Last night, the trekkers enjoyed their celebration meal. After eating, all of them were presented with a trek Global medal, something to help them remember thjs very special experience. Maddy Bass spoke a few words based on “Trekkers’ Glory”- what did they fear before the trek, and what have they learned to help combat this fear, and others, in the future?
This morning, we have a few free hours in Dharamsala. The group split up to buy souvenirs and gifts, get lunch and generally enjoy the area and views. Some of the team even get the cable car and visit the worlds highest cricket ground where a match was taking place between Pondi and HP in the elite group B for the Ranji tournament.
As the trekkers reflect on the past few days, we learn we climbed three times the height of Snowdon – and camped at twice the height of Ben Nevis! We wait outside for the taxis to be loaded, then leave at 2pm.
The rest of the day is spent travelling- a three hour taxi ride to Parankot (very bumpy roads being constructed, and very dusty).
Driving in India is very different to the UK. It is chaotic but everyone driving knows that! There aren’t many rules, but one is to use your horn for communication! And drivers are actively encouraged to do so! How many blasts and how long they are tells other road users and pedestrians what the driver is going to do.
They also drive on the left! Driving on the left was made mandatory in the UK in 1835 and all countries part of the British Empire followed suite. The other rule is to avoid cows. Cows are sacred in the Hindi, Buddhist and Jainism faiths so they are allowed to wander, and not fenced in. They will be found on roads and walking through the streets.
They don’t move for anything!
We have dinner in Pathankot. – more tasty curries with rice and home made naans, we are driven the final 25 minutes to the train station to catch the overnight sleeper train back to Delhi. We have three minutes from arrival to departure to get everyone on, plus their bags.
As the trekkers know what’s to come, they get on quickly with bags and get to their berths quickly. All settle down quickly for some sleep. The train will arrive at 5am for our last day of our India experience.
Well done everyone, and what memories and stories you’ll have to tell, I look forward to hearing them and seeing further photos. ❤️💚