Rishikesh, Rafting and Planning

Between setting up the ropes courses - one at the beach camp and one at the hotel and the office work there was some time to go and explore the local area. Which was nice as it wasn't all pulley systems, ropes and hard graft - although it was fun setting the course up and a sense of satisfaction was felt when it was eventually finished! 

Rishikesh is a centre for white water rafting, yoga and meditation. The area attracts a lot of tourism due to the holy river Ganges where people come to bathe in the water or collect the water in plastic bottles and take it home. The water here is significantly cleaner than in Varanasi I've been told - it's on the places to visit. The area also became better known after the Beatles visited the area working on one of their albums - even today there is still a Beatles cafe where you can enjoy an assortment of drinks and food. There is also the ram jhula and laxman jhula bridges - which was always an interesing experience walking across them - it was a case of dodging people, photographers, monkeys, motorbikes and my friends the cows. It's amazing that the bridges hold up so well with the amount of traffic that goes through them. 

On one trip into Tapovan and Rishikesh there was a small cow which got quite friendly with me - the cows amused me a lot! More than what it should do really...

The place itself has lots of people - not surprisingly (it is in India after all) from locals to international travellers which gives the area diversity and as a British female there was chances to speak to other travellers and share experiences which was nice. There's lots of market stalls, cafés, restaurants, shops all selling a wide range of products from jewlerry, clothes - some amazing sari's and traditional Indian dress to clothes for travellers and tourists, drums and anything in between. Other than people there's lots of cars, auto rickshaws bikes and buses. The rules of the road consist of finding your line, honking your horn and going for it! Again driving around India in whichever mode of transport was never boring! 

One thing about India is that there's so many different smells. From incense and  sandlewood being burnt alluring you to the fragrant smells and of course some of the food smells were mouthwatering. Then there was the other extreme the not so good smells - litter, poor drainage systems and traffic pollution. You can't have it all! 

One place to visit was the pappu lassi bar. Lassi is a yoghurt drink which is creamy and probably very fattening however it was one of the nicest refreshments when popping into town. Some of the street food was really nice other street food was not so nice. Be wary when eating street food is what I was told - well actually I was told to avoid it because it would make me sick (due to hygiene reasons) however I still tried some of the food. There was these things with this green watery stuff (I can't remember what they were called) but it was an interesting experience to say the least I'm not sure if I enjoyed it or disliked it - I guess it was just different. 

It wasn't always about exploring though there was the planning and preparation that needed to be done for the programs that were quickly going to be running, one in Saatal which Ben was on and two in Dharamsala which Katie and myself were on. We obviously weren't by ourselves we had other staff with us. This planning time involved planning and organising pretty much every single aspect of the program from logistics, food, equipment needed, timings, route planning, ops charts you name it.

At times it felt like quite a frustrating process as we hadn't necessarily been given formal training to understand what was fully expected of us. Also, with the management miles and miles away in Delhi communication at times was difficult or none existent with the phone and internet lines not working to power cuts or both at the same time. This all added extra challenge to what should have been fairly a straight forward task.  However as a recent graduate it just took some figuring out and attention to detail - I guess that's where the three years of Uni came in pretty useful. Although the ops charts didn't need hours of searching through journals or referencing - thankfully! 

Slowly things were falling into place organising the kit and equipment that was needed from cutlery to sleeping bags to booking trains and organising staff. it was nearly time to start another 6 hour journey for the start of the program. 

First Programme

So we were off to Dharamsala again! A few bus journeys was all that stood between us and the arrival at the camp - what could go wrong? Not a lot really with the help of Suri, Devu and Raju anyway as they did most the hard work of making sure we got seats on the right buses. With our rucksacs on our backs or crammed into the limited space on the buses the journey was pretty smooth really - well as smooth as the Indian roads would allow with buses that didn't seem to know what suspension was. 

