Plan the best itinerary
What do you want to see on your trip to the Himalayas? Are you hunting for remote mountain passes that very few people have dared to try, or do you want to get to know more about the region’s culture? Little Tibet and Ladakh are home to hundreds of ancient monasteries. Travelers can enjoy the most relaxing travel experience on these territories. If you also want to enjoy a trekking trip, consider exploring Sikkim, a place with luxuriant forests and exquisite scenery. It’s best to prioritize when trekking the Himalayas. Don’t aim to see it all as that would be impossible. Pick a place or a region and focus on it. Savor the campsites, the villages, the shrines, and the people and plan to see another part next year.
Even though you’ve decided to trek the Himalayas on your own, you are still advised to hire a travel guide. Only a local can point you in the right direction. Some of the best attractions and places of
interest are deeply hidden into the mountains. Local travel guides can also recommend you convenient lodging, transportation and dining places. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford expensive accommodation, you can easily choose a camping site.
Convenient trekking
Peak trekking season in the Himalayas begins in March and ends in June. But then again, you still need to be prepared as the weather conditions can change. Sikkim, Uttaranchal, and Himachal are prone to heave monsoons in July and August, so make sure to avoid these regions at all cost; and unless you’re an experienced trekker, you should also avoid the Indian Himalayas from November to March. During this time of the year, it’s best to explore Nepal where the treks are a lot more accessible even in the cold season.
Stay safe A trekking trip to Himalaya can prove to be challenging, so you are advised to stay safe. Read about acclimatization and try not to assume that a GPS will help you find your way back to the camp in case you get lost. A paper map and compass are a lot better alternatives. You should also hire a local guide because some paths are tricky and complicated to trek.
Proper equipment
Forget about fashion when trekking the Himalayas, and center all your attention on proper equipment. Make sure your backpack is heavy-duty, as well as your shoes, coat, and additional accessories for rainy weather and severe wind. If you don’t have proper gear to wear on the mountain, buy it from India. The quality is outstanding. Don’t worry, prices are incredibly convenient! Apart from clothes, you need a qualitative tent and a sleeping mat.
Now that you’re all set, it’s time to get going. Grab your gear and let the adventure begin. Here are some trekking trips that might come in handy:
* Be patient & stay positive – Some treks last for two weeks, so you need to pack yourself with a lot of patience and determination. Walking for 10 hours a day can become tedious; find a way to stay positive and enjoy the journey. Keep calm, admire the scenery and don’t think about the physical pain. Remember – trekking the Himalaya is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
* Protect your equipment – make sure your trekking gear is protected; use a kitbag to make sure your items don’t get ruined by jagged rocks and thorn bushes. Be careful with your camera, and try not to use in rugged areas as you don’t want a snow leopard to scare you and make it leave it behind and run for your life.
* Stay hydrated - trekking is challenging activity, and if you want to cope you must stay hydrated. Make sure your bottle is kept in a wind-proof pocket, and keep it off rain and sun.
Last but not least, don’t forget to protect the environment. Even the smallest, most insignificant actions can be disastrous to the environment, ecosystem and locals. By Peter Smith and ShaktiHimalaya.com!
