You’ve booked your trek to Valley of Flowers? Superb! Now all you need to do is understand what are the things to carry for Valley of Flowers trek. This can be tricky because of the various weather changes that the trail sees between the months of June – September. You need to be careful about what you carry especially when you’re doing the Valley of Flowers trek in the Monsoons.
Through this blog, we’ll give you a good gist of what you need to take and where you can buy it from for your Valley of Flowers trek. We’re also giving you a complimentary, downloadable checklist of things to carry for Valley of Flowers trek so that you can easily download it and use it as a reference!
A laundry bag – Preferably a light cloth bag to bring back all your laundry from the trek
A shoe bag – Preferably a light cloth bag to carry your casual shoes.
Choosing the right backpack for your trek:
Buying the right backpack is crucial as this is how you will carry all your clothes and essentials for the trek. For a longer trek of 9-10 days such as Valley of Flowers, you will ideally need a rucksack/backpack between 60-70 litres. The porter service provided in the inclusion of the Valley of Flowers trek cost will carry one rucksack of 10 kgs max. Anything beyond this will have to be borne by the trekker.
One trick to ensuring that your rucksack is protected all through the trek is to cover it up with a rain cover, which will also help when you’re trekking in the monsoons.
Clothes to carry for the Valley of Flowers trek:
Gloves:
A winter trekking guide would be incomplete without a great pair of gloves. You will be wearing gloves all through the day. You are required to carry about 4 pairs of good woolen gloves.
Clothing & Accessories:
This where you will have to be smart. When it comes to winter trekking, the trick is to not just layer up, but layering right.
Here’s a quick guide to layering up for any snow trek:
Head Gear:
Woolen Cap – That can cover your ears and head entirely
Woolen balaclava that can cover your neck, mouth and nose
Polaroid sunglasses – with UV protection
Headlamp – in case it gets dark while trekking
Sun cap with a back flap to protect your nape
Layering your Upper Body while at camp:
Thermals – Layer 1
T-Shirt (Dri-Fit – preferably to absorb sweat) – Layer 2
Other Essentials things to carry for Valley of Flowers trek:
Toiletries, wet wipes & tissue rolls (2)
Sunscreen – SPF 40 & above
Moisturizing lotion, lip balm, and Deo stick/deodorant
Personal medicines (The trek lead will be carrying a basic first aid kit)
Utility kit – Safety pins, rubber bands, clips, needles etc.
Plastic bags – biodegradable
Power bank – 2 preferably
Medicines to carry for the Valley of Flowers trek:
Please note, these are some general medicines we ask our Nomads to carry during the trek, however, it is strongly advised that you consult your doctor to prescribe the same for you.
Avomine: Avomin is used to control and prevent motion sickness. Since there are long hours of road travel involved, if you’re prone to motion/road sickness, you can take one before the start of the journey. Carry 3 Avomin tablets for the trek
Dolo: This paracetamol is effective in cases of fever, severe body pain after the trek. Carry 5-6 tablets for the trek
Cetirizine: Cetirizine is an anti-allergen that helps you relieve sudden cough/cold during the trek. Carry 5-6 tablets
Combiflam: This is a pain reliever that helps you if you feel muscle sprain/sprain in the joints. It is also paracetamol. Carry 5 tablets
Digene: This one is for nauseousness and bad stomach. If you do feel nauseous during the trek, please inform the trek lead, this could be a sign of AMS. Carry 5 tablets
Knee brace: If you feel like you need to give your knee some support especially while descending, you can wear a knee brace. This is optional.
Tablets to reduce AMS (Diamox) will be carried by our Trek Captain and given to the trekkers every morning.
Important Documents to carry for the Valley of Flowers trek:
5 Photocopies of your PAN/AADHAR/PASSPORT for various permits etc.
Passport Size photos – 3 – 4
Medical Certificate (will be shared with you post-registration)
Indemnity bond (will be shared with you post-registration)
Please carry these documents in a plastic cover and place them securely inside your backpack so that they do not get wet.
Essentials to pack when you’re trekking in the monsoons:
While the rest of the things to carry for Valley of Flowers trek remains the same, here are all the extra things you will need to carry if you’ve chosen to trek in the monsoons between June end – August. While the best time to trek to trek to Valley of Flowers is between August – early September, the monsoons definitely brings the Valley alive giving you a taste of what rains in the Himalayas looks like.
Rain poncho – This is a much-preferred option as it is lightweight and can be worn easily without much hassle. Make sure you buy the right size and height for your body
If you wear lenses on a daily basis, we suggest you give this a skip and opt for glasses instead
Your boots need to be waterproof to avoid slipping on the trail and ask the folks at the store the tricks to tying the lace properly
Extra pairs of clothes and underwears
Extra socks – The Valley of Flowers trek itinerary has 5 treks on 5 consecutive days. If you’re trekking in the monsoons, your socks invariably ends up getting wet. The challenge also is that you won’t be able to dry your socks overnight. We recommend you carry 3 pairs of socks for the trek days to ensure you have enough and don’t repeat the socks if it’s still wet.
Before purchasing the essentials and things to carry for Valley of Flowers, please do go through this guide that will help you prioritize what to carry and what to avoid carrying so that you can pack light yet right.
Wondering how we’re ensuring safety during the COVID-19 situation: Click here to learn all about how we’re keeping treks and our Nomads safe during treks.
Thinking of doing the Valley of Flowers trek? Got queries that you need answers to before or after you book your trek? Well, if you’re thinking of, or, if you’ve booked your trek already, we are here to give you information and help you address all your queries.
Valley of Flowers FAQs – Answered!
1. Is the Valley of Flowers trek difficult?
Captured on the rock that you come across on the Valley of Flowers trek. This was captured in August.
The Valley of Flowers trek gradient ranges from easy to moderate. The treks from Govind ghat to Ghangariya, Ghangariya to Valley of Flowers, and Hemkund Sahib are all well-defined man-made paths which makes it an easy trek. If you feel that the trek is difficult, you can always hire a pony or a Dholi and complete the trek, at an additional cost. However, we encourage you to complete the trek by foot to experience the beauty of the trail entirely.
To decrease the intensity of the trek and to get you used to higher altitudes before you visit the valley of flowers, we have an acclimatization trek to Gorson Bugyal which also works as a warm-up trek for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
2. What are the COVID-19 precautions you are taking for the trek?
After due considerations and after understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we are conducting operationsensuring the full safety and security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff. You can contact us id you wish to visit the valley. Click heremore about the safety protocols followed by TrekNomads before, during and after the trek.
3. Is there an eligibility criteria for the trek?
Valley of Flowers is a good beginner’s Himalayan trek owing to its trails. Anyone who is physically fit with prior trekking experience in the Sahyadri’s, Western Ghats, or any one-day hiking experience can take up this trek with ease. The trails also have transport options like mules, dholi’s which can be availed through the trail.
4. What are the best months to do the valley of flowers trek?
The Valley of Flowers officially opens up in June (dates defer each year depending on snowfall and other factors). This trek showcases a different side of nature every month making all the months between June – September equally beautiful to visit the valley.
June – Since this is the opening month, you can expect to see some amount of snow on the trail to both Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib
July – This is when the monsoons hit the country, however, the monsoons only start from mid-July and bring the Valley alive. You may not get to see a lot of flowers until mid-July but the lush green valley will leave you captivated, nevertheless. Also, July is one of the least crowded months on this trail.
August – August is when you see the valley carpeted in flowers, if you are a nature enthusiast or a photographer, then this is when you should trek to the Valley of Flowers. There will be slight rains in August but the misty Himalayas just make the experience twice as good.
September – You can expect to see a lot fewer flowers in September than in the other months, but what is interesting is that the skies clear up in September, giving you perfect views of the mountains and the trail. Also, the trail may be more crowded during this month owing to the pilgrims trekking up to Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib.
In our opinion, anytime between Mid July – August end is a great time to trek to Valley of Flowers.
5. What kind of flowers do we get to see in the Valley of flowers?
A canvas for the shutterbugs and professional photographers, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a home to rich Himalayan flora including several rare medicinal plants such as Aconitum Heterophyllum, A. Falconeri, Arnebia Benthamii, Dactylorhiza Hatagirea, Gymnadenia orchids, Megacarpaea Polyandra, Picrorhiza Kurroa, Podophyllum Haxandrum, Aconitum Violaceum, Polygonatum Multiflorum, Fritillaria Roylei, and Taxus Wallichiana.
