Sunderbans-few pics

Sunderbans.. a small trailer - click here to see picture album

Thousand-wild-things-to-try

Thousand Wild Things to try at Nature Knights.. click here to see more pictures

Nature Knights: Mt. Everest Base Camp Expedition, Nepal for a Caus...

Nature Knights: Mt. Everest Base Camp Expedition, Nepal for a Caus...: "Everest Base Camp Expedition, Nepal [18th Dec 2010 to 1st Jan 2011] Fundraising Challenge event organized by Childreach International, Ind..."

Climb Mt. Everest Base Camp with International Audience
We do our bid for the underprivileged children in Nepal
Celebrate Christmas at Mt. Everest Base Camp
New Year at Kathmandu
Camp Fee would be receipt would with 80G Tax Exemption as this would be attached to a cause..

Read on..

Kolkata-Chicken-Roll

Learn to Make Famous Kolkata Chicken Roll / Frankee in less than three minutes..

Kolkata's famous chicken roll or varitions like egg - chicken roll, chicken tikka roll, paneer roll etc..

Best way to have enjoy the Juicy and Spicy Chicken Rolls to be served hot and had right out the pan..

Ingredients:

Chicken:

• boneless chicken, skinned & cut into 2" cubes
• yogurt / curd
• tandoori chicken masala
• nutmeg powder
• salt to taste
• mustard oil
• butter (optional)
• coriander leaves, finely chopped (optional)

Paranthas:

• plain flour (maida) (dough)
• oil (for dough and frying)
• salt (to taste)
• eggs

Keep these items ready to be dashed:

• large onions, finely sliced
• green chillies, finely chopped
• tomato sauce
• chat masala
• lemon, halved
• Optional Vinegar

Procedure:

Chicken stuffing:

1. Wash the chicken cubes and beat a little with a kitchen knife.
2. Sprinkle salt, lime juice and mustard oil over the chicken pieces and rub altogether.
3. Add tandoori chicken masala and the nutmeg powder.
4. Whip the yogurt & pour over the chicken cubes, add the chopped coriander leaves and mix well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Take a pan and heat oil/butter. Take out the chicken cubes from the marinade and fry them till tender and cooked thoroughly.

Making paranthas (for roll):

1. Beat the eggs well with a little salt and keep aside.
2. Sift the flour, add salt and oil and knead to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into roundels (the roundels will be slightly bigger than those for making roti / chapatti).
3. Take a rolling board, and roll out a circular parantha (a little thicker than ordinary roti / chapati).
4. Heat tawa / griddle and place the parantha on the heated tawa / gridldle. Cook one side then flip to cook the other side.
5. Pour oil on the tawa / griddle and coat the parantha with the oil. Keep aside.
6. Add oil again on the tawa / griddle and pour a little portion of beaten egg on the tawa / griddle. Quickly put a parantha on the egg and allow the egg to set.
7. Flip the parantha over to the other side (egg side up) and cook till both sides are evenly fried.
8. Remove the fried parantha from tawa / griddle. Keep aside.

Putting it all togather..

1. Place the parantha (egg side up) on a serving plate and lay a portion of the cooked chicken pieces in a straight line in the middle of the parantha.
2. Place sliced onions, chopped green chillies on the chicken cubes, add tomato sauce and sprinkle chat masala. Finally squeeze the lemon on the chicken cubes.
3. Roll the parantha with the chicken stuffing firmly so that the chicken cubes do not fall.
4. Wrap the roll in a tissue paper and serve hot with tomato sauce / chilli sauce.

Voila and your Chicken Roll or its variations is ready to eat..

Bhutan-2010

Picture Album.. Bhutan 2010 Adventure Trip..

Click here for more pictures

Mt. Everest Base Camp Expedition, Nepal for a Cause.

Everest Base Camp Expedition, Nepal [18th Dec 2010 to 1st Jan 2011]

Fundraising Challenge event organized by Childreach International, India. 

Day 1 – Saturday 18 December 2010

Arrival in Kathmandu and Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Pick-up at Tribhuvan International Airport, meeting with your guide and transfer to Potala Guest House. First impressions of Kathmandu – walk to medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square and explore the beautiful complex of palaces, temples, shrines and courtyards built by the ancient Nepali kings between the 12^th and 18^th century. We also discover Thamel -  the vibrant tourist area with hotels, restaurants and outdoorshops.Briefing in Potala hotel where we will be discussing the technicalities of the trek.Sightseeing with private bus to Pasupatinah, the most important Hindu temples of Nepal with the sacred burning ghats located at the holy Baghmati river.In the evening you enjoy a welcome dinner at Nepali Chulo - www.nepalichulo.com.np. 

