
October 29: Tezpur - Dirang - Thembang. After breakfast, our team drives to town of Dirang (6hrs). After a stop in Dirang we head to Thembang at 7,200 feet, where our camp staff will greet us. Thembang is a village of the Monpa tribe. Our lodging will be in tent or local house.
October 30: Trek from Thembang to Chander. We trek to Chander at 9,800 feet, which takes about 7 hours. This day is challenging as the trail can be steep and muddy. Chander is a small village of the Monpa tribe and used as a Base Camp for mountaineering. If the weather is clear, trekkers will be greeted with views of Mt Gorichen and Mt Kangto. Chander is also famous for herding chongrey (half cow and half sheep). In the months of January and February, Chander is completely covered by snow that lasts until March and April. Overnight in the tent camp.
October 31: Trek from Chander to Namshu. We trek downhill to Namshu at an altitude of 8,800 feet. Namshu is the biggest village of the Monpa tribe and part of the West Kameng District. Here we spend the day exploring the exquisite Buddhist Gompa and Kalkaling gate. We will have the chance to tour unique village houses, where we will meet the residents and learn about traditional lifestyles. Overnight in tent camp or local House.
Nov 1: Trek Namshu to Sangti; drive to Dirang. As we leave Namshu, our trek takes us across cultivated fields to another beautiful monastery at the opposite end of the village. From the top of the ridge the trail drops down for about an hour to reach Khalebok village at 7,248 feet. At this vantage point you can see the houses of Sangti village. Our trek continues descending to the valley floor, where we cross over a suspension bridge to reach the village and the roadhead. After a short drive to Dirang we will check into local lodge.
November 2: Dirang to Tawang. After breakfast, we drive 6 hours to Tawang village, stopping en-route over Sella Pass (13,700 feet) to enjoy the view. If time permits, we will visit the local market area. Overnight in Tawang.
November 3: Tawang Monastery Visit. We will visit the 17th century Tawang Monastery, the second largest monastery in the world after Potala Palace in Tibet. The building is about 113 feet long and 80 feet wide and houses valuable antiquities, books and manuscripts both handwritten and printed.
Our afternoon tour will take us to the Tawang War Memorial, a 40-foot-high multi-hued memorial, constructed in stupa design. This memorial is dedicated to the martyrs of Sino-Indo War held in 1962 and housed in a beautiful park. The rest of the day is free to stroll around the streets of the town. Overnight in Tawang.
November 4: Tawang – Bomdilla. After a leisurely breakfast we drive 5 hours to Bomdilla. Afternoon sightseeing in and around Bomdilla. Overnight at Bomdilla.
November 5: Bomdilla - Tezpur. After breakfast drive 5 hours to Tezpur.
November 6: Travel to Guwahati for flights to Delhi or Kolkata. A 5-hour drive to where we board flights to Kolkata or Delhi and onward to our international flights. Arrangements can be made for pick-ups and overnight layovers.
PER PERSON COST:
Price Per Person: $5500 Based on 5 minimum team members. (Possible price for smaller team).
Single supplement: $430 per person (we will pair trekkers when possible if single room not desired)
Hotels: 2 – 4 stars based on location. Hotel list available on request (Claridges Hotel in Delhi)
Accommodations in double/twin room
Daily breakfast
Ground transport
English speaking local guide for Delhi and Varanasi sightseeing as per itinerary
Monument entrances as per itinerary
Morning boat ride in Varanasi
Executive class travel for Delhi to Varanasi via train
Local taxes and government taxes
All accommodations on Full Board basis while trekking
Local guides for trekking portion
Porters, guides, pack animals as needed and cooks while trekking
Tour guides for non-trekking portion in Arunachal Pradesh
All transfers and group drives
Govt. service tax
Lunches and dinners when not camping
Airfare Varanasi to Guwahati (approximately $200)
Airfare Guwahati to Kolkata/Delhi ($100 - $200)
Personal expenses such as communication, laundry, tips for staff, drivers, local guides etc.
Medical, personal insurance.
Expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances
Individual transfers
Any other expenses not mentioned above
