Parent & Child Outward Bound Program
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Scheduled Departures 2019Oct 4th-8th | Oct 25th-28th |
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- Is a pine tree a Christmas tree?
- What's the difference between a pine tree and a fir tree? - Are those buttercups or daisies? - Where do the Gujjars go in the winters? - How did this tree get a big hole in the middle? The questions from the kids can be endless, and Outward Bound usually has the answers:-). If you want to introduce your kids to the great outdoors, spend some time with them without the distraction of work or the mobile phone, then join us on this very special Parent and Child Outward Bound Program. |
For more details, connect with Arman Nanda at:
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Total No. of Days: 5
Trip Starts from: Srinagar
No. of trekking days: 3 days
No. of nights expedition style camping: 3
No. of nights on a houseboat in Srinagar: 1
Trip Starts from: Srinagar
No. of trekking days: 3 days
No. of nights expedition style camping: 3
No. of nights on a houseboat in Srinagar: 1
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT SRINAGAR, DRIVE TO TANMAR -. 44 KM | 60 - 70 MIN DRIVE. START YOUR TREK - 2 -3 HRS | 3 - 4 KM
The nicest part about this Outward Bound Program is that you are ready to hit the trail within an hour of landing at the airport. There's hardly any other trekking trail in India that allows you to do that! Book your flights such that you're in Srinagar before noon. That gives us enough time to stop over for a quick Kashmiri meal at Tanmarg and then head out to the Drung Valley - a 20 min drive from your lunch point.
It's a slow walk through a village trail. Groups of children returning from school will pass you by and a herd of goats will get right of way as you climb up to open deserted meadows ringed by pine trees. past an ancient Hindu temple lying in ruins, over a makeshift bridge to our campsite for the first night. We'll show you how to set up your tents besides the Drung river and then you can head out to do your own exploring if you feel like it. Or you can sit by the river, sip a cup of tea, while the kids make little discoveries of their own. The roar of the gushing river is decidedly calming - something that never fails to surprise some folks! A peaceful night's sleep lies ahead - get set for the trek the next morning.
It's a slow walk through a village trail. Groups of children returning from school will pass you by and a herd of goats will get right of way as you climb up to open deserted meadows ringed by pine trees. past an ancient Hindu temple lying in ruins, over a makeshift bridge to our campsite for the first night. We'll show you how to set up your tents besides the Drung river and then you can head out to do your own exploring if you feel like it. Or you can sit by the river, sip a cup of tea, while the kids make little discoveries of their own. The roar of the gushing river is decidedly calming - something that never fails to surprise some folks! A peaceful night's sleep lies ahead - get set for the trek the next morning.
DAY 2: TREK FROM DRUNG RIVER TO HAKKAR PATHRI. 5 - 6 HRS | 10 - 11 KM | 2900M (9,500 ft)
Dig in to a scrumptious breakfast cooked by your Kashmiri chefs, wrap up the campsite and cross the river. Today you will begin to ascend slowly, climbing through thick forests of pine and fir, across lush green meadows. A carpet of yellow buttercups up ahead in the distance is an ethereal site! Your campsite is bang in the middle of these meadows with the Pir Panjal range in the back drop, a flowing stream at the back and pine forests that are home to little creatures and birds that your kids will have a blast exploring. Dinner is freshly cooked local cuisine and then you can sit back and gaze at the night sky. Yes, that "star" moving steadily across is probably a satellite, the planet Mars is clearly visible as a red star, and the constellation Orion will emerge in the northwestern sky as the moon rises. So much to observe and learn!
DAY 3: TREK TO THE FROZEN LAKE OR CATCH THE GONDOLA AND HEAD TO THE FROZEN LAKE FROM APHARWAT
Today, we'll climb up to about 3900m (12,780 ft) to the Frozen Lake, at a distance of about 13km from Gulmarg town and 1.5km from the top end of the gondola run at Apharwat station. It's about a 4 hour hike up, through the pine forests and across the meadows until you reach the tree line after which the path gets barren and the remaining 2 hour is over scree and dry mud. As you walk up, the cable cars are gliding up and down, ferrying tourists Mount Apharwat - it's hard to imagine how close Gulmarg actually is! The Frozen Lake is a high altitude lake tucked away away within the folds of the mountain range . On a clear day, the blue skies and wispy clouds reflected in the lake make for an ethereal site! You will get some grand views of the greater Himalayas and Karakorams in the distance. The downhill hike back to Hakkar Pathri from here should take around 2 - 3 hours and the kids can hop onto a pony if they feel like it.