Overnight stay at Potala Guest House Kathmandu – http://www.potalaguesthouse.com/

Day 2 –  Sunday 19 December 2010
Flight to Lukla – Trek to Phading

In the early morning we drive to Tribhuvan Airport to connect our fly to Lukla - flight time app. 40 minutes from Kathmandu.  After breakfast in Lukla (2 850 m) we start trekking through beautiful settlements to join soon the main trail in Churi Kharka.  We follow the east bank of the Dudh Koshi- the River of Milk- where you witness the typical Nepal terrace culture, slate roofed houses and views on Kusum Kangaru (5 579 m). We reach Phakding(2 640 m) after 3 - 4 h gentle walking.
 

Overnight stay at lodge Phakding

Day 3 – Monday 20 December 2010
Trek Namche Bazaar

Today we make a challenging hike to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m), situated at 6-7 hours walking from Phakding. We climb up along the west bank of the Dudh Kosi to the tiny village of Toktok.  We get our first glimpse of Thamserku peak (6 608 m) and reach Benkar (2 710 m).  The cliffs above the village are decorated with huge paintings of Buddhist deities. We cross the colorful suspension bridge  and enter the Sagarmatha National Park at Monjo (2 840 m).  After Jorsale we follow the riverbank  over gravel, climb through a pine forest and cross the Dudh Kosi by a big suspension bridge. Then we face a continuous zigzag ascent of 2 hours through dense pine forests.  In the early evening we reach the vibrant center of Namche Bazar, one of the most attractive settlements of Solu-Khumbu district.
Overnight stay at lodge Namche Bazaar

Day 4 – Tuesday 21 December 2010
Acclimatizing day at Namche Bazaar

Rest day in Namche. Optional walk to the Sherwi Khangba  Sherpa Culture Museum or dayhike to the Hotel Everest View in Khumjung village (3 700 m) and Khundi Hospital in Khundi Village, the first hospital build in Khumbu Region by Sir Edmund Hillary and Himalayan Trust in 1966.

Overnight stay at lodge Namche Bazaar.

Day 5 – Wednesday 22 December 2010
Trek to Tengboche

Trek to Tengboche (3 860 m), 5-6 hour long hike from Namche Bazaar. The first part of trail is a winding smooth path which offers fantastic views on Mount Everest (8 848 m), Thamserku (6 618 m), Ama Dablam (6 814 m). After the trail goes down to the riverbank and then we make a strenuous 2 hour ascend to Tengboche. We walk through rhododendron forests where musk deer and Himalayan 'tahr' or mountain goat live. At the rest place you can enjoy the views towards Kantega mountain

 (6 783 m). Tengboche, is famed for the Buddhist Tengboche Monastery (where you can attend the daily puja), Cafe Tengboche and the view point.

  
Overnight stay at lodge Tengboche

Day 6 – Thursday 23 December 2010
Trek to Dingboche

Trek to Dingboche (4 410 m), 6-7 hours walking from Tengboche. We descend through conifer and rhododendron forest to the beautiful settlement Deboche where you have a close view at Ama Dablam. We cross the suspension bridge and look over the surging white waters of Imja River. Soon after a snow white stupa with gorgeous all seeing eyes is mirroring the Ama Dablam, this is a marvelous place for a picture!  Then the trail ascents gently to the village of  Pangboche (3 860 m), where we climb above the treeline.  After, the trail passes numerous farmer pastures with big yak populations before we Dingboche valley.  Overnight stay at lodge Dingboche



Day 7 – Friday 24 December 2010
Rest day in DingbocheOptional acclimatization trek (5-6 hours) to the remote village of Chhukung  (4 730 m) and Chhukung Ri (top) located at 5 550 m.  We have magnificent sights at Island Peak (6 189 m), Amphulapche (5 663 m), Baruntse Base Camp (5 400m) and the white ice lake of Imja Tsho. 

Overnight stay at lodge Dingboche.

