ESCAPAHOLICS India - Mountains & challenges

My name is Jamie and I’m an escapaholic.

Its been 346 days since my last adventure.
So a year ago, they took me on an ‘Endeavour’ run. How can a 10k run be 13k? Loved the value for money – I paid for 10k and got 13k – that’s basically 30% – for free! Wow these guys are annoying, but i liked that....I just had to become an escapaholic. 

And that’s what took me to the chaos of India. Old Delhi at sunrise, cycling the narrow lanes, quaffing goat curry for breakfast and seeing the sites; guided through the Delhi slums and helping the amazing slum school charity, ShikshaRath, and that’s before we headed off to the mighty Himalaya, for jolly japes, crazy capers and escapaholic challenges.

High in the snow-capped mountains, rhododendron forests, camping under the stars, cascading snow melt rivers and back to our colonial hotel, reminiscent of the British Raj. My name is Jamie, and I’m still an escapaholic. I want to go agaaaiiin…..

Escapaholics India

Our 2025 adventure is now full. Start planning for 2026

Itinerary 1st April to 11th April 2026
Our favourite (and original) escapaholic adventure may be.... they are all amazing. From the quintissential majestic and colonial Maidens Hotel, to exploring the back streets of Old Delhi by bike, as the city wakes up; visiting ShikshaRath slum school, and then heading to the foothills of the Himalaya. Exploring the region, enjoying some challenges and then heading in to the mountains, trekking through rhododendron forests and towards the mighty peaks. This just has a bit for everyone.


 Day 01 – Delhi 
Arrival in Delhi to meet up with your fellow escapaholics, with transport (local style) to the iconic Maidens Hotel. Time to relax before heading to see some of the sites of Delhi and a taste of escpaholic escpades. 
Evening Welcome drinks and dinner.
Overnight at Maidens

Day 02 – Delhi 
An early start to tour Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad) by cycle. A zippy tour as the old city awakes followed by…what else…goat curry for breakfast. (Veg option available!)
A visit to our charity, the Shiksharath slum academy, tour of the slums and meet the kids.
Time to relax at the Maidens, prior to heading to the mountains on Day 3.

Day 03 – Delhi to Mcleod Ganj
Arrive at Mcleod Ganj by flight to Dharamsala with transfers and check-in to the Hotel. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, some downtime, and a chance to acclimatise to the altitude.
The rest of the day will be spent relaxing, including lunch, and some light escapaholic exercise!
Evening meal, meet our local guides and Q&A Session

Day 04 – Mcleod Ganj
Acclimatisation continues. We take a visit and lunch at the Tibetan craft centre and Hindu temple, with general site seeing around Dharamsala to include a little 'Adrenalin Challenge.'... and a few cheeky escapades….we are, after all, escapaholics.

Day 05 – Mcleod Ganj to Kareri Village
The start of the Indian escapaholic mountain adventure – bike and trek from Mcleod Ganj (Dalai Lama's residence) at 2,080m to our first campsite, about a 14 km route.
The trek goes through the pine forests and passes several tribal villages. As well as a general ascent over the course of the day, the route includes a few fun “challenges.”
Overnight camp along the Himalayan snow-fed Liyund River. The nearby village is the home of the Gaddi shepherd tribes of Dhouladhair Himalayas, who will be our porters and muleteers.

Day 06 –Kareri Village to Kareri Lake
Kareri village (2,200m) to Kareri Lake (3,048m) steep uphill route along the Liyund River.
The trail goes through mixed forests of oak, rhododendron and pine, along old routes used for many centuries by the Gaddi shepherds. As we walk, we ascend above the tree line to the foot of the snow capped mountains and the Minkiani Pass.
Activities at Kareri Lake to include briefing for the Day 3 ascent (no escape now), and a few ‘jolly japes…’

Day 07 – Kareri Lake to Mikinani Pass 
Kareri Lake (3,048m) to Minikiani Pass (4,268m)…..and back!
This section can be a challenging ascent towards the Minkiani Pass using specialist equipment if necessary, and depending on the weather.
After reaching the pass (conditions permitting), we return to the campsite at Kareri Lake.

Day 08 – Kareri Lake to Mcleod Ganj
From Kareri Lake, escapaholics will 'enjoy' a knee-jarring descent from the snow fields and through woodlands towards Bugga Valley and past several villages ending back at the Dalai Lama's residence after a long downhill day.
Shower & beers.

Day 08 – Mcleod Ganj
Time to relax and chat and enjoy the serenity of McLeod Ganj, shop, wash, chill and enjoy the view.
Evening dinner and celebratory drinks with our local support team.
Kit list: Best Hawaiian shirts…

Day 09 – Delhi
Return to Delhi by flight and enjoy the Maidens’ splendour - relax by the pool, or venture into the streets of Delhi.
Celebrations, final dinner and awards ceremony.

Day 10 – Delhi 
Flights home at various times during the day, enjoying Hotel until departure.
EMAIL US
Interested in our Indian Himalayian adventure?
We will be delighted to have a chat should you have any questions.
Send us an e-mail.
Skonie: 07776 347428    Tom: 07974 029961  

The fee for entering the ESCAPAHOLICS India is payable per an escapaholic.

Just a reminder. The cost of the trip to India is £3,650 per person. Apart from flights, that covers nearly everything. It’s a bit like those boring, all inclusive packages, although we try and give you a mix of fun and misery all thrown in. (More info below on what is included and what you need to arrange.)


The cost can be paid in 3 instalments:

Deposit on booking £650

2nd payment (6 months before: 9th October 2024) £1,500

3rd payment (3 months before: 9th January 2025) £1,500


The sensible bit.....at ESCAPAHOLICS we aim to help causes local to our destination. You will visit and raise funds for the Shiksharath Slum school - an amazing / inspiring school helping some of Delhi's poorest families. They teach, they mentor, they inspire. We ask all our escapaholics to try and raise at least £600, and in addition, a portion of your cost for joining us in India is also shared with Shiksharath.


What's included


All transfers to and from the airport and to other transport hubs 

Train, taxi rickshaw and bus journeys, and other transfers, including all tours.

Internal return flights to Dharmsala

Hotel accommodation in Delhi and Mcleod Ganj before and after the trekking stage

Tours to charities and all sightseeing.

All meals including welcome cocktail party and awards dinner and meals during the adventure

Digital copies of all official photography

Water and food stops

Full medical support during the adventure

Mountain bike hire

All camping equipment including 4-5 season sleeping bags, tents, mats.

Ice axe & crampons if required.

Medal, certificate and unique tech top

Basic insurance

Storage of non-race luggage during the event

Base Camp facilities

Fun, good times and games!

 

What is not included


Flights to Delhi

Own trekking and survival gear 

Emergency and cancellation insurance

Any fund raising that you are able to do to help Shiksharath