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Contents    

About  Us  ......................................................................................................................................................  3  

Educational  Excursion  ..................................................................................................................................  4  

About  Uttarakhand  ......................................................................................................................................  6  

Share  our  Green  Awareness  ......................................................................................................................  12  

 

   

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About  Us  Make  the  World  Your  Classroom  

We  are  proud  to  introduce  Walk  to  Himalayas  (WTH)  Student  Explorations  -­‐  hands-­‐on  experiences  that  bring   students   to   some   of   the  most   spectacular   places   in   India.   Let   your   students   indulge   in   exciting  adventures  and   life-­‐enriching  activities  as   they  are  a  great  way   to  explore   life.  Walk   to  Himalayas  will  plan   trips   for   your   students   that   are   a  perfect  blend  of   safe   adventure   and   fun  educational   activities.  Learn   about   the   flora   and   fauna,   find   about   the   culture   and   festivals   or   just   savor   on   some   the   rare  native  cuisine.  

Walk   to   Himalayas   is   a   Mumbai   based   professional,   full-­‐service   travel   company   that   arranges  educational  tour  experiences.  We  work  with  school  groups,  colleges  and  universities  and  special  interest  groups   to   develop   theme   trips   integrating   classroom   curricula.   All   our   school   trips   are   carefully   tailor  made  to  meet  your  academic  and  budgetary  requirements  and  to  satisfy  your  adventurous  spirit.  

We  believe  in  adventure.  We  know  that  outdoor  learning  and  adventure  when  planned  and  integrated  into  the  curriculum  is  a  powerful  vehicle  for  the  development  of  children.  The  benefits  of  adventure  are  far   reaching   and   long-­‐lasting,   ranging   from   immediate   improvements   in   social   skills   to   better   longer  term  understanding  of  curriculum  subjects.    

Our  educational  travel  programs  are  designed  with  a  focus  on  the  development  of  all  students  in  a  fun  and   interactive  environment.  Our  educational   trips  are  designed  to  take  students  out  of   their  comfort  zone  and  give  them  an  opportunity  to  learn  in  a  new  environment  with  different  activities,  cultures  and  communities.  

A   variety   of   tasks   and   challenges   will   help   keep   both   body   and   mind   active,   whilst   increasing   the  students’   self-­‐esteem   and   enhancing   their   ability   to   work   independently   and   as   part   of   a   team.   Whatever  the  focus  of  your  educational  trip,  our  experienced  team  will  work  with  you  every  step  of  the  way  to  ensure  that  your  school  travel  program  is  both  enjoyable  and  rewarding.  

With  more  than  eight  years  of  exploration  behind  us,  we  have  developed  a  vast  network  of  experts  and  contacts  across   India.  We   tap   into   these   resources  when  crafting  our   itineraries   to   create  unique  and  exciting   opportunities   for   students.   Our   itineraries   allow   us   the   flexibility   to   take   advantage   of  spontaneous  events  while  still  providing  full  and  structured  days.    

Walk  to  Himalayas  Experts.  On  each  trip,  a  team  of  trekkers  and  explorers  will  accompany  the  group.  Our  experts  are  leaders  in  their  field  who  will  enrich  the  trip  with  their  stories  and  their  insight.  They  are  energetic,   creative,   responsible,   knowledgeable,   and   fun.   They  know   the  destination  well   and   seek   to  share  their  love  of  travel  with  your  students.  

Our   Sustainable   Travel   Philosophy.   As   an   organization   that   seeks   to   inspire   others   to   care   about   the  planet.   WTH   is   committed   to   sustaining   the   character   and   integrity   of   each   place   we   visit   -­‐   its  environment,   culture,   heritage,   and   the   well-­‐being   of   its   residents.   In   providing   authentic   travel  experiences  for  students,  we  strive  to  protect  the  sites  we  visit,  support  local  economies  in  our  choice  of  accommodations   and   services   and   increase   students'   understanding   and   appreciation   of   people   of  varied  customs  and  traditions  through  meaningful  cultural  exchange.    

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Educational  Excursion  Education  is  fun?  We  say  fun  is  education!    

