What makes a great trek in the Himalayas? Good weather, good views of snow-capped peaks, good habitancy nearby you, good food and security when you need it etc. And also things like the balanced mix of adventure and safety on your trek. And of course, the cost of the trek. All these things need to meet your needs. The good news is, with the right knowledge you can get ready your trek in the Himalayas to hit the mark and meet your expectations as close as possible. A bit of preparation goes a long way!
General Advice
News From Bhutan
You want to be in the right place at the right time. You certainly don't want to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. As a quick primer on trekking in the Himalayas, I will suggest beginners to stay below 4000 meters in winter, only go in the trans-Himalayan region in summer (to avoid the monsoon) and otherwise enjoy your trekking in the spring and fall, which are generally carefully high-season.
You don't want to be under-equipped and you don't want to be over-equipped either. Remember, you have to carry all your stuff yourself, or pay man to do it. If it's not going to rain, perhaps you don't need a poncho! On the other hand, if it's going to snow, you might want to bring a warm jacket and/or a sleeping bag. Packing just the right stuff comes with experience. So read up on gear recommendations online before you go.
Choosing A Destination
The Himalayan Mountain Range spans 6 countries. From west to east: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet (China) and Bhutan. You can probably speedily rule out number 1 and 2 on this list due to safety problems, war and terrorism. perhaps it will convert in the future, but for now (2009) there are great options.
Trekking in India is a much great option. It's easy to get visa, flights, hotels, converyance etc. The Indian Himalayas have many towns and villages that are road-connected and can be used as trail-heads for beginning a trek. Treks can be done as independent camping treks or arranged with guide and porters.
Trekking in Nepal is other great option. Contrary to India, Nepal often has trekking lodges along the trails, production it unnecessary for you to carry any camping gear and hire porters. This makes it very simple to trek in Nepal. The wee downside is that since it is so popular, the trekking trails can sometimes get a bit crowded. It's nothing like Grand Central hub of course, but you just don't get that feeling of being alone in the wilderness.
Trekking in Tibet and Bhutan has one thing in common: All tours must be arranged straight through a government recognized trekking agency. There is no independent trekking allowed in these two Himalayan countries. While the pre-arranged treks are often more expensive, it makes everything very easy for you with a guide.
Tips on seeing the Best Treks in HimalayaTags : todays world news headlines
0 comments:
Post a Comment