The Valley of Flowers is endowed with 520 species of high altitude plants including angiosperms, gymnosperms, and pteridophytes, of which 498 are flowering plants.
Flowers that carpet the meandering meadows of Valley of Flowers include Orchids, Poppies, Primilas, Marigold, Daisies, Geranium, Petunia, Sediams, Lilies, Calendula, Zinnia, and several others. The sub-alpine forests of birch and rosy rhododendrons besiege the parking area spreading the riot of colors in Valley of Flowers.
6. Will there be snow on the trail?
If you trek in the first week of June, you may get to see some snow here and there, but not in the other months.
There will be snow at the streams (in June):
Just after the jungle post
Before the Haathi rock
Before the Legge’s grave
Also, once we get out of the jungle during Hemkund Sahib trek, we will see snow.
The entire Laxman Ganga main glacier will be frozen with ice as high as 12-20 feet
7. Do I need a porter and mule to carry my luggage during the trek?
Porters and mules come as a part of your inclusion when you trek with TrekNomads. Each trekker can get their rucksack (1 – 60-liter bag that weighs up to 10 kg max) transported by porters without any extra cost all through the trail.
8. Can children do the trek?
Yes. Kids can visit the valley of flowers. The Valley of Flowers trek is one of the very few Himalayan treks that can be taken up by kids. We have seen young couples with toddlers, children of all ages trek to Valley of Flowers. While some opt for ponies, most children climb by themselves. At TrekNomads, the minimum age for kids who can trek with us is 7 years and above. The trails also have transport options like mules, dholi’s which can be availed through the trail.
9. Can senior citizens do the trek?
Absolutely! We have had people over 60 years of age who have trekked with us to Valley of Flowers. There is a medical certificate that every Nomad has to submit with approval from their general physician on participating in the trek.
10. Can we opt for helicopter rides from Govind ghat to Ghangariya?
While there is an option to opt for a helicopter ride, this comes at an extra cost of INR 3,500 (may vary) one way per person (for each person weighing up to 80 kgs) which is not included in the trek fee that we charge. But we strongly recommend doing this trek on foot to enjoy this experience.
11. How many kilometers does the trek cover?
The total distance covered in this departure is approximately 50+ Km. Here’s a quick break-up of the distance covered on each trek:
Govind ghat to Ghangariya – This includes a jeep ride from Govind ghat to Pulna of about 4 Km and then trek from Pulna to Ghangariya of 11 Km (One way)
Ghangariya to Valley of Flowers – 5-6 Km (One way)
12. What is the total travel distance covered and altitude gained during the trek?
As a part of the itinerary, you will be traveling from Rishikesh to Auli and then Auli to Govind ghat.
Here’s a brief gist of the total travel time and altitude gain:
Rishikesh – 1,030 ft (312 m)
Rishikesh to Auli – Travel – 270 Km (8-10 hours); 8,202 ft (2,500 m)
Auli to Govind ghat – Travel – 30 Km (1.5 hours); 6,000 ft (1,800 m)
Govind ghat to Badrinath – Travel – 60 kms (3-4 hours); 6,150 ft (1,875 m)
13. Is there a fitness regime that must be followed to prepare for the trek?
Yes. Every trek you do in the Himalayas requires you to be physically fit. If you think you’re not prepared, we suggest you start your fitness regime at least 8-12 weeks before your departure date. If you need help getting fit and ready for the trek, we can customize your fitness regime for you once you register for the trek.
Monitoring your fitness regime is just as important as actually doing it, the same can be discussed with our Founder post-registration.
14. Is acclimatization really necessary?
The gorgeous trail to Gorson Bugyal in Auli which happens to be our acclimatization trek.
Absolutely! And we cannot stress this enough. When you go to higher altitudes you need to allow your body to get used to this change in altitude. When you start going to higher altitudes too fast, the oxygen levels in your body start depleting which can cause Acute Mountain Sickness or commonly called AMS. An acclimatization trek gives your body the much-needed time to get used to the high altitude helping you avoid AMS.
To decrease the intensity of the trek and to get you used to higher altitudes, we have an acclimatization trek to Gorson Bugyal which also works as a warm-up trek for Valley of Flowers and Hemkund Sahib.
15. What type of accommodation will be available during the trek?
The stays all through the trek will be in private rooms with private washrooms:
While we will try our best to give you a comfortable experience, please note that these areas are prone to have frequent power outages, and the facilities in Ghangariya/Joshmitha are at a bare minimum.
16. What kind of food can I expect on the trails?
The team at the restaurant in Ghangariya eagerly waiting for their food.
Our Valley of Flowers trek package includes all meals excluding lunch and dinner at Rishikesh. Through the trek, we try and provide you with healthy, nutritious, balanced food to help you sustain the weather condition while keeping you energized. Here’s what a typical day’s food looks like on the Valley of Flowers trek:
Coffee in the morning between 6.30 AM – 7 AM
Breakfast – Standard Indian breakfast such as paratha’s, upma, idli sambar, etc. with coffee/tea as per your preference
Packed lunch – This may include chapati subzi or even rice item such as pulav/veg biriyani with a drink and a chocolate/sweet
Evening Tea – Evening tea/coffee will be served with a snack
Dinner – This will be a rice/chappati based three-course meal with appetizers, main course, and dessert
17. Can I opt for single-sharing accommodation?
Yes, you can opt for single-sharing accommodation at an additional cost. You can customize your trek at your convenience. If you are a solo trekker looking for single accommodation, the same can be conveyed to us at the time of booking and the revised cost as per your new accommodation will be shared with you.
18. I want to extend/decrease the number of days of the trek, can I do that?
Yes, you can. We create customized trekcation experiences which means that while we have set departures, we keep your time in mind too. If you wish to reduce/increase the number of days in your departure, the same can be discussed and done upon request and at an additional cost.
19. What should I carry on the trek?
With rains hitting the trails in July and August, it is important to know what to carry and what not to carry for your trek.
We will share a detailed checklist of all equipment and essential items that you would need to carry on this trek once you register for the trek. If you need any assistance in buying/understanding what to buy for the trek, our team will be happy to help you 🙂
20. Is insurance included as a part of the inclusions for this trek, if so, what does it cover?
Yes, you will receive complimentary insurance coverage as a part of the trek package. The inclusions are:
Benefits
Coverage amount
Hospitalization Expenses for injuries & illness
INR 3,00,000
Medical Evacuation
INR 1,50,000
Personal Accident
INR 3,00,000
Outpatient Expenses for injuries/illness
INR 10,000
Daily Allowance in Case of Hospitalisation due to injury/illness
INR 500*5 days
Checked-In Baggage Loss
INR 10,000
Checked-In Baggage Delay
INR 2,500
Missed connections
INR 10,000
Compassionate Visit
INR 20,000
This plan covers all types of accidents and illness during the event
Sickness is also included
Medical Evacuation includes Air Evacuation
21. Will there be ATMs on the trail?
There is no ATM facility available in Ghangariya. There are ATM facilities available in Joshimath, however, they too run out of cash very often. We recommend you withdraw the required amount at Rishikesh or while traveling to Rishikesh.
22. What is the tipping culture like on the trail?
Tipping is the way to acknowledge the work of good service. This is how you thank people after you enjoy their services. The on-ground staff sustains themselves financially from conducting these treks and we recommend you to tip the trek guides, porters, and the staff. You could either choose to tip them individually at the end of the trek, or you could tip them at the end of each day for their services.
Please note that when it comes to tipping, any amount that you feel appropriate works.
23. How can I reach from major cities to Rishikesh?
When in Rishikesh we make sure never to miss the Ganga Arati.
The assembly point for our trek to Valley of Flowers is Rishikesh which means that
By Flight:
The most convenient way to reach Rishikesh is to fly there. You can fly directly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun which is about 21 Km from Rishikesh.
Getting to Rishikesh from Jolly Grant Airport: Once you reach Dehradun, you can either choose to take airport buses that ply once every hour between Rishikesh and Dehradun (takes roughly 2 hours to reach without traffic). Or, you could hire a private prepaid taxi to drop you at Rishikesh. There are plenty of taxis available as you exit the airport. The charge for a one-way drop usually ranges between INR 800 – INR 1000. The benefit of taking a taxi is that you can reach our hotel directly.
Another economical option is to share the cab with co-passengers who you’re going to trek with.
