| What
do I need to bring myself? |
a) High quality rucksack,
b) Good warm winther sleeping bag, small and light air mattress
or something similar.
c) Warm but lightweight clothes
d) Sunglasses, sunhat, sun protektion - the sun is very strong
in the mountains.
e) Torch - very useful if you are going outside your tent
at night.
f) Raincoat, umbrella - especially useful in July.
g) High quality walking boots.
e) Vitamin pills, headache pills, antibiotics. (Ask your doctor)
f) Good water bottle
g) Money: travelers checks, 100 USD notes, VISA card |
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| What
do I need to carry myself? |
You only have to carry a minimum of luggage:
only what you need during the walk like an extra piece of
garment, water bottle, sun protection, camera, money.
All your additional baggage should be packed in your rucksack.
Your rucksack will be transported by our tough Shilla people.
We also have horses to carry all the heavy stuff like tents,
cooking utensils, kerosene...
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| Where
do I sleep and what about food? |
On the treks we sleep in good tents for 2
- 4 persons or in Himalayan caves if there is an opportunity
for that.
Excellent food will be provided during the whole trip. Our
cook and his helpers are highly trained and can make anything
from the traditional Indian cuisine to Spanish breakfast.
You can also try the food cooked by our tribal friends. An
Indian chapatti Flat white bread) roasted on open fire beats
everything! The kitchen crew is also trained in keeping a
western hygienic standard.
Because we bring everything along with us on the trekking
we are not dependent on the traditional trekking routes with
tea-houses and restaurants. |
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| How
are the walking paths? |
The walking paths in the Parvarti Valley
have been used and maintained for hundred of years by the
local population. And most of the time they are similar to
European forrest path.
But of course sometimes there are "bottlenecks"
where you need to walk carefully.
But apart from vigilance no mountaineering skills are required.
And this alertness contributes wonderfully to the experience
of the overwhelming nature.
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| Height
& acclimatization |
From 2500 meters and upwards periods of acclimatization
are very important.
We will not ascend more than 500 meters on one day.
Arriving at a new destination you might feel you still have
a lot of energy. Low levels of oxygen can create a "high"
feeling, that combined with the breathtaking experience of
nature can make you underestimate your body´s actual
oxygen fatigue. But exactly in this situation it is advisable
to let the body have a good rest.
It is also a good idea to drink plenty of water: 3 -5 liters
per day.
Mild symptoms of altitude sickness can be rapid breathing
and head ache. |
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|
A
day of trekking |
Not two trekking days are alike. They depend
on the routes we take, weather conditions and particular wishes
from the trekking party. Maybe one particular area feels so
beautiful that the trekking party wants to explore this place
for a longer time.
Sometimes a particular trekking party decides to walk slower
in order to enjoy the
sceneries. We are not in a survival training camp. We are
here to enjoy!
But because we are with our tribal trekking experts you can
also take a day where you walk in a smaller group with Nupram.
Last year he wanted to show us where we could spot Himalayan
bears!
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| TRIPS
IN THE HIMALAYAS CANNOT BE 100% PLANNED! |
This is maybe the most important information
for you If you are used to live by the clock. India is famous
for its space program and computer know how, but it is still
a third world country! Where in the West time follows Newton´s
laws, in the East it seems to be more influenced by Einstein´
s universe : Time is relaxed in India and it affects everything
from plane schedules to dinner timings. The Indians often
have a very humorous approach to this fact. As a guest in
this magic country it is advisable to adopt this attitude!
Another factor that makes it difficult to make waterproof planning
is that we are partly traveling far away from civilisation.
Also our Shilla friends are even more timeless than the rest
of India.
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| Taking
pictures |
Himalaya is a dream for photographers!
In New Delhi you can buy cheap digital cameras and accessories.
Indians in general love to be photographed. |
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| The
environment |
Many animal and plant species in the Himalayas
are endangered. These species and products made from them
are protected by the CITES - convention and are illegal to
purchase.
Many high altitude herbs have medicinal properties and therefore
they are in high demand on the grey and black market.
Anurag Sood cultivates
these endangered Himalayan herbs and teaches the villagers
of Shilla to make a livelihood of this cultivation. |
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| Health
in India |
The hygienic standard in India is very poor.
But you can avoid "Delhi belly" by avoiding raw
food and vegetables. Eat only cooked food and fruit you have
peeled yourself. Also it is advisable to wash your hands often
since self contamination (unaware fingers in the mouth) is
more often than food contamination.
Talk with your doctor about vaccinations.
If you want to be 100% safe from infections you might take
a minor/micro dose of antibiotics every day. If you only have
3 week holiday you might not want to spend one week on a toilet.
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| Travel
Insurance |
It is advisable to have a travel/health insurance. |
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| Visa
to India |
You need a visa in order to visit India.
Contact the Indian Embassy in your country.
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