During the journey we had to split - as Raju and Suri were meeting the group at the train station and escorting them to camp. This left Devu and myself to go as the forward party to ensure everything at the camp was prepped correctly and to make sure everything was all good to go for when the group arrived. This was all good however Devu seemed a little confused at times speaking English although as we spent more time with each other it improved. We arrived in McLeod ganj at like 4am and it was cold and we had to wait a few hours for the next bus so some hot chai kept us warm and we were able to attempt to talk to each other. 

After two more buses we reached salli village, as Devu had never been here before it was up to me to navagate us to the camp. After a slight detour we arrived and met the camp staff and were welcomed with somewhere to sleep and some food. They were still busy preparing the camp for the groups arrivals - there were two of our programs running from here with nearly 200 people so there were tents still to be pitched and other details that needed to be sorted.  Once that was done all we had to do was wait for the arrival of the group. 

I was quite nervous about it as I didn't know if they would understand me, how things would go, if they would like me and if our planning and preparation meant the rest of the program would go smoothly. Although during this time me and Devu had chance to spend some time breaking down boundaries in order to make sure everything was organised. 

I didn't have too much time to dwell on anything being kept busy with one thing or another as soon the group would be arriving and it would be go go go time! With campers to show around camp and allocate tents to and make sure they get food and everything else that had to be done! 

Shivpuri

Riding on the top of the truck!

So we arrived back to Shivpuri after a very long bus journey and after some rest it was time to check out the beach camp. As the Rafting season was starting up again in rishikesh it was time to set up the camp as everything is taken down and put up every year because of monsoon. Our task was to help get some of the stuff over and to set up the ropes course.

Anil's Loaded raft.

So the truck was loaded up with an insane amount of stuff - from tents, bins beds, mattresses to ropes and kayaks. We bundled on top and got a lift down the road. A little crazy however its ok - it happens in india! to get to the beach camp which is situated on the river Ganges on the opposite side of the river to the road - we had to go by raft. Cool. So this was the first time we got to meet the Raft Guides. Who all seem to speak limited English apart from one. The rafts were loaded with all sorts of stuff that was needed for the camp - packing them and getting the kit over was a skill in itself - with alot of hard work from the guides and other staff who all seem to be strong.

Ammu's Fancy Headwear.

By this time Katie - our third UK Intern had finally arrived after having some issues with her visa. Along with Katie came Lyndsey - an instructor from Outward Bound New Zealand who had come to visit and pass on some knowledge and training for us. Katie also went to the same university as Ben and Myself so we all had come from a similar back ground although Katie had graduated a year before us. Lyndsey seems really cool and had some sessions planned for us and the other staff to take part in which hopefully will be quite interesting as currently it doesn't seem as if there is much focus on training us - just doing stuff - which were not entirely sure where it fits within the big or smaller picture.

Paddle the Ganges

Ben had the chance to kayak over to beach camp - I didn't - because the water was too strong... which didn't make me happy. More like a little sexual discrimination or to me thats what it felt like! However i didn't let it get to me for too long as we had some physical work to do! This involved putting ropes up - making pulley systems and making sure the ropes area was safe to operate within. There was a Tree which had been knocked down by an Elephant - apparently! I did later on that day have the chance to row the oar raft up the eddy on the other side of the river with some help with one of the guides - Paddy. Not without comment from ben - who wanted to jump in on the chance and said "we have to get there at some point!" I think Paddy was a little surprised by how strong I was - he definitely caught my eye with his amazing smile!

Monkeying Around

The beach camp itself has beautiful golden sand - which is really hot to walk on barefoot! It has its own jungle where the ropes course is going to be located, and is a magical place its hard to imagine what its going to look like when all the tents are up and the camp has guests. It is the only camp on the stretch of the Ganges where you have to cross by raft to get there so it has its own unique selling point - although it add's extra challenges when setting the camp up.

Axe!! 

