By Erik Jager
In 2024, a unique challenge is on Nofam's and Project Held’s agenda: an adventurous journey in which participants will cross the rugged terrains of Uganda and the breathtaking Himalayas in India. The target? Raising funds for educational projects that have a lasting impact on young people in disadvantaged areas, such as the N.E.L.C. School for the Blind in India.
Erik's journey is more than an exploration; it is a preparation to ensure that future participants have a safe, memorable and meaningful experience. Through his eyes we experience the beauty and challenges of the Himalayas, learn about the local culture, and discover the deep importance of our purpose: building a better future through education.
New Delhi - The Start of the Adventure
After a quiet and pleasant flight with KLM, I landed in the heart of India - New Delhi. My first introduction to the Asian continent was immediately fascinating, especially because of the colorful 'dastars' of the many Sikhs on board. The combination of the colored turbans and the long, fluffy beards gave me a taste of the cultural richness I would experience.
It was 1:25 am local time when I landed at Gandhi International Airport. After the usual formalities, such as visa checks and collecting my new suitcase, I was welcomed by the warm Indian night and a text message from Raj, who was waiting for me outside the 'nothing to declare' zone. Despite the huge crowd of over 27 million people in Delhi, we found each other quickly.
The drive to the hotel was an experience in itself. Our taxi driver was disappointed with the short ride, but nevertheless got us safely to our hotel, Classic Diplomat. There Raj shared that we had to share a small room due to a double booking. This short night was characterized by the sound of a rattling air conditioner and the snoring of my new roommate.
The next morning, after a refreshing shower and packing my belongings, I stepped into the swirling mass of New Delhi - a city shrouded in a fog of smog, surrounded by the smell of fuel and the sound of car horns. Before traveling further, we enjoyed a typical Indian breakfast of Idli and Dosa, an experience in itself with the spicy curry and the tradition of eating with our hands.
With some delay we then left the airport to the east, towards the borders with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh, to the city of Bagdogra. This marked the beginning of a journey that would not only be a physical challenge, but also a deep dive into a world full of new experiences and cultures.
Darjeeling District - A Gateway to New Worlds
After landing safely in Bagdogra, I was warmly welcomed by two of Raj's friends. With the traditional Nepalese yellow welcome scarf around my shoulders, I immediately felt part of this new world. These men, an English teacher and a bank employee, would accompany me on the upcoming hike. Their enthusiasm was infectious; for them this trip was a long-cherished dream.
Bagdogra, a military airport, was buzzing with tension. It is located near the 'chicken neck', where countries such as Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, China and India meet. The city was a maze of narrow streets and 'sacred' cows, with a tangle of electrical wires everywhere above our heads.
The drive to the mountains was an adventure in itself. We passed tea plantations, rainforests, and monkeys sitting along the road. After driving uphill for two hours, we made a stop in the Darjeeling region, near the town of Marik, where we would stay that night.
We enjoyed a typical Nepali dish, boiled dough with chicken and a surprisingly spicy sauce, a real 'trial by fire'. Upon arrival at our guesthouse we were greeted again with scarves and mango cocktails. The simplicity of the accommodation, with no heating, hot water or mattress, was striking, but after 38 hours on the road, even a wooden plank felt comfortable.
Tomorrow we have an early start, with a trip to an altitude of 3800 meters, to an area inaccessible to cars. If the weather is clear we will see the 'reclining Buddha', the roof of the world. It promises to be a long hike, between 21 and 30 kilometers. I end this long, fascinating day with new shoes and a head full of impressions.
Falelung - The First Steps in the Himalayas
The third day of my adventure arrived in the Himalayas. Despite the rough sleep, waking up to a breathtaking view was unforgettable. Today our trip really started: three nights in the majestic mountains, with the first goal being an overnight stay at 3680 meters.
The morning was all about preparations. Raj made it clear that I could only take a backpack. A challenge, given the contents of my trunk. The temperature would fluctuate from 25°C during the day to -5°C at night, without heating or hot water.
After breakfast we left for Pulbazar, the gateway to the Singalona National Park, famous for its red pandas, black bears and leopards. The bureaucracy was intense, especially because of my status as the only foreigner. We filled out countless forms, a necessity due to the recent incidents in this border area.
In Pulbazar I captured authentic moments: a tailor manually repairing clothes, the harmony of Buddhism and Hinduism, and old Land Rovers, remnants of the English occupation, now a tourist attraction.
We were taken to the mountain in one of these Land Rovers, an experience in itself. Along the way we visited the oldest Buddhist monastery in the region, built in 1910. I learned about the meaning of the prayer flags and the colors of Buddhism – a new and fascinating world for me.
The hike up was beautiful, with autumn colors of walnut trees, Himalayan bamboo and different types of rhododendrons. Although we didn't see the red panda, the first view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, was breathtaking.
Towards evening, with the sunset and clouds below us, I felt the majesty and silence of the Himalayas. This serene end to the day was a reminder of why I was here.
Our guesthouse that evening was simple: no heating, no hot water, and an icy cold that could be felt even inside. We dined in full winter gear while a group of students sang karaoke.
After a short time we decided to retire to our cold room, ready to prepare for what the next day would bring in these impressive surroundings. Read in my next blog post about my impressive encounter with the “Sleeping Buddha”.