Mangaluru: As part of its silver jubilee celebration, Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI) city unit is organising a 5-day state level trek to Bhyrapura Ghat from January 26 to 30.
Bhyarapura Ghats which covers the Shishila range, is one of the most attractive regions of the Western Ghats known for its rich beauty and biological diversity. The base camp of this 5 day trek is at Holegundi, about 6 kms from Shishileshwar temple and from Dharmasthala the distance is about 35 kms. The trekkers have to report at the base camp on January 26 by 3 pm and check out is on January 30 after breakfast. Western Ghats being one of the biological hotspots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the trek will be a visual treat to nature lovers and hard core trekkers. The trek is organised by YHAI Karnataka State Branch and YHAI Mangalore Unit, according to a press release of YHAI, Mangaluru unit.
The trekking expedition will cover some of the most picturesque peaks in the Western Ghats such as Ettina Bhuja, Amedhi Kallu and Kallubare over a period of three days. Trekkers interested to join the expedition can apply in the prescribed trekking registration cum medical fitness form which is available with the units/state branch of YHAI. The forms can also be downloaded from http:/yhaindia.org/downloads.php and the last date for registration along with the medical fitness is on or before January 15. Participation fee is Rs 3,000 per participant that includes stay at the camp, simple but nutritious vegetarian food and assistance from expert guides. The amount can be credited directly to Kodialbail branch of Karnataka Bank SB account of Youth Hostel Association of India account number 4762500101229701 bearing IFSC code KARB0000476. Interested participants can also send a DD drawn in favour of Youth Hostels Association of India payable at Mangaluru. However, travelling expenses to and from the base camp should be borne by the participants. The minimum age for joining the trekking expedition is 15 and only 75 participants on first cum-first serve basis will get the opportunity to be part of the trek. The organizers have clearly stated that they will not entertain any spot entries.
It will be a tough trek and participants should carry cotton shirts, cotton trousers, sun cap, shoes with socks, a torch, 2 water bottles, an empty lunch box, steel mug or tumbler, plate, spoon, pen, knife, toilet kit, towel, personal medicines, umbrella or roan sheet, sleeping mat and bed sheet.
Considering the toughness of the trek, elaborate planning preparations have been taken care of by the organizers to ensure safety of the trekkers. Pilot trekking has been undertaken by field staff and camp leaders as precautionary measures.
President of Mangaluru Unit of YHAI, Harsha Samrajya has said that it will be an environment-friendly trek and trekkers are required not to litter or spoil the trail.
