Community Action Treks India

Website: http://www.catreks.com/
E-mail: info@catreks.com
Phone: +44 017687 71890

Who they are

“When the man (sic) who feeds the world by toiling in the fields is himself deprived of the basic rights of feeding, sheltering and caring for his own families, the whole community of man is sick”

Community Action Treks (CAT) was born out of concern of the above statement. Doug Scott was the first British climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and is one of the world’s best known and most successful Himalayan mountaineers. He could not have achieved this success without the help, support and expertise of the Nepalese porters and the high altitude Sherpa guides. He wanted to give something back to the Nepalese people that would involve developing self-determination and improve the quality of life for these mountain village communities.

As a result CAT was formed and works alongside its sister charity, Community Action Nepal, where all profits are directed to help sustain health, education and community strengthening projects in the areas where they take trekkers. Now CAT has teamed up with agents who adopt the same ethical practices as they do in Nepal, and offer new stunning treks in India.

This means that all trekkers, climbers and other groups who decide to come with CAT will know that what they leave behind is as important as what they take home. That’s why when CAT show you some of the most awe inspiring scenery and places in the world, the local people also get something life-changing as well; schools, health posts, clean water systems, and other community strengthening initiatives.

What they do

Working closely with their agents and local communities in the following areas:
- Schools
- Health posts
- Clean water supplies
- Income generating schemes for the benefit of whole communities.

What they offer

Nanda Devi – The Milam Valley Trek
The twin peaks of 7,818m Nanda Devi, the bliss-giving goddess, form India’s second highest mountain, situated in a remote region bordering Nepal and Tibet. The alpine glaciers, high valleys and flower-strewn meadows on the eastern approach to this magnificent mountain are an enticing world apart and ideal for trekking. Once explored and lauded by mountaineering gurus Longstaff, Shipton and Tilman, they are largely ignored by today’s visitors to the Himalayan region and therein lies their appeal.

After a fascinating drive from Delhi across the northern plains of India, we arrive in the foothills of the Himalaya and border region of Kumaon. The trek starts at the quiet hill town of Munsiari, where you descend to the lush Milam Valley, whose semi-tropical rainforests are alive with huge butterflies, exotic birds and large lizards. Once an important trade route, the broad trail was built by the British and is still used by local people to travel from village to village. Following the gorge of the Gori Ganga, you weave high above its foaming waters, climbing steadily among rhododendron forests, which support a botanist’s paradise of ferns, orchids, peonies and hydrangea.

The Hindu shrine of Naha Devi heralds new vistas as the valley opens up to reveal the snow-capped peaks that tower above it. In the rain shadow of these mountains, the vegetation of the upper valley is sparser and the villages are only inhabited in the summer months. Here you leave the main trail to explore some of the side valleys, whose lure is irresistible. The beautiful Lawan Valley is the usual approach to the base camp for 7,340m high Nanda Devi East while the Pachu Valley leads to the glacier of the same name, which lies 4,000m below the summit of the mountain. Here you will make camp in this spectacular setting and with luck enjoy magical views of Nanda Devi and Nanda Devi East bathed in the warm glow of sunrise, before exploring along the edge of the glacier.

Back in the main valley, you continue to Milam village, from where you will explore the upper valley and its glacier, set to a splendid backdrop of the 7,000m peaks of Hardeol and Trisuli.
Nanga Parbat is an easier option, offering incredibly scenic valley treks to its north and south base camps.

Detailed Itinerary

Sikkim
CAT offer a choice of easy and more challenging treks in this eastern tea-growing region of the Himalaya, that is famed for its exotic bird life and wonderful flora. Superb views from the Singalila Ridge and the approach to the awesome east face of Kangchenjunga are highlights of the area.

Treks this region:
Sikkim – The Singalila Ridge Trek
Sikkim – Kangchenjunga & the Singalila Ridge Trek

Ladakh
The barren but alluring landscapes of Ladakh and its heritage and people are in many ways like those of Tibet, with which this remote region of India shares its border.

CAT offers a trek that traverses several high passes to access the isolated enclave of the Markha Valley and its villages and monasteries and ancient forts, which area overshadowed by the towering ice-clad peak of Kang Yatze.

Treks in the region:
Ladakh – Markha Valley & Three Passes Trek
Ladakh – Lamayuru to Alchi Trek