Day 8 – Saturday 25 December 2010

Trek to Lobuche

After ascending 150 m up to the main road, we reach a viewpoint where we have outstanding sights at Tawachee (6 495 m) and Cholatse peak (6 440m).After our lunch camp in Dugla (4 620m) the trail goes directly up the gravely terminal moraine of the Khumbu glaciers for about one hour.  The trail leads to a row of memorial monuments of lost climbers and sherpas. The trail then drops a little and follows the western side of the valley to Lobuche. After four to five hours hiking we reach the small settlement of Lobuche which is situated at 4 930 m.  Overnight stay at lodge Lobuche

Day 9 – Sunday 26 December 2010
Trek to Gorak Shep

 The ascent to Gorak Shep (5 160 m) becomes steeper and rougher as we cross several moraines.  Soon we see the peak of Pumori (7 145m). We also have our first views at Nuptse (7 864 m), Kala Pattar (5 545 m) and Mount Everest.  At the right side you look over the Khumbu Glacier, an enormous tongue of ice which marches down the slopes of Everest. We reach Gorak Shep by lunchtime and trek to Base Camp in the afternoon.  In total we hike six-seven hours today.

We sleep  in a lodge at Gorakskhep, a semi-permanent village at the bottom of the Khumbu Icefall. 

We enjoy our Christmasdinner in the shadow of the highest peak of the world!  

Overnight stay at lodge Gorakshep.



Day 10 – Monday 27 December 2010

Trek to Pheriche

Early morning we climb to Kala Pattar – the Black Rock - located at 5 545 m and marked by a tangle of prayer flags.  At this viewpoint - one of the most astonishing views on earth- you have a 360 degree panorama of Himalayan giants from Pumori and Lobuche West to Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. We return back to Gorak Shep via the view points of the ice lakes of Pumori and Everest.

After breakfast we return in 4 hours back to Pheriche located at  4 215 m.

Overnight stay at lodge Pheriche.

Day 11 – Tuesday 28 December 2010

Trek to Namche

Trek from Pheriche  to Namche Bazaar (3 440 m). We descend approximately 5 hours.

Overnight stay at Namche Bazaar.



Day 12 – Wednesday 29 December 2010
Trek to Lukla

We start this 6 hours during trek with a streneous descent from Namche Bazaar to the Dud Kosi (hard work for the knees), after the path climbs up to Monjo and then runs easily to Benkar, Phakding and Lukla. Overnight stay at Lukla.

Day 13 – Thursday 30 December 2010

Trek to Lukla

After breakfast we fly in about 40 minutes from Lukla to Kathmandu. Arrive at Tribhuvan Airport and transfer to hotel. 

Overnight stay at Potala Guesthouse - http://www.potalaguesthouse.com/



Day 14 – Friday 31 December 2010
Stay at Kathmandu

Have Breakfast in the morning after breakfast volunteering session in one of the childreach international Nepal projects, where participants can actually have one on one interaction with the kids.

In the evening we will be celebrating New year's eve in Kathmandu.

 

Day 15 – Saturday 1st January 2011
Fly out Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport – We hope you enjoyed your stay!

Contribution per person: Rs. 67,500.00
Please draw cheque or DD on the name of Childreach International India payable at Delhi.
The following provisions are made available to the participants in the event:-
Payment option: By cheque or DD in favor of "Childreach International India" payable @ New Delhi.

ACCOMMODATION:
On twin or triple sharing basis as mentioned above.
MEALS:
13 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners as mentioned in the itinerary.
TRANSPORT:
1) Using coach for arrival and departure transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per itinerary including transfer of baggage in the same transport or separately depending on the size of group.
2) Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure by representative.
3) Airfare Delhi-Kathmandu – Lukla – Kathmandu-Delhi and airport taxes   (4 flights)
GUIDE:
English speaking guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu and English speaking trekking guide for trekking.
ENTRANCE:
1) Entrance fees at the monuments at all places as per programme
2) Sagarmatha National Park entry fee.
3) TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) fee
DURING TEA-HOUSE LODGE TREK:
1) All meals and accommodation in normal standard lodge during the trek
2) Service of an English speaking experienced trekking guide (The trekking guide will be provided in a ratio of 10 pax per guide basis)
3) Porters to carry personal baggage. 01 porter for every 3 persons.
4) Transportation and accident insurance for staffs and porters.

