DNHG Field Trip to Uttarakhand, India, 24th to 30th March 2017

DNHG Field Trip to Uttarakhand, India, 24^th to 30^th March 2017

 

Puneet Verma is organizing a field trip (mainly a birdwatching and trekking in Himalayas to experience the rich flora and fauna) to Uttarakhand, India, during the last week of March 2017. The trip will be led by an expert biologist, Sunal Kumar Roamin, an ex-researcher from the Wildlife Institute of India.

 

Below is a brief itinerary for this 7 days /6 nights trip -  tentative dates between (24th March - 30th March 2017).

 

Friday, 24^th March 2017 - Day 1: Fly to Dehradun and get together at Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun.

Flight options: ideally land at Dehradun Airport latest by 13:10 hours on 24^th March 2017. Assemble at airport arrival section for an onwards journey by road to Riverside Resorts, Village Maletha, Kirtinagar, Uttarakhand.

Saturday, 25^th March 2017 - Day 2: Early morning 6:00 hours start of a road trip to Village Saari (94 kms distance) around 3 hours and 30 mins. Reaching latest by 9:30 AM. A 3KM uphill trek from village Saari to an altitude of 2,438 meters. See flora and fauna en route of this beautiful trek. Reach Deoria Taal latest by afternoon. Lunch at Deoria Taal. Pitch your tents, explore the surroundings at the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of 300° panorama, heavily wooded, lush green surroundings, heavenly view of Chaukhamba, Nilkantha, Bandarpunch, Kedar Range, Kalanag.

Sunday, 26th March 2017 - Day 3: Deoria Taal to Chopta - Begin the day with breakfast and a walk on a ridge as well as a series of ascending trails. You will even come across mixed forests of oaks, pines and Rhododendrons. Arrive at the campsite/Forest Rest House in Chopta by afternoon and spend the rest of the day bird watching, unearthing the natural treasures of the place which are enhanced by snow-capped mountainous landscapes. By nightfall, put up your camps here and retire for the night after a hearty dinner.

Monday, 27th March 2017 - Day 4: Trek from Chopta – Tungnath (3680m) – Chandrashila Peak 4000m. Start off the day by ascending to the slopes to reach Tungnath temple. The several hued pastures here along with the beautiful mountains and valleys serving as the backdrop make for a remarkable sight. Post stacking up on refreshments, resume your trek uphill towards the Chandrashila Peak at 4000m. From the peak, get enchanted by the peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Chaukhamba. Trek down to the base camp at Chopta /FRH and the drive up to the lodge where a hot dinner awaits you. Retire here for the night. 

Tuesday, 28th March 2017 - Day 5: Start early morning at 6AM for drive from Chopta to Dehradun (a distance of 180 kms, 7-8 hours drive) reach Walterre Resort by afternoon 2 PM. Evening birding at Lachhapani/Robber’s cave

Wednesday, 29th March 2017 - Day 6: Birding in and around Dehradun area. Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and Asan Barrage.

Thursday, 30th March 2017 – Day 7: Return flights to Dubai (flights available from morning 7:40 onwards)

Limit 12 people. Accommodation will be in unpretentious resorts/Forest Rest Houses/Campsite.

Estimated basic cost: AED 2,200 which includes:

· Road transportation, all driver charges, fuel, parking fees and tolls and taxes,

· Accommodation and meals,

· Camping equipment, first aid kit and medicine kit

· Forest entry permit fee and camping fee, entrance fees, camera fees, etc

This cost excludes airfare and Indian Visa. Estimated Return trip airfare from Dubai via (DEL/BOM): starting from AED 1,600 per person economy. There are various airline options available to fly to Dehradun. (Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spicejet, Eithad Airways). For further details on obtaining Indian Visa, please visit the website: http://www.blsindiavisa-uae.com/visa/cgi-tourist-visa.php

 

Please also see link of pictures which Puneet took during his trip in 2015:  https://goo.gl/photos/RLoJEATDfWUiXgzt5

 

Those interested in going on the trip should contact Puneet Verma at puneetcps@gmail.com