There's   a   lot   to   learn   beyond   the   four   walls   of   schools.   So   go  ahead,  soak  up  and  revel  in  the  fun  atmosphere.  How  about  your  school  group  photo  against  a  gorgeous  panorama  of  Himalayan  ranges  or  a  placid  lake  or  dense  mysterious  jungle?    

Using   the   outdoors   as   a   learning   tool   has   huge   academic   benefits   in   creating   scenarios   that   students  may  never  have  been  presented  with  or  experienced  before.  Working  with  schools  and  colleges  we  have  developed  educational  excursions  across  a  number  of  areas  where  we   incorporate  outdoor  adventure  activities  to  achieve  specific  learning  outcomes  for  young  people.  

Core  &  Wider  Key  Skills.  We  have  study  program  to  drive  students  to  develop  their  key  skills.  Whether  the   aim   is   problem   solving,  working  with   others   or   focusing   on   their   own  personal   development   and  communication,   students  will   be   faced  with   challenges   that  will   encourage   them   to  use,   develop   and  review   personal   skills,   often   well   outside   their   comfort   zones.   Their   specified   tasks   can   be   assessed,  which  then  contribute  to  the  student’s  qualification.    Team  Building  &  Personal  Development.  A  commonly  used  term,  but  we  realize  that  the  ability  to  work  in  a  team  is  fundamental  to  a  young  person’s  development  and  is  a  skill  which  plays  a  crucial  role  in  their  careers.   Whether   it   is   linked   with   key   skills,   targeting   specific   issues   within   a   group,   developing  individuals  within  a   team,  or   simply  bringing  a  group  of  people  closer   together,  we  can  make  student  travel  trips  fit  the  end  goal.  With  a  whole  range  of  tasks  at  our  disposal  we  can  adapt  these  tours  to  any  age  group,  ability,  course  or  subject.  

 Expeditions. Using   the  outdoors  and   the  elements  with  which  we  have   little  control  over   presents   a   challenge   in   itself   and   students   are   certainly   put   to   the   test   in  planning,   preparing   and   carrying   out   their   own   outdoor   expedition.   Our   team   of  experts   will   be   on   hand   to   guide   the   students   throughout   but   we   expect   our  expedition   trips   to   be   led   by   the   group,   creating   a   great   tool   for   team  building   and  developing  young  people  as  individuals.

Survival  &  Camp  Craft.  As  part  of  a  specific  multi-­‐day  program  or  a  brief  session,  we  can   take   students   back   to   basics   to   not   only   learn   survival   skills   but   also   learn  independence,   adapting   to   the   basic   instinct     to   survive,   whilst   experiencing   and  appreciating  the  importance  and  value  of  the  tools  provided  within  the  surrounding  natural  environment.    

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Give  your  students   the  experience  of  a   lifetime  on  a  WTH  educational   tour.  Travel,  explore,   learn  and  delve  deeper  into  your  magnificent  surroundings.  

People  and  Cultures.  Delve  deeper  into  the  unique  customs  of  the  local  culture.  Evaluate  the  impact  of  modern   life   on   timeless   traditions,   interview   a   village   elder   and   pen   a   story   about   his  younger   years.   Venture   into   the   workshops   of   local   artisans   to   learn   about   traditional  crafts.   Hum   together   a   local   folk   song.   Glimpse   age-­‐old   traditions   on   display   at   a   local  festival  and  document  them  in  words  and  photographs.  

Photography.   Dig   deeper   into   fascinating   landscape   and   culture   to   develop   your   own  story  through  writing,  photography,  or  hands-­‐on  research.    

Bond  Together.  Travelling  with  their  peers  naturally  breeds  a  sense  of  common  purpose  and  teamwork.  The  students  develop  strong  bonds  through  the  Trekking  Expedition.  Plus,  seeing   a   place   through   the   eyes   of   their   peer   brings   a   whole   new   dimension   to   their  experience.  

Experiential   Truth.   Our   students   always   come   back   from   this   trip   emotionally   stronger   because   they  have  had   the  opportunity   to   challenge   themselves  physically  and  emotionally.     The  act  of  being  away  from  home  and  trying  new  things  is  rewarding  and  life-­‐altering.      