By Train:
If you’re traveling from Delhi, you can choose to travel via train. Rishikesh does not have a functional railway station. The nearest station would be Haridwar. You can take the Nanda Devi Express chair car in the morning and you will reach Haridwar by noon
Getting to Rishikesh from Haridwar Railway Station: You can reach Haridwar and then travel to Rishikesh which is again approximately 21 Km. You could either take a bus from the station or hire a private taxi.
We recommend that you book a direct flight to Rishikesh as it saves you time and the effort booking and taking multiple options of transport to Rishikesh.
By Bus:
Another option to commute to Rishikesh especially for trekkers traveling from Delhi is to take a direct bus from Delhi. You can easily find a Volvo or even Non AC buses from Kashmere Gate ISBT that cost approximately INR 500 – INR 800.
Please note that transport from Dehradun to Rishikesh can be arranged for an additional cost, if required.
24. How is the network & connectivity during the trek?
There is no network in the Valley of Flowers trail, you will only find mobile connectivity only until Govind ghat base camp. Network connectivity and internet can be found in Auli. There is no connectivity in Ghangariya, Valley of Flowers, or even Hemkund Sahib.
The stay in Rishikesh, Auli, Ghangariya, and Joshimath are in hotels and have electricity. However, you can expect electricity outages sometimes because of the region and the weather conditions.
You get 3G network in Auli and an intermittent network on BSNL phones in Govind ghat and Ghanghariya.
25. I have motion sickness, how can I cope with the travel?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A lot of trekkers have motion sickness, there are few simple tricks to prevent this:
Take one Avomin an hour before the journey starts
Sit at the window seat in the TT and avoid sitting on aisle seats, preferably sit in the first two seats at the front
Avoid eating heavy fried food before travel, eat light this helps keep motion sickness at bay
Avoid reading a book or reading something on your Kindle while traveling. Instead, listen to music or use this time to catch up on some sleep
Note: It is advised to get a Doctor’s opinion on the usage of Avomin before the trek
26. Do I need to carry a medical kit?
Our trek lead/captain will be carrying a basic first aid kit along. We recommend that you carry your personal medication and consult your doctor on the medicines you are required to take for the trek. You can find pharmacies in Joshimath, however, there may be limitations on the kind of medicines you get here. We suggest you carry all your medications with you from home.
27. What if I start feeling unwell during the trek?
We recommend that you report back to our Trek Captain/Guide if you feel unwell at any point during the trek. They will guide you on what needs to be done and how you can take care of yourself.
As a norm, we will be checking your oxygen level twice every day to ensure that your oxygen saturation is normal. We may ask you to stay at the base camp or descend back to lower altitudes depending on your condition. Please note that decision of the trek leader or the guide will be final in these circumstances.
As a part of the pre-trek process, we ask our Nomads to get a medical certificate signed by a doctor to ensure that they are physically and medically fit to do the trek.
28. Do you practice responsible trekking on your treks?
Yes, we do. Responsible trekking is at the core of what we do.
We believe in leaving the mountains in a better condition, which is why we follow a no-litter policy on our treks. Each trekker will have to bring back the waste created during the trek
To help you enjoy the trek to the fullest, consumption of alcohol, smoking, and other intoxicants are a strict no on our treks
We do not allow plastic on our treks; this means that we do not provide plastic bags, bottles or even lunch boxes on our treks. You will have to carry your own lunch box, water bottle, and cutlery that you will use during the trek. Not only does this help you go plastic-free it also helps prevent litter
We provide biodegradable plastic bags to each of our trekkers during the trek to carry back the waste created on the trail to the base camp
Wondering how we’re ensuring safety during the COVID-19 situation: Click here to learn all about how we’re keeping treks and our Nomads safe during treks.
Brahmatal Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Uttrakhand. It is also ideal for beginners. The trail is easy and has all the elements to make this a perfect trek for beginner trekkers – camping, snow, stunning views, and connectivity. Well, connectivity is something which not everyone would like in mountains. However, for a lot of trekkers, it would be a boon as they can stay connected to their loved ones (and do an occasional live video call). Not to forget, the avid social media enthusiasts out there can also do posts on a day-to-day basis and share their journey with the world, something that other Himalayan treks do not offer.
The trek starts from a small village called Lohajung (2,300 Meters above sea level). This village is around 300 km from Rishikesh and it takes around 10-12 hours by road. While there are other routes to reach Lohajung, we chose Rishikesh as it was our assembly point.
Through this blog, we would like to give you a glimpse of the beautiful Brahmatal trek. We will give you practical tips and information. This will be especially useful if you’re a beginner Himalayan trekker.
Basic Information about the Brahmatal Trek:
Total Trek Distance – 21 Kms (Avg Trekking per day – 7kms)
Max Altitude – 3,600 Meters
Min Temperature – (-5) Degrees if less/no snow, (-15) if heavy snow – at night
Connectivity – 4G available at Lohajung, intermittent connectivity at Jhandi Top or Brahmatal Top
Best Season for the trek – Dec to Feb (for snow)
Number of camps – 3 (Camp 1 – Bekaltal, Camp 2 – Near Brahmatal, Camp 3 – Daldum). If it snows heavily, Camp 2 will be cancelled
Terrain – Forests in first 9 km, then meadows
Homestays at Lohajung – Basic amenities, may get hot water for bathroom, western toilets at few homestays, a good number of shops available for water, snacks, toiletries, fruits, etc.
Food – mostly vegetarian (may get eggs)
Photoblog on the Trek to Brahmatal Top:
We began our journey from Rishikesh to Lohajung early in the morning and stopped at Devprayag, about 70 Km from Rishikesh to witness the sunrise. Devprayag – The holy confluence of Alakhnanda (top) and Bhagirathi (bottom). These two river merges here to be called as Ganga.Our Group at Devprayag. We left Rishikesh around 5 am to avoid traffic during the day. We stopped at Devprayag for photography and breakfast. Please keep wearing masks during the travel. It will protect you from viruses, dust and fines from the local police. Also, please carry motion sickness medicines for the travel. Eat lite and sit next to a window if possible.First glimpse of snow-covered mountains. We were around 25 km away from Lohajung and had stopped for a tea break.
Tip: In case you forget to carry enough winter wear, this pit stop in between is a good place for you to shop for winter wear. You may not get it in Lohajung.
Early morning view of Lohajung. This is a small village and acts as a basecamp for Brahmatal and Roopkund treks.
Tip: As mentioned earlier, the facilities in the village are basic. So go prepared with your medicines and other required items. Road and transport availability is good at Lohajung. Avoid travelling or going out at night. There are wild animals like leopards, jackals, dogs, and bears in the surrounding jungles.
Early morning view from Lohajung. We can see Mount Trishul in the front as well as the Roopkund trail.Our group at Lohajung. Ready to start the trek.
Tip: It is advised to not shower on the day of the trek as you would need to start the trek early. So try to take a good shower at Lohajung (if you get hot water).
The trail starts from the main market chowk in Lohajung. The initial 400 meters are straight climb.
Tip: When you do a winter trek, it is advisable not to wear thermals while climbing. Keep a light jacket or fleece, if you feel too cold. Don’t carry a lot of luggage during the trek. If you have more luggage, you can hire a porter or pony. They charge around Rs 300 per bag per day. Read more on winter trekking here.
The initial part of the trek with Lohajung in the background.After the initial climb of 400 meters or so, the trail becomes relatively flat for around 3 km. The path is well laid with rocks and through a forest trail. Do not stray off the trail and always be in sight of your group. We went at a time, where the snow had not come yet, hence the trail was dry.This is the second dhaba on the first-day trail to Bekaltal. The trail is relatively easier till this point in time. From here, the trail becomes steeper. We are around 2.5 km away from our first camp.The steep climb begins from dhaba 2. There are mules also on the trail to carry luggage and camping equipment.
Tip: If you are trekking on a trail where there are mules, always move towards the hillside when the mules are coming. The mules may accidentally push you on the valley side. Avoid feeding or beating the mules or any other animals on the trail. Carry at least 2 litres of water on the trail. Keep on drinking water every 10/15 mins to keep yourself hydrated.
After trekking for about 7km, we reached our campsite. We also saw the first snow of the season. The groups took a lot of photographs and played in the snow. During the heavy winter season, one can find snow in Lohajung as well.The group taking pics on the trail.Trekkers after an exhaustive photo session.Our first campsite at Bekaltal. The pond we see in the above picture is not Bekaltal. Bekaltal is a bigger pond on the other side of the campsite, around 400 meters ahead.This is Bekaltal. Our campsite was behind those trees. This lake was partially frozen. During peak snow season, the lake is completely frozen.Another view of the Bekaltal. The lake is almost 50% frozen.
