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Trekking
Trekking has come a long way since
the days of tedious journeys on foot or grueling hours of travel
by ox-cart. Today, trekking conjures up visions of the spectacular
northern and eastern Himalayas, the mist-strewn western Ghats o r
the blue tranquillity of the Nilgiri Hills. India is the ultimate
destination for a trekking holiday, offering everything from short
and easy excursions to the long challenges of the snowy peaks.
Trekking is comparatively undemanding, requiring only stamina to
walk long hours and the mental agility to adapt to an
ever-changing landscape. And the landscape is indeed spectacular.
The trekker will encounter rugged hills and mountains, green
slopes carpeted with wild flowers and ice cold streams gurgling
over boulders and ground pebbles. Far above in the clear blue sky,
eagles wheel and bank while golden orioles, scarlet minivets and
white-cheeked bulbuls pierce the pure air with their sweet cries.
To take a trek in India is to rediscover the awesome majesty and
beauty of nature. The highest mountain range on earth – the
Himalayas - forms 3500 kms of India’s northern and eastern
frontiers. The spectacle of the snow capped peaks, glaciers, pine
forested slopes, rivers and lush meadows of wild flowers cannot be
equaled. Peninsular India offers natural beauty of another kind,
clothed in green woodland and fragrant orchards. Below is a
description of the important trekking areas in India, also a
section devoted to general trekking information.
Jammu & Kashmir
J & K is India’s northernmost state, and the one which is best
known for trekking. It is an extravagantly beautiful land of
flowerspangled meadows, wild orchards, spectacular coniferous
forests, icy mountain peaks and clear streams and rivers. The
capital, Srinagar, is the base for many treks, notably to
the blue Zabarwan Hills and Shankaracharya Hill. The three other
main bases in J & K are Pahalgam (100 km from Srinagar) in
the Lidder Valley, the base for treks to sacred Amarnath, Aru,
Lidderwat and the glacial lakes of Tarsar and Tulian; Gulmarg
(51 km from Srinagar), from where treks can be made to the crystal
tarns of Apharwat and Alpather, the upland lakes of Vishansar and
Gangabal and the Thajiwas Glacier; and Sonamarg, in the
Sindh Valley, the base for treks into the surrounding mountains.
Srinagar is also the roadhead for trips into the arid plateau of
Ladakh, a country of perpetual drought, the home of wild asses and
yaks and with high ranges that have some of the largest glaciers
in the world outside the polar regions. Leh, the divisional
capital, lies on an ancient silk route and is the base for
spectacular treks across this remarkable landscape. Further south,
excellent trekking may be had in the vicinity of Jammu, the
railhead to the Kashmir Valley. The three main centres are
Kishtwar, Doda and Poonch.
Himachal Pradesh
The landscape of this province ranges from the barren rocks
and raging torrents of the valleys of Spiti and Lahaul in the
north to the southern orchard country of Kangra and Chamba. Treks
from Manali include the Bhaga river to Keylong, and then on
to the Bara Shigri glacier or over the Baralacha Pass to Leh (see
above). Kulu, in the centre of the province, is set in a
narrow valley between the towering Himalayas and the river Beas,
and is famous for its temples and religious festivals. Treks from
here traverse terraced paddy fields and on to remoter regions of
snow and ice. The view from the Rohtang Pass is particularly
spectacular. The town of Dharamsala, in the Kangra Valley
area, is the base for treks into the Bharmaur Valley over the
Indrahar Pass, and on to other still higher passes beyond.
Chamba, situated on a mountain above the Ravi River, is named
after the fragrant trees which flourish around its richly carved
temples. Treks from the nearby town of Dalhousie lead to the
glacial lake of Khajjiar and to the passes of Sach and Chini.
Simla, the summer capital of the British, is a high hill
station and the base for treks into Kulu Valley via Jalori Pass
and on to the Kalpur and Kinnaur Valleys.
Garwhal
Set high in the Garhwal Himalayas, this region (which is
sometimes referred to as the Uttarakhand) abounds in myths and
legends of the Indian Gods. It is also where the source of the
life-giving Ganga is to be found; indeed, many of the great rivers
of northern India have their headwaters in this land of lush
valleys and towering snow-ridged peaks. Mussoorie, a hill
station much used by the British to escape the searing heat of the
plains, is an excellent base for treks into the Gangotri and
Yammounotri valleys. The source of the Ganga at Gaumukh can also
be reached from here. Another hill station, Rishikesh, is
situated just north of the sacred city of Hardwar, and is the base
for treks to another holy shrine, Badrinath. A particularly
rewarding stop en route to Badrinath is the breathtaking Valley of
Flowers, which is in full bloom in August. Other destinations
include Hemkund lake, Mandakini Valley and Kedarnath, one of the
twelve Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva with a beautiful temple.
