Gear
Wear appropriate dress for each season and dress
in layers for maximum comfort. Your trekking will be
as comfortable as your boots. Make sure they are
sturdy (with good ankle support and sturdy soles)
and broken-in (new boots can often cause hot spots
or blisters). Rain gear and sunscreen are essential.
A warm hat, scarf, and gloves must also be part of
your dress. Additional clothing items should
include:
(1) down or insulated vest/jacket, (2) rain-proof
parka, (3) socks and sock liners, (4) sun hat, (5)
T-shirts, (6) slippers or sandals for inside tent,
(7) thermal under-wear, (8) sunglasses, (9) down
sleeping bag.
Other Items
(1) adjustable walking stick, (2) water bottle,
(3) high-grade water filter, (4) Multi-blade knife.
Over-night stays have additional requirements,
including, tents, sleeping bags, insulated mats,
cooking utensils, food, etc. GHNP requires entry
permits for treks. Society for Scientific
Advancement of Hill and Rural Areas (SAHARA) is a
non-governmental group organized by local village
people and provides full logistic trek support.
SAHARA offers guides, porters, tents, cooks, and
coordinates different trek tours with GHNP staff.
This is not a fully comprehensive gear list and you
should consult with knowledgeable individuals or
appropriate trekking books (e.g., Trekking in the
Indian Himalayas, Lonely Planet) if you are planning
a multi-day trek to ensure you are properly equipped
and informed.
Trek Preparation
A trekker to the GHNP should be in good physical
condition and the choice of the trekking route
should match the levels of one's physical fitness. A
trekker in good health can easily go up to 4000 m.
Some trekking routes are strenuous to very strenuous
and are indicated as such. For example, crossing of
the Pin Parvati Pass (5319 m.) demands excellent
physical health and stamina, basic mountaineering
skills, serious trekking experience, snow-walking,
and orientation (see Personal Impressions, Dr. G.S.
Rawat).
The trekker is expected to respect both the mountain
environment and local village customs. As you trek,
it is important to do one thing at a time. When
you're going up and down the steep trails, your
attention has to be on the next step (see Personal
Impressions, Arnold Lippin). Periodic rest stops
provide opportunities to appreciate the environment.
It is essential to find the next overnight camping
site well before the sunsets.
There are a few designated camping sites in high
altitude pastures. Your local guide will be of help
in selecting a place to camp, which is close to
water and safe for the night rest.
Failure to set careful limits for oneself can result
in tragedy. Know your limits--don't endanger
yourself or others!
|