Adventure seekers, especially trekkers are attracted to India like bees to a honey pot! For the sub continent of India offers some unmatchable trekking and hiking trails that are irresistible to any mountain buff! Add to that the number of pilgrimage places that are located in lone, out of the way hill summits, with trails that weave through beautiful mountain slopes, and you have a veritable hiker’s paradise in India.
Nature is at its generous best in India and draws people to its beauty from all over the world. The beauty and purity of the surroundings are most enjoyed when you are trekking at your own pace in these beautiful environs. Nothing can match the peace of mind and the joy felt deep inside the heart while trekking the high hills of the Himalayan range in India. No wonder then that tourists flock here not only for spiritual guidance but also to quench their thirst to travel to the unexplored.
The Europeans introduced the concept of adventure sports in India after they established hill stations all over India. These hill stations became the starting points for treks that were undertaken. Then base camps were introduced and the adventurers gradually explored the neighboring areas on their own. The amateur trekkers turned professional and the most often traversed routes were explored and recorded for future travelers. Today, trekking is indulged in by many people who whole-heartedly participate in this sport, without any discrimination on the basis of age or sex.
Nature walks and low altitude trekking can be undertaken by anyone. For high-altitude trekking like the mountaineering and climbing the person should not be suffering from high/low blood pressure or obesity. Anyone between the ages of 16 and 60, who is mentally sound and physically fit can participate in this adventure sport
Amateur trekkers should avoid the monsoon months. The months of February/March are best suited for low-altitude, and April/May for high-altitude trekking in the Himalayas. You may head towards the Western Ghats anytime from December to April since the weather is clear and lush greenery provides a picturesque backdrop to these regions.
The Western Himalayas covering the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal form a major trekking area in India. It is followed by the Eastern Himalayas covering Darjeeling in West Bengal, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The treks in the area around Gangotri and Yamunotri and the areas beneath the Kumaon region are also renowned. In the east the area with the tea gardens and the green environs is provided in the states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.
Permits and licenses are required for trekking in sensitive areas where security may pose a threat. In case you plan on undertaking a trekking expedition in India the following guidelines will prove to be helpful in planning your holiday.
Decide upon the number of days of your expedition in accordance with your budget and climate.
Consider the level of difficulty and your level of physical fitness
Participate in nature walks or high-altitude trekking depending on what is comfortable to you.
With every bit of increase in altitude prepare yourself gradually, and never hurriedly.
Plan your holiday with ample time for altitude acclimatization.
Get the medical fitness tests done before hand
Carry the necessary medicines
Gain correct training for handling mountaineering equipment
Learn how to deal with high-altitude sickness or high-altitude madness
Protect yourself from snow blindness, frostbiting, and sun burning during the expedition.
Follow the instructions completely and seek permission to enter sensitive areas in advance.
Adventure Trekking Holidays in India can be a truly happy adventure trekking experience if you keep the above-mentioned points in mind