Himalaya Travelling Tips

Himalaya Travelling Tips

Visiting Season Because of the vastness of the terrain and altitude difference, Himalaya trekking trips can be undertaken the whole year round. Treks range from low altitude treks in winter to the crossing of high passes in summer when the snow line recedes. It is also possible to combine all three-river running, trekking and mountaineering. The conventional trekking periods preferred are mid-April to May-June before the monsoon and after the rains in the months of September - November.

Team Size & Precautions Himalaya tour Trekking is best enjoyed in small groups not exceeding eight or ten. This also allows the hillside to regenerate. Larger parties create administrative problems and pollute the hillside. It is advisable to be medically examined before starting, hence narrowing down the possibility of altitude sickness. The first aid kit should include basic medicines and bandages for cuts and burns, headache, nausea, constipation, Diarrhea, sore throat, eye lotion and Diuretics.

Cold cream should be applied liberally before the day's walk. Running water from a stream should be used and washing done well downstream of campsites. Above all it is essential to acclimatize and keep one's own comfortable pace; allow for time to 'stand & stare' and heighten one's perception by some prior reading on the area.

Essential Personal Gear A firm rucksack with broad straps sleeping bag, foam mattress, comfortable walking shoes, rainproof (anorak), torch, matchboxes, umbrella and water bottle are essential.

Other Equipment Personal clothing, including woollen shirts, pullovers, T-shirts, shorts, leather jacket, long-johns, socks, personal toilet items, camera film, should be included to suit the duration and altitude bags to collect and carry away garbage.

Insurance, Rescue And Evacuation This is possible through the standard insurance companies. The IMF, Air force and the local authorities should, as far as possible, be kept informed of the route to facilitate rescue.

Food And Fuel As a rule, firewood, including driftwood, should be strictly avoided in the interest of preserving the thin mountain topsoil. Kerosene should be brought from the point of origin. Purchase of food should likewise be done as close as possible to the mountain districts where goods have to be hauled by road over long difficult terrain.

Permission Four routes inside the inner line the local district magistrate's permission or that of the Central Home Ministry is necessary in advance. For foreigners, crossing the inner line is not permitted.

Treks upto 4,900 m. can also be undertaken with prior permission from the IMF provided no peak is attempted. Camera permits are also necessary.

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