INSURANCE (US$145):
5) Insurance for the clients during trek only (Day 02 to Day 12) covering Personal Accident Insurance (Maximum US$ 25,000)
6) Medical (Due to accident any Hospital_nurshing home within the republic of Nepal), Maximum some insurance (US$ 10,000) per person.
7) Evacuation (Within the republic of Nepal), maximum some (US$ 10,000).
Subject to the policies of Insurance company which will be provided during the contract with Insurance company.


Our offer doesn't include:
Personal expenses like laundry, communication, shopping and meals in Katmandu except welcome dinner and celebration party.
Tips for Guides and Porters or staffs

 

Contribution towards Participation:

This Winter expedition is a challenge event organized by the Childreach International India (childreachindia.org). Contribution towards participation in the event will also serve social cause benefiting underprivileged children in India.

Contribution to programs/ events organized by Childreach International India are exempted under section 80-G of the income Tax Act,1961.

Cancellation Terms (Keep yourself posted for updates in Cancellation Terms)..

1. Cancellation charges upto 5 days from the date of the event will be 5% of the event cost.

2. Cancellation 4-3 days prior to the event will incur 15% of the event cost.

3. Cancellation between 3-2 days (72 hours to 48 hours) from the event will incur charges of 50%.

4. No refund if cancellation is <48 hours to the event.

5. We still want to be people friendly club, hence if you replace your seat with somebody else, there will not be any cancellation charges.

6. If for some reason  BMC has to cancel the event, participants will refund 100% Refund.

--

M. Asif
http://www.natureknights.net/
Cell: 9821081566 / 9619182010

Keep in touch with me at:

http://picasaweb.google.com/natureknights

http://www.facebook.com/natureknights

http://twitter.com/natureknights

Microblog

Specialisation is for Antz, Explore Every Dimension of your life.

Live life King Size.

Sikkim Eco-Adventure-2010 Picture Album

Sikkim Eco-Adventure 2010 Picture Album

Click here to see more pictures..

Challenge Events for a Cause - The New Beginning

Childreach International, A UK based NGO having a global footprint partners with Nature Knights for organising Challenge Events.

Nature Knights would be hosting one Charity week every month where Nature Knights and Childreach International would facilitate Challenge Events for Cause.

Challenge Events would be any Challenges like Rock Climbing Contest, Trekking to Mountain Peaks, Cooking Competition in Wild, Cross Country Cycling, Obstacle Courses etc. Combined with a Cause

From Left to Right - Venkatesh G, Chaitanya W,Sameer M, Shilpa M, Firoz P,Naresh C, Nimesh P, Lopa I, Nilima S.




Nature Knights and Childreach International Delegation during Launch Function at Club Millennium.



Part of Nature Knights Delegation
Nimesh, Venkatesh, Lopamudra

A New Beginning…………………………..

• Nature Knights Eco-Adventure Organisation..

Though relatively a new concept, tourism mixed with adventure has been catching on particularly among young professionals, the country’s intellect and talent pool, who find it an apt gateway to unwind, be with oneself, rediscover, refresh and rejuvenate to meet growing professional challenges and continuous ask for performance on day to day basis. The adventure is increasingly growing into sort of a much needed therapy for people.

Nature Knights has been among the very few Eco-Adventure tourism Club in the country catering to such needs, a new novel trade to transgress! It clearly reflects the Club’s foresight and anticipation of growing evolving needs which though may not have as yet become very apparent but happens to be a fast emerging reality.

Interacting with people –energetic and enthusiastic - and catering to individualistic strive-the Club has evolved and emerged stronger with growing sense of corporate citizenship and responsibility.

• The new beginning

To initiate its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Nature Knights Adventure club has consciously entered into partnership with Childreach International India, a part of Global charity working for child rights in the country.

Childreach International reaches out to under-privileged children with rights-based approach in Africa: Ghana & Tanzania; Asia: India, Nepal & Pakistan and in USA & UK (Head Office). Childreach International India partner with grass roots initiatives, supporting projects focusing on health, education, child rights & protection with focus on girl child.

The CSR initiatives start on eve of National Children’s Day (14 November), Children’s Day. And first of its events launched are Everest Base CCamp Expedition-2010. The provisional dates are to head out on the 18^th December and to return home on the 1^st January 2011. We will be celebrating Christmas at the Base camp and will be celebrating New year’s Eve-2011 in Katmandu. This initiative is part of the Charity Week (ending 19 November-the International Children’s Day).

