Yearning to explore the forbidding peaks of the Indian Himalaya, but not sure where to start? These expert tips from a seasoned trekker will help you dodge the newbie mistakes and ensure your journey exceeds expectations.
Man hiking in the Himalaya. Image by Grant Faint / Digital Vision / Getty Images.
Planning your trip
Thorough planning (or lack of it) can make or break a trip, so take the time to master your budget, time your trek and assemble the perfect itinerary.
Design an itinerary
Do your interests lie in centuries-old culture or do remote mountain passes appeal? For ancient monasteries, Ladakh or Little Tibet are the places to go. If you want to trek through luxuriant forests then consider exploring Sikkim. For spectacular mountain views, the little-trekked trails of the Garhwal are on par with the best in the Himalaya.
Above all, don’t be too ambitious with your itinerary. Allow plenty of contingency days for acclimatisation, inclement weather, porters that disappear without notice for half a day, village celebrations, or taking an extra day to savour a stunning campsite. Understanding the Himalaya would take lifetimes to achieve, so don’t expect to master the mountains on a single trip.
Set your budget
If you’re trekking independently, work out the cost of hiring a guide, porters, food, accommodation and transportation – and then double it. That should take care of all other unforeseen costs that always seem to creep into a tight budget. If your arrangements are made by a trekking agency, plan to keep money at hand for tips (likely to come to 10% of your total budget).
Time your trek
March until June are often considered peak trekking season, but make sure you stay weather-aware throughout your trip. The Himalaya are subject to a weather pattern so complex that even experienced travellers can find themselves caught out. The regions of Himachal, Uttaranchal Darjeeling and Sikkim are subject to heavy monsoon rains so avoid July and August if possible. The Indian Himalaya also experience a long and cold winter from mid November until March – during this period, it’s best to head to Nepal.
Safety first
Your travel planning needs to go beyond government travel advisories. Trekking is a specialist activity so read up on acclimatisation (it could save your life) and don’t assume you can rely heavily on your GPS when you’re out there. Even the most detailed contour maps tend to be unreliable in some remote areas, so your best investment by far would be hiring an experienced local guide.
Check your gear
There’s no one to impress in a remote mountain pass, so forget fashion and make sure your gear is sturdy enough to withstand the changeable mountain weather. There is no reason to invest in all the latest outdoor gear, provided your trekking gear is in good shape. Unlike Nepal, good gear still comes at a premium in India. If your arrangements are being made by an agent, double-check what is included. When in doubt you’re best to at least bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat and even your favourite (lightweight) tent.
Ready to lace up your hiking boots? Make some room in your rucksack for a copy of Lonely Planet’s Trekking in the Indian Himalaya travel guide.
Not cut out for camping? Try one of Lonely Planet’s expert-reviewed Nepal hotels and hostels instead.