Kumaon
This region, which stretches from the Himalayas in the north
to the green foothills of Terai and Bhabar in the south, consists
of the three northeastern Himalayan districts of Uttar Pradesh,
all of which are particularly rich in wildlife. One of the major
trekking centres is Almora, an ideal base for treks into
pine and rhododendron forests with dramatic views of stark,
snowcapped mountains, The Pindiri Glacier and the valley of
Someshwar can be reached from here. Another base is Nainital,
a charming, orchard-rich hill station. It is the base for short
treks to Bhimtal, Khurpatal and Binayak Forest. Ranikhet,
with a magnificent view of the central Himalayas, is the base for
treks to Kausani. The view from here is one of the most
spectacular in India, and inspired Mahatma Gandhi to pen his
memorable commentary on the Gita-Anashakti Yoga.
Darjeeling & Sikkim
Dominated by the five summits of mighty Kanchenjunga, the
Darjeeling and Sikkim area of the Eastern Himalayas is also a
region of gentle hills and dales, pine forests, turquoise lakes
and burbling streams. One of the best ways of arriving in the area
is by the "toy train" from New Jalpaiguri. The town of
Darjeeling is the home of the Everest climber Tenzing Norgay
and also of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and is the
base for both low- and high-level treks. Destinations include
Tiger Hill (offering a breathtaking view of the Himalayas),
Sandakphu and the peaks of Phalut, Sandakphu, Singalia and Tanglu.
To the north, Sikkim is a wonderland of ferns and flowers, birds
and butterflies, orchids and bamboos, forests of cherry, oak and
pine, all set among sweetly flowing rivers, terraced paddy fields
and blazing rhododendrons. Deep in the interior are Sikkim’s
famous monasteries, their white prayer flags fluttering against a
deep blue sky. The capital is Gangtok, a convenient base
for treks into the mysterious north and east of the region, to
sacred Yaksum, Pemayangtse and the mountains near Bakkhim and
Dzongri.
Aravalli Hills
The Aravallis, remnants of the oldest mountain range in the
subcontinent, resemble outcroppings of rocks rather than mountains
and are virtually barren except for thorny accacias and date palm
groves found near the oases. The main resort in the region,
Mount Abu, stands on an isolated plateau surrounded by rich
green forest. A variety of one day treks are available from here,
all of which afford the opportunity to visit some of the
remarkable temples in the region, notably Arbuda Devi Temple,
carved out of the rock face and offering spectacular views across
the hills. Guru Shikhar, Gaumukh and Achalgarh Fort can all be
reached during one day treks from Mount Abu.
Satpura Hills
This range straddles central India and forms the northern
border of the Deccan. The main hill station is Pachmarhi, a
beautiful resort of green forest glades and deep ravines
overlooking red sandstone hills. Short treks can be had from here
to the Mahadeo Dhupgarh peaks.
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats run parallel to the west coast of India from
the river Tapti to the southernmost tip of the subcontinent. The
mountains are lush and thickly forested and although they cannot
claim to have the awesome majesty of the great Himalayas the
region has many features of great natural beauty. The hill station
of Mahabaleshwar, in the north of the range, is the highest
in the area and is considered an ideal base for trekkers. Other
popular bases and trekking destinations include Lonavala, Khandala,
Matheran and Bhor Ghat, a picturesque region of waterfalls, lakes
and woods. Further south in Karnataka is Coorg, perched on a green
hilltop and surrounded by mountainous countryside. Madikeri
is a take-off point for treks in this region. The Upper Palani
hills in Tamil Nadu are an offshoot of the Ghats, covered in
rolling downs and coarse grass. Kodaikanal is the attractive base
for two short treks to Pilar Rock and Green Valley View.
Courtallam, also in Tamil Nadu, is surrounded by dense vegetation
and coffee and spice plantations; rich in wildlife, it is also one
of the most beautiful areas of the Western Ghats.
