Trekking in the Indian Himalayas - An Insight for Beginners
By Akanksha Khanna
We encourage our Guests at Work From Mountains to connect with Nature while they are in the Mountains. And there are few better ways than Trekking in the Mountains to get an actual feel of the Mountains. So here are some Insights for First Time Trekkers in the Indian Himalayas.
Setting off on your first ever Himalayan trek, ignites within you feelings of excitement of the unknown, unawareness and some amount of hesitation as well. But usually once the journey into the inner reaches of the Himalayan paradise is concluded, for majority of us those feelings turn into an utmost delight and gratification.
Most of us are Google friendly and do our homework before we embark on that journey. Where to go, how to go and when to go are some basic questions we look for answers to. What one doesn’t find on the internet are some of the most important intricacies that we must be aware of to take that road ahead. Although there is nothing that is frightening about exploring the Himalayan ranges, but being adequately prepared is something that would be an added advantage to the experience as a whole.
In India, we are blessed with the vast expanse of the Western Himalayas and with some of the most pristine places in the world. From low lying valleys full of wildflowers to alpine meadows and glacial lakes, we have it all stretching from Kashmir that lies in the Western Himalaya to Northeast India, a section of the Eastern Himalaya. Hence, we are gifted with a wide range of treks to choose from even as a beginner.
What is of paramount importance while selecting a trek is to understand the mountain weather, different seasons and the challenges one can face while in the wilderness. Unlike some western countries, the concept of hiking, trekking and camping in a self-sufficient way is still very young and developing in India. Marked trails or campsites, wooden planks, maps, signboards and forest rangers are not familiar to our mountains due to their vastness, technicalities and remoteness. What we do have is the rawness and the unexplored beauty of the dramatic landscapes, the flora and fauna and the ever so welcoming natives from the mountain villages who are always ready to host or help out if a visitor is in need.
The globally recognized “Leave No Trace” Principles or LNT Principles, would keep you organized and provide an insight into what all things should be considered while planning for your trek. These are ethics that are also followed by outdoor professionals especially in the wilderness areas in order to have the best of experience and yet having minimum impact on the environment. These are easily available on the web and are a great tool for new explorers.
Starting with an easy trek can not only build confidence but might turn into something that one would cherish forever. When travelling alone as a beginner, opt for a trek that is not technical in nature and can be done safely with minimum trekking equipment and calculated risks.
Make sure to read, research and talk to people about the current weather patterns and forecast in the area to be explored. Opt for a sturdy rucksack that can hold all your resourceful belongings and a good pair of shoes or hiking boots. Packing your bag light with just the essential clothing will keep you going hassle free. The mountain weather is ever changing and being well prepared to encounter such challenges by keeping a rain poncho or rain jacket, rain pants and light but durable warm layers are an absolute essential.
Being aware of one’s health condition during planning, executing and concluding a trek is something which shouldn’t be neglected in order to have a pleasant escapade in the mountainous terrane. Therefore, keep your personal medication handy at all times and ask for help whenever needed. Fortunately, one gets to pass through numerous villages even in the remotest parts of the Himalayas. People actually live there in their beautifully and traditionally constructed wooden and stone homes. You would often find yourself coming across shepherds who are out grazing their cattle on the slopes and meadows or women who are diligently working in their high mountain fields. Conversations flow effortlessly with them and you could barely escape their lovingly offered “Chai”. Assistance and directions are always given to the ones who seek for it. All you need to do is be respectful towards the natives as well other visitors.
Acclimatizing is something people often tend to take lightly while trekking in the mountains as armatures. Gaining elevation too rapidly and not allowing yourself to acclimatize properly can result into Acute Mountain Sickness such as HACE and HAPE. To avoid such conditions from arising and managing a situation as such, one must gather knowledge about some dos and don’ts about trekking at high altitudes. Read about the signs and symptoms for Acute Mountain Sickness and keep in mind that even an easy to moderate trek could also take you on a high altitude, without being technical in nature.
Another crucial detail while venturing into the Himalayan forests is to remember that we are mere visitors in the natural habitat of some of the most endangered and protected species in the world. If one is lucky enough, they could encounter some wildlife such as Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Civet, Snow Leopards, Himalayan Tahr and so on. There have been many instances recorded in the past especially with the Himalayan Black Bear that happen to be aggressive by nature who inevitably are attracted to the smell of food items and fragrances of cosmetics.
To avoid such human-animal conflicts, we as a more intelligent species need to understand how to manage unfavourable encounters. A simple way of doing that, is by creating awareness for oneself and others about the importance of Bear Bags. It is a method in which all foods items, snacks, used utensils, cosmetics with fragrances as well are trash bags are put together in a rucksack or a spare duffle and suspended on the branch of a tree with a durable cord, at a certain distance from the camping area. By following this simple practise, you could create a safer camping experience of yourself and fellow campers and hikers.
A well-planned trek can make or break your experience. Once you have all the necessary information and guidance gathered, gear up for that special journey into the world of mountains through trekking in the Indian Himalaya.
About The Author : Akanksha is an Avid Trekker who has done her BMC and is a NOLS Trip Leader