National Himalayan Mountain Biking Expedition:2006 YHAI

zzzehar

I am planning to take this trip with YHAI this April 25th. Any suggestions? Has anyone done a similar kind of trip before?

I am pasting the details of the programme, I will contact YHAI today regarding the availability of seats for the April 25th Trip.

"Youth Hostels Associations Of India is organising National Himalayan Trekking Expeditions for the last 30 years in various parts of Himalaya. Now we wish to do the diversification in our adventure activity. Therefore we are organising National Himalayan Mountain Biking Expedition from Kullu to Jalori Pass and back in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal has been referred to as the land of Gods and Goddesses and snow clad mountains. Perennial streams flow here with Crystal clean water. Its beautiful valleys present extensive forests and picturesque meadows dotted with a variety of flora and fauna, which beckon the young adventure lovers to come and experience the serene and calm atmosphere of all pervading nature

Overview:
The route of Mountain Biking is of scenic beauty and cultural diversity. It has vast tracts of meadows and pastures lying across beautiful mountains. The first day of this route will be Biking on National Highway up to village Aut. This route has small ups and downs and along the Beas river. The next day onwards route is very beautiful and enjoyable up to Jalori Pass. Jalori Pass located at a height of 10500 ft provides an awesome and breathtaking view of some most beautiful snow clad mountain peaks. It is famous for its dense forest with a variety of botanical species of thick and colorful foliage emanating enchanting fragrance, compelling passerby to view and appreciate the raw natural beauty. This forest is also provided with the beauty of colorful birds and wilderness of wild life. You may also meet simple Himachali folk who are proud of their land, culture and heritage.
Purpose:
The purpose of the programme is to expose the YHAI members to a grater adventure and to rough out the rigors of plodding with a sense of love for nature and outdoor recreational activity aiming at promoting adventure in tandem with national integration.
Dates:
The expedition is organised for a limited number of participants only. There are only 4 batches of 10 participants each reporting at base camp on 25th April, 5th May, 15th May and 25th May. You can choose any date mentioned above to report at the base camp.
Schedule:
Day 1 Reporting at Base Camp - Youth Hostel Seobaugh.(Height:4000 Ft.)
Day 2 Acclimatization and Orientation
Day 3 Biking to Youth Hostel Aut - 32 km.(Height:3500 Ft.)
Day 4 Biking to Youth Hostel Banjar - 22 km.(Height:4000 Ft.)
Day 5 Biking to Youth Hostel Jibhi - 10 km.(Height:6000 Ft.)
Day 6 Biking to Youth Hostel Jalori Pass - 10 km.(Height:10500 Ft.)
Day 7 Nature Trail at Jalori Pass.
Day 8 Biking to Youth Hostel Aut - 42 km.(Height:3500 Ft.)
Day 9 Biking to Base Camp - Youth Hostel Seobaugh - 32 km.(Height:4000 Ft.)
Day 10 Group breaks after Breakfast.

Age:
The minimum age for joining the expedition is 18 years. This condition will be adhered to strictly.
Selection:
As the number of participants is limited preference will be given to those who have already participated in our earlier National Himalayan Trekking Expedition Programmes.
Fees:
Rs. 1450/- per head will cover use of bicycle for the expedition, stay in tented accommodation, simple nutritious vegetarian meals, other equipments, guidance, forest entry fee and insurance. Participants will bear to and fro travel expenses from their home to base camp.
Equipments Provided by YHAI:
Things that YHAI is providing:-
Mountain Bicycle Helmet Knee Cap Elbow Gaurd Elbow Gaurd
Bicycle riding gloves Knap Sacks
Personal Requirements:
Personal items to be brought by you - Rucksack (if you have one), cotton shirts, cotton pants, woolen jersey or jacket, woolen muffler or monkey cap, sun cap, light rain coat, shoes, socks, 1 pair of woolen socks, hand gloves, torch with spare batteries, water bottle, lunch box, enameled or steel mug or tumbler, plate, spoon, water purifying tablets, pen, knife, needle, tread, spare buttons, goggles, cold cream or Vaseline, soap, toilet paper, towel, medicines which you normally use at home, camera and film rolls (optional).
Safety:
Extensive and painstaking preparations have gone into the planning of mountain biking route for your safety. Our field staff and experienced camp leaders have been visiting the area to check all details. While every care has been taken to ensure safety, the Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.

Smoking, use of alcohols and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the course of the programme.

