The overnight train was a new experience for most of us- not very comfortable, noisy from the the sheer volume of people on the train constantly coming up and down the corridors and a real mixture of sleeping arrangements with the locals. However the team were all supporting each other and we certainly shared some stories the next morning!
The train arrives in Pathankot, in the Punjab, at 6am. We are primed to get off quickly as the train only stops for 5 minutes! We are obviously pros at bag manoeuvring now as all 34 of us are off the train in under two minutes. The trekkers are then split into 8 groups, with each group allocated a taxi for the three hour drive to Dharamsala.
Travelling in convoy, we stop to get breakfast in Pathankot first (Hotel Jyoti with a little shop selling snacks) before travelling to our destination. The air is cleaner and it’s cooler than Delhi. We can even hear birdsong!
The drive takes in the Indian countryside with, of course, lots of cows on the roadside. The cows don’t move for anyone! We pass through some roadworks (no 50mph limits here!) past lots of building developments, and through small mountain towns as we climb upwards to our destination for the night. We pass roadside sellers and start to see wildlife including monkeys and chipmunks. The roads are narrow and winding, and not everyone can get through easily!
Dharamsala is located in the Kangra Valley in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas at an altitude of 1,457 metres (4,780 ft). Our accommodation is in the Padsu area of the town and is the AK continental hotel. We all receive a traditional Tibetan welcome of flowers in our hair, a bindi of turmeric and a scarf.
After a quick freshen up we head out to the local Buddhist Monastery to see the monks in training and home of the Dalai Lama.
On the way we meet a family of builders. It is traditionally the work of women to carry the mixed cement or dug earth on their heads. These ladies enjoyed posing for this photo.
After a few hours of free time in Dharamsala, we eat together and have our final pre-trek briefing. It’s been strange taking so long to actually start what we came for! Now it’s getting nearer, we are excited and pleased. Everyone is working together as one group, helping and supporting.
I continually hear the stories of why people are trekking for St John’s. It’s humbling to be reminded of how much love people hold for the Hospice, and the difference St John’s has made to the lives of their loved ones, and to them. This trek has helped us so far raise over £150,000 and you can still donate while we are on the trek. If you can help, please do: you will help us maintain the Hospice and its services for the future.