Learn   as   you   walk.   Exchange   of   knowledge   and   views   on   Flora   &   Fauna   of   the   area.   We   could  incorporate  separate  lectures  on  birds,  fauna  and  entomology  covering  moths  and  butterflies.  We  shall  avail  an  opportunity  on  identifying  some  medicinal  herbs  too.  

See  the  history  come  alive.  There  is  no  better  way  to  learn  about  the  past  of  a  place  than  to  go  there  and  experience  the  sights  and  sounds  first  hand.    Bring  your  history  and  classics  lessons  to  life.  

Each  of  these  highly  structured  programs  is  designed  to  empower  and  inspire  young  teens;  deepening  interests  they  already  have  and  helping  them  discover  new  passions  along  the  way.  On  all  of  our  trips,  students  immerse  themselves  in  the  local  culture,  dig  deeper  into  the  places  they  visit  through  hands-­‐on  projects  or  activities,  and  gain  valuable  insights  while  exploring  with  Walk  to  Himalayas  experts.  

 

   

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About  Uttarakhand    

India   –   One   Country,   Many   worlds.   An   abode   of   contrasts,  conundrums,   mystery   and   wonder.   In   ideas   and   stature.   In  tourism   appeal   and   pure   beauty.   In   historical   and   cultural  resonance.  And,   certainly,   in   the  scope  of   its  attractions.  Vast  dimensions,   geographic   and   cultural   diversity   defines   this  sprawling   country   -­‐   India   as   a   veritable   United   Nations   unto  itself.  It  is  arguably  one  of  the  world's  emerging  "next  places  to  go."  

In   this   country's  puzzle  board  of  26  states,  one  state   that  has  emerged  as  a  compelling  destination  for   travelers  all  over  the  globe  is,  Uttarakhand.    

Unbelievable,   Untouched,   Unspoiled…that’s   Ultimate   Uttarakhand.   Vast,   vivid   and   wonderful,  Uttarakhand  is  a  world  of  grandeur,  finery  and  exquisite  pleasures;  a  world  inspired  by  ancient  myths;  a  world  created  for  romance,  relaxation  and  rejuvenation  in  one  majestic  setting.  

What  makes  Uttarakhand  a  holidayer’s  delight   are   the   sketches  of  Kumaon  and  Garhwal.   Enchanting,  captivating   in   their   own  ways.  Mesmerizing,   spellbinding   to   the   last   kilometer.   Unspoiled,   untouched  and  unbelievable.  If  Kumaon  is  a  green  table  spread,  Garhwal  is  a  challenger’s  delight.  If  Kumaon  plays  host  to  clear   lakes,  chirpy  forests,  floral  rainbows,  Garhwal  flaunts   its  snow-­‐clad  peaks,  quaint  retreats  and  infinite  mountain  rivers.  

If  variety  is  life  then  Uttarakhand  is  life-­‐  be  it,  dresses,  languages,  artifacts,  dance  and  music,  landscape  or   cuisine.   All   desires   can   be   fulfilled   under   its   canopy.   The   fairytale   snow   clad   mountains,   the   shy  romantic  Pine  and  Deodar  trees  that  find  the  melodious  river  frolicking  its  way  down  from  the  Himalayas  into  the  lap  of  lush  fields,  mischievous…all  form  undoubtedly  India’s  most  beautiful  canvas.    

It’s  our   goal   to  place  before  you   the   remarkable   scenes  of   this  Celestial  paradise,  Uttarakhand  where  nature  leaves  you  spellbound,  flaunting  her  beauty  with  absolute  grace  and  mystery.  We  welcome  you  to  experience  and  to  enjoy  to  the  full  the  wonderful  natural  diversity  Uttarakhand  has  to  offer.  There  is  something   for   everyone   to   do,   whether   it   is   angling,   hiking,   trekking,   camping,   overnight   wilderness  trailing,  mountain  biking,  or  simply  resting  and  relaxing  and  watching  the  cares  of  the  modern  world  slip  away.  So  come  along  in  this  journey  beyond  the  ordinary  and  discover  UTTARAKHAND  as  others  can  only  begin  to  imagine.  

