Where in the World?

The Spiti valley and surrounding region is one of the least populated regions in India and is the gateway to the northernmost reaches of the nation. We will spend time exploring the mountains and treks of this region as well as visiting a number of the magnificent monasteries and gompa’s of the region.

The Expedition

Your journey will begin with a community project at the Upper Valley School Burua, a place of 140 children located in the Kullu Valley – the gateway to the Rotang Pass! Here we will spend time amongst the children, living and working alongside their daily activities teaching and building a new floor to their school. During this period of acclimatisation (2900M) we will visit the local towns of Manali and Vashist as well completing daily treks into the Sullang Nullah Valley.

Our main trek, of some 14 -16 days will take place in the Spiti Valley, a desert mountain valley located high in the Himalaya Mountains, an area totally cut-off during winter. It possesses a distinctive Buddhist culture similar to that found in nearby Tibet and the Ladakh region of India.

The trek will commence at Rangrik following the valley routes through to the Pin Parvati Valley to the Bhaba Pass to Shimla. From there we will catch the world famous Shimla Mountain railway overnight to Delhi before visiting the sites of Agra (Taj Mahal) and Agra Fort.

You will experience a multitude of religions and cultures during this expedition from nomadic yak herders to Buddhist priest, Hindi’s gods to Himalayan passes to Delhi hotels! This programme has been designed to give you an insight into one of the worlds oldest, greatest and most diverse countries.

Up for the Challenge?

Leader Profile

This will be Brian Pascoe's 4th BEG expedition to the Himalayas. This experience builds on his previous leads in West and East Africa, Asia and the Pacific region he has also led diving expeditions to the Caribbean. He and his leader team of Heather and Tom give you immense experience in wilderness trekking and wish you a warm welcome aboard to The Thousand Gompa Trek 2008.

Prior to departing there will be a Training weekends in May (Dates TBC) in the Lakes giving members the opportunity to meet, check kit and do some fellwalking in preparation for the trip.

 approx. £1480 plus flight (to be confirmed)
Deposit £ 240