TREKKING TIPS FOR UTTARAKHAND (Uttaranchal)
The Himalayan foothills are just ideal for trekking, Hiking
and Camping offering energetic out-door people a different
and exciting option for a Adventure holiday. The Ladakh
and Zanskar regions of Jammu & Kashmir are the most
popular destinations for trekkers.
Walking
in the Mountains-
Mountain walking is an art in itself. A good trekker is
economical in his actions. If you watch a Hillman or a
shepherd walking after his sheep, you will observe that
he does not waste energy in unnecessary flailing of arms
or legs. His strides are sure and steasy, and he soes
not appear to be in a hurry. He htus reaches his destination
without undue fatigue. Keep in mind the following points-
-
A
common tendency among beginners and the experienced
is to show enthusiasm by walking fast; this is soon
exhausting warm up gradually and continue at a slow
comfortable pace.
-
Develop
a personal rhythm. Lift and keep your step in synchronization
with breathing. This should minimize getting out of
breath.
-
Walking
on the level, place the foot flat, heel first, to obtain
a better grip and gain a few centimeters with each step.
-
Walk
in zigzags while ascending a very steep slope.
-
Avoid
stepping on loose stones.
-
Avoid
overtaking fellow travelers while walking on a narrow
trail.
-
Ascending/
descending a scree slope or over loose stones, leave
sufficient space between the next person so that any
stone rolling down does not hit others below.
-
Do
not run down a slope. Flex or bend knee a little while
descending. Dig heels into soft snow or soft ground.
-
Wet
grass, pine needles and wet roots can be very slippery.
Be careful while walking on them.
-
Shortcuts
on a foot trail should be avoided.
-
Put on warm clothing while taking rest.
-
Respect
the sentiments and traditions of the local hill people.
Respect their women and avoid mixing ort talking with
them.
-
Don’t
damage crops by walking through standing harvest.
-
Always
carry some water in your water bottle.
Halts
and Rests-
- During
a rest period, lie against a tree trunk or a big stone.
Place your legs on your rucksack or on any other higher
place. This will regulate your blood circulation.
- Stop
about 15 min. after the first start to readjust your
rucksach or to tie a shoelace etc.
- Do
not make halts frequent or prolonged. Too many halts
destroy walking rhythm. Frequent rests are not needed
of you follow the right walking techniques. Stop should
be made, wherever possible, at natural stopping points,
like on the top of a ridge, of before a difficult ascent,
or at a scenic viewpoint.
Equipments-
The following list only mentions the essential elements.
You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal
articles you will need during the trek.
A
small backpack (about 40 l. It will contain what you will
need during a trekking day and carried by you), a kit-bag
with padlock (or a big backpack. It will contain the 12
kg personal belongings, which will be carried by horses
or porters. We advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag
with a plastic bag), a good sleeping bag, a sweater, a fleece
jacket and a waterproof jacket (preferably Gore-Tex), good
trousers as well as a waterproof trousers (preferably Gore-Tex),
gloves and cap, hiking shoes, sunglasses and sun cream,
a walking stick (optional), a frontal lamp or an electric
torch. A foam mattress is provided, but if you have a self-inflating
mattress, bring it: you will feel more comfortable
First
aid kit-
Here are the main things which can be useful: iodine tablets,
tincture or crystals for water purification, analgesics,
antidiarrhoeal, intestinal disinfectants, antibiotics, antiseptic,
eye drops, bandages, cutaneous antiseptics, waterproof tape,
adhesive pads, cotton swabs, skin applications (burn, sunburn,
bites or stings), acetazolamide (Diamox) for acute mountain
sickness... |