 

   

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Travel  Itinerary  Day  1(11th  May  )  –  Kosi  Valley  Retreat  The   students  would   arrive   at   Kosi   Valley   Retreat   at   9:30   a.m   in   the  morning   after   a   overnite   journey  from  Delhi.    On  arrival  the  children  would  freshen  up  and    have  their  breakfast  and  take  rest.  Today  the  activities  would  be  done  post  lunch  and  would  start  around  3:00  p.m  .      In  the  evening  appease  your  adventure  streak  by  indulging  in  adventure  activities  in  the  resort.  Burma  Bridge  and  Spider  Web  captures  the  hearts  of  adrenaline  junkies.    Burma  Bridge.  Stretching  across  an  overwhelming  gorge,  do  a  suspended  walk  in  fabulous  surroundings.  Wobble  on  one  side,  feel  fearless  at  a  height,  walk  safely  on  air.  Do  the  great  balancing  act.  After  this  you  have  earned  great  stories  to  tell  and  brag  about.  Spider  Web.  Climb  through  a  gargantuan,  30-­‐foot-­‐tall  spider  web  and  glide  back  down.  

At  the  end  of  the  day,  you  settle  into  camp,  admire  the  view  by  the  bonfire,  and  realize  you're  hungry.  Enjoy  the  sumptuous  organic  home  food  cuisine  for  dinner.  

Day  2  (12th  May)-­‐  Kausani  Your  journey  from  here  heads  to  Kausani,  set  at  an  altitude  of  over  6075  ft  (1890  mt)  above  sea  level.  Kausani   is   surrounded   by   snowcapped   mountains   and   imagination-­‐stirring   scenic   beauty,   which   has  earned   it   the  moniker   the   'Switzerland   of   India'.   Kausani   offers   a   quite   a   vantage   view   of   Himalayas  mountain   range  –  Nanda  Devi   and  Trishul.  At  7817  meters,  Nanda  Devi   is   the   second  highest  peak   in  India.  ° Apart  from  the  spectacular  views  of  the  hills,   the  place   is   famous  for  Anashakti  Ashram.  Mahatma  

Gandhi  spent  some  days  at  this  ashram.  The  ashram  is  now  converted  into  a  research  centre  and  a  library.  There   is  a  memorial  of   ‘Sarlaben’  original  name  Katherine  Heileman,  who  spent  her   life  at  this  place  as  a  social  worker.  The  sunrise  and  sunset  rays  soaking  Trishul  peak  in  golden  yellow  and  other  distant  peaks  in  bright  orange  makes  the  vista  simply  exhilarating.  

° Kausani   is   also   a   treasure   trove  of   picturesque   tea   gardens,   a   real   feast   to   the   eye.   This   estate   is  placed  1200  to  1800  mts  above  sea  level.  This  tea  yield  is  unique  as  it  is  produced  in  foggy  and  chill  weather  and  at  such  a  high  altitude.  Get  to  know  the  journey  live  of  a  tea  leaf  to  a  steamy  cup  of  chai.  

° Lying  in  the  Katyuri  valley,  19  kms  away  from  Kausani  and  26  kms  from  Bageshwar,  is  the  small  but  ancient  town  of  Baijnath.  In  Kumaun  socio  cultural  region,  Baijnath  is  one  among  remote  antiquity  and  of  historical  importance.  The  remnants  of  those  glorious  days  lie  at  the  bank  of  the  Gomti  River  in  the  form  of  a  group  of  temples.  The  water  is  crystal  clear  and  there  are  lots  of  fish  that  abound.  One  can  feed  fishes  here.    Back  to  Kosi  Valley  Retreat  by  lunch.  

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Village  Walk    Duration:  2-­‐3  hours  from  the  Resort  Explore  the  surroundings  of  the  land,  enjoy  a  unique  rendezvous  with  the  locals,  learn  about  history  and  legends.  Sip  on  traditional  brews  as  you  enjoy  captivating  tales  of  their  pristine  lifestyle  which  remains  unchanged  from  times  immemorial.  Take  an  effortless  journey  across  the  culture  and  curries  of  villages.  Hum  together  a  local  folk  song.  Bask  in  the  ancient  enthralling  heritage  of  the  nearby  ancient  village.  Revive  your  soul  with  the  simplicity  of  the  village  folks  who  work  hard  and  smile  easily.  