Our campsite while coming back from Bekaltal. We got very good photos of the sunset.Beautiful sunset from the campsite.Beautiful sunset from the campsite.Day 2: we started early in the morning for our next camp at Brahmatal. We had trek all the way up to Tilandi Top, Jhandi Top, Brahmatal lake, and our camp 2. The distance from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is around 7 km. The first 2 km are steep and later it is gradual once we come out in the meadows.The initial trail from Bekaltal is steep for around 2 km and is through a dense forest. During the peak snow season, this climb would be tricky.Huffing and puffing, the team was slowly climbing to the next station. Carry 2 litres of water, as there are no water sources for the next 4 km.
Tip: Each trekker must carry 2 liters of water as there is no water source on the trail from Bekaltal to camp 2. During peak winter season, you can fill up a thermos flask with water so that the water in the bottle does not freeze.
Views from Tilandi Top. Few groups also camp here. However, it is windy and cold here.Views from Tilandi top – the other side.Beautiful sky with serene blue colors greeted us at Tilandi Top.Another shot of the layered colours in the sky – at Tilandi TopFrom Tilandi top to Jhandi top, the hike is steep for 300/400 meters at the start and then is gradual. Now we have entered the meadows and the views are simply awesome.The majestic Mount Trishul, at a height of 7,120 meters above sea level. Almost throughout the Brahmatal trek, we can see this mountain.On top of Brahmatal Summit. Actually, there are no known summits for the Brahamatal Trek. Around the Brahamatal lake, there are few small mountains that are connected through a common ridge. The ridge can be climbed directly from the Tilandi Top. The views are also the same. We decided to climb to one of these summits to bring finality to our trek. We had also decided to go for an early morning sunrise trek at the same peak – the next morning. However, the group was not in a mood to wake up at 3 am in morning. So we dropped the plan.This pic was taken at Jhandi Top. Earlier when we climbed the Brahamatal Summit, we did not carry the flag, so we celebrated it the next day at Jhandi Top. Jhandi top and Brahamatal Summit have almost similar height and similar views. Post this, we started descending to Lohajung via Daldum camp. We skipped Daldum camp and directly went to Lohajung.Finally, from Lohajung, we traveled to Mussourie and ended our trip with this beautiful sunset.
We went on this trek from 19th to 24th Dec 2020. The Corona pandemic, lockdown, and social distancing had taken a toll on all of us. So this was a very nice break for us. We were expecting heavy snow during this time. However, we encountered very less snow. As per the latest news, it started snowing around 8th January 2021. The batches from January till February will experience perfect winter trekking.
Few things to note while travelling/trekking during Corona.
Do not travel if you have flu-like symptoms – for your and other’s safety.
Read government guidelines and keep paperwork ready before the trek.
Always wear the mask during the travel and in the trek if possible.
Maintain social distancing with the locals and fellow trekkers. Try to avoid handshakes or any kind of contact.
If you develop symptoms during the trek, inform the trek leader and try to go down to basecamp and quarantine till the trek completes.
Carry sanitizer, soap, and basic medicines while trekking.
Self-quarantine yourself for 3-4 days after coming from the trek at your home location.
Respect locals, the environment, and your fellow trekkers.
One more thing I want to highlight in a big way is, tipping. Indians generally do not believe in tipping culture. In a few western countries, tipping is almost mandatory. For example, in Kilimanjaro Trek, the tipping amount is decided by the government and is mandatory.
We should also be considerate and be generous tippers during the trek. The local helpers, cooks, local trek leaders, drivers are mostly from poor families with an average income of <Rs 2,500 per month. Most of their livelihood is during the trekking season.
As trekkers, we should tip at least Rs 300-500 per trekker. You can also give your old jackets/clothes, shoes, medicines to the needy.
Stay Safe and Happy Trekking!
FAQ’S
Kedarkantha Trek or Brahmatal Trek during mid-February?
Both Kedarkantha and Brahmatal treks are breathtakingly beautiful and sought after. However, there are some differences between the two treks, particularly in terms of difficulty, terrain, and overall experience.
Here’s a comparison to help you decide between the Kedarkantha Trek and the Brahmatal Trek. The time and conditions considered for comparison correspond to the mid-Feb duration.
Difficulty: A moderate-difficulty trek, Kedarkantah is suitable for experts and beginners alike. The ascents and descents are fairly gradual, with only a couple of steeper sections. The Brahmatal trek, thought of moderate difficulty again, is more challenging than the Kedarkantha trek due to the higher number of steeper sections and longer trekking hours.
Terrain: The trek to the Kedarkantha Summit involves hiking on snow, especially during mid-February. The trail passes through dense forests, beautiful meadows, and snow-covered landscapes. The Brahmatal trek The trek involves hiking on snow throughout the route during mid-February. The trail takes you through dense forests, open meadows, and a beautiful frozen lake (Brahmatal Lake) surrounded by snow-capped peaks
Highlights: The Kedarkantha Summit (3,800m) offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Swargarohini, Black Peak, and Bandarpoonch. The trek is known for its stunning winter landscapes and is popular for snow trekking.
Weather Considerations (Mid-February):Both treks take place during the winter season, and the weather conditions can be cold, especially during mid-February. The temperatures during the night and early mornings can drop significantly, often below freezing point, so trekkers must be prepared with appropriate cold-weather gear.
Trekker’s Experience and Preference:Your choice between the Kedarkantha Trek and the Brahmatal Trek may also depend on your prior trekking experience, fitness level, and personal preferences. If you are a beginner or looking for a relatively easier winter trek, the Kedarkantha Trek might be a better choice. On the other hand, if you seek a more adventurous and slightly challenging winter trek with stunning frozen lake views, the Brahmatal Trek could be the one for you.
The year 2020 will probably be remembered by many as the year of a global pandemic. For me, it started with my first ever Himalayan Trek. The year that I got Leh’d. A nomad at heart, a traveller in the making and an eternal ‘enthu-cutlet’, all wrapped in one – Me!
Chadar Trek or the frozen river trek is known to be one of the most difficult Himalayan Treks. Experienced trekkers have faced challenges and for someone who is fairly new to trekking can be at a bigger risk. At least that is what I was told. My experience, however, is a little different. I signed up with TrekNomads and never had to think about ‘everything that could possibly go wrong’ and instead focus on improving my fitness levels, getting the right layers of clothing and other essentials to combat the weather at that altitude. And to sum, my experience as ‘amazing’ is an understatement.
The team at the hotel before departing for the trek.
It began with a meet at Decathalon where Captain Naveen helped us pick the right gears and clothing for the trek. Chadar Trek is more about facing the harsh temperatures and being well prepared for it. My excitement induced a thousand questions and all were answered with great patience. Frankly, I couldn’t wait to get started and that meet kept me motivated to continue with my fitness routine. I had made an odd mix of running, swimming, yoga with some interesting sessions at CULT. I couldn’t have been more proud of my efforts and it was worth it!
The team at the Tibb Cave campsite.
Chadar Trek 2020 gave me an opportunity to be amid the Himalayas while I did Penguin walk in gumboots on the frozen Zanskar. Giving a shout out to Captain Naveen, my fellow travel mates or the very dependable local guides got me sailing smoothly through the four-day trek. I even slid down an ice slide made in the frozen river, got a ride on the sledge by the local guide and of course had a fair share of slips and tumbles on the Chadar which I believe is customary for every trekker to experience. :’)
The blue skies, the emerald waters, sigh, if only I could live this experience every day!
The trek is memorable for many reasons and few that make it more special is trying to sleep cocooned in two sleeping bags and innumerable washroom visits in the middle of the night. And perhaps my nightly ventures to attend nature’s call were a sign to look up at the night sky. What I saw can perhaps never be replicated in our regular city lives. The whole canvas painted black with a multitude of stars shining down on me. No words can do justice to that feeling of looking up at a starlit sky, in the middle of nowhere in -25 degree temperatures. The chilly night and my moment of oneness with the universe is a memory imprinted forever, and perhaps an image that will pop up in my mind when I hear the word Chadar.
Fun with fellow NomadsThe Chadar 2020 Team!
