forest learning program

Sunshine Adventures Arya Samaj Street, A.B Kullu

Phone : +91-1902-225182 Fax :+91-1902-222391

Email: info@sunshineadventure.com sunhimalaya@yahoo.com

Web : www.sunshineadventure.com

2009 Summer Program (March to October 2009)

THE FOREST LEARNING PROGRAMTHE FOREST LEARNING PROGRAMTHE FOREST LEARNING PROGRAMTHE FOREST LEARNING PROGRAM

Activities: Activities: Activities: Activities: Trekking , Village Architecture Study, Rock Climbing , Rappelling, River Crossing, Camping, Trekking , Village Architecture Study, Rock Climbing , Rappelling, River Crossing, Camping, Trekking , Village Architecture Study, Rock Climbing , Rappelling, River Crossing, Camping, Trekking , Village Architecture Study, Rock Climbing , Rappelling, River Crossing, Camping,

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Very few things are more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise. Trees have from time immemorial been closely associated with magic. These stout members of the vegetable kingdom may stand for as long as a thousand years, and tower far above our mortal heads. An untouched forest, studded with trees of all ages, sizes and types, is more than a mysterious, magical

place – it is a vast energy reservoir of nature. Forests once stood tall over the entire landmass of our planet. Today, they are fighting what can be called as their last battle for survival. Onslaught of humanity is undermining the health of forest ecosystems at the peril of its own future generations.

The Forest Learning Program at the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) seeks to expose the young minds to the mystique of forests as vibrant ecosystems. Another

aim of the Forest Learning Program is to make the participants realise the critical role of forests in maintaining the viability and vitality of earth as a living planet. History is replete with the examples of individuals who even gave up thrones for the bliss of a forest. Time spent in exploring a forest is an investment into one’s future. It can also be a wonderfully different way to learn about the realities of nature that constitute the foundation of human existence. The Forest learning Program at GHNP exposes the participants to physical and intellectual challenges posed by a forest while also respecting their personal limits. It also seeks to enable them to discover, understand and enjoy the incredible charisma of nature.

The Forest Learning Program is conducted out at Camp GHNP at Great Himalayan National Park, Kullu, H.P. developed under plaNETwork program.

Day 01 Transportation From To Mode Duration Distance

Delhi Camp GHNP Coach/ 12 Hrs 550 Km

Sairopa, Distt Kullu (H.P) Night Journey to Sai Ropa by 2x2 push back coach . Morning arrival at Sai Ropa.

Accommodation

Name of Accommodation Camp GHNP, Great Himalayan National Park Phone # of Accommodation 01903-223109/ 225109 Type of Accommodation Dormitories Location (Town name) Vill. Sairopa, Dist. Kullu (HP) Approximate Altitude 4500 Feet Nearest Best Health Facility Civil Hospital, Banjar (15 Minutes from Camp Site)

Ph. 01903-222214 First aid is available at the camp base

Morning :

Tea , Rest and Freshen, Breakfast up till 11 ‘o clock Afternoon Orientation Session

Introduction to World of Forests and issues involved through a slide-show presentation. Bio-diversity Walk: An in-camp activity, in which participants will document, with the help of local NGO staff, the plant diversity in and around camp site as well as the commercial and medicinal uses of prominent trees and plants.

Evening Ecological Gamble : An exciting educational chance game Folk Music Workshop with local artists around Bon-Fire

Day 2

Transportation From To Mode Duration Distance Camp GHNP Gushaini Village Mini Van 30 Min 5KM Gushaini- Tinder Village Eco-zone Tour Trek 4.5 Hrs 6 KM Gushaini Camp GHNP Mini Van 30 Min 5 KM Accommodations Same as Day 1

Name of Accommodation N.A. Phone # of Accommodation N.A. Type of Accommodation N.A. Location (Town name) N.A Approximate Altitude N.A. Nearest Best Health Facility Same as Day 1

Activities during the Day: Forenoon GHNP Eco-zone Tour: Part 1

The Eco-zone areas are adjacent to the Park and provide a combination of natural and cultural experiences. The trail goes through villages and offers an opportunity to interact with villagers and get a hands-on feel of daily life in the upper reaches. Weaving and Basket Making Workshop (conducted by local artisans) Kullu region is known for shawls made by local artisans. Basket making is also a local art that sustains thousands in the region).

Eco-Treasure Hunt: Treasure hunt is based on the clues and description about the various components of the environment (e.g. medicinal plants, trees of commercial use, minerals, energy sources. The participants will search for specific components from their surroundings based on these clues and will present their findings on the final day.

