Staff Trek Training

Today is the first day of the Dasara Festival in Mysore and the city is buzzing with energy as are the staff team as they have departed for their first day of trek training. As the staff headed off from Field Base towards Chamundi Hills on the outskirts of the city the inauguration of Dasara Festival has been taking place at the top of the hill.

The origin of Dasara goes way back to the Vijayanagar dynasty in 15th Century. The Wodeyars of Mysore continued this colourful & religious celebration under the leadership of Raja Wodeyar in the year 1610. Dasara is also known as the 'Navarathri', where nine days of worship & celebration culminate on the 10th day, known as 'Vijaydashami'. This has been declared as ‘Naada Habba’ or the State festival.

The staff packed up their bellies and their rucksacks to test their strength on a climb around the base of Chamundi Hill, up to see the famous Nandi Bull, towards Lalitha Mahal Palace and carry on to pass temples and villages until they reach their evening campsite.

Alpha 2 ready to set off this morning.

Alpha 1 looking bright and chirpy first thing as they leave Field Base

A quick wave from Dr Zoe

Qathab and Jerry - 2 of our trek guides from Kalypso Adventures.

Adventure company Kalypso Adventures, our project partners support and guide our participants along with Raleigh staff through the adventure phase. We are delighted to have Qathab - who as a Host Country Venturer paricipated in our first expedition in India, and Jerry - who has supported Raleigh on the first 2 expeditions earlier this year can join our staff in the staff induction training.