Setting up a ropes course in India is a completely surreal experience coming from working on a variety of ropes courses of different seizes - shapes and been involved with maintenance checks just doesn't prepare you for setting up a ropes course in the jungle - with limited equipment but plenty of man power! Armed with several ropes, some wire, the most interesting ladder i've ever seen used, a couple of Jumars, Karabiners and Pulleys slowly a ropes course was starting to take shape. Eventually the ropes course would consist of a Burma bridge leading to some parallel ropes, a zip wire and a valley crossing. The most challenging element to be built would be the Burma Bridge and Parallel ropes due to the height off the ground that is needed.

Devendra up a tree - No safety! 

It was quite a frustrating process at times with the lads mostly speaking in Hindi with each other but we slowly were getting an idea of what needed to be done. The ways in which the ropes were put up were interesting compared to the safety standards in the UK. It was quite helpful having lyndsey around to offer more advice and experience to the group - most of the lads seemed pretty clued up and its not the first time i've been exposed to pulley systems - although it might have been the first time using them to set up a ropes course!

Suri - Making the sides of the Burma Bridge

Ben - Official Tester!

First trek continued...

Amruta

So we awoke to do, well you've guessed it - some more trekking! We were currently situated in the valley next to the river, which was pretty cold. Not suprising anyway because it was glacial water. We were pretty high up the moutain at this point but we were aiming to go higher. Thankfully we only were carrying essentials with us - camera's, suncream, water and a few other bits. This meant I was probably going to enjoy myself a little more than the previous day.

Mountain Man - Suri

The walk up to the top was pretty steep and I guess it was the altitude was effecting me. My heart was beating fast and shortness of breath (unfit much?!) it was quite an interesting feeling to be honest! It made it more of a challenge not just for myself but the others as well - ok maye not the local guide and our mountain man - Suri. This would be quite challenging for a group due to the steepness of the trek however it is possible - if I managed it then I'm sure a group could manage! 

Ben

It was worth it though - even if it was challenging! The view was amazing! There was a heart shaped lake at the top and a temple. 

Me

After a meeting with one of the local farmers and some food with a local family which we were given some bread and lassi - a yoghurt drink, we headed back down the mountain. A dip in the fresh river water I felt cleaner and cooler and we made plans for the next day. 

Making Roti

Attempt at milking a cow

I learnt how to make some roti - Indian bread and also got the chance to milk a cow - which was an experience. We paid the guide 600 rupees to go down to the shop where we stopped on the way up to buy us a chicken. When he came back with the chicken it was still alive - I quickly befriended him and named him ginger. Something I probably shouldn't have done as he soon was to be slaughtered, plucked, cooked and eaten. I didn't witness the killing - it's not my thing. There was some debate about being prepared to kill an animal if you are going to eat it however I'm not going to discuss that further at the moment. It was probably the freshest chicken I've ever eaten and the only chicken I've held before it's died to provide me food. I didn't enjoy the meal as much as I would have if I hadn't known the animal before hand. After the meal it was time for some rest. A point to note here the stars were amazing there was millions out and with no light pollution it was incredible to be where we were. 

Ginger :(

Ginger Curry...

The next day we trekked to the top of the other side of the valley. The trekking was getting easier - apart from breathing and we climbed higher and higher up to the top. The view at really top again was stunning. There was a bigger temple at the top with a statue of shiva inside and a shelter which could sleep quite a few people if wanted - although we were going to return to our base camp. It would have been like we were sleeping at the top of the world! If we had stayed there would have been the option to trek up to the ridge. There was a bigger lake at the top here which looked stunning. 

Taking a rest

Temple at the very top of the mountain

Shiva Statue

The next days trek we headed further up the valley. It was an easier trek as we weren't heading up the sides of the mountain. Although it provided more complications than the previous days. Amruta was suffering from some chest pains and I had a headache and got a nose bleed which didn't want to stop. We put it down the the altitude. So the boys headed to the top and us girls although we reached most the way there decided to call it a day and head back to camp 

Wow...

There was some discussions between myself and Ben and as always we had differences in opinions which isn't anything new! It was quite interesting really and I guess we shall see how things develop between us but both of us realise that we are not necessarily going to agree on a lot of things which I think will make it easier that we know this and I think we will be able to challenge each other's viewpoints reasonably. After one more sleep it was time to head back to the base camp.