Nilgiris
The gentle heights of southern India, a world away from the
daunting Himalayas, are friendly and approachable with treks made
simple by moderate altitudes and a pleasant climate. Sometimes
known as the Blue Mountains because of their lilac hue, they are
noted for their orange orchards, tea gardens, wooded slopes and
tranquil lakes. There are three major trekking centres here:
Ootacamund (popularly known as ooty) is the base for walks to
the Wenlock Downs, the Kalahatti Falls and Mudumali Game
Sanctuary; Coonor, conveniently situated for Drogg’s Peak
and Lamb’s Rock; and Kotagiri, the oldest of the three,
whose sheltered position enables it to offer many shaded treks to
explore the tranquility of the Nilgiris.
General Trekking
Information
Essential equipment
Tent, sleeping bag, foam/inflatable mattress, rucksack,
umbrella (doubles as a walking stick), sunhat, dark glasses,
toilet requirements.
Clothing
Wind-proof jacket, down jacket trousers, shirts, woolen
pullover, woolen underwear (for high altitudes), gloves.
Footwear
Be sure to take a light, flexible and comfortable pair of
trekking boots (two pairs should be taken for longer treks) and at
least three pairs of woolen socks. Use talc to keep feet dry.
First-aid kit
Sterilised cotton wool, bandages, antiseptic ointment, water
purification tablets, pills etc for common ailments (such as
cough, cold, headache, stomach ache etc), eye lotion, anti-sunburn
cream, a hot stimulant for emergencies, morphia salt tablets to
avoid cramps.
Miscellaneous
Torch, thermos/water bottle, insect repellent, mirror, cold
cream, lip-salve, walking stick, spare boot laces, sewing kit,
tinned and dehydrated food.
Food and Accommodation
Board and lodging accommodation is available on all trekking
routes.
Permits
Trekkers are reminded that it is forbidden to enter Restricted
and Protected Areas without the correct documentation. Please
consult the Tourist Office before departure or local tourist
offices on arrival in India to ascertain what restrictions may
apply and what documentation may be required.
Season: This varies from
region to region; check with the Tourist Office for further
information. In general, the season runs from April to June and
September to November. It is possible to undertake treks in the
valleys of Lahaul, Pangi and Zanskar and in Ladakh during the
rainy season (June to August) as these areas receive minimal
precipitation.
Mountaineering: Permission
for mountaineering must be obtained from the Indian
Mountaineering Foundation, Anand Niketan, Beneto Juarez Road, New
Delhi, ND 110021.
Sport
The spectacular variety of India
extends to the range of sporting activities available. From the
ski slopes of Kashmir to the water sports centres of the large
beach resorts, whatever the season, you will find a sport to suit
your taste. Try driving off from the fist tee of one of the
country’s beautiful golf courses, or casting for trout or salmon
in the clear mountain rivers of the north. Or perhaps watch a
skillful game of hockey, venture a few Rupees while mixing with
the fashionable race-goers at any of India’s elegant racecouses;
or combine elements of both by enjoying the spectacle of a game of
polo. Hotels and Tourist Offices will be able to supply details of
all these and other available attractions. For instance, while in
India- why not try one of the following ...
River running
A fairly young sport in India. The snow-fed mountain rivers
that run down from the mighty Himalayas make northern India one of
the best regions in the world for this sport. Amateurs and
first-timers have their choice of quieter waters, but with the
promise of a passage through some truly spectacular riverside
landscapes. Some rapids hit Colorado 8 (the highest is 10) on the
scale, but most are on the 4 to 6 grade. The main regions are
Ladakh, Garhwal and the four rivers of Himachal Pradesh.
Rock climbing
Delhi is the centre for most rock climbing activity in India,
the prime area being Tughlaqabad. Slightly further afield,
excellent climbing may be had in the Aravalli Hills (particularly
Dumdama, Dhauj and Nuh). Beyond Pune on the Western Ghats the
gentle hills from picturesque rock formations and many places are
ideal for climbing. Further north, the Manali valley and Rohtang
Pass regions of Himachal Pradesh are popular, as are the Chamundi
Hills in Karnataka and the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttar Pradesh.
More gentle climbs can be had in the area of Mount Abu and Sariska
(Rajasthan). Excepting the monsoon periods, rock climbing is
virtually a year-round activity, and most equipment can be hired
locally.
