Pir Panjal Trek India
Day 1 Arrival into Amritsar
Arrive into Amritsar and a transfer will be waiting for you to take you from the airport to your hotel. In the evening witness the night ceremony in the Golden Temple with an English speaking guide. Group meeting and dinner. Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 2 Amritsar
Today is dedicated to a full sightseeing program of Amritsar. The Golden Temple, a glittering gold and marble temple, is one of the holiest Sikh shrines. The temple interiors are elaborately designed with fine inlay and semi-precious stones. During Maharaja Ranjit Singh's reign, the lower half of the temple was decorated with marble while the entire upper half was inlaid with copper covered over by gold plate. Hence its new name, the Golden Temple. We will also visit Jallianwalla Bagh, the memorial site of the massacre that took many lives on the Punjabi New Year, April 13, 1919. Read the stories of the survivors and learn why so many innocent lives that day. In the evening, we visit the border point at Wagah to witness the closing ceremony between the two countries, India and Pakistan. The ceremony is very popular with Indian tourists and draws large crowds. Overnight in Amritsar.
Day 3 Amritsar to Orchard Hut Home Stay
Early morning departure will leave the plains of Punjab and journey into the mountains. Arrival at the starting point of Orchard Hut called (Chaminu) around 3 PM. A 30 minute country walk to Orchard Hut Home Stay through terrace fields and fruit orchards. Reach Himalayan Orchard Hut with a traditional welcome by the Dhami Family. Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut.
The scattered village of Kut-Chadiara in the Panj-La Valley lies perched mid-way up a steep terraced slope at 1325m above sea level. Surrounded by fruit trees, vegetable fields and forest, Orchard Hut offers a bird’s eye view of the mighty River Saal in the valley below and is a 30 minute climb from the bus stop, 6 km from Chamba town.
Himalayan Orchard Hut is the home of an environmentalist extended family who offer food and accommodation to those wishing to experience true village life. The house is made of clay and wood in traditional fashion and offers neat, clean and basic rooms with verandas overlooking the hills and valley. There are either single or double rooms or alternatively tents on the hill terraces. Full western bathrooms with hot and cold water are attached to every room. The delicious food provided includes rare traditional dishes famous from the time of the King’s rule in Chamba State. The food is mainly Indian with options for catering to western tastes as well. Pure drinking water comes directly from our springs. We offer a tranquil setting in which to relax and rejuvenate yourself after the stresses, strains and pollution of urban life. You will treasure your memories of your time here forever.
Day 4 Explore or Enjoy Home Activities
Today we will have a short hike to see some of the remote villages in the mountains to prepare us for the trek ahead. Go over what to pack and a briefing of what to expect on the trail. Overnight at Himalaya Orchard Hut.
Day 5: Village Sara
Today is the exciting day as it is the start of the 6 day trek. After a good hot breakfast we grab our packs and start from Orchard Hut down to the road where our vehicles will drive us to the starting point of the trek. Today a 5-6 hr trek will take us to the Sara Village where we will camp in a peaceful meadow just above the village a place called Lohani.
Overnight in Sara.
Day 6: Ain Pukher
We start the day from Sara to Ain Pukher. Our camp is set upon a meadow which is also a grazing pasture for Guggars and Gaddies (shepherd). It is a beautiful ridge with views of mountains on one side and the valley on the other side which will provide breathtaking views. Our trek is approximately 7- 8 hrs. We will be camping on the alpin pasture in Pir Panjal range at approx 3000M. Enjoy a by the campfire. Overnight in Ain Pukher Camp.
Day 7: Acclimatize Day
Today we take a day to acclimatize our selves by taking a day hike with a picnic lunch with spectacular views. Come back to camp and enjoy a rest and beautiful sunset. Overnight in Ain Pukher Camp.
Day 8: Kala Pani (Black Water) 3700 Meters
Today we trek from Ain Pukher to Kala Pani (Black Water) through the grazing pastures of Speka and Duga Bhadrwah. Our trek is 4-5 hrs and we will gain height today. If we are lucky we may see the wild life of Himalayas (State bird of Himachal Pradesh Western Tragopan, Munal, Mountain Goat, Black Bear and Brown Bears). Overnight in Kala Pani Camp.
Day 9: Dugi
After an early breakfast we climb to Monda Jot which is at a height of 4250M... We cross the Monda Jot Pass and enjoy the stunning views and celebrate the highest point of the challenge. Then we descend down to Dugi. This is a 5-6 hrs walk down hill. Relax after a challenging day. Overnight in Dugi Camp.
Day 10: Hariali
Today we start to descend down to Hariali. Trek through dens bushes, if time allows we will go to the lake that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Our trek today is approximately 6-7 hrs. Relax by the camp fire with chai and a hearty dinner. Overnight in Hariali Camp.
Day 11: Village Dantuy
After breakfast we descend down to the village Dantui there is small temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess. Dantui is in Churah valley. This is a 5-6 hrs hike today. Enjoy the people that live in this village and embrace the memories of what you have accomplished. Overnight in Dantuy Camp.
Day 12: Return to Orchard Hut Homestay
A morning walk to the road from where jeeps will pick us and transfer to the starting point of Orchard Hut a 3 hr drive. Reach Orchard Hut in time for a well deserved plunge in the fresh spring water pool. Tonight enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our home. Overnight at Orchard Hut.
Day 13: Orchard Hut Homestay
Today explore Chamba Town to see the temples and life in a valley of Chamba. There is also a cooking demonstration with Mrs. Dhami. There are many other optional activities that you can do here. Have a massage or get your palm read or decorated with Hanna by the eldest Daughter in the family known as Didi (Meaning sister). Or you can just relax and enjoy the family. All above activities are not included and can be paid locally depending on what you would like to do. Prices will be advised upon arrival to our home. Overnight in Orchard Hut
Day 14: Transfer to Amritsar Airport
After breakfast descend down to the road for your drive back to Amritsar airport (6 hr drive approximate) for your flight.
NOTE: Itinerary can be modified to your needs and preference and is subject to weather.
Itinerary can be modified to add or subtract days or pick up and drop at any other city in Indi
Inclusions
2 Nights - 3 star hotel, 4 Home Stay, 7 nights in tents
Breakfast 12 / Lunches Days 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12, 13 /
Dinner Days 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12,13
Private air-conditioned vehicle on Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 13
Private non air-conditioned vehicle on Days 5 & 12
Airport arrival and departure transfers in Amritsar
English Speaking guide in Amritsar
Trekking Guide/Porter/Cook from Day 5 to Day 12
Golden Temple visit evening and morning with guide
Jallianwalla Bagh with guide
Wagah Border Ceremony guide will take you to entry but not able to enter with foreigners
Water while sightseeing, spring water while trekking with purification tablets
Excluded
nternational & Domestic flights please ask for domestic flight cost in required
Drinks of all kinds (except for water stated in inclusions)
Medical/evacuation/cancellation insurance strongly suggested
Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, room service, etc
Optional activities at Orchard Hut Home Stay
Day Trip to Chamba
Additional expenses in the event of delays or itinerary changes
Gratuities of any kind (Guides/Porterage/Hotel and Restaurant Staff/Drivers/etc)
Visas to enter India https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html