Enjoying the View

Heading back down the valley was exciting as we had achieved what we had needed to be done. We could run programs here and we had several options for treks for various challenge levels which gave us options. It was the start of a new journey and challenge for us. Traveling back to shivpuri. 

Party on the Bus

Before heading back though we spent some time near McLeod ganj. We stayed with suri's cousin and his friend who are training to be artists. They are both really talented. 

Hand Painted - Incredible!

We also had chance to visit a Tibetan monestry which was stunning! Suri is full of knowledge of lots of things which he was eager to tell us and we were eager to listen. 

Tibetan Monestry

We also got the chance to go and do some shopping in mcleodganj which was full of lots of shops selling lots of different things. There was a few Tibetan shops which sold these amazing embroidered T shirts for next to nothing! We also visited the buddist monestry which was really big. We also had the oppourtunity to visit one of the monks who have us a prayer necklace and a buddist name. My name means moon. Amruta's meant lotus and Bens meant intelligent. We also sampled some Tibetan food which was delicious and a change from rice, roti and curry! 

Inside the Tibetan Monestry

And then it was time for the long bus journey back to shivpuri. 

Tibetan Monestry

That first Himalayan trek...

So things are never as easy as they seem and there was a small little hiccup - the lights on the car had been left on all night so the battery was dead! With no other cars around and the help the locals we pushed the car to jump start it. After being covered in mud and lots of people pushing it did eventually start! Wahey! So Pavane and Dhruv where heading back to Delhi and we were off on our trek.

After Jump Starting

Dhruv - King of the mountain

The first trek - some exercise instead of sitting in the car driving around everywhere. Cool. Although trekking is not my number 1 outdoor activity but when in the Himalaya's I guess some trekking needs to be done! The rucksacs we were carrying didn't for properly - were heavy and it was hot. However, Suri, Ammu, Ben and myself plus two local guides set off from base camp up the valley to explore what the area had to offer.

Suri - Mountain Man

The trek started through the small village where it seemed the majority of the people who lived there were at the wine shop - apart from all the children who were at the schools. After leaving the small town we headed up the valley into the unknown. We had no maps and Suri and Ben were tasked with taking bearing and writing a route card which we could refer back to at a later date.

Incredible Valley

Approximately two and a half hours later we reached camp 1 - which was an area of clearer ground surrounded by trees and a few rocks scattered about. The area was big enough for our requirements. We weren't carrying any lunch so we took this oppourtunity to eat some busicuts and take on more water. Although the break wasn't long and we were soon trekking again towards the second camps location.

Beautiful Temple up the Mountain

I was starting to get tired, I was really hot and sweaty - which meant I was starting to get a little frustrated as I had no concept on where we were, how far we had come or how far it was to go as we has no maps with us. To add to my frustrations there was mostly Hindi being spoken so I didn't understand what was being said either - this and it was getting really hungry by now! Or should I say hangry?!?

Beautiful Temple

Along the way though we found this mountain shop - a little wooden she'd basically which we were able to have some noodles and some eggs which helped pick me back up. It's amazing how much food makes a difference particularly in the heat and the altitude! Although - I just wanted to be at the camp by then.

Ben - Jammin'

The last hour of the trek seemed like it had taken forever despite feeling frustrated with things the scenery was great and the sense of achievement was so worth it when we finally arrived! All that needed to be done was to pitch the tent, freshen up and get a decent meal inside us! 

Home Sweet Home for the next few days...

Is this the way to Dharamsala?

Hand picking up poor defenseless sheep.

After the storm the previous night we continued our journey to Dharamsala. Again the purpose of going to Dharamsala was to check out the camp and the area for programs to be run there. This was a fairly uneventful drive apart from seeing some of the destruction that was caused by the storm the previous night. There was trees down causing blockages to the roads. Although what kind of surprised me was that it was the local community helping to clear the roads up - rather than the emergency services or local governments. We saw many ladies and children gathering wood presumably to make fires with at a later time. 

