indulge in a Himalayan sensory banquet -
On A Crooked trails Fundraising Adventure.
november 10 - 23, 2024
Uncover the Magic. Embark on a Transcendent Expedition for a Greater Cause
Join Crooked Trails from November 10- 23 on this unforgettable authentic travel experience to the off-the-beaten-path destination of Uttrakhand in the Indian Himalayas. This 13-day fundraising adventure will be a sensory banquet of Himalayan cultural immersion and adventurous treks. Located near the Tibetan border, the journey's unique cultural experiences will uplift the local communities, supporting social and economic development while helping preserve the natural environment. As a non-profit supporting community-based travel, we are committed to ensuring that travel becomes a force for good in the world.
TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP DATES: November 10 - 23, 2024
TRIP COST: $3666 pp
(A single supplement cost TBD)
Cost does not include international flights, travel insurance, alcohol, tips, and personal items or souvenirs.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
The Uttarakhand region of India is found on the southern slope of the Himalayan mountains and covers over 20,000 sq miles. The mostly forested peaks in this area range between 10k-16,000 feet, and borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Also known as the "Land of the Gods", or Devbhumi, many Hindu temples and religiously significant centers are tucked throughout this enchanting and remote destination.
Highlights of this unique adventure
Trekking through wildlife sanctuaries and climbing above 12,000 feet for unforgettable Himalayan peaks and valleys vistas.
Finding hidden and sacred temples, homestays, and cafes, and visiting the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Witness ancient Himalayan practices, ceremonies, and rituals and immerse in cultural music and dancing.
Forest bathing / shinrin-yuko in a dense Himalayan Forest alive with folktales of woods, flowers, and forest fairies and goddesses.
Touch the lives of underprivileged women and their families. Make handicrafts with the untouchable tribe in their village, reviving their art.
Cooking classes, open-fire cooking, learning to forage, relishing fresh, local, organic home-cooked cuisine.
Yoga, walking meditation, and relaxation.
Encountering the breath-taking beauty of the Indian Himalayas
Staying in award-winning homestays, a boutique retreat designed using permaculture and natural building principles, and lodging in forest cabins in an off-grid stunning forest location at 8,850 feet.
Viewing the Himalayan valley from behind the waterfall and swimming in the clearest Himalayan river.
Throughout this adventure, your participation opens doors to unparalleled experiences and fuels our non-profit's commitment to sustainable development. Your presence and contributions actively support our mission to create a lasting, positive impact in the communities we visit.
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrival at the hotel and rest
Tea Ceremony & introductions
Ganga River Walk and Aarti worshipping experience
Introduction to the Indian cuisine
Day 2
Drive deep into the Himalayan and share tea with our homestay hosts
Purchase our kurtas – Indian attire
Visit Gopinath temple & priest quarters of bygone times
Day 3
Morning yoga
Visit Doongri and discover old Indian architecture and where our project started.
Have a home-grown and cooked lunch with a young windowed woman and her family
Village and farm walks
Day 4
Morning yoga and meditation
Handcrafters Trek to a tribal village and participate in reviving an endangered artisan method of handicrafts.
Traditional home lunch, then evening bonfire at our homestay with our host families.
Day 5
Morning yoga
Drive to our next place of lodging – a boutique retreat on a permaculture farm.
Welcomed by local women and youth with traditional music, garlands, and a local ceremony.
Riverwalk, visiting several quaint villages, reaching a secret homestay camp in time for tea and snacks.
Day 6
Morning yoga and meditation
Trek to the ancient goddess temple of Anasuya.
Lunch to be served in a traditional home
Trek to the Atrimuni cave and experience a shrine behind a lovely waterfall
Day 7
Morning yoga and hike to a spot for Shirin Yoko - or forest bathing.
Visit the village school to meet students.
Immere in Himalayan village life by visiting the village of Bandwara with local women to learn about the village's lovely historic architecture and how local women are employed.
Day 8
Nature drive to Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary and ancient hidden temple.
Forest bathing and meditation
Visit ancient tree gardens and stay in charming cottages at 9,100 feet.
Day 9
Trek To the highest Shiva temple, Tungnath, at 11,975 feet.
Visit Chandershila – the Gateway to Heaven – to view snow-covered Himalayan peaks.
Day 10
Hike through the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary.
Enjoy breakfast in the sanctuary at a simple forest home run by a youth of Khala village. We continue the hike to a village lady’s house for a delicious late lunch.
We all sit around the fire and reflect on our day's journey after dinner.
Day 11
Participate in ancient Himalayan rituals
Forest bathing and river bathing with native soaps.
Cooking course and farewell dinner
An opportunity to learn regional dance from our local women around the fire.
Day 12
Say goodbye to our host and drive back to the foothills of Rishikesh.
Visiting Rishikesh- Beatles Ashram and hidden shopping streets through a local’s eyes.
Afternoon Ganga Riverwalk, shopping, and dinner.
Day 13
Morning yoga before breakfast.
End of our program
