NHT Brochure 2015

Note: Programme and route schedule are subject to change with or without prior notice.

Reporting: All the participants will report at 3.00 p.m at base camp Devak Community Centre, Opposite ARTO Office, National Highway, Udhampur on the reporting date allotted to them.

Safety: From safety point of view much preparation has gone into the planning of the trek route. Our field staff and experienced camp leaders have been visiting the areas to check all details. While preparing trek care has been taken to ensure safety of the participants, the Youth Hostels Association of India cannot be held responsible for any accident, illness and such other unforeseen eventualities.

Certificates: Participants, who successfully complete the trek and abide by the discipline of the programme, will be awarded certificates.

Prohibitions: SMOKING, USE OF ALCOHOL AND NARCOTICS OF ANY DESCRIPTION ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED DURING THE COURSE OF THE PROGRAMME. Violators will not be allowed further participation in the programme and are liable to be discharged immediately on the spot. Deviation from the set route of the programme is not permitted. If participants desire to join any other activity, they may do so after finishing the trek and checking out, at their own risk and responsibility.

Your attention: YHAI, J&K State Branch expects the participants to maintain discipline at all times. This will include adherence to the programme schedule in letter and spirit. This being an environment friendly trek, participants are requested not to litter or spoil the trail in any way. They are expected to carry the same with them to deposit at the next camp.

How to apply:

Members desirous of joining the programme may apply on a prescribed Registration Form duly supported by a Medical certificate, which is available, free of cost, with the Units / State Branches of YHAI and National Office. It can also be downloaded from our website www.yhaindia.org

Cancellation

Persons who are unable to join the trek after paying the participation fee, will get a refund of 50% provided their request is received directly in the National office / J&K State Branch office at least 30 days in advance from the date of their reporting. Special Casual Leave

The Trekking Expedition organized by Youth Hostels Association of India has the approval for special casual leave for the employees of the Government of India for the period of the trek, subject to maximum of 30 days in a calendar year vide office order NO: 28016/89-Estt(A), of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, (Deptt. Of Personnel & Training) Government of India and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir have also authorized special casual leave on the same pattern under SRO 171 of 2004. Adventure scholarship:

YHAI announces 50 adventure scholarships of Rs.2250/- each to physically challenges youth including deaf and dumb for this expedition. Deserving participants may apply to the National Office / J&K State Branch Office, YHAI on a plain paper supported by relevant certificates. Photographic competition:

After the completion of each trekking expedition, photographic competition is held. Winners are awarded with certificates and cash prizes. Participants may also send their entries in the form of colour slides or colour prints on the following themes: Nature Birds, Flowers, Wildlife, Scenic beauty, Camping & Trekking. The size of the prints should be 8 X 10. Participants are requested to give brief details of the location of the subjects and also their name, address and group number on the reverse of the photograph. YHAI has the right to retain / use even such of the entries which are not selected for awards with due acknowledgement / compensation. The entries are to be submitted to the J&K State Branch Office. Last Date of submitting entries is 30th of June 2015.

For further details contact: Dr. Taran Singh Secretary,

YHAI J&K State Branch Ph. 9419147284 [email protected] , [email protected]

7th

Udhampur to Mantalai

Beginning 1st of May 2015

YOUTH HOSTELS ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, J&K STATE BRANCH In collaboration with:

DIRECTORATE OF TOURISM, JAMMU, GOVT OF J&K. DIRECTORATE OF YOUTH SERVICES & SPORTS, J&K STATE

DIRECTORATE OF EDUCATION, JAMMU/SRINAGAR PATNITOP DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, KUD &

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION UDHAMPUR

YHAI National Office 5, Nyaya Marg, Chanakyapuri,New Delhi-110021. Tel: 011-26110250, 26871969,Fax : 011- 26113469

E-mail : [email protected] Website : www.yhaindia.org

NATIONAL HERITAGE TREK : The Youth Hostels Association of India, J&K State Branch in collaboration with the Directorates of Education, Youth Services & Sports, Colleges and Tourism, J&K Government, Patnitop Development Authority & District Administration Udhampur is organizing the National Heritage Trek expedition through some of the most scenic and beautiful areas of Jammu & Kashmir. This 07 days trek touches unique heritage sites, green meadows and pastures; lofty mountains; thick deodar forests; clear natural water springs; brooks and the holy river that flows just below the surface of the earth except at one location at Udhampur. The trek is a unique experience, providing trekkers with a glimpse of magnificent natural and built heritage of the state and study of flora and fauna of area.