Deviation from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If Participants desire to join any other activity they may do so at their own responsibility and risk only after finishing the trek and checking out.
Notice:
Programme Schedule and Route are subject to change without prior Notice.
Certificates:
Participants, who successfully complete the biking expedition and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded certificates.
Special Casual Leave:
No Special Casual Leave applicable for mountain biking expedition.
How To Reach:
Regular bus services are available for Kullu from Delhi, Chandigarh and other parts of Punjab. From Kullu bus stand Seobaugh Base Camp is 3 kms on the left bank of Beas river. It is linked by road via Ramsila bridge and Lugarbhati.
How to Apply:
Members desirous of joining this programme may apply on a prescribed Registration Form duly supported by a Medical Certificate, which is available free of cost from Units/State Branches and National Office. It can also be downloaded from our website. Available forms on this site are: Enrolment Form
Registration Form
Medical Form

You can print these forms and send dully filled forms on the address given below in this page along with Demand Draft of Participation Fee drawn in favour of "National Secretary, Y.H.A. of India" and payable at Delhi.
Cancellations:
In case you are unable to join the trek after paying the participation fee, you will get a refund of Rs.725/- provided your request is received directly in the National Office at least 7 days in advance from the date of your reporting. No refund will, however, be admissible if such notice is short of 7 days.
Photographic Competition:
After the completion of each biking expedition, photographic competition is held for which attractive cash prizes and certificates are awarded. You may also send your entries in the form of colour slides or colour prints on the following subjects : Scenic beauty, camping, biking and Nature - Birds, Flowers, Wildlife. The size of the prints should be 8"X10". Please give brief details of the location of the subjects and also your name, address and group number on the reverse of the photograph. YHAI has the right to retain/use even the entries which are not selected for awards. Last date for submitting entries is 31st July 2006.
Your Attention
Please note that this is an environment friendly trek. Do not litter any wrappers or spoil the trail in any way. In case you find any wrapper, plastic bag or any thing left by trekkers on the way, please carry the same with you for deposit at the base camp. We will be selecting and appointing two environ-leaders per group. If you have an inclination and an eye for environment protection, we will be glad to receive your particulars along with your registration form.
IMPORT OF ANY BIO NON DEGRADABLE MATERIAL IN HIMACHAL PRADESH IS AN OFFENCE
WARNING:
Burning of wood during camp fire is strictly prohibited.
Smoking, use of alcohols and narcotics of any description are strictly prohibited during the course of the programme."

sunilg

Hi zzzehar,

In 2005, we had done more or less the same route in June 2005, albeit on our motorcycles. click here for the details of that trip. There is a trek route to Sirolsar lake that starts from the top of Jalori pass; a short but very beautiful trek. See if you can do this trek.

Sunil

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clawhammer

ZZZehar are u a member of YHAI?If yes how long does it take to get a membership ID?
I'm planning to go on a trek with them,if I manage to find some time
I don't know about cycling trip but Mridulahas been on treks with YHAI.
You can PM her for more info.

zzzehar

Thank you for the link, I am a regular visitor to that blog of Crimson...Appreciate It !

zzzehar

I have been thinking of getting the membership. Two years membership costs mere 200 bucks. You can fill up the online form and upload a pic. I am still looking for a PP size pic of mine. If you want, you can join me for this trek, this is my first ever. I will call them today for availability of seats, else, I will go on 5th May 2006.

zzzehar

sad news ! I called YHAI up and they said that I cannot go on this trek as I haven't done any National terk with YHAI before ! WTF? If they say this to everyone who asks for the National trek and they respond the same way they did to me, how the heck will I ever be able to do my 1st National trek?

clawhammer

Does this rule of a prior National trek applies to only the cycling expedetion?
Or is it applicable to "treks" also?
The rule anyway seems to be ridiculous.

Yogesh Sarkar

maybe they think this trek is tougher then others and thats why they only want experienced peoples

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landoormama

I read ur iterinary and you dont need to do this trail with the Y.H.A.I ..you can do it on your own..I had been on this trail by car ten years ago and found it quite beaautiful .I am sure you can go ahead and do it on your own ..have fun

zzzehar

as of now only for the cycling expedition ! others treks are open for everyone.

himadventures

http://www.yhaindia.org/default.aspx

I have been told that YHAI maintains very strict discipline-now this limit sometimes gets too closer.I do not know the truth but still feels that better you make your own PLAN and make friends from FORUMS and make a small group. You have many good bikers who have done extensive biking in mountains-contact LOVEMAX !

Yogesh Sarkar

himadventures the bikes being referred here are paddle powered (ie cycles), Lovemax has petrol powered bike (ie motorcycle), but he might be taking out the engine and installing paddles!!

zzzehar i feel they are right by restricting the entries to those who have been to treks, coz cycling in hills requires loads of stamina and many might underestimate the task and jump in. that would be a nightmare for the organizers, so to prevent this they might have used this rule.