Himalayan Wanderers - Packages: Darma Valley

	"Where'er you walk, cool gales shall fan the glade, Trees, where you sit, shall crowd into a shade: Where'er you tread, the blushing flow'rs shall rise, And all things flourish, where you turn your eyes." Alexander Pope

DARMA VALLEY PACKAGE

Situated along the Dhuali River, in the Pithoragarh district of Kumaon and endowed richly with natural splendor, Darma is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful valleys in the region. Darma is a mysterious land of myths and fascinating customs of the Shauka people who, for centuries, have survived the rugged inclemency of the high altitude terrain of the Himalayas. They are basically a trader community who used to monopolize the Indo-Tibetan trade before China's infamous takeover. End August and early September is the best time to visit the valley, when the lush green landscape is dotted with profuse pink Palthi fields in full bloom as far as the eye can see.

From Delhi we go to Phitoragarh and on to Dharchula, where innerline permit has to be made and from there the real journey begins. After this we drive to Tawaghat. There is a possibility that we can reach Sobla on the same day if the roads are in good shape. From Sobla we will trek to Darr, Syela, Bongling, Nagling, Baling, Saun, Dugtu, Dantu, Tidang, Baun, Philam, Go, Dhakar, Sipu and Marchha - all Shauka villages.
We camp at different villages. The lowest village (Syela) is at a height of roughly 2,500 meters, while the highest (Sipu) is about 3,400 meters. The magnificent Panch Chuli Range forms an awesome backdrop to most of the villages of the valley.

The journey involves about 12 days of trekking.
Average trekking per day - 4 to 5 hours.

Suggestions: sleeping bag (optional), stout pair of shoes, a thick pullover, windcheater, lip salve, sunscreen lotion.