This expedition offers the youth a new trekking route in the Pancheri Hills and combines a healthy outdoor activity with exposure to the rich heritage of the state. Key places of interest:

Devak: The famous over ground spot of the hilly under ground river at Udhampur. It is considered as poise as the holy Ganges. The residents of Udhampur and adjoining areas submerge the ashes and remains of the dead at this place with the belief that the deceased will get solace in the heavens.

Karimchi: The famous Pandva Temples built in the 11th 12th century AD have very interesting architectural features, which resemble the Orissan Style of temple architecture. PancherPancherPancherPancheriiiii- A hill resort perched with Deodar forest on the one side, and a small hill top town ship on the other and surrounded by Ladha Dhar on the east, Saroli Dhar on the west, Sankhpal Dhar on the north and Kainth Gali ridges on the south. It is known for being a health resort

Lander: A beautiful hill resort a special attraction having water resources preserved by beautifully carved stones. Age old temples and deity carved out of

stones.

Katti : It is normally a resting location for trekkers and locals moving from Lander to Sanasar. It is a mid hill resort to provide comfort to the upcoming trekkers . Sanasar : It is a picturesque meadow surrounded by lofty Deodar and Kail trees with lots of medicinal plants and herbs. It is heaven for Para-Gliders and Nature Study. Trekkers will be exposed to adventures like Repelling, Hill Climbing, River crossing. Nathatop : Highest point of the Trek (2648 Meters) offers scenic views of the world famous peak like Brahma and other surrounding peaks and valleys. Hide and seek by rain and hails add thrill to the expedition.

Patnitop : The world famous hill resort (2024 Meters) is perched on a beautiful plateau across which Jammu Srinagar highway passes. It comprises of several meadows enveloped by thick forests of Deodar. Sudh Mahadev - Mantalai temples:

Mantalai: Situated 1450 meters above the sea level is the place where Lord Shiva was married to Goddess Parwati. It is the place where the world renowned saint DHERENDRA BHARAMCHARI established the world class Yoga Centre and was establishing the world class hospital and health resort before he died in the tragic air crash at the same site.

YHAI, J&K State Branch is organizing orientation sessions at the places of halt. Dates:

The programme begins from 1st of May to 10th of June 2014. A group of 30 40 trekkers will be received at Base Camp, Udhampur.

Participation: Participation is open to all educational institutions, recognized units of YHAI and members of YHAI.

Participation Fee : Rs. 4500/- for members only. The fee includes simple vegetarian food, accommodation, supervision, expert guidance and equipment for 7 days. Booking will be done strictly on first come first serve basis.

How to participate : Those who are interested to participate should send registration form duly filled along with Bank Draft of Rs 4500/- and DD should be prepared in the name of Secretary, Youth Hostels Association of India, J&K State Branch payable at Jammu and sent to Dr Taran Singh, F-353, Sant Market, Chand Nagar Jammu -180016. For participants below the age of 15, a consent letter from their parents Is essential.

What Trekkers must bring: Trekkers should bring cotton shirts, cotton pants, bed sheet, hunter shoe, sun-cap, wind sheeter, two woolen jersey, two pairs of socks, torch, water bottle, lunch box, mug, plate, tumbler, toilet set, cold cream, and first aid kit including essential medicines. Mug, plate, tumbler and spoon are must.

Route and Schedule : Day 1 : Reporting at Base Camp Udhampur Day 2 :Transfer by bus to Heritage site Krimchi then to Panacheri Day 3 : 12 kms Trek to Lander Day 4 : 12 Kms uphill / down trek to Sanasar Day 5 : 14 kms upslope trek to Patnitop via Nathatop. Day 6 : 14 Kms down/ up trek to Sudhmahadev - Mantalai Day 7 : Transfer by bus to Base Camp Udhampur