National Himalyan Winter Trekking Expedition 2012-13

We, a group of five guys have planned to go for Himalayas trek conducted by YHAI this DEC/Jan 2011/12. We are from Chennai. We have train directly from Chennai to Chakki Bank and other option is Chennai to Delhi and Delhi to Pathankot.

If we take first option. How should we reach Banikhet Base camp from Chakki Bank?

We've booked our trek on 27th. By what time should we be there on 27th? This is the first time we're going for a trek to Himalayas. We'd be glad to get some tips, do's/don'ts also.

Please retort.

Many thanks,
Vikram M N

From Pathankot or Chakki Bank Banikhet is about 7 KM on the mountains, It can be reached by road, bus or taxi, I guess. You can reach Pathankot or Chakki Bank, (both are railway station of the same town) sometime in the pre-noon hours so you could reach Banikhet comfortably before sunset. Remember, in northern India and specially in the mountains, it gets dark a little early. I am joining there on 21st Dec.

If possible, please take Chennai to Chakki Bank option, as this would be convenient. You would get vehicles to Dalhousie which would drop you at Youth Hostel.
You may reach at any time as per your convenience.
May I suggest you to visit this thread.