Travelling is always rewarding and exhausting too. But, when you know someone’s got your back, it becomes a delicious piece of cake. As a novice trekker, I made quite a few faux pax from the moment we landed in Leh. It takes about two to three days for our bodies to acclimatize and it is advised to avoid taking baths to ease the process. I stayed put for a day and messed it up the next. Only to understand much later that I had made myself susceptible to hypothermia. A term that I learned then. And like always when trekking with the Captain, I was rescued from committing more such goof-ups. I was advised about how and what I should be doing to ensure that I could go for the trek safely and not land in a soup early on. The four days in Leh for acclimatization and getting medical clearance from the Leh authorities were spent in a comfortable place with thorough indulgence in the local cuisine. I was extremely pleased that I didn’t have to worry about food and where to eat when exploring the Leh market, attending to nature’s call on the topmost level of Leh Palace, meditating at Shanti Stupa and buying my first ever gumboots. A trekking 101 with regard to gumboots is to not walk down or up the stairs wearing gumboots. It is meant only for flat surfaces or in this case…Chadar Trek! I would have found out the hard way but was corrected in time. Phew!
The trek began once we all cleared the medical test by the Leh authorities. The ride to the base camp, losing network after crossing the Sangam was just the beginning of an exhilarating time in the mountains. The experience of sleeping in tents, waking up to hot cups of Kahwa and being shocked at seeing your lenses solution, creams and even wet wipes froze beyond use is all a part undertaking Chadar Trek. Also, entering a portable loo tent for the first time certainly reminds you of caveman times and honestly takes back to your roots about taking care of basic needs in the middle of nowhere where you certainly can’t expect the amenities of city life. I say one should certainly experience this at least once. 😉
Sitting on the frozen sheath of ice with the river running below, the experience will leave anyone speechless.
While the cold got the better of us and weighed down our bags, the secret to keeping warm on such a trek was revealed to me. It is to get into the kitchen tent. The warmest place in the camp! That’s another trekking 101 gems that I learned. Enjoying piping hot delicacies that were freshly prepared by our team of local nomads was always a perfect start and end to a day. A variety of foods greeted us that ranged from momos, pasta, rice, sabzi, dal and dessert too!
I can’t help smiling whilst I write this as there are innumerable memories that come to my mind. But another important factor apart from being with a responsible trekking group is the people you meet and the memories you forge together. I had the pleasure of meeting a journalist and getting candid demos of live reporting, meeting with a big friendly giant or the man who would overtake me on the trek no matter how far behind I would have left him, a civil servant who could have also been a Major in the Indian Army, a homemaker on her 6th Himalayan Trek, two couples who had brought yummy homemade snacks that were simply delish and can never be forgotten. A young girl in search of inner peace and choosing Chadar Trek over Tibet/Bhutan. Two Mumbaikars who decided to forgo sea for a taste of the mountains. And lastly, a salute to Captain Naveen who kept this nomadic tribe together in the freezing temperatures of Leh.
One with the tricolour
2020, you will be remembered for the Chadar Trek, the fun, the trek, the food, Penguin walks and the friendships of a lifetime. It’s time I think of another Himalayan Trek with TrekNomads, reliving these memories has been a reminder that ‘the mountains are calling’ and I must go! Trek. Travel. Adventure is what awaits me.
When we go exploring, we realize we’re all Nomads at heart.
P.s: To all my fellow nomads, travellers, trekkers, explorers – Experience the beauty of Zanskar in its frozen form by signing up for the Chadar Trek. Choose your travel partner wisely like I did and get Leh’d! It’s worth it!
We thank our Nomad Mariam Taqui Ali for taking the time and sharing her experience from our Chadar Trek in January 2020. If you wish to join us on our Chadar Trek in 2021, please click this link for further details.
Winters are now rolling in across the country and while some prefer being wrapped up in their blankets on cozy mornings, others don’t let the winter chills affect their outdoor adventures. And rightly so, the frozen lakes, the snow on the pine trees, the incredibly wondrous trails are all a recipe for a great winter trek. We love the thought of trekking up a snow-clad mountain, camping there for several days, and just enjoying nature, of course, with a little guidance.
Winter trekking in India, especially in the Himalayas, is definitely dreamy and adventurous, only if you’re well prepared. The winter weather up in the mountains can be extremely rough and uncertain, ranging from anywhere between 20°-10° Celsius during the day and dipping to less than -10° and sometimes even -20° during the night. This winter trekking guide is equipped to help you embrace the cold no matter the temperature!
This snow trekking guide covers all bases with tips on what to pack, how to layer up on a winter trek, essentials you need to carry, precautions to take, and most of all, what winter trek suits you the best.
When it comes to winter trekking in the Himalayas, magical would be the word that comes close to describing the experience. The Himalayas in the other seasons welcomes you with sunshine, rain, and sometimes clear weather, you see lush greenery around you painting a very colorful picture. Winter changes the same landscape and your trekking experience entirely. Right from the terrain, to the wildlife to the vegetation and snow all around you, the trails leave you mesmerized with an experience of a lifetime.
Adding to this, experiencing snowfall when you’re trekking up a mountain, or sliding down a slope because snow slides are fun creating snowman and even snow angels – everything here will remind you of Narnia a winter wonderland that awaits explorers. The stillness in the air, the lakes frozen in time, the trees that make no movements, all you can hear is the incredible sound of your breath leaving you with a realization of being a part of that environment at that moment. If you ask us, that experience is only found on winter treks and it’s unbeatable.
If you’ve been considering the thought of winter trekking but have not planned one yet, the right amount of preparation will make fall in love with winter trekking.
Choosing the right winter trek
If you’ve already decided to go on a winter trek in the Himalayas, but you’re not able to choose the right winter trek for you, here’s a quick guide that will help you out:
Easy Winter Treks for Beginners:
1. Trek to Kedarkantha Peak:
Trek to Kedarkantha Peak is easily one of the most popular winter treks in India. The trail that starts from a small hamlet called Sankri in Uttarakhand is carpeted in snow in peak winters. This is also a perfect summit trek for all those Nomads who are looking to summit their first Himalayan Peak! In fact, if you’re looking for a less crowded season, this is a great trek that you can attempt in February.
Details about the trek:
Trek Gradient: Easy-Moderate
Trek Distance: 25+ Km
Days of Trekking: 5 Days
Highest Altitude: 12,500 ft (3,810 m)
Winter Treks Departures: November, December, January, February
Another easy winter trek in India is the serene Brahmatal trek in the Trishul Range. This trek has captured the hearts of beginner trekkers & winter trekking enthusiasts. The highlight of this trek is the picture-perfect campsites and the pristine and frozen Brahmatal lake nestled deep in the trail. The close-up views of giants like Mt. Trishul Massif (7,120 m/23,359 ft), Mt. Neelkanth (6596 m/21,640 ft), and Mt. Hathi Ghoda (6729 m/22,070 ft) will leave you awe-struck.
Details about the trek:
Trek Gradient: Easy-Moderate
Trek Distance: 30+ Km
Days of Trekking: 5 Days
Highest Altitude: 12,250 ft (3,734 m)
Winter Treks Departures: November, December, January, February
This trail was discovered back in early 1900s by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon. Located at an altitude of 13,989 ft (4,264 m), this trail is blazing with gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains, mystical forests and breathtakingly gorgeous meadows. The Rhododendron forests, the Tali lake on top, the view of the Pangarchulla Peak, the campsites and the views of India’s highest peak – Mt. Nanda Devi makes this an amazing winter trek for seasoned trekkers.
Pangarchulla is easily one of those treks that is well-rounded and poses just the right amount of challenge for trekkers. The trail starts off with lush green and turns into a snowy wonderland. The trail that you follow through the trek also gives you a close-up view of some of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region.
Chadar is one of the most challenging winter treks in the world. While the trail is relatively flat and requires Nomads to walk alongside the frozen Zanskar river, the challenge lies in braving the cold. Considered to be a life-changing experience, Chadar is well known for its breathtaking views of the river and the Zanskar valley and for getting Nomads to push their limits and embrace the icy cold weather of the Ladakh region. Read this detailed guide on the Chadar trek.
Now that you’ve decided to go ahead and do a winter trek, do note that winter treks are invariably more difficult than regular treks. In fact, the same terrain would be easier to climb in summers when compared to climbing in the snow. Prepare by upping your fitness, and you’ll enjoy it a lot more.
