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Trekking

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India has some of the best, and most beautiful trekking routes in the world. The trekking industry is not as built up as in Nepal. This means that often the facilities are not always as good, but the trekking routes are more secluded. The main trekking areas are in Himachal Pradesh, northern Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Zanskar, Sikkim, and the area around Darjeeling (West Bengal).

On more busy routes, there are often very basic rest houses. The food is usually very simple, often just rice and dhal. Porters can usually be hired in villages or towns at the beginning of trekking routes. They carry your baggage, help you with communication, and sometimes cook. Good porters can show you interesting places, as well as guide you. Porters hired on the street are cheaper, but usually will not be as good as the porters hired through a travel agency. Ask people who have just returned from a trek for suggestions.

Trekking agencies are usually found in hill stations, such as Manali, Dharamsala, Darjeeling, Gangtak, and Leh. You usually need to give them about a week to arrange everything. Some agencies can do a great job.

Theft and muggings are not common on trekking routes. I personally have not talked to anyone who has been mugged while trekking and I have talked to hundreds of people. Be careful of pickpockets, just before a trek begins, while you are standing around waiting to go.

You should always carry your passport with you, because on many routes there are regular government checkpoints. This is essential if you have a trekking permit. If you do not have your passport in a restricted area you will be turned back and possibly detained.

It is not recommended to trek alone in secluded areas, in case you are injured.

Trekking Permits
Some areas in the Himalaya are within the “Inner Line,” and you need a permit to go to these areas. “Inner Line” refers to the border of India (within 40km of the border), which foreigners usually have limited access to. Often treks within restricted areas have to be organized by recognized Indian Travel Agencies, and there has to be a group of four or more people.

You may also be required to travel on a specific route and may have to a have an authorized guide with you.

Trekking agencies can usually get a permit within four days. In many cases, an individual can not get a permit themselves. It is a good idea to seek advice from the tourist offices of the states where you are planning to visit for advice on getting permits. They usually have up-to-date information on this subject.

Permits are issued at the Foreigners’ Registration Offices in Delhi, Calcutta, Mumbai and Chennai and sometimes by immigration offices at major airports. Sometimes the local District Magistrate or another government officer in the local area can issue permits. When in doubt, go to the local tourist office.

Trekking Seasons
Depending on where you are going, the best times will vary. The middle of September to the middle of October, and April to June are usually good times for the Himalayas. During the monsoon season (Mid-July to the beginning of September) it can be very wet. Ladakh, Lahaul, Zanskar and Spiti have little rain during the monsoon. It can rain at any time of the year, so it is best to always carry rain gear with you. Winter in the Himalayas is very cold, and in many areas it is impossible to trek. Unless you are highly experienced, you would not want to trek in the Himalayas in the winter.

Trekking Equipment
It is highly advisable to bring your own boots or running shoes (at lower attitudes). They should be worn in and comfortable.

Trekking equipment—tents, sleeping bags, warm jackets—can often be hired in hill stations or places where treks begin, usually from travel agencies. You can ask at tourist offices where you can rent equipment, but do not accept their advice blindly, because they may be receiving a commission from the more expensive places.

A waterproof jacket with a hood is essential and waterproof pants are a good idea. You should have a warm sweater, warm hat, good socks, spare laces, gloves (in colder areas), sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sun hat. You will most likely need a sleeping bag and a mat to put on the ground.

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