The drive was pretty uneventful although driving up the mountain to the camp was pretty cool. There was some pretty high mountains and it felt like we were going into the middle of nowhere. 

More Camel  Drive By Photography

Beautiful Mountains

Stunning Views

 The camp was completely contrasting to Saatal. Located on the side of the mountain it is a lot steeper and rockier and not as much open ground to accommodate people. Although it does has a high ropes course which looks pretty interesting and activities include Burma Bridge, Flying fox, tree climb, cargo net and an artificial climbing wall. They are all located quite closely together so the size of group that is taken there at once would definitely need to be considered. 

Got a head for heights?

The facilities are very basic, toilet tents, make shift sinks, shower tents all outside -  Although, getting back to basics isn't too much of an issue. It is however quite ingenious how they are able to improve and make the best out of the materials and location that they have to work with. 

The scenery was incredible though, a few of us went for a wander and watched the sun go down and the stars and the mo come out! It was fun to have a mini adventure pretty much without touches or anything useful! We were 'well prepared' for a bunch of outdoor people. Although with saying that everything we needed was in out tent somewhere! 

Beautiful Sunset In the Mountains

After an amazing meal it was time to sleep in preparation for our first proper experience of trekking the Himalaya's the next few days to come. 

Wish Upon A Star...,

Rivers, mountains, driving and storms!

So the six hour journey to Dharamsala started with a drive back along the mountain road we drove down the night before. This time we could see the river in the daylight! And wow! I was excited to get on it! That would have to wait though.

Drive by photography - Camel.

On the way we stopped at a sheikh mosque which was beautiful - located next to a river the scale, design, materials and detail were beautiful. It was huge and there were lots of visitors along with us. One thing that's opened my eyes is the amount of different religions that coexist along side each other and the variety of different beliefs there are. I'm keeping my mind open to it all as I think that's the right thing to do instead of being a skeptic.

Food with the crew - Ammu, Dhruv, Myself, Ben & Pavane.

Outside - Ben, Ammu, Myself & Dhruv in the yellow.

After 7 hours - probably the closest journey so far to the 6 hours we predicted we arrived at Pavane's uncles house. Which was an impressive building. It was pretty good timing as pretty much as soon as we got out the car and into the house the sky had started turning black. We were fortunate enough to witness this amazing storm - strong winds, thunder, lightning and of course rain. It was spectacular - it ripped down branches off the tree's and caused all sorts of damage. The atmosphere felt alive! I really thought it was incredible - the force of Mother Nature and what it can do is a really powerful force at times!

This carried and gave us water - its a pretty cool invention.

First glance of shivpuri

After leaving Saatal we were headed to Shivpuri - this is the main hotel and beach camp the sister company MHE own and operate their rafting operations from. This was where I was most excited to see as I think we are going to be based there for most of our internship. We arrived here late but the drive along the mountain road where we caught glimpses of the river, the mountain peaks and the stars was completely magical.

After a lovely meal and being introduced to the many staff for the first time we were shown to our rooms and were able to enjoy a beer or two which lightened our spirits. This night was the first night I encountered the lizard - which to be honest after the beer scared the shit out of me! So I went knocking next door - Dhruv was dead to the world! Move along to Ben's room - he was awake. After laughing at me and chasing it out for me he went back to bed! I really apprieciated it though. 

It's Kinda Cute Really

So I thought all was going to be safe an then - man - next to the door was probably the biggest, blackest, eight legged spider I have EVER seen in my life. So without waking up Ben again I didn't know what to do so I threw something across the room at it and it ran out under the door. I was proud of myself. So eventually I finally managed to get to sleep. 

The Massive Spider

In the daylight it was still magical although that was just the view of the mountains. We weren't staying long and after packing a rucksac each, Ben, Suri, Ammu, Pavane, Dhruv and myself were packed into the car again and off we were again on another six hour journey. 

View From the Rooftop

This time we were headed from Shivpuri to Himachel Pradesh to a place called Dharamsala.