India
offers a treasure trove of unexplored trails for the trekking enthusiasts.
The mountain ranges here offer breathtaking, enthralling trekking routes. In
the vast amphitheater of the Indian mountain ranges, there are limitless
possibilities for trekking, mountaineering, skiing and river rafting trips.
Snow crested peaks, Alpine valleys, Chinnar laden slopes, glassy lakes,
crumbling monasteries perched high atop remote hills, deserted mountain
plateaus, ribbons of rushing waters cutting across granite, colourful prayer
flags and rosy cheeked children, vast swathes of green undisturbed except
for a handful of mountain sheep, exotic orchids growing wild, fields of
lavender, cascading waterfalls, lush tropical forests, tea plantations,
cardamom scented valleys and an incredible collection of breathtaking vistas
greet the visitor on every winding mountain curve.
Trekking Zones
India offers limitless possibilities, blaze a trail through the greatest
mountain ranges on Earth, from the Zanskar to the Great Himalayan Range,
from the Sahyadris in Western India to the Western Ghats in South India.
Discover the joys of trekking and camping in remote Ladakh, high Himachal
and unspoilt Uttaranchal. Visit the North-East and take your pick from
gentle or challenging hikes in North Bengal and Sikkim or opt for the wilds
of Arunachal and Nagaland. Maharashtra provides plenty of thrills for the
weekend hiker and the hills of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala redolent
with the salty sea breeze contain mysterious mist wrapped hills. In almost
every part of India, there is a variety of trekking adventure options
awaiting the trekker, some soft, others not so. In this vast wonderland,
trekking itineraries from one to four weeks or more provide endless
opportunities for discovery for the trekker.
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Trekking in India is an unforgettable experience as it not only lets you to
experience the unexplored trails made by nature, but also brings you
directly in touch with the country and its people and helps you to
appreciate the mountain environment. In the space of a week or so you may
trek through Hindu settlements and past temples, isolated Buddhist
monasteries, camp beside Shepard encampments or visit villages that support
traditional Islamic culture. On a typical trek through the great Himalayan
range you will be amazed by the sheer geographical diversity, the verdant
forested valleys and flower meadows carpeted with wild flowers give way to
the arid, rugged terrain of the trans Himalaya that extends north and east
to the Tibetan plateau. These trails have been etched by many pilgrims,
traders and armies and their journeys reflect the rich cultural history of
the region. A variety of birds, wildlife, forests and wildflowers and
spectacular views further enhance the magic of the mountains.
Planning your Trek
In India it is relatively easy to opt for a trek with all the luxurious
trappings for the most reasonable price. Travel agencies provide everything
from mountaineering equipment, guides, ponies, bearers, cooks, tents to just
about everything. A veritable caravan of ponies and horsemen are arranged to
carry all the necessities and also the heavy backpacks, leaving the trekker
without a care in the world and unencumbered to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
However if you so wish you could also do a trek alpine-style, carrying all
the food and equipment yourself , but for such a trek your planning needs to
be meticulous and the backpack as light as possible.
Trekking Essentials
What to pack will depend on the nature and duration of your trek, however a
few must haves include a firm rucksack with broad straps, sleeping bag, foam
mattress, comfortable walking shoes, raincoat, torch, match boxes, umbrella,
and water bottles. Personal clothing including woolen shirts, pullovers,
T-shirts, jacket, long johns, toilet items, camera and film should be
included to suit the duration and altitude of the trek, while keeping the
overall weight to the minimum.