Walk on the wild side

Abhinav Bachcha

A trekking trip is the best way to explore nature. It gives you the option of experiencing a sunrise, a sunset, sleeping under the stars and having a meal in the wilderness

Trekking is an adventure activity that one can pursue as a long-term hobby. The diverse Himalayan ranges offer a multitude of treks. Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir, Sikkim, Ladakh have multiple trekking destinations. Trekking trips can be tweaked according to the number of days available and your physical ability. India has the option of treks, which vary from two days, a week to even months. Trekking should not be confused with mountaineering. While the formal does not require any training, the latter needs a sound knowledge of equipments and training.

Trekking is the best way to experience nature. Right from the point when you step into a trekking trail, you are in a different world. Apart from the elation of reaching the top of a mountain, a trekking trip gives you the option of experiencing a sunrise, a sunset, sleeping under the stars and having a meal in the wilderness. But above all these, it is an opportunity to observe nature from very close.

Stok Kangri in Leh (6153 m) is the highest trekable summit in India. Churdhar Peak trek in Himachal (3600 m) is the highest peak of the Shivalik Himalayas. Chandrashila top in Uttrakhand (3925m) boasts of Tunganath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world. Roopkund Trek, Goecha La trek, Chadar trek, Pindari Glacier trek are the trekkers paradise in India. The best part of trekking is that there are a lot of easy treks for the beginners, which have a fixed trail and do not require guides. Triund is one such trek at McLeodganj, which gives you a spectacular view of the Dhauladhar range. It is a good one-day trek for beginners and has facilities for camping at the top. Same goes with Nag Tibba Trek, about 80 km from Dehradun and Khaliya Top Trek at Munsiyari.

Get going

Beginners should start with moderate treks preferably of one-day duration. Always do extensive research before embarking for a trek. Make sure that you are aware of the weather conditions during that part of the year and are well-prepared for the same. Always try to be in groups, especially in regions of wildlife.

While a river, waterfall or a lake may appear very appealing, make sure that water is not very deep and the flow too strong. A lot of waterfalls have the fear of falling stones and that has to be taken into consideration. For a day-long trek, you may not need a trekking guide but for long treks, it is advisable to do treks with proper trekking guides and agencies.

There are many government and non-government trekking agencies, which offer their services. A lot of small companies have also come up and are delivering the service quite efficiently. The good thing about guides is that you will not have to worry about tents, sleeping bags, route maps, food, etc. Moreover, the guides know the local flora and fauna and can spot the exact peaks for you. A lot of trekking agencies also offer porter service so all you need is to be there.

Top treks

Chandrashila top: Trek starts at Chopta, Uttarakhand.

Triund top: Trek starts at McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh.

Nag tibba trek: Trek starts at Pantwari village, Mussorie.

Khali top trek: Trek starts at Munsiyari, Uttarakhand.

Cost

• When we talk of the cost of treks, it is excluding the fare you incur to the base point of the trek.
• A typical one-day trek with camping in the night and food expenses is around Rs 1,200 per person
• A typical 7-8 days trek with trekking agencies or hiring private guides will be around Rs 8000-Rs12000, plus the tip of the guides.
• A long two-week trek can range between Rs 20,000 and Rs 25000.

Safety tips

• Do adequate research.
• Acclimatising is a must for any treks above 3,500 m.
• Avoid loud music, liquor, smoking.
• Travel in groups. Keep safe distance between two trekkers.
• Take care when walking on wet stones.
• Carry your personal medicines.
• Be alert of falling stones from waterfalls and turbulent river waters.
• Keep ready contact and idea of the nearest hospitals.
• Keep anti-venoms in case of areas which have a lot of snakes.

Equipment

• Good pair of shoes and pair of sandles to roam around campsite, small/medium back-pack to carry water, food, camping gear. Sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
• Winter jacket, thermal wear and woollen socks for chilly weather.
• LED torch to get around at night. An extra set of clothes to sleep dry in the camp site.
• A pain relief spray.
• Tiffin box, glass, fork/spoon for soup/dinner.
• Three reusable bottles filled with water. nPlastic covers to protect your stuff (especially cloth and sleeping bag) from rain.
• One may require tents and rain coats depending on the weather.
• Carry a small map of the place and keep on checking from time to time for landmarks.