Yi SIG Trek Himalayan Mountain Challenge 2.0

The Only Meadow Trek With Stunning Mountain Views

Out of the other meadow treks in our country Ali Bedni has the grandest of mountain views. That's because of one thing - the sight of Mt. Trishul and Mt. Nanda Ghunti jutting right out of the meadows.

Jutting out doesn't mean you see the tops of these mountains, you see the entire face - almost 6000-7000 feet of it - rising right in front of you. 

During Spring, the mountain views are at their sharpest and clearest, as the air is still crisp and clean from the winter months. The blue sky seems to stretch on forever. The landscape is unmarred by the haze and smog that can often plague the plains. The snow-capped peaks glisten in the sunlight. Soon, green meadows will start peeping out from under the snow.

By summer, you see meadows carpeted with fresh grass. The surprise of finding yourself in Ali Bugyal after trekking through dense forests is unbeatable. The moment you get out of the shades of the forest cover, you see acres and acres of green carpet sprawled out in front of you. Mt Trishul, stands tall against the blue skies, making for a formidable backdrop. Horses and their foals tear themselves across the turf in an uninhibited abandon while the cattle graze lazily on this bounty.

The walk to Bedni Bugyal from here is exhilarating! It is a walk that tempts you to take off your shoes and feel this carpet for yourselves. The Bedni Bugyal is another stop in this meadow country – a strip of vibrant green, overlooking the western valley. Popping right out of this meadow-like sentient, silent guards are the mountains of Trishul and Nanda Ghunti. If you climb the Bedni Top, other high risers of the imposing Chaukhamba range open up before you. These incredible settings make these twin meadows a must-do on the trekker's bucket list.

We are introducing bird-watching and stargazing experience in this trek. You can have the most enthralling birding experience. In this trek you will have a night stargazing experience, diving deep into the mysteries of the night sky. Both these experiences are dependent on weather and time permitting the activity. 

Book your air ticket to Dehradun. Drive from Dehradun to Rishikesh, and reach the backpackers accommodation arranged for Yi at Rishikesh.

DAY 0 - 20th May: All participants must arrive Rishikesh.

DAY 1 - 21st May: (Travel & Orientation Day) Drive from Rishikesh to Lohajung. Drive distance: 260 km | Drive Duration: 10-11 hours | Location of Basecamp: Lohajung (10-11 hours drive from Rishikesh. Transport will be arranged from Rishikesh at 5.00 am.)

DAY 2 - 22nd May: Drive from Lohajung to Wan. Trek to Gehroli Patal. Trek Distance: 6.3 km | Trek Duration: 6 hours Altitude gain: 7,550 ft to 10,350 ft

DAY 3 - 23rd May: Trek from Gehroli Patal to Abin Kharak via Bedni Bugyal. Trek Distance: 5.6 km | Trek Duration: 5-6 hours | Altitude gain: 10,350 ft to 11,145 ft via 12,550 ft

DAY 4 - 24th May: Trek from Abin Kharak to Didna via Ali Bugyal. Trek Distance: 9.3 km | Trek Duration: 5 hours Altitude loss: 11,145 ft to 8,150 ft

DAY 5 - 25th May: Trek from Didna to Lohajung. Trek Distance: 8 km | Trek Duration: 4-5 hours | Altitude loss: 8,150 ft to 7,550 ft

DAY 6 - 26th May: Drive from Lohajung to Rishikesh. Drive distance: 260 km | Drive Duration: 10-11 hours | Drop off Time: 7 pm (Reach Rishikesh; 10-11 hours drive from Lohajung.)

Day 7 - 27th May: Participants leave Rishikesh.

Trail Length: Approx 29 Kms | Highest Altitude: 12,550 feet / 3,825 meters 

Please note: The distance between campsites may vary by 100 meters depending the weather conditions and the route you take. The altitude may also vary by 100 feet for similar reasons. The itinerary is subject to change based on governmental regulation, weather conditions and force majeure. 

The major collaborative behaviors normally seen getting enhanced during HMC are:

1. Conscious efforts in building closer relationships with their team mates.
2. Honest and transparent communication between team members, which plays a huge role in building trust.
3. The ability to handle conflicts in a constructive manner.
4. Empathy and inclusivity.
5. The sharing of control and the avoidance of power struggles.
6. Creating an environment that enables all team members to lead in their area of responsibility.
7. Greater collaboration with other teams.
8. Greater ability to leverage the diversity in the team and to tap into its collective intelligence. 

All of this does not come about by chance. It comes about by the design of the program. Participants are actively engaged in the experiential learning process of planning, executing, and reflecting. The three major elements of the design are:

1. The trek: Designed to force participants out of their comfort zones, thus creating an environment for learning. Each day of the trek has a progressive change in terrain, altitude, temperature, and trekking hours. This keeps participants constantly on the learning edge.

2. The activities: The entire expedition is also broken down into carefully designed activities. Every activity has a specific takeaway. It requires every team member to work collaboratively every single hour of the program.

An example of an activity is teams having to find their own way to the next campsite each day. Participants are given GPX files or a rudimentary map to do so. They have to figure out the way to the next camp themselves.