As  you  make  you  make  your  way  up  the  village  into  the  pine  forest  over  the  ridge,  this  unbelievable  sweeping  view  of  the  valley  welcomes  you.  You  will  fall  love  with  this  peaceful  valley,  alive  with  prosperous  villages,  friendly  people,  bountiful  crops,  crystal  clean  river,  rolling  mountains,  chattering  birds  and  crisp,  fresh  air  and  glacial  streams.  There  is  crystal  clarity  to  the  air  and  a  mystical  character  to  the  atmosphere  of  the  Himalayas  that  is  uplifting  and  peaceful  at  the  same  time.  This  2  hour  walk  through  the  verdant  green  terraced  fields  gives  you  an  experience  of  the  power  of  nature  here,  in  all  its  glory.  

 Day  3-­‐  13th  May    Jungle  Trek      Duration:  3-­‐4  hours  from  the  Resort  Distance:  3  +  3kms  up  and  down    This  trek  is  literally  right  in  our  backyard.  This  trek  starts  right  from  the  Resort  premises.  Set  amidst  the  towering  ancient  pine  tree  and  dense  jungle,  Kosi  Valley  Retreat  automatically  transforms  you  into  a  curious  explorer  and  a  minute  observer.  From  brightly  coloured  insects  to  vibrant  butterflies  to  anthills  to  myriad  variety  of  fauna  and  numerous  sprightful  Himalayan  birds,  this  route  is  thriving  with  life.  

It’s  ideal  to  enjoy  this  trek  in  the  morning  especially  during  spring  and  summers  and  for  winters  you  can  have  a  lazy  start.  The  nip  in  the  morning  air  and  the  earthy  scent  of  fresh  mountain  exhilarates  you  immediately.  Though  a  short  trek,  it  has  lot  of  interesting  elements.  There  are  precarious  narrow  paths,  the  sprightful  stream  meandering  the  valley  oblivious  to  all  the  attention  the  hills  around  were  getting,  the  unnerving  leopard  caves.  Slowly  as  you  trek  you  realise  that  you  are  becoming  privy  to  mysterious  secrets  of  the  valley  slowly  unfolding,  at  its  own  pace.  

Lunch  at  the  Resort.                  

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     Post  lunch    activities.      Rock  Climbing  Stand   in   front  of   the  mighty   rocks,   feel   like  a  dot  and  enjoy  your  miniature  existence!  Maximize  your  muscle  power;  pull   yourself  up   the  mountain  with  agility  and  balance.  Climb   from  bottom  to   top,   slip  and  climb  again.  Scale  new  heights  in  life,  experience  the  thrill  and  enjoy  the  overwhelming  view.  

Rappelling  Tie  a  rope  around  yourself  and  feel  the  thrill  of  descending  from  the  face  of  a  cliff  and  speak  to  the  rocky  terrain.  Enjoying  the  gorgeous  views  around  cannot  be  described  in  words  here  -­‐  you  have  to  be  there,  do  that!  We  are  sure  you’ll  return  home  leaving  all  your  fears  behind  charmed  with  all  the  excitement  and  bliss  within.  

 

Aqua  Adventure  Imagine  you  are  in  the  lap  of  nature,  quite  literally!  Gear  up  some  guts  to  some  water  fun  in  the  gushing  cold  waters  of  Kosi  River  which  flows  by  the  Retreat.  Test  your  endurance  by  battling  out  the  ferocity  of  the  downstream  water  by  crossing  the  river  or  bouldering.  Or  you  could  just  enjoy  the  stillness  within  as  you  see  the  river  flow  by  and  listen  to  the  gurgling  sound  of  the  crystal  clear  river.  It  might  be  just  the  sound  of  water  or  a  whole  new  renewed  love  for  life,  you  will  take  back  to  treasure  for  the  rest  of  your  lives.  

 

Day  4-­‐14th  May  –    Early  morning  session  on  Self  Defence  .        Departure  for  Delhi  It’s  time  to  wish  adios  to  the  royal  forest  of  Deodhar  trees,  the  blissfully  undiluted  silence,  the  crisp  air  laden  with  the  scent  of  pines,  and  finally  the  enthralling  ambiance  of  the  Himalayan  range  and  retrace  your  path  back  home.  Post  breakfast;  check  out  from  Kosi  Valley  Retreat  and  board  the  bus  back  to  Delhi  for  your  onward  destination.  