On the other hand, if the little ones find it tough to make it to the Frozen Lake, you could choose to walk up to the Kongdori Phase 1 Gondola and ride up to Mount Affarwat. From there, Frozen Lake is a 2-hour hike up the ridge. Will make for an easier hike and you still get the lovely views!
You evening cup of kahwa awaits along with some yummy snacks - you sure earned this today!
On the other hand, if the little ones find it tough to make it to the Frozen Lake, you could choose to walk up to the Kongdori Phase 1 Gondola and ride up to Mount Affarwat. From there, Frozen Lake is a 2-hour hike up the ridge. Will make for an easier hike and you still get the lovely views!
You evening cup of kahwa awaits along with some yummy snacks - you sure earned this today!
DAY 4: TREK TO THE SHRINE OF BABA RESHI, LUNCH AT SULA BHAI'S HOME AND THEN DRIVE TO SRINAGAR
It's a downhill walk today, back into the tree line and across the alpine meadows. Our destination today is the shrine of Baba Reshi - an interesting nobleman of 15th century Kashmir. Baba Payam ud Din Reshi was part of the King's inner circle until he decided to give up all his riches to serve the common people. The shrine is where he lived and meditated which also, eventually, became his final resting place. It's a 3-hour trek from Hakkar Pathri and after three days of almost no human habitation, the crowds lined up outside the shrine may make you feel out of place for a while. The white and green shrine is built is a beautiful location surrounded by lush green lawns and according to local folklore, it is a place where you wishes are granted. You can choose to step inside while the others wait and sip some local chai from the stalls close by.
Sula Bhai's home is just 10 minutes from Baba Reshi and he and his family are waiting to serve us the most delicious wholesome Kashmiri meal in traditional Kashmiri style! So step in, sit down cross legged in his his big hall and partake of a meal you will remember for a lifetime. Your cars will meet you here and drive you straight to Srinagar - a 1 hr: 45 min drive, where the shikaras are waiting to take you to your houseboat - your home for the night.
Sula Bhai's home is just 10 minutes from Baba Reshi and he and his family are waiting to serve us the most delicious wholesome Kashmiri meal in traditional Kashmiri style! So step in, sit down cross legged in his his big hall and partake of a meal you will remember for a lifetime. Your cars will meet you here and drive you straight to Srinagar - a 1 hr: 45 min drive, where the shikaras are waiting to take you to your houseboat - your home for the night.
DAY 5: EARLY MORNING FLOATING VEGETABLE MARKET, DEPARTURE.
No photographs of the floating markets can ever do it justice and its worth waking up at 5:45 AM to head out to witness this early morning tradition. It's also the perfect time to catch that morning light on the lake if you're a passionate photographer. Return to the houseboat for breakfast, relax for a while until it's time for you to head to the airport. A shikara will reach you to your cars at the road head - there's a minimum of two check points before you reach the airport, so plan your flights accordingly. You will need to leave at least 4 hours prior to your flight's departure.
It's been an amazing Outward Bound Program of learning and reflections. You've got the rare opportunity to spend time with your children without the distractions of modern life and we are certain that you will see yourself and your children in new light at the end of this program.
It's been an amazing Outward Bound Program of learning and reflections. You've got the rare opportunity to spend time with your children without the distractions of modern life and we are certain that you will see yourself and your children in new light at the end of this program.
PRICE PER PERSON: (For a group with a maximum of 15 persons)
- Adults: ₹36,300/- (children 12 years and above will be considered as adults)
- Children below 12 years: ₹ 28,530/-
Costs Include:
- Three night’s accommodation in expedition camping tents on twin sharing basis.
One night on a houseboat in Srinagar on twin sharing basis.
Pick up and drop from airport.
All camping equipment including expedition sleeping bags, mattresses, transportation for your personal equipment, kitchen and dining tents etc.
Experienced and licensed guides who knows the trail well, chef and service staff.
All meals - 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 4 Dinners including evening snacks.
Adventure travel insurance.
Miscellaneous costs including back-up pony, trail mix etc.
Early morning shikara ride to the vegetable market.
Tips to the service staff
All government taxes included.
Costs Do Not Include:
- International/Domestic air fare or train fare.
- The cost of the Gondola (₹950/-) if you choose to take it.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations and illness.
- Expenses of a personal nature - tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
