subject: Trekking In India [print this page] Unlike conventional trekking, modern day trekking is not only mountain climbing but is mix bag of various adventurous activities which are planned for the trekkers by their tourist companies. There are exciting and different class of tours which gives one a sense of explorer's excitement and thrill -- trekking in mountains, Angling (Fishing), Rafting, Camping, motor safaris are clubbed into one for that ultimate thrill and adventure.
Trekking is fun and adventurous, it is an experience one cherishes for a life time provided everything goes smooth and perfect but if there are any unpleasant memories then the whole charm is lost. To make your trekking trip a memorable one, keep in mind few things which will enable you to turn it into a success trek.
Make sure your official documents are in place. Foreign visitors must possess valid passports and visas and the visas should cover the exact duration of your stay in India. Declaration of expensive gadgets like cameras, tape-recorders, computers, etc.
Trekking requires some planning to be comfortable. You can expect a great variety of weather conditions, far more, say, than trekking in Nepal. In July-August-September you must be prepared for sleet, snow, dust storms AND dry heat with temperatures up to 30C/80F. River crossings can be easy but after rain they can be up to waist deep, and pass crossings can be under awesome blue skies or cloaked in freezing fog reminiscent of Scotland. Do not believe the "It never rains in Ladakh".
During the day all trekkers should carry a warm layer (fleece vest/jacket is ideal), a windproof/waterproof layer (Windstopper fleece and the new soft shell are good) and for river crossings, a walking pole, sandals with ankle straps, or old trainers.
For walking the best upper layers are the 'wicking' t-shirts that many companies make. They come in a wide variety, long sleeve, zip top, short sleeve. The long sleeves and collar versions are great to keep off the sun. You could also consider one of the 'travel shirts' many companies make (or a cheap thin cotton shirt from Manali). Material that looks like cotton, but dries quick, packs light, with a double collar.
For trousers, all the outdoor companies make a wide range of travel and trekking pants, most of them amazing for the thought that has gone into their design. The ones featuring zip off lower legs to make shorts are handy. A good sun hat is vital, either wide brim or with a neck protector, or ordinary hat and light neck scarf.
In the evenings in India we have no lodges to retire to, our mess tent is cosy and well lighted but can still get chilly, thus a light down jacket (A top quality one is the Himalayan trekkers best friend), which doubles as pillow, extra layer, and is the envy if all on the bus journey to Leh when the bus breaks down during a snowstorm in July! A fleece or wool hat, and light fleece or liner gloves are also useful for the chills. Like the days of lore, we may get a blistering summer, no snow, indeed not even a cloud; in '89 I trekked for 30 days, no tent, a fleece jacket only, shorts and t-shirt every day, but its not the norm. In '99 myself and Jamie got rain almost every night and Jamie swore he would never take just a fleece jacket trekking again (for about the fourth time) and always, always bring a down jacket instead
You carry a day pack with your camera, jacket, water, purifier, sometimes sandal and snacks. The horses and mules carry everything else. Duffel is easiest to pack and unpack in the tents, and fits well on the ponies. They are readily and cheaply available in Delhi, Manali and Leh if you want to buy one there and store the backpack or roller-duffel until the end of the trek.
