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| The ecstasy of trekking in Indian Himalayas |
The Indian Himalayas! Wow!
Want to get an enchanting experience of lush green fields, remote villages, virgin forests and a view of the imposing peaks?
Well, trek on awesome trails in Indian Himalayas and have a lifetime experience!
Though you would love to enjoy the serenity of the hidden and unhurried world that exists in these wilderness regions, you must be aware that trekking is a completely different world of activities when compared with our normal life. Uncertainties have to be faced with courage and determination.
There could be unlike problems like unpredictable weather, breathing problems and tiredness due to poor-preparedness, poor preparation for needed material and sudden illness to name few
For travellers on these heavenly and adventurous yet demanding terrains, here are some important tips on preparations, material, equipments and precautions:
General
Be prepared to change itineraryWeather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns off the beaten track and local availability of porters, can contribute to the need for changes.
AccommodationUsually in twin sharing tents (‘A’ frame or dome) in remote areas. In villages or small towns, there are lodges, home stays or tents are available. If you are travelling in a group of 4 to more than you may have to carry a toilet tent, kitchen cum dinning tent.
Depending upon, number of trekkers, you may need camp chairs or stools, a kerosene/gas lamp or candles for reading in the dining tent at night, stainless steel crockery and tableware and foam *sleeping mattress. I strongly recommend you bring your own therma-a-rest (Therm-a-Rest is a trademarked name for a line of self-inflating camping mattresses.) as well.
Food
For breakfastMilk, Tea and Coffee bags, sugar cubes, Porridge, Bread, Amul butter and Cheese slices and cubes, Boiled or raw eggs, MTR ready to make Upama, Tomato Sauce bottle, Dhokla packets, Pancakes and honey
Midday on the trek snacksRemember, trekking in cold climate could be energy-consuming and tiring and therefore, the so called junk food (carbohydrates which give energy) like potato chips, crackers, chocolates and other related type snacks may be "good foods"
LunchPacked ready to cook Indian, Chinese or Western foods and Sandwiches, frozen Parathas or Chappaties (unleavened bread that is cooked on a hot iron plate)
DinnerAs in lunch or if a cook is accompanying you then, carry Atta (Indian wheat flour), Dals (Lentils), potatoes, onions, vegetables, cooking oil, salt, pepper, chilli, garam masala, dhaniya and turmeric powder, fruits and sweets or Amul Shrikhand tins
Appropriate utensils and washing powder
Plenty of mineral water bottles
Precautions
- Time management: Due to unpredictable nature of weather, take care of time. Try to leave a place by 9 AM and to reach the next destination by 5 PM.
- If you are leaving in the morning to next destination, take care of time for packing and loading of tents etc. Don’t take a leisurely breakfast if you are involved in packing.
- A complete medical check-up prior to start trekking.
- Toning up of the body and acclimatization near or at the base camp should be strictly observed.
- Patients of asthma and diabetes should restrict their climb up to 3000 meters above sea level.
- In case of any severe sickness, provide first aid and then make arrangements to bring the patient to lower area and to hospital.
- protect the body from changing weathers.
- Use comfortable and old walking shoes.
- Collect maximum information about the trek.
- Keep all the equipment and foodstuff in order.
- Campsite should be preferably near the source of drinking water.
- Do not camp under trees.
- Pitch the tent on an inclined surface and dig a small trench around.
- Set off for trek early in the morning, fording a stream will be easier at that time.
- After finishing cooking or after packing up the kitchen, extinguish fire completely, especially while camping in forests.
- Clean the camp site before setting off and dispose of wastes and litter to protect the natural beauty of the area.
- Check the first aid kit before starting.
- Keep a handsome amount of medicines to be distributed.
- Have a tour leader of group.
Trekking Equipments
The following list only mentions the essential elements. You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal articles you will need during the trek.
- A small backpack. About 40 l. It will contain all what you need during a trekking day and carried by you.
- A kit-bag with padlock or a big backpack. It will contain the 12 kg personal belongings, if you are hiring a porter. I will advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag with a plastic bag.
- A good sleeping bag. (Already mentioned above)
- A walking stick optional.
- Frontal lamp or an electric torch.
- Have a self-inflating mattress
- Hiking shoes.
- A sweater
- A fleece jacket
- A a waterproof jacket
- Good trousers
- Waterproof trousers preferably
- Gloves and cap
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
More details on requirements and precautions