Before starting your fitness regime, you will need to do is evaluate your current fitness level. Once you do this you will have a good idea of the amount of effort you need to put in to get fit for the trek. Ideally, any kind of high-altitude trek requires about 3-6 months of consistent fitness regime that must be religiously followed.
Also, when it comes to winter trekking, you will need to work on both your physical as well as your mental self. This winter trekking guide will give you a quick, easy to follow 8-week regime of curated exercises to help you reach the best fitness level for any of the above-mentioned winter treks. This regime can be extended to up to 12 weeks as well if you have the time:
Stair Climbing
Days: Mon, Thurs Routine: 5 min – (2.5 min continuously*2 sets) with a 1 min break between each set How will this help – Pushing your body against gravity is a great cardiovascular activity. Stair climbing helps strengthen the muscles around your knees and helps build endurance.
Push-Ups Days: Mon, Thurs Routine: 5*2 Set (10) – (1 min rest between each set) How will this help – Push-ups help you build a stronger upper body while strengthening your core. This exercise helps when you have to ascend while carrying a backpack.
Squats Days: Mon, Thurs Routine: 5*2 Set (10) – (1 min rest between each set) How will this help – Squats are the best form of functional fitness. They promote balance and stability and strengthen legs, thighs, hips, buttocks, and hamstrings.
Crunches Days: Tues, Fri Routine: 5*2 Set (10) – (1 min rest between each set) How will this help – Crunches work on your abdominal muscles to build your core strength. This exercise will help you keep your balance on uneven surfaces.
Interval Running Days: Tues, Fri Routine: 15 min – (alternate 60 secs of continuous running 90 secs brisk walk)
How will this help –Running is a great cardiovascular workout, it is also an aerobic activity that uses more oxygen. This workout helps makes your lungs stronger.
Burpees Days: Tues, Fri Routine: 5*2 Set (10)- (1 min rest between each set) How will this help – Burpees is a great full-body strength training exercise and the ultimate example of functional fitness which helps abs, hamstrings, chest, glutes, and arms.
Rest Days: Wed, Sat, Sun How will this help – Rest is an integral part of your fitness routine which must not be missed. Overdoing can cause an unnecessary injury to your body.
Meditation can be a great form of increasing your lung capacity and tuning your mind to what your body feels. You can take up meditation classes online.
A winter trekking guide would be incomplete without a great pair of gloves. You will be wearing gloves all through the day. You are required to carry about 4 pairs of good woolen gloves.
Clothing & Accessories:
This where you will have to be smart. When it comes to winter trekking, the trick is to not just layer up, but layering right.
Here’s a quick guide to layering up for any snow trek:
Head Gear:
Woolen Cap – That can cover your ears and head entirely
Woolen balaclava that can cover your neck, mouth and nose
Polaroid sunglasses – with UV protection
Headlamp – in case it gets dark while trekking
Sun cap with a back flap to protect your nape
Layering your Upper Body while at camp:
Thermals – Layer 1
T-Shirt (Dri-Fit – preferably to absorb sweat) – Layer 2
If you wear spectacles, you can either wear it below a pair of oversized sunglasses. You could also get powered polaroid glasses made. Brands like Lenskart, Titan, etc. can custom make powered sunglasses for you.
For those of you who wear contact lenses, you can keep using them on the trek without any worry. Just make sure you carry enough cleaning solution so you clean your fingers well before wearing the lens.
Avoid carrying knitted jackets on the trek. Not only are they heavy, but they also don’t protect you enough from snowfall.
For your base T-Shirt, avoid carrying cotton T-Shirts and opt for Dri-Fit T-Shirts instead. These will absorb your sweat and keep you dry at all times.
If you are planning on buying a jacket, opt for a padded jacket instead or a down jacket. Padded jackets are low maintenance and are generally water-resistant.
When you buy pants, make sure you buy the ones with the zipper pockets. These will help you keep your phones safe and handy.
Don’t substitute track pants for your trek pants. Track pants can be worn as an extra layer in case you’re feeling too cold, but definitely avoid wearing them as your trek pants.
Avoid anything cotton on this trek. The region you’re trekking to won’t let you dry clothes and accessories very easily. From hand towels to T-shirts, and pants, avoid cotton.
Choosing The Right Footwear for Winter Treks
Your boots are probably one of the most important equipment you will be required to wear on your winter trek – we would definitely recommend you invest well in a good pair of shoes.
You will need to make sure that your boots are high-ankled, waterproof and well insulated to help you protect from the freezing temperature. Decathlon has a great pair of waterproof shoes for men & for women.
Alternatively, don’t forget to carry a pair of open sandals that can be worn at the campsite. It is essential that you give your feet some relief from the boots after trekking for long hours. Make sure that you wear these with a good pair of woolen socks.
If you’ve opted for Chadar trek, you may also come across instances where you will have to walk through a small level of freezing water, we know how scary this may sound. This is where your gumboots will come into the picture. Wearing gumboots during the trek is a mandate. Whereas on other winter treks like Kedarkantha or Brahmatal etc., you may need crampons to ensure firm grip while climbing in snow. The same will be provided to you during the trek.
Socks:
We know that the first option that comes to mind when it comes to choosing the right socks in this instance is Woolen. But let us tell you, trekking in woolen socks can be a bit of a pain. The best choice of socks you can carry is the ones meant for active-wear. These normally come with a blend of woolen and synthetic fabric. Not only do they dry faster, they make your feet comfortable – something that is essential for long-distance hiking.
It is also recommended that you keep an extra pair of socks for each day in case your current socks get wet, you will need to change your socks without any delay.
Carry about 4 pairs of active-socks and 4 pairs of Woolen socks. Once you reach your camp for the day, ensure that you clean & dry your feet and wear the woolen socks (2 pairs to make it extra warm as temperatures would dip down in the night).
Tips For Staying Hydrated in The Cold
Even with cold-weather trekking, hydration is of the utmost importance as you’re still burning energy and sweating.
Water bladders may not be so practical if you’re trekking in freezing temperatures as the tube can freeze completely. Instead, opt for a water bottle/flask, taking sips frequently as this will stop the water inside freezing.
Top Tip: Don’t miss the hot tea/coffee in the morning, this will help give you some much-needed warmth and you’ll be glad for it in frosty surroundings.
Top Tip 2: Always keep your water bottle inside your sleeping bag. This will ensure you have water to drink in case you feel thirsty in the middle of the night. This is also a great way to avoid ice-cold water in the morning.
Your daily consumption of water on days when you are trekking should be between 6-7 liters every day. With 2-3 liters consumed during the trek
Start drinking the same amount of water at least a week prior to the trek. This is will help your body adapt to the increase in water intake.
It is important that you substitute for the nutrients and minerals that your body has lost while you sweat.
Hydrants such as FAST & UP work towards making up for these lost electrolytes, nutrients and minerals and equip your body for superior performance.
Keep sipping water every 10 – 15 minutes while on a trek. Especially in a dry and cold region like the Zanskar where you don’t perspire and the chances of dehydration are very high.
Winter Trekking Guide & Tips for Beginners by TrekNomads Founder – Naveen Mallesh
If you’re new to winter trekking in the Himalayas, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This winter trekking guide is equipped with some tips and tricks penned down by our Trek Captain & Expert Naveen Mallesh for new trekkers such as yourself.
1. Choose your first winter trek wisely:
Don’t get carried away and book a difficult-challenging trek in the first attempt. Always start small, this will help you understand how your body is adjusting to the terrain especially to the cold. You can always opt for bigger treks once you’re experienced.
2. Get a friend along:
Winter treks are fun, but it is even better when you trek with a friend. This also ensures you know who you’re sharing a tent with. You are also more likely to be motivated to prepare yourself for the trek when your Nomad Buddy tags along.
3. Understand the art of layering up:
Your winter trekking experience relies entirely on how you layer up, the above guide on layering guide will help keep you warm and give you a great overall experience. Layering up
4. Don’t wait for the sun to go down to layer yourself up:
Ideally, you need to start layering up as soon as you reach the campsite for the day. This will ensure your body remains warm at all times and the heat within your body is trapped and you, in turn will be ready to embrace the cold night.
5. Use the washroom before you go to bed:
We see Nomads making the mistake of not using the washroom enough while on winter treks. You need to relieve your bladder before you go to bed to avoid sleeplessness at night. If the washroom is away from the campsite take your buddy along with you, but make sure that you urinate before you sleep. This will also ensure that you do not have to step out of your tent at night.
