Some Important Precautions and Permits

Trekking always refers to walking on trails. While trekking, we see the great scenic beauty of hills. Trekking does not require any special technical ability. The trails used are generally safe and anyone with a little trekking experience and in a physically fit condition can undertake a trek without fear. An average day may entail eight to twelve miles of trekking, lasting six to eight hours, including halts for rest and meals. It is desirable that intending trekkers carry a small first-aid kit.

Trekking has its own delights and dose of risk. Trekking does not need as much preparation as required in mountaineering. From time immemorial, the hill folks and pilgrims trekked over the hills and dales due to lack of roads and transport. Adi Shankaracharya was the first religious pioneer who opened the trekking route in Himalayas for the people of other regions. He trekked in Garhwal Himalayas in the 8th century A.D. Trekking should be organized in groups. One must have well-maintained trekking equipment like Alpine tents, feather Jackets, wind proof Jackets, wind proof trousers, ground sheets/mattresses, snow goggles and rucksacks.While in the mountains, always make an early start. This has many advantages. Early morning is the best time for trekking, the air being fresher and more invigorating than later in the day. Photographs taken in the forenoon are much better than the photographs taken in the afternoon. The greatest advantage of an early start is an early arrival. The mountains are very photogenic. You must carry a camera to catch the beauty of a colorful valley.If you are a collector of wild flowers, you will find here a hundred varieties. Buttercups and Daisies, Kingcups and wild Roses, Forget-me-nots of a dozen different colors, Violets, Anemones, Irises, Columbines, Harebells, Blue Poppies, Primulas, Verbenas, Lilies of the valley and Cactus Roses are all there. Take a book on wild flowers with you and add to the fun of the trek by identifying the flowers you see. The bird watcher can spend many fascinating hours in the Himalayan forest. You must take a pair of binoculars with you to enjoy your trekking trip.

When to go?

To avoid the monsoon, most trekkers travel during autumn. In the mountains the nights are cold, but the bright sun makes the pleasant day temperature. At high altitude, temperature ranges from about 20 ⁰C down to -10 ⁰C. Mornings are usually clear with clouds building up during the afternoon and disappearing at night to reveal spectacular starry skies.

Broadly speaking, the four-month seasons are:

The task of selecting proper gear can almost overpower some people, but it is not a complex or difficult undertaking. Preparing for a trek is no more complicated than equipping yourself for a weekend backpacking trip. In some ways it is simpler. There is no food to worry about and no eating utensils or cooking pots to organize. There are no tents to stow.

Light Rucksack

1

Sleeping Bag

1

Cotton shirts/T-shirts

2

Hard-Wearing Trousers/Slacks

1

Woolen Trousers for the evening

1

Pullover (light)

1

Pullover (heavy)

1

Windproof Jacket

1

Feather Jacket

1

Light Raincoat

1

Sun Hat

1

Woolen Mittens

1 pair

Scarf

1

Nylon/Woolen socks

2 pairs

Handkerchiefs

As required

Toilet requisites

As required

Trekking Boots (properly fitted)

1 pair

Camp Shoes/Slippers/Flat sandals

1 pair

Light Nylon Duffel Bag

1

Handy Bags for cigarettes, books, camera and films

As required

Pocket-knife-cum-tin-opener

1

Torchlight with batteries

1 set

Plastic water bottle

1

Binoculars (optional)

1