               

   

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Bookings  &  Cancellations  Policy:  

1. All  bookings  must  be  made  well  in  advance  so  that  all  arrangements  like  Hotel  reservations,  Transport,  Logistics  arrangements  etc.  can  be  made.  Once  you  finalize  a  package  and  book  with  us,  we  will  make  a  provisional  booking  of  Hotel  rooms  and  send  you  a  confirmation  along  with  an  invoice.  

2. We  ask  for  50%  Advance  Deposit,  which  has  to  be  paid  within  3  to  5  working  days  of  the  date  of  package  confirmation  and  Balance  50%  before  30  days  of  the  Tour  start  date.  

3. As  soon  as  the  payments  are  received,  a  receipt  will  be  send  to  you.  Once  all  services  are  confirmed  a  Client  Services  Confirmation  voucher  will  be  mailed  to  you.  

4. Cancellations  must  be  made  in  writing  and  will  be  effective  on  the  date  of  receipt  in  our  offices.  5. The  following  cancellation  charges  will  apply:  (shown  as  percentage  of  total  package  price)  

More  than  6  weeks  before  arrival  -­‐  40%  

Between  41–  20  days  before  departure  -­‐  75%  

19  days  or  less  before  arrival  -­‐  100%  

6.            All  re-­‐payments  for  cancellations  will  be  made  within  4  weeks  from  the  effective  date)  

Tour  once  commenced  will  strictly  go  as  per  the  itinerary  finalized.  In  case  of  events  and  circumstances  beyond  our  control,  we  reserve  the  right  to  change  all  or  parts  of  the  contents  of  the  itinerary  for  safety  and  wellbeing  of  our  esteemed  guests.  

Please  note  that  No  rooms  have  been  blocked  and  the  same  would  be  done  on  your  confirmation,  subject  to  room  availability.  

 

   

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Share  our  Green  Awareness  Please  observe  the  following:  

Do's  

§ Use  of  Polythene  and  Plastics  is  unhealthy  for  the  environment  of  the  Himalayas.    § Carry  away  all  non-­‐degradable  litter-­‐  empty  bottles,  tins,  polythene  bags  etc.  and  throw  them  in  

municipal  dustbins  only,  so  that  they  can  be  disposed  properly.    § Observe  the  sanctity  of  holy  sites.  In  case  of  any  offerings  contact  the  staff  of  the  temple  committee  

only.    § Respect  local  traditions.  When  taking  photographs,  respect  privacy  ask  prior  permission  and  use  

restraint.    § In  case  temporary  toilets  are  set  up  near  camp  sites,  after  defecation,  cover  with  mud  or  sand.  

Ensure  that  the  spot  is  at  least  30mts.  from  a  water  source.    

Don'ts  

§ Taking  away  of  cuttings,  seeds  and  roots  is  illegal  in  the  Himalayan.  Allow  the  flora  and  fauna  to  flourish  in  their  natural  environment.    

§ Avoid  using  pollutants,  such  as  detergents,  in  streams  or  springs.    § Do  not  use  wood  as  fuel  to  cook  food  at  the  camp  site  and  do  not  destroy  the  forest  wealth  of  the  

Himalayas,  which  are  our  heritage.    § Do  not  leave  burnings  cigarettes  or  make  open  fires  in  the  forest.    § Do  not  consume  alcohol,  drugs  or  any  other  intoxicant.    § Do  not  tempt  local  children  by  offering  them  foodstuff  or  sweets.    § Do  not  listen  to  Radios,  Tape  Recorders  or  any  other  electronic  entertainment  equipment  at  high  

volume  to  avoid  noise  pollution.    § Be  careful  in  making  relations,  while  traveling  by  Bus  or  Trains.    

We  at  Walk  to  Himalayas  strongly  endorse  the  principles  of  Eco-­‐Tourism.  We  seek  to  protect  the  environment  and  to  minimize  pollution  while  we  send  our  clients  on  trips  to  Uttarakhand.  We  also  believe  that  local  communities  should  gain  some  benefit  from  our  visit  and  we  have  a  policy  of  local  services  wherever  we  can.  

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