Nishtha thanks all our wonderful cyclists for raising the fantastic total of £19,044 to support our projects.
What will we use it for? The aim of launching this fundraising tour was initially to help support our ongoing programs but now, with this amazing result we would to put a part of it towards building our Corpus Fund ensuring the long term financial security of Nishtha Clinic and Community Centre. A Corpus or Endowment Fund is a growing sum of money which is placed in fixed deposit accounts here in India which still earn 7-8% a year. The earnings are calculated as part of our annual income and enable us to reduce the running costs required from the foreign Trusts who support us. Dr Barbara and the Nishtha Trustees feel this is our utmost priority to ensure that our clinic services and community programmes will be able to continue to work in areas of real need in the surrounding villages.
Day 1: Sixteen determined cyclists set off from Chateau Gurli on the first leg of their challenging ride covering 500 Kms of Himachal Pradesh. Arriving in Kangra they had a great visit to the Fort with its views up to the snow class Dhauladhar mountain range. The day was topped off by an evening visit to the temple.
Day 2: A glorious ride along the back hills from Kangra brought us to Nayantara Mankotia, a NISHTHA Trustees’ house where we had delicious samosas in her lovely garden. Then began the gruelling ascent through the tea gardens to Dharamsala and, after well earned lunch a final climb to arrive triumphant in McLeod Ganj!
Day 3: After a storm the previous night the mountains shone freshly in the morning light as our cyclists rode from McLeod Ganj to NISHTHA. There they were received by Dr. Barbara and her team who laid on a wonderful day, introducing them to our work a splendid lunch at Gulmakar followed by an energetic children's program featuring cycling. Gathering in the CC with some of our Trustees our student group gave a vibrant performance of English skits, songs and finally a medley of Gaddhi dances in full costume.
Day 4: Waking up to brilliant morning view of the Dhauladhar mountain range and a tour of the Norbulingka Institute, our 16 brave cyclists set off from NISHTHA on an uncharted route along the mountains. Reaching Dadh they stopped at our Trustee Radhika Shaunik's house for welcome refreshments and rest in her beautiful garden. From there they rode through Palampur to Dongyu Gatsal Ling nunnery for a late but lovely lunch and a quick tour of their splendid temple. A brief ride through the villages brought us to The Mirage at Andretta for a warm and comfortable night.
Day 5: A glorious view of the sun catching the tops of the mountains from Andretta opened a glorious day of riding. Via Baijnath and a steel climb to the stupas at Sherab Ling, we rode through the forest to Bir for lunch. Then back onto the main road on to our hotel in Jogindernagar.
Day 6: Leaving Jogindernagar this morning, the group cycled up onto the tops of the hills enjoying the wonderful views and a good lunch at an old wayside temple and watering spot. Then it was a swift swoop all the way down to the fascinating old town of Mandi where they enjoyed a warm welcome at the Raj Mahal Palace Motel.
Day 7: Well over half way! We had a warm send off by the staff of the Raj Mahal Palace setting off on a 50 km run up the Beas River into Kulu district. Glorious views but a heavy day on the road with traffic and roadworks! Glad to reach the beautiful Tirthan valley.
Days 8 & 9: Over the Jalori Pass. We made it!!
Day 10: Just look at this steady uphill climb that our brave team overcame today! Arriving trimphant at the hotel in Narkanda they relaxed on the lawn in the sunshine!
Day 11: We made it! Narkanda to Shimla - a long but glorious ride with wonderful mountain views and a warm greeting by Dr. Barbara at the end! We done and thank you to everyone!
Nishtha Benefit cycle Tour was organised by two of the Nishtha UK Trustees: Imogen Batterham and Chris Kenyon who took a leap of trust that Nishtha in India could deliver a great trip suitable for both high flying cyclists and people who enjoy going out on their bikes at the weekends. Was it a challenge? Yes they all said: nearly 500 kms over very hilly terrain with a total ascent of the height of Mt Everest and Ben Nevis put together – indeed it was! But did it match up to your expectations? Yes they agreed and more because they hadn’t counted on the great company, wonderful views and great food and fascinating cultural component of the trip. Highlights include the visit to the Golden Temple on arrival, insight into the plight of the Tibetans, the friendliness of the support team and visiting Nishtha for a day, learning about the work we do and being infused by the joy of the children!
“A wonderful mix of full-on cycling with dramatic scenery, cultural excursions and the ability to explore hidden gems off the tourist track, brought alive by an inspiring tour leader.”
“We scratched well below the surface”
What aspects of the tour did you particularly enjoy/appreciate?
“The atmosphere within the group, the experience of riding in the Himalayas, the history and culture. Visiting Nishtha allowed a greater understanding and appreciation of why we were doing the ride and gave it added purpose.”
“Our time at the centre was enhanced by being able to discuss it with trustees who were kind enough to host us during the trip.”
Particular thanks are due to the following local hotels and businesses who gave us very special rates in order that we could complete the tour on a very small budget: We are very grateful to you all!
