In 1965 Colonel Jimmy Roberts introduced the world to trekking. As a former Gurkha Officer and Military Attaché at the British Embassy in Kathmandu he had spent years of his life walking the hills of Nepal. His idea, revolutionary for the time, was to provide tents together with Sherpas, to guide and cook. Nowadays it is well established; groups travel through the hills, walking for five to six hours each day with all their equipment carried by porters or ponnies; good quality meals are provided along with warm sleeping bags and comfortable tents; the trekker carries a personal pack with camera, day clothing and snacks. Walking for days on end might sound daunting, but actually it is not too difficult, infact its adventurous. The most important attribute for enjoying the trek, is right attitude. I myself have gone for few treks varying frm simple toddler trek to some real tough ones......and believe me its fun..jpg)
Trekking often refers to multi-day hiking trips through rural, often rugged territory. Many people who are trekkers engage in longer trips through entire regions of the world, using trekking as a way of getting from place to place. It can be incorporated with a number of other outdoor sports, such as rok climbing or backpacking.Trekking is different from other sorts of travel for a few different reasons. It tends to be less-structured than other sort of travel, as weather conditions and topography help influence travel plans more than plane flights or hotel availability. As travelers move on foot through often-rural areas, trekking gives travelers an up-close view of incredible scenery. Many trekkers travel through isolated areas, giving them an experience much different than those who travel in organized groups to more-popular destinations. It often allows them to interact with nature, doing anything from climbing a rock wall to navigating across a mountain or entire mountain range.
Several pieces of gear help make trekking more enjoyable. One is a comfortably-fitting backpack. Many trekkers travel for extended periods and need to carry all of their belongings with them. A sturdy backpack can comfortably fit more than 10-20 kilos of clothing and gear. Another important item is sturdy hiking boots. When covering long distances, wearing the right pair of boots can make the difference between enjoying a trip and being in pain. Other survival equipment, such as warm clothing, a first aid kit and a supply of food and water are also very important.
The most important aspect of long treks is right spirit and perfect group coordination.
There are basically wo types of trekking
Full Trekking : Full trek, the Footprints preference means that the group camp in tents each night and retain their own cooks, Sirdar (foreman) and porters. It means that all personal equipment is carried for you, meals are cooked, and you are looked after by familiar staff
TeaHouse Trekking
Frankly speaking as of from my experience Full trekking is more adventurous and enjoying and trekking can be fun iff there are like minded people in the group.
TREKKING TIPS:
- Trekking is not an adventure activity that anyone can try out. It comes with a responsibility for the trekker to make sure that no hiking expedition becomes a threat to the environment and to the local culture and traditions of that particular region. While taking up trekking of a particular region within India, check out the details regarding the geographical and historical features, followed by the trek route that you are going to cover, the season in which the trails can be followed, details about where to buy essential supplies and keep a note about the local trekking agencies of that particular region.
- It is recommended that a trekker should take up physical and dental examination before undertaking a trek. The first aid kit that you take with you depends on the length of the trek, its location and the no of people that are taking up the trek tour. Iodine tablets are the best reliable methods for sterlising water for drinking, cooking and washing.Some of the items a trekker requires while trekking on the higher altitude regions in India: a broad- brimmed hat, UV proof glasses,sunscreen that can protect one against the increased solar radiation at high altitudes.
- Sun Hat, Woolen Beni, Down Jacket, Sleeping Bags , Sun Glass, Sun screen cream, good pair of trekking boots, Runners or sand shoes, rucksac as day pack, gloves, scarf's, plastic garbage bags to keep things dry, torch, personal medical kit, at least 3 to 5 pairs of woolen socks to be used during the trek , 4 to 5 pairs of normal socks, fleece, wind or rain jacket, water bottle, stamina or rehydration powder.
- To avoid dehydration always carry a water bottle with you and it's essential to frequently drink water.
My next trek will be to CHANDRATAL and BARALACHA PASS.....will post the experience soon