Camel safari
An ideal trip for those with time to spare and with the desire
to experience the subtle sunset shades of the desert and the
solitary magic of the rolling golden sands. Camel safaris are
available in the Thar desert, and range from one to fifteen days
duration. The best safaris are in the heart of the Thar, in the
Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner region, and will pass tiny villages
and remote trading posts. Another popular area is the Shekhawati
region. The safari organisers attempt to recreate the atmosphere
of the old caravan journeys; music, traditional food and campfire
hospitality are all part of this unique experience. Staff are
available for assistance, and all necessary equipment is provided.
Hang-gliding
Another sport which is rapidly growing in popularity, and one
which provides an exciting way of seeing the landscape of India.
There are clubs in Pune, New Delhi, Bombay, Chandigarh, Shimla,
Devlali and Bangalore. Many hang-gliding sites in India
(particularly in the Himalaya region) have been highly rated by
experts, and the climate of the country gives particularly good
thermal soaring effects in the summer months; the monsoons are the
only bad period for this sport.
Gliding
There are about a dozen gliding clubs throughout India, but
Delhi is the principal centre. Excellent western air disturbances
make it possible to glide as far a field as Calcutta from here,
although typically flights are less ambitious. Generally, the best
seasons are September to November and March to June.
Ballooning
The main centre for this exhilarating sport is the Balloon
Club of India at New Delhi’s Safdarjang. Balloons generally hold
from one to ten people and can rise to heights of over 800 feet.
Motor Rallying
The topographical diversity of India makes it ideal for
running road rallies, over anything from desert roads to beach,
hill, mountain and forest tracks. There are many picturesque
vintage car rallies, but also events featuring more modern
vehicles, providing a supreme test of a driver’s mastery of both
machine and conditions. Principal among these are the Monsoon
Rally, the Charminar Challenge and – most demanding of all the
Himalayan Car Rally. This rally is usually divided into four legs
totaling of Himachel Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Cricket
This is the great Indian sport. Interest in the game reaches
almost fever pitch, particularly during the winter test season
when the country’s national team are in action in all the major
cities. Club matches can also be seen in almost every town.
Skiing
Fast becoming a popular sport. Facilities are offered by some
resorts in the north of the country. The two major ones are
Gulmarg in Kashmir and Kufri in Himachel Pradesh, set in some of
the most beautiful mountain landscape in the world.
Fishing
Both inland and sea fishing is available, with possible
catches ranging from the shark, karkara and gohol in the deep
waters of the Indian Ocean or the Bay of Bengal to trout and
mahseer in the clear rivers of the north. Tackle can often be
hired from local fishing authorities. Check with the local tourist
office for details of seasons and licenses.
Golf
Enthusiasts will find many courses open to visitors throughout
India; enquire at major hotels for details of temporary
membership. The Calcutta Amateur Golf Championships attracts large
numbers of serious golfers in the east; the standards are high,
but for those interested, temporary membership is a available from
the
Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Srinagar
and Gulmarg have good courses and hold tournaments in the spring
and autumn. The course at Shillong is widely regarded as being one
of the most beautiful in the world.
Other sports
Include horseback riding in hill stations and tennis and
squash, available in hotels and private clubs. Most large hotels
have swimming pools, and there are facilities for a wide range of
water sports including sailing, rowing and water skiing at seaside
resorts. The Andaman Islands in particular are noted for their
scuba diving. Spectator sports include football, interest in which
is increasing, while Polo and hockey are sports at which the
Indians have long excelled, winning many Olympics Gold medals,
Whatever your interest, whatever your pleasure, India an entertain
and thrill as much with her sports as with her landscape, culture
and beauty.
Entertainment
Entertainment of various kinds are
found in the major cities, including some western-style shows,
clubs and discos. In general the evening entertainment available
will provide a relaxing opportunity to experience come of the
country’s rich cultural heritage. In most places, the main
attraction will be cultural shows, featuring performances of
Indian dance and music, exhilarating, graceful and colorful.
Enquire at your local hotel for details. The Indian film industry
is the largest in the world, now producing 3 times as many
full-length feature films as the United States. Bombay and
Calcutta are the country’s two Hollywoods. There are cinemas in
almost every town, some of which will show an important part of
Indian cinema, combining with many other influences to produce a
rich variety of film art. Larger cities may have theaters staging
productions of English-language plays.
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