• Challenge Events

Further, Nature Knights in association with Childreach International India has planned unique adventure experience called “Challenge Events” for social cause!

Exhilarating treks are proposed to be organized every weekend.

Challenge Events are novel way of community volunteering that blends adventure tourism with a social cause. Participants of challenge events undertake an exciting expedition replete with challenges and enroot their expedition take a pause!

Participants visit the world of children less-privileged, do some volunteering of services, spend quality time with them and bring some cheers in their lives. Participants also come to know - for whose welfare (and cause) they have ventured out and taken the challenge.

• Your contribution for a social cause

Charges for participating in a challenge event shall be paid to Childreach International India and the fund so generated shall go towards welfare projects for children from under-privileged cohort –you have had a chance to interact with some of them during your various expeditions.

Your contribution (participation charges) qualifies for IT exemption and a receipt shall be issued by Childreach International under its IT exemption certification (80G).

• HOW can you help? 

• Participating in these Challenge Events.
• Identifying schools that are in need
• Participate in the field visit, trek to the school and volunteer to cater to the needs identified.

Contact:

Asif - 9821081566

Venkat - 9833236956

Nimesh- 9820169693

Jyoti - 9820846910

Lopa - 9821694994

info@natureknights.net 

 Program duration

• 2 Days of exciting adventure  Weekends (During Announced Charity Weeks).

• Program cost

In range of Rs. 600 - 2,000 (activity Cost) + 30% to 50% (Charity)

Note: This is the per person cost. The Activity Cost will defer according to the selected activity. The entire payment is to be given directly to Child Reach International, India

• Program highlights

• Both adventure and altruism at one go.
• Helping Childreach International raise funds for children welfare.
• Opportunity to contribute to a cause- known and experienced.
• Highly cost effective adventure activities.
• High on road to fitness regime
• Meeting, bonding. Networking with fellow participants
• All logistics, permissions in place in advance –ensured by BMC
• Get tax benefits (50%) under 80 G
  

About Childreach International

ü Childreach International is a global charity with a vision to create “a world where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential"

ü Childreach International reaches out   to under-privileged children with rights-based approach in Africa: Ghana & Tanzania; Asia: India, Nepal & Pakistan and in USA & UK (Head Office).

ü We at Childreach International India partner with grass roots initiatives, supporting projects focusing on health, education, child rights and protection..

ü Following a unique ‘3-step’ approach to child welfare – Reach, Rehabilitate & Rights. Childreach International India aims to contribute to Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

Why is Childreach International different?

ü Driven solely by Volunteers

ü Inculcating Philanthropy among the Privileged, through Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) to complement the Government efforts, CSR and the development sector’s grassroots actions

ü Reaching and sensitizing Youth through innovative programs like Challenge Events and Future Building. Sensitizing School Students in Childreach Clubs - platform to Think- Speak out – Act on social issues.

ü Active and distinguished Board members and Team working for unlocking potentials.

ü Known for Strict and timely Program/ campaign implementation, Due- diligence, Monitoring and Evaluation and 100 % funds utilization.

ü Known for Good Governance and Accountability & Transparency, and Dependability.

A Glance at Our few Innovative Projects in India by Childreach International

Reach Rehabilitate and Rights- Drop-in-Centre for trafficked, abused, run away and street children and constituting Social Commandoes

Girl Child-Mainstreaming to education and skill training for livelihood for girls of Commercial sex workers - slums of Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

A project on children by the children- Literacy drive among girls and boys, women in slums of Delhi city through Children’s Parliament

Bal Sena- A novel project- organizing children (girls equally) for child rights- child rights audit, advocacy and proactive actions  by children in Bhav Nagar, Gujarat

Muskan- A project on girl child empowerment through education, health care, and activating Children Action Group

Happy Diwali.

Wish you a Very Happy Diwali, May this Diwali enlighten your life and bring lots of Adventures in your life.

Corporate-offsite-AMDOCs

Corporate Offsite picture album - AMDOCS click here to see more pictures

Corporate-offsite-TI-Matheran

Corporate Offiste Event - TI Matheran (Click here to see more pictures)

Kotharis-n-Family-Union

Group Outing - Picture Album (Kotharis) click here to more pictures

Corporate-offsite-Hyderabad-TI

Corporate Offsite - Tilaknagar Industries (Hyderabad) click here for more pictures