Story
<p>Hi,<br />A group of 30 people trekked in the Dhauladhar mountain range, foothills of Himalayas to raise money for Childline UK and Childline India. <br /><br />There were lots of highlights through out the trek - This includes people in our group- fairly diverse but a good blend, beautiful Snow Mountains, colourful fields, Visit to the Dalai Lama's temple and his summer palace, warm and welcoming local villagers and school visits during the trek.<br /><br />When I signed up for the Childline India Trek I knew it was going to be challenging for both fund raising target and fitness level required. I thought steep climbs, steep descend, altitudes, and heights would be the kind of issues we would come across but these seemed like nothing compared to the weather that we had to cope with, worst in last 30 years in Himachal! Everyday it would generally be warm in the morning, heavy hailstones for few hours during the afternoon (especially at lunchtime everyday), and then freezing cold from early evening. So we found ourselves geared up with various layers to cope with the changing weather, but only after getting completely soaked on day 1. All our belonging (clothes, sleeping bags and sleeping mats) arrived wet on most days. <br /><br />Day 2 - climbing up a steep mountains with hail so heavy that made the narrow path disappear faster then we could walk, was not only hard but scary too. <br /><br />Day 3 - when we reached the top of the mountain in Truind, the picture perfect views of Snow mountains on one side, deep valley on the other side at sun set was simply stunning, and it made all the hard work of the day well worth it. We camped in Truind on day 3 and 4.<br /> Day 4 - sitting in my tent on my own, on top of a mountain with a full blown storm raging was the scariest experience of my life. I thought of my muma and gran, who would be pleased to know not only I prayed to God but like never before. ;) Our visit to Prayas (Childline India) was the highlight of the trek for me. It was an eye opener for me as until then I hadn't truly appreciated the size and depth of issues that they deal with at Childline India. One inspirational woman that we had the pleasure of meeting is Gargi who works for Prayas. Her strength, passion to bring about change and commitment to the cause is simply admirable. This was one of most amazing experience of my life, during which I met some truly inspirational people making a huge difference in the lives of those less fortunate in the society. I also met some of the funniest characters on the trek, who provided bundles of laughs during the times when there was v little or nothing to laugh about. Since completing the challenge I have raised over £150 which just goes to show the generous support that I have received from you all. So a big thank you for all your support since November and I can assure you it has gone to a v worthy cause. Kindest Regards Bhumi</p>