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The High Life
 The Himalaya Classic Rally 2007
March 9th to April 8th
The Himalayas is the most famous range of mountains in the world with scenery and history to match. Join us in following this great range of mountain from Amritsar in the west, through Nepal to Kalimpong, then into the little known kingdom of Bhutan before heading south to finish in Calcutta.
March 9-12. Udaipur
We start in the beautiful city of Udaipur which stands on Lake Pichola.
Hotel: The Lake Palace
March 12. - Flag off 11.00am by His Highness Arvind Singh Mewar, the Maharana of Udaipur
From Udaipur we drive to Jodhpur, famous for those riding britches. On the way we pass the finest example of a Jain temple in India at Ranakpur.
Hotel: Umaid Bahwan
March 13. Bikaner
Drive to Gajner, just outside Bikaner, where we stay at the Gajner Palace at an oasis on the edge of the desert. One of the most tranquil locations in Rajasthan.
Hotel: Gajner Palace
March 14. Amritsar
Drive to Amritsar, the home of the Golden Temple, the holiest of holies for the Sikhs. See it at dusk.
Hotel Ritz Plaza
March 15. Dharamsala
Drive to Dharamsala, the home of the exiled Dalai Llama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. We stay close to McLeod Ganj, some 4km above the town of Dharamsala.
Hotel: Asia Health Resorts.
March 16. Shimla
"Discovered" by the British in 1819 it soon became the favourite summer retreat of the Government, becoming the "Summer Capital" in 1864. One of the highest golf clubs in the world is at Shimla. We stay near the centre of town.
Hotel: The Cecil Hotel
March 17. Rest day in Shimla.
March 18. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is where the Beatles famously found enlightenment and George found the Sitar. Still magical, our hotel is perched high above the old town with views across the Ganges. Visit the Ghats at dusk for the daily ceremony.
Hotel: Ananda Spa
March 19. Corbett Park
The most famous of all the Indian game parks, Corbett is an excellent location for search for the elusive Tiger - and other Indian wildlife.
Hotel: Infinity Resort
March 20. Rest day in Corbett
March 21. Binsar
A great opportunity to see the Himalayas in all their glory
Hotel: Khali Estate
>NEPAL
March 22. Royal Bardia National Park
Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park, situated in Nepal's Western Terai, was established to protect the natural ecosystems, conserve the tiger and its prey species.
Hotel: Tiger Tops
March 23. Pokhara
With views of the seven peaks of Anapurna, Pokhara is one of the most tranquil and enervating places on the journey. The hotel is only accessible by punt.
Hotel: Fishtail Lodge
March 24. Rest Day in Pokhara
March 25. Kathmandu
The fascinating capital of Nepal and an equally fascinating hotel welcomes the rally.
Hotel: Yak & Yeti Hotel
March 26. Rest day In Kathmandu.
March 27. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
One of the worlds great bird sanctuaries.
Hotel: Koshi Tappu Camp
>INDIA
March 28. Kalimpong
A beautiful climb to this minor Hill Station which still retains some of its charm from a bygone age.
Hotel: Silver Oaks Hotel
March 29. Phuntsholing.
Our first view of Bhutan is the border town of Phuntsholing. A mixture of India and Bhutan it is nevertheless a novel experience.
Hotel Hotel Lhaki
March 30. Paro
Overlooking the regional town of Paro, the UMA offers uncompromising comfort and luxury. We are in Paro for the Paro Festival, a rare treat for visitors to experience.
Hotel: UMA
March 31. Thimpu
At an altitude of 2,350m, Bhutan's capital city lies in a steep valley surrounded by richly forested mountains. The only world capital without traffic lights Thimpu is home to many attractions.
Hotel: Taj Thimphu
April 1. Punakha day trip
April 2. Phuntsholing
April 3. Siliguri
Surrounded by tea plantations, Siliguri offers a great opportunity to see how our favourite beverage is produced.
Hotel: Hotel Cindrella
April 4. Malda
Half way to Calcutta, the Golden Park offers a traditional evening's accommodation. Just north are the ruins of Pandua, while just south are the ruins of Guar, once the capital of India.
Hotel: Golden Park
April 5. Calcutta (Kolkata)
One of the greatest cities of India, Calcutta buzzes with activity and history. the capital city for the East India Company, then the British Raj, Calcutta has some of the most extraordinary buildings of India.
Hotel: Oberoi Grand
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