This requires collaboration as well as creativity. It also requires the ability to decode a map, and negotiate the terrain. All the while participants need to trek as a team, and support each other till they reach the next campsite as a unit - because straying members are not allowed under the rules of the program.

3. Reflection sessions: These sessions are a crucial element, that enables teams to introspect on their learning and takeaways each day. Guided by the facilitator they talk about all the activities of the day and discuss what worked and what did not. They openly share the challenges they faced whether personal, interpersonal, environmental, or skill related.

During reflections, participants also address conflicts in a way that resolves them. Participants strategise and plan for the next day, taking into account the learning so far. They consult on what can be done differently. They become more aware of their strengths and the areas they need to work on.

Doing this over and over again during the 4 days of the program, creates a strong pattern of planning, acting, and reflecting. This process becomes a powerful tool for addressing issues and creating a synergy that results in the team coming together as a cohesive unit.

This program is designed and curated by Indiahikes for Yi, and all information shared has been taken from Indiahikes.

Fitness: By the time the participants leave for the trek you should be able to run 5 km in under 35 minutes.

The BMI upper limit for any Himalayan trek is 28. Blood pressure readings need to be in the normal range as well.

Trek Gear: Participants will have to get all the gear they require well in advance. You can opt for renting gears to avoid spending too much on your first trek experience. Renting can be done through Indiahikes Store​ later at an additional cost.

It is mandatory for trekkers to carry a copy of their photo id for entry at forest check posts on the trek.

It is also mandatory to submit fitness proof, health certificate and the Disclaimer form before the trek. This will be done post registrations.

Bare necessities

1. Trekking shoes: The trek distance is long and you will have to walk for long distances which need you to have comfortable trekking shoes.

2. Backpack (40-60 litres): A backpack with sturdy straps and a supporting frame. Rain cover for the backpack is essential.

3. Rain gear, warm layers, torch, your own cutlery and 2 reusable water bottles.

What to take on a high altitude trek: https://youtu.be/PFtBdafs_PM​

Mandatory Document

1. Original and photocopy of identity card.
2. 1 passport-size photograph. 
3. Medical and Disclaimer certificate. Download.​

Prohibitions

Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited from the time participants leave Rishikesh till they return to Rishikesh. Participants who do not observe this restriction will be disqualified from the program and will have to return to Rishikesh immediately.

Yi shall organize online session with experts from Indiahikes - starting one month before the program and guide participants for fitness, trek gear, preparation and any queries from participants.

Program Fee: INR 18,034 PER TREKKER

Yi & Yi Next members can join the Yi SIG Trek Himalayan Mountain Challenge 2.0 program.

Inclusions

1. Backpackers accommodation with breakfast on Day 0 & Day 7 at Rishikesh (3 per room)
2. Accommodation during the trek (camping – 3 per tent)
3. All meals – vegetarian. From arrival at the base camp till you return.
4. Trekking permits and forest camping charges
5. Trekking equipment (tents, sleeping bags, ice axes, ropes)
6. Safety equipment (first aid, medical kit, oxygen cylinders, stretcher)
7. Trek Insurance
8. Yi SIG Trek Kit
9. Services of an expert trek team ( volunteers, guides, cooks, helpers, porters/mules)
10. Transport from Rishikesh to the base and back, with one basic meal on the way to base camp.

Exclusions

1. Transportation from your city to Rishikesh.

Backpackers Accommodation (Rishikesh)

Live Free Hostel, Opposite Anand Dham, Laxman Jula Road, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand- 249192

https://goo.gl/maps/PfwMAAU73eArGnHN8​

• Transportation arranged in Innovas / Boleros (5-6 pax) or similar as per availability.
• You can leave behind luggage (no valuables) that you do not require for the trek at the base. This will be returned to you on the day you descend. 
• In case of the number of trekkers being lower than expected, there may be an approx cost increase of Rs 1255 per trekker

1. Once you register through this page, you have an email in your inbox with the payment link.
2. The payment link takes you to Indiahikes payment and registration gateway. Accept T&C, create your account, or logon to your previous account with Indiahikes, and proceed to make the payment.
3. Kindly pay only for yourself and make one registration only. Do not add any participants to your account and/or pay for anyone else.
4. The payment window is set for 24 hours only. If you fail to complete the payment, the link expires within 24 hours.
5. Once you payment is done, please confirm back to sandeep.chauhan@cii.in
6. Trek Registrations and Payments to close 15th April, without any extensions. Post 15th April we cannot order your Yi SIG Trek Kit.
7. Only Yi Members and Yi Next Members are eligible to participate in Yi HMC 2.0.
8. Yi Next trekkers above 58 years are required to submit their TMT before the trek.

• If the trekker cancels: 29-21 days before the trek- 50% refund, and if 20 days before the trek or no show- no refund and no voucher
• Refund the whole amount after the deduction of 4% bank charges by Indiahikes - in case the trek being called off before 20th April due to number of trekkers being too low.
• All financial transactions are between the trekker and Indiahikes.