The TENTH NATIONAL HIMALAYAN SANDAKPHU-GURDUM TREKKING EXPEDITION in Darjeeling Region is being organized by the West Bengal State Branch, of the Youth Hostels Association of India.

DESTINATION DARJEELING

A land of infinite charm with breath taking view of Kanchenjungha from shake hand distance, bewildering variety of flora and fauna, colourful festivals, lush green tea gardens, exciting adventurous sports, daunting, trekking routes and perfect solitude.

INVITATION TO SANDAKPHU

Sandakphu, the world famous ‘Trekking Paradise’ invites you to enjoy the clear views of snow capped mountains and varieties of flora and fauna. The skyline of the region is dominated by the high rising peaks of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjungha, Lothse, Naputhse, Makalu, Janu, Pandim, Norsing and many others. December is the best season for visiting this region. Himalayan Bear or Red Panda will welcome you if you are lucky enough. Incidentally Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal state which satisfies you basic impulses, the urge to tend forth and seek adventure, aiming at promoting National Integration.

AGE OF PARTICIPANTS

Participation in this programme is open to all youth Hostellers above 12 years of age. This condition will be adhered to strictly.

PARTICIPATION FEES

Rs. 1800/- will cover your stay in pucca built accommodation, simple but nutritious vegetarian meals, expert guidance and insurance. You will however bear to-and-from travel expenses between your Home Town and Base Camp Darjeeling.

Adventure scholarship: 50% on participation fees for the handicapped youths.

DESTINATION DARJEELING

The first group will report at Base Camp on 24th November, 2007. Participants can join on any date thereafter till 1st December, 2007 in 8 groups, each group consisting of 35 heads only. Duration of one trip is 8 days.

HOW TO APPLY AND PARTICIPATE

Members desiring of joining the programme may apply on prescribed Registration Form duly supported by a Medical Certificate, which is attached with the Brochure. Photo copies of the attached form are acceptable. Completed Registration Form and Medical Certificate along with Draft of participation fees remitted only, To the Secretary, YHAI, West Bengal State Branch, 28 B, Huzurimal Lane, Kolkata- 700014 should reach in the State Office by 10th November, 2007.

HOW TO REACH BASE CAMP AT DARJEELING

On Broad Gauge Line new Jalpaiguri is the last Rail Head for Darjeeling.

Avail Auto or Rickshaw service from NJP Railway station to reach Siliguri Tenzing Norgey Bus Stand (10 km.). From there avail Bus or Jeep services to reach Darjeeling (80 km.) in 3.5 hours. It is better to avail direct share Jeep services from NJP Railway Station @ Rs. 100/- per head to reach Darjeeling. Get down at Darjeeling Railway station and walk 1 km. upwards to reach MALL. Then Pass the Horse Stable and proceed to reach Base Camp at Darjeeling Youth Hostel in Jalapahar crossing TV centre and D.G. of Police Bunglow.

CANCELLATION

In case you are unable to join the programme after paying the participation fee you will get refund Rs. 900/- only, provided your request is received directly in the State Office, West Bengal State Branch at least 10 days in advance from your Reporting Date. No refund will, however be admissible if such notice of request falls short of 10 days.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING

Rucksack, Cotton Shirt and Pants, Woollen Jersey and Windcheater, Inner Garments, Two pair thick Woollen socks and two pair cotton socks, Trekking shoe and chappal, Woollen gloves and Monkey cap, Light Rain Coat, Sun cap, Towel, Sun Glass, Torch, Water Bottle and Water purifier, Plate, Mug and Spoon, Packed Lunch Box, Needle and thread with spare Buttons, Toilet papers, Vaseline, Soap, Pen and Note Book, Medicine which you normally use at home.

Optional : Camera, Musical Instruments.

SAFETY

Extensive and Painstaking preparations have done into the planning of trekking routes for your safety. Our Programme Director and experienced Camp Leaders have been visiting the area to check all in details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety. Youth Hostels Association of India, West Bengal State Branch cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities. Deviation from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activities they may do so at their own cost and responsibility and only after finishing the programme and checking out.

CERTIFICATE

Participants who will successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded Certificates and Mementoes.

SPECIAL CASUAL LEAVE

The Trekking Expedition organised by Youth Hostels Association of India have the approval of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and pensions, (Dept. of Personnel and training), Govt. of India Vide Office Order No. 28016/89, Estt(A), dated 25-10-1989, Participants working for Central Govt. can apply to the authorities concerned for availing special casual leave for the duration of the expedition. This leave can be sanctioned by their office up to 30 days in a calendar year.

PROGRAMME AND ROUTE SCHEDULE

Total Round Trekking Route-50 km. (aprox).

Programme & Route Schedule are subject to change without prior notice.

YOUR ATTENTION

Please note that it is an environmental friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trail in any way.

WARNING

Smoking, Use of alcohol and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the programme. Burning of woods during the Camp Fire is not admissible.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN DARJEELING

Popularly known as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, Darjeeling is at a height of 2134 Mt. (7000 ft.), offering a magnificent view of the Himalayan Panaroma including the Kanchenjungha Peak. It has the Botanical Gardens, the Natural History Museum, Dhirdham Temple, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park and the World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train. Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop with engineering skill, Barbotey Rock Garden and Ava Art Gallery.

For any other information, please inquire to: