Trekking is a very vast subject and it may not be possible to explain and describe many points in detail. But our experience shows that some points are very important in the preparation for a trek, knowledge of minor details for foreign tourists/ trekkers and how to do trekking in India. In the same way it is important to know as to what is to be done and what is prohibited according to the customs of our country. The Himalayan trekking is different due to sudden change in weather, altitudes and different terrains one comes across on any particular route. One needs a great patience for adjustment, tolerance and coping with one’s summerised them in the from of tips for trekkers and Do’s and Don’t for trekkers for an enjoyable trekking trip in the Indian Himalaya especially in Himachal Pradesh.
Physical Fitness: To enjoy trekking in the Himalaya one should be physically fit as one has to be at considerable good heights from 200m to 500m for most of the time and may face acclimatization problem. It is better to do some physical exercises and short treks at home before joining a trekking groups.
Personal Qualities: One needs a lot of tolerance and patience for adjustment with co-trekkers, the organizers and situation prevailing on treks. For, one feels irritated due to non acclimatization and other things at high altitude. In India one should not expect everything perfect in this new field of sport and thus some allowance has to be given for certain lapses because one has to go by the social customs, Suitable temperament is an important consideration in the Himalayan trekking.
Medical considerations: Foreigners are required to undergo some immunization which has to be entered in their international certificate of vaccination. It is also advised to take anti malaria tablets when they are in India to be on safer side. Some trekkers who do not get sound sleep due to high altitude, can use sleeping pills occasionally. In a group there should be a medical aid. People with history of asthma, bronchitis and heart problems should not venture trekking in Himalaya.
Equipment: We have explained the details of equipment needed on a trek. Check list may be studied carefully and equipment be brought accordingly. (See chapter four)
Insurance: Every adventurer should get himself insured in his country for a sufficient amount to cover the accident risk as well as rescue operations either by land or by helicopter. Our experience shows that most of the foreign travelers, trekkers, mountaineers and others, who are participating in any such activity in India, are fully insured. However, one should also have evacuation cover by helicopter which is expensive but safe. Only little extra money is involved but lot of botheration is saved. Indian tourists and adventurers should also follow this practice.
Passport and Visa: All documents concerning Visa and Passport etc. should be in order before starting the journey. All regulations regarding visa are available with Indian Embassies. For more details consult Travel Regulations chapter tow.
Trekking Permit: There is no such system of issuing a trekking permit in India as is done in Nepal and other countries. But one should not enter the restricted areas without permission.
Currency: India has coins and notes. The coins are of a denomination of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 paisa and one, two, five rupees. One rupee is equal to 100 paisa. The notes have the denomination of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rupees. US dollars and other currency of various countries can be exchanged at big hotels and many banks in all important towns and cities. It is better to keep small notes if you are going on trekking or to remote places where there is no possibility of a bank.
Language: Although there are 15 languages recognized by our Constitution yet English and Hindi are generally understood in all hilly areas especially in the tourist place of Himachal Pradesh.
Information Media: There are various English News papers and other Weeklies which provide the required news and information on other events of the country and outside world. Many good books and local guides are also available at different places for the information of the tourists. Tourism Department of India as well as of the states has offices in every important town to provide all sorts of information about that area.
Business Hours: Sunday is closed for offices, banks and shops. Office and banks function from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Saturdays; banks exchange money only up to 12 hrs. Also take into account festivals and national holidays which are also closed. However, at some places evening bank counters function.
Season: The season and period for trekking will differ from region but the general season is April-June and September-December. There are certain areas like Lahaul, Spiti, and Pangi and Kinnaur valleys in Himachal Pradesh where one can trek during monsoon because of very little rain during this period.
Heights and Distances: Heights and distances quoted in the itineraries may not be very accurate but an attempt has been made to give the nearest correct and accurate heights and distances.
Telecommunication: Making international calls has now become easy especially from big cities. Telex and fax as well as telegrams can also be sent as an alternative to phones. Arrangements exist in almost every tourist place.
Walking Stage: Normally a trekker should walk from 3km. to 4km. per hour. A trekker has not only to walk but to see around him the scenery, click the camera, stop to see and listen to the chirping of birds or to enjoy the view of a water fall etc. Secondly one is walking at a high altitude where the speed is less.
Maps and Routes: There trekking maps of Himachal Pradesh have been prepared by the Survey of India which are available with tourist offices. We however are giving some maps with more routes and places of interest indicated in them, which will be of great help to the trekkers. Similarly some routes have been explained with details and rest are left for the trekkers to explore.
Restricted Area: Himachal has border with Ladakh and Tibet and has some areas like Spiti valley as well as Kinnaur district which are restricted for foreign tourists. Even the Indian Nationals have to obtain permit to enter these permission from the District Magistrate of the area and foreign nationals have to approach Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.
Food: While in cities or towns one can order for any type of food, but during trekking one should adjust to the local diet, fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits, instead of tinned food. Even fresh meat, eggs and chicken are available in some remote villages. One should however, remind the cooks every time not to put chilies in the food. The big trekking agencies the menu in such a way that the food on trekking route is healthy and nutritious whether it is western or Indian. Mostly trekkers prefer mixed food all types which is a good intention to adjust and enjoy.
Drinking Water: To drink water from direct source, stream or river is not safe especially for foreign tourists. They should therefore use either boiled water or purify it with iodine or other medicines. Some people prefer to fill up their water bottles with black tea and put some fresh lemon juice in it to be used the whole day.
Sickness on a Tour: It is case of exposure in most of the cases. Since the weather in the Himalaya is not very certain, the trekkers should keep essential clothing like wind cheater, gloves, woolen garments and head cover with them so that they could be used according to the changing weather. Other reason is non acclimatization to heights. Any sickness must be controlled at once either with your personal medicines or taken from the doctor.