Afternoon

LUNCH (with the a few prominent villagers, organised by SAHARA)

GHNP Eco-Zone Tour Part 2 Interview/interact with the residents of the village of Tinder to know more about their livelihoods (Theme Areas: Agriculture, Livestock, Energy and Festivals). Preparation for group presentations (to be made on Day 5) Evening Film Show: The Final Frontier followed by interaction with the Field Director, Great Himalayan National Park

Day 03

From To Mode Duration Distance Camp GHNP Gushaini Village Trek. 1 Hr 5 Km Gushaini Village Rola Trek 3 Hrs 4 Km Accommodations

Name of Accommodation ROLA Phone # of Accommodation --- Type of Accommodation All weather alpine tents Location (Town name) Same as Day 1 Approximate Altitude 6800 Feet Nearest Best Health Facility Primary Health Centre, Gushaini Nearest Police Station Banjar, Phone: 01903- 222227

Activities during the Day: Forenoon

Trekking Excursion to Rola (Trek to ROLA: Rola at the height of 6800 feet offers striking views of GHNP. It offers an easy to moderate trekking experience)

Continue Trek to Rola. Picnic Lunch on the way.

Afternoon:

Arrival at ROLA Tent pitching/ Relaxation/Forest Exploration & Bird watching session (The birds of GHNP are an important part of the Park's biological diversity and an attraction for bird watchers. The Park falls within one of the globally important Endemic Bird Areas identified by the ICDP Biodiversity Project.)

Evening Astronomy Workshop after Sundown Camp Fire/Cultural Program

Overnight stay at Rolla

Day 04 Transportation From To Mode Duration Distance ROLA Sai Ropa Trek 4 Hrs 9 Km Accommodations

Name of Accommodation Same as Day 1 Phone # of Accommodation Same as Day 1. Type of Accommodation Same as Day 1. Location (Town name) Same as Day 1. Approximate Altitude 4500 Feet Nearest Best Health Facility Community Health Centre, Banjar

Ph. 01903-222214

Activities during the Day: Forenoon

Trek back from Rola to camp base. Afternoon

Participate in performing a street play for a local audience comprising of residents of surrounding villages to convey the message of conservation and sustainable development (in conjunction with volunteers from SAHARA, a local NGO).

*The Society for Scientific Advancement of Hills & Rural Areas (SAHARA) is a dynamic, young NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) engaged in enhancement of local livelihoods and promoting conservation in the villages in the buffer zone of the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). SAHARA has a group of volunteers (KALAA-JATTHA) that spreads the message of conservation through street plays all year round. The AES students will work with SAHARA personnel to design and later stage the street-play at a suitable location in the Eco-Zone.

Evening

Group Presentation on Eco-zone tour, Eco-treasure hunt findings Eco-Quiz: An environmental quiz (Prizes from Penguin Books India)

Winding Up: An interactive discussion Film Show: Beautiful People (A film by Warner Brothers on Wildlife)

Day 05 Morning Visit the Kullu valley for shopping after breakfast. Sightseeing of the Bajaura temple and the Kullu Dussehra deity in Sultanpur. Evening departure to Delhi by Bus. Optional Activity ( River rafting in the Beas) Option of extending to Day 6 to visit to Manali and Rohtang Snow Point The tour costs would include

1. Transport from Delhi to Sai Ropa and back to Delhi in a deluxe non a/c bus. 2. Food in Sai Ropa and trek 3. Accommodation at Sai Ropa in Dormitories and rooms for teachers on twin sharing and

tents on the trek to Rolla. 4. Activities as described above 5. Staff, Equipment (Sleeping bag, tent, kitchen, guide) on the Trek. 6. Entrance ticket to the Great Himalayan National Park.

The cost would not include meals in the Journey from Delhi and back and any other expenses other than mentioned above. Please confirm the program by the 10th of the month for the bookings on exact number of students.

This program is conducted by the joint venture of Sunshine Adventures and the local communities of the ecozone of the GHNP. Please confirm your details at

Sunshine Himalayan Adventures - Unique Himalayan Tours

Helping the Local Environment

Near Arya Samaj Temple, Akhara Bazar Kullu, Himachal

Pradesh, India -175101

Phone : +91-1902-225182 Fax : +91-1902-222391 Mob:

94181-02083

Email : sunhimalaya@gmail.com,

info@sunshineadventure.com

Friends of Nature SAHARA Eco-Tour Operators