Dalai Lama Himalayan Trek 2025

Full of excitement and nerves you meet your fellow teammates at the airport. Wave goodbye to family and friends as you set off your long-awaited adventure to Delhi, India.

A local Charity Challenge representative will be waiting at the airport for your transfer to the hotel. The day will begin with the chance to explore India’s bustling capital, Delhi. Test your haggling skills or soak up the sights, from the Red Fort to the Raj Ghat. Later, the group will meet up for the first team dinner, before catching the overnight sleeper train to Chakki Bank.

Arriving in early Chakki Bank, it’s further three-hour transfer to Dharamsala – home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Dotted with temples and monasteries, multi-coloured Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the wind. Take a clockwise kora walk of the Dalai Lama’s temple and residence, with many giant prayer wheels, mani stones and colourful prayer flags. The walk will be fully guided, where you’ll learn about Buddhism, the Dalai Lama and Tibetan way of life.

Spend the morning further exploring Dharamsala or stroll to Bhugsunag Waterfall before transferring to Bir, at the foothills of the Himalayas. Once there, you’ll be welcomed at the Dream and Adventure Centre.

There will be time to explore, as well as relax in the grounds of the tea plantation, and the evening will be spent enjoying home-cooked food and bonding with your teammates.

Your incredible 5-day trek begins, centred around the Uhl valley and river and situated in the shadows of some of the world’s highest peaks. The trek commences through oak and rhododendron forests towards Haribag Pass (2,500m), an ancient trading route. You will then pass by the village Baru, where you will stop for a picnic lunch in beautiful meadows, soaking up the great views of the mountains and surrounding peaks.

crossing the pass you head down to Majaj, a favourite spot for bird-watchers and nature-spotters alike. The area is well known for diverse Himalayan wildlife and birdlife, including the Himalayan griffin vulture, monal, golden eagle and the lammergeier. A lucky few may see thar, musk deer, forest leopard, puma and Himalayan black and brown bear. You will celebrate the first day of the trek around the campfire.

Today, you’ll walk alongside shepherds and locals before crossing the Sun Pass at 2,700m. Pushing onwards, you will follow the Thadkot River alongside traditionally farmed terraced fields and tiny hamlets.

You’ll arrive into camp in time to witness a stunning Himalayan sunset as it casts shadows over the distant snow-capped peaks.

Wake up beneath the snow-capped summits basking in the early morning sun. After a quick cup of delicious Himalayan tea, it’s off on a winding path upwards with spectacular views of the Shivalik Mountains. The surrounding alpine pastures are strewn with wild flowers and medicinal plants.

You’ll stay at an old colonial hunting lodge, used many years ago by the British and Maharajas.

Weary legs may need a break, so today is a rest day in preparation for the final days of the challenge.

For those still in the mood for exercise there are some great optional walks available. You can climb a nearby peak which boasts arguably the best views in the Himalayas. The group will meet again in camp for the evening meal, before spending another night at the hunting lodge.

It’s the last day of your challenge and this morning is the perfect time to reflect on the journey.

Today you’ll walk from the Bal to Shilpadhani, a small village surrounded by the thick woodland. En route you’ll witness the nomadic lifestyle of the Gaddis (Himalayan shepherds) and soak up the inspiring views for the last time. You will then return to the Dream and Adventure Centre for a well-deserved celebratory meal.

It’s the penultimate day of the challenge and with spirits high, you’ll travel to the Baijnath Temple which was built in 840AD.

From there, it’s off to the Norbulinka Institute, which was established to preserve traditional Tibetan arts. Set amid Japanese gardens, there is a serene temple with delicate bridges across tiny streams. Enjoy the serenity here before heading back to the chaos of Delhi on an afternoon fast train. You’ll then have the evening to enjoy Delhi.

With amazing memories and a massive sense of achievement, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends. Depending on your departure time you will either arrive home today or tomorrow.

Depending on your departure time from Delhi you will either arrive home yesterday or today.