6. Wear two layers of gloves
A great way to keep your hands warm is by layering up your gloves. Always layer your hands with fleece gloves and then with warm winter gloves. This will ensure that your body heat is trapped within the gloves and it will also keep your hands warm.
7. Never go to bed on an empty stomach
Always ensure you have a carb and protein-rich dinner on winter treks, this will help your body maintain it’s core temperature and will keep you warm all through the night.
Skincare 101: Taking Care of Your Skin on a Winter Trek
You may be wondering skincare is the last thing you should be worried about on a winter trek, well, you’re wrong. The winter sun can be extremely harsh on your skin leaving you with not just a skin tan but a skin burn that can be prevented. With this winter trekking guide, we’re going to give you some easy to follow tips on how you can ensure your skin remains moisturized and protected on winter treks:
Wear sunscreen with SPF of 50 & above.
Apply a generous layer of moisturizer and then slather on sunscreen on all exposed body parts. Keep reapplying the sunscreen every 2-3 hours.
Wear a thick lip balm and keep reapplying this every hour. The last thing you need is chapped lips that starts burning.
An are prone to skin burn is the tip of your nose. You can either cover it up with a face mask or apply extra sunscreen in that area.
If your moisturizers or lotions freeze overnight, take them to the kitchen tent and heat them up a little near the fire. Please be careful when you do this as these bottles would be made of plastic.
Bathing on a winter trek is a strict no-no. So, carry wet tissues to help you clean yourself every now and then.
Photography Tips for Winter Treks
It goes without saying that you would want to capture some unforgettable & Instagram worthy photographs on your trek, through this winter trekking guide we’re giving you some tips that can help you capture great shots and keep your camera safe.
If you’re using a camera, ensure that you use it with at least one layer of protection (thin gloves). Metal is a superconductor and this will ensure that you don’t get frostbite. Keep your phone and your camera in an inner pocket or in your pant pocket so that it remains closer to your body temperature.
If you’re getting a bigger camera bag, make sure that you carry a weather-resistant camera bag.
Just like you, your camera needs to acclimate as well. Make sure your camera stays for at least 15 minutes in the weather you’re going to shoot in. This will help you avoid excess moisture that builds up in the lens.
Keep your batteries close to your body heat (cover it up with a sweater in your bag, this will help it sustain in the cold).
Shoot your photos in manual mode. This will avoid the overexposure of white balance, which you are likely to face in this region.
Know all about focus and shutter speed in case you wish to capture snowfall shots (depends on the weather conditions)
This brings us to the end of this detailed winter trekking guide. We are excited to announce that we have resumed operations and our winter treks for customized private groups are now up and running. If you and your group are thinking of joining a winter trek, do plan ahead right away! If you have any further queries, write to us at info@treknomads.com.
Pangarchulla summit trek is easily one of those trails that is well-rounded and poses just the right amount of challenge for trekkers. The trail starts off with lush green and turns into a snowy wonderland. The trail that you follow through the trek also gives you a close-up view of some of the highest peaks of the Garhwal region.
The 9-Day trek started right from the witnessing the Ganga Arati in Rishikesh to trekking in the snow was just an amazing experience. The team that trekked with us was extremely happy that they were able to trek through the challenging trails with ease.
We always believe in knowing when to turn back. A million things could go wrong when you’re in the mountains at a higher altitude, but knowing exactly when to leave the trail and turn back is extremely important and a crucial decision that the trek lead/captain has to take.
We have gained a lot of insights during this trek and made a lot many memories as well.
Here’s a detailed photoblog of our trek to Pangarchulla Summit:
Nomads at Lakshman Jhula!Ganga Aarti at Rishikesh.View of Devaprayag. Holy confluence of the river Bhagirathi on the left and river Alaknanda on the right which mergers to create River Ganga.Happy faces witnessing the beauty of Prayag or Holy Confluence of rivers for the first time.View of Rudraprayag. Holy confluence of the river Mandakini on the left and river Alaknanda on the right.View of Karnaprayag. Holy confluence of the river Pindari on the left and river Alaknanda on the right.Chair car ride at Auli.Our first trek to Taali via Gorson Bugyal.All happy and excitted for the first trek of the trip.First incline before we hit the forest stretch.Some fun photo session in the forest area.Few more inclines before we reach the Gorson Bugyal/meadows.Quick lunch at Gorson Bugyal.We cross the Gorson mountain sideways to reach the other side of the mountain.Some small patches of snow on the route. Gorson Bugyal and Auli recieves almost 15-20 ft of snow during the winter season.We hit some flat routes so that it helps to gain some pace.Some furry frinends we met on the way.Crossing some boulder sections.First view of this beautiful Pangarchulla Peak.Some Altitude details for you on our exact position.We need to cross this beautiful yet tricky narrow strech which goes across the Gorson mountain.Some more beautiful views of Pangarchulla peak.
Narrow path continues.So does our trekking.Beautiful Rhododendrons flowers.Here the narrow path ends and its a relief.Old campging site of this trek.Beautiful views of old camping site as we cross the same.The beautiful Taali lake. This lake used to be the main source of water for mules/pony which used to get the camping equipment to the old camping site nearby.Group pose for a photo at Taali Lake.Another stretch of 15-20 mins before we reach our Taali campsite.Whenever you check in a hotel, you tend to check the bathrooms. That’s what we are showing you as well.Our tents pitched and ready before we reached.Our dining area or tent.Dinner! And we remind you once again, all this variety at our camp site.All happy with the arrangements and of course with the hot and tasty food.
Morning Sunshine at our campsite.Breakfast set up before we head out for acclimatisation trek.Breakfast for the day.Post breakfast we head out for acclimatisation trek to gain altitude.Look at these majestic and tall trees.Trek trail continues and the weather clears up.Some more beautiful Rhododendrons Flowers.Such beautiful Rhododendrons Flowers.How can we not take a photo with these beautiful flowers?From left Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat, Barmal Peak.Gorson Top/Peak, Hathi Parvat and Ghoda ParvatAltitude Analytics with Dronagiri/Dunagiri in the background.Altitude Analytics with Pangarchulla in the background.We continue our trek in the beautiful meadows.Majestic Dronagiri/Dunagiri Peak.Narrow paths againQuick break to control your heart rate and catch your breath. We usally suggest participants not to sit while taking a break. It drastically cuts down the heart rate leading to unnecessary problems.Narrow path continuesAnother stretch of Rhododendrons Flowers.Altitude Analytics!Just few more mins before we reach Girgad point.Beautiful Pangarchulla PeakAltidue Analytics at Girgad point.Breathtaking views!Hathi Parvat, Ghoda Parvat, Barmal PeakOur Nomads at Giragad PointThe majestic Pangarchulla peak definitely stands out.Inclined climb continuesSo does some of the descend climbsAs the day goes by, the sun gets stronger draining you out to your fluids. It is important to take short breaks and keep hydrating yourself.Snow patch on the route. It was not difficult to walk on this. However, as it was melting, it was very slippery.Pangachulla Peak and Kuari Pass trek.Almost reached our lunch break point.Lunch break with this view.Shepards with their sheep. We were quite surprised to see this flock so high up in the mounatins.Post lunch we decided to go back to our campsite at Taali.Our Nomads walking cautiously on the snow pataches.Long tail of boys.A light lunch at the campsite. We are always grateful to our staff who provide us with such nutritious and delicious food during our treks.Campsite for the night before the summit.A glimpse of the campsite in the late evening.All set for the summit trek early in the morning.Lush green meadows with snow-capped mountains. This trail is filled with wallpaper worthy views!Waiting for the sunrise.The sun seeping out on the shoulders of some of the most massive mountains in the Indian Himalayas.Sunrays on the Pangarchulla peak.Soaking in the first rays of the sun on a Himalayan trek is one of the most sought-after moment especially after a cold camp night.We finally see the sunrise.Taking it one step at a time.Some more views on the way to the summit.Inclines along the way.If you observe carefully, you will see how the terrain constantly changes on this trek making it extremely interesting and adventurous at the same time.Narrow pathway begins.Gorgeous carpet of flowers.A quick lunch break before we proceed towards the summit.Trekking up to the summit.Getting closer every step of the way.How it looks when you trek up to the peak.Reaching there.The snow path begins and our Nomads are all equipped with their jackets to keep themselves warm.Sometimes you have to look back just to see how far you’ve come.Taking a break.All in high spirits.Nearing the peak.It is challenging, but definitely worth it.A slopy climbDetails on the altitude.There are massive boulders along the way.The terrain here looks completely different.Our trek guide helped our Nomads climb this steep incline with the help of rope.Almost there.A short break and waiting for the group to reassemble.About 100 meters away from the summit. This is the very popular ridge walk.Our trek captain Naveen and our trek guides.And we start our descent back to the base. Notice how sloppy the descent is, we decided to make it fun and slide down.Leaving the gorgeous views behindNotice the flock of sheep?Our campsite for the night.Night after completing the summit calls for a celebration with some warm soup and snacks!Dinner is served. We loved the fruit custard.Breakfast the next morning.Our campsite at KhullaraOur Nomads at the campsite.Descending again.Ah, these views!See the tiny houses?Heading backWaterfalls along the wayCampsite at Dhak.Mornings at Dhak.A picture with our staff before the final trek back.Our Nomads at the Badrinath Temple.Post which we went on to explore Mana Village.At Vyasa Ghufa in Mana Village. This is the place where Vyasa Muni recited the Mahabharata story.Our Nomad with Aghori Baba.Ending our trek to Pangarchulla Summit at India’s last tea shop in Mana Village.
Pangarchulla summit trek will be one of the most awesome week of my life.
The experience has been great with every detail accounted and planned for by TrekNomads team. This was my first “snow trek” in the Himalayas and it has indeed left with greater respect for the Mountaineers. Special note of thanks to Naveen for guiding all of us and providing us with a quick lesson on ascending and descending technique while climbing a snow clad mountain, crossing across a snow slope or even walking on a plain snow. Though it seemed easy from far off, it does indeed need presence of mind and technique to manage the walk/climb. I was happy to know that Naveen, has passed out of Jawahar Institute of mountaineering, Pahalgam, No doubt he seemed like fish to water on the snow/mountains.
When at Mountains, of all I have heard is ‘if the fatigue doesn’t kill the altitude sickness (AMS) would certainly be a major spoil sport’. Very thankful that none of us had any such issues. However we understood the importance of gradual gaining of altitude, acclimatising our bodies in those altitudes since our trek plan by TrekNomads was impeccable considering this very important and effective detail. The gradual gain of altitude spread across 3 days prepared us to acclimatise thoroughly, check the pace of trekking.
Not to forget the important fact – to remind ourselves that we are amidst the nature’s finest creation “The great Himalayas” and everything that is mesmerising about it. We were in awe as Naveen kept us telling the names of the peaks that were surrounded by us as and when they were visible to us, the higher we climbed. The beautiful Gorsan Bugyal, Ghoda – hathi parbath, Nandadevi, The great Dronagiri…. It was magical.
The camp sites were simply superb. The most surprising and astonishing part was that other than our tents, we had kitchen and dining tent, with dining table and camping chairs!!. Wow!!!. That was a super surprise to expect at that particular place in all of the world. Obviously, it was presumed that we would have a very limited variety of food for 4 nights of our camp. However TrekNomads team did not cease surprising us with the variety of food. Elaborate- Breakfast, lunch, evening snacks and dinner. To be precise most of the items did not even repeat for 4 nights we camped. It is indeed a herculean task to manage all such variety and that too so far off from civilization, which comes effective on ground due to sheer planning and execution.
Our trek Captain Naveen ensured that he checked up on us every day in morning and evening on our blood oxygen levels and BP. He kept talking to all of us individually checking up our physical condition and also explaining on identifying the symptoms of AMS. He kept reiterating on do’s & don’t’ s- patiently. Naveen ensured that he kept on checking with each individual based on his observation of 3 prior days of trek, before starting the summit trek. As we all know each individual is different and may not match the pace equally, however he ensured that the slow movers were ahead and rest of them were following. This is a very important factor in boosting one’s (slow movers) morale and does not give a ‘let down’ feeling at all. Having said that, it is imperative to have all the guidelines followed on keeping oneself fit enough as per the pre trek planning provided by TrekNomads. They pretty much provide every detail right from what to pack to what to exercise. Must say that it does help and definitely something serious to follow up on.
Lucky us that we got a pleasant weather, cold evenings, rainy night, awesome snowy mountain, clear skies, lush green meadows …..Just about everything during our trek. To add to the story, we even add our 4 legged furry friends accompanying us throughout the trek until we said bye to them. On our way back as time permitted, we did get a chance to visit one of the Chardham temples – Badrinath, last Indian village – Mana ( We did even have chai in the last Indian chai shop J ). Got a chance to see all the Holy prayags – Dev Prayag, Rudra Prayag, Karna Prayag, Nanda Prayag & Vishnu Prayag (Holy river confluences) too.
It is a story indeed right from start to end. Alas it did end so soon too.
The Mighty Mountains beckons – when at its abode, it commands respect, it teaches humility, patience, discipline, it makes you to adapt and the list goes on and on… What more a better way than to partner with TrekNomads for such a beautiful trek which can become a beautiful memory.
– Mahesha Mallesh
Can I trek to the Pangarchulla Summit now?
Absolutely! We are delighted to share that we have started receiving bookings for our trek to Pangarchulla summit. You can trek with us anytime between October – November.
We are following a stringent set of safety protocols during the trek to ensure your safety at all times.
If you wish to book the trek to Pangarchulla Summit with us, please click here.
How can you help the trekking community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The trekking community has taken one of the biggest hits in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are 5 ways to help the trekking community sustain during this crucial time. To get through this crucial time and to help our on-ground staff, we have introduced #NomadsAgainstCorona campaign which will help revive the trekking community in these trying times.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about some unprecedented challenges in the tourism and trekking sector.
As a community, our major focus has always remained on ensuring the health, safety, making treks safe and security of our Nomads, our on-ground staff, and the locals. As we prepare ourselves to resume operations, we are also doing the best we can to ensure that the Government protocols are followed wherever required.
While we shall take necessary steps to implement the measures outlined in their respective protocols in making treks safe, it is also important for Nomads to take adequate precautions to ensure their own health and safety.
Nomads are encouraged to go through these safety protocols thoroughly and follow the same before booking their trek, while on the trek and post trekking with us.
Ensuring you are safe before you join us on the trek:
While we will do all we can in making treks safe, there are a couple of things you can do to ensure that you are safe before joining us on the trek:
Avoid crowded places and social occasions for at least 10-15 days before the start of your trek
Wear a face mask if you step out of home
Drink at least 2 glasses of hot water with turmeric every day
Wash or sanitize your hands every time you step out of your house and when you come back home
Avoid taking the public transport. This includes cabs as well
Avoid eating from unfamiliar restaurants as much as possible.
Safety Protocols to be followed to making treks safe:
Only asymptomatic Nomads shall be allowed.
Those with a temperature of more than 37.5 °C (99 °F) and/or flu-like symptoms shall not be permitted to travel.
Nomads with no international travel history 14 days before the departure will be allowed (only applicable until restricted by the government authorities)
Nomads below the age of 10 and above 60 will not be permitted.
Screening of all nomads at the entry point for symptoms of COVID-19 such as temperature (using no-contact type thermometer/ thermal guns), cough, cold, etc.
If you have taken a flight to the base city, don’t throw away your face shield, instead, reuse the same while traveling to the base camp.
All nomads shall be briefed on the safety measures taken before onboarding.
Nomads to provide basic personal information when traveling, including name, phone number, Govt. ID type and ID number. Consent for sharing of their details with the administrative / health authorities will be taken from Nomads, as and where required for contact tracing related activity.
Please check for the necessary permission or form you need to fill before entering any state border.(Each state government has an inter-state travel details entry portal).
Nomads are required to carry their own masks, sanitizer, gloves, and other essential items.
We highly recommend using your own transport for travel. In the likelihood that you are not able to arrange for your transport, we will provide you with transportation.
The vehicles provided by TrekNomads will be thoroughly disinfected prior to boarding. The driver who will accompany you will also follow the required safety protocol
Safety Protocols to be followed at Base City & Base Camp:
The following basic guidelines should be adhered to by all Nomads whilejoining us on treks to ensure their safety as well as the safety of their service providers and locals:
On reaching the base camp, before entering allotted rooms, Nomads will have to submit their COVID certificate. Their oxygen saturation and general health condition will be checked and noted down on a daily basis by our trek lead or trek guide.
Nomads should strictly observe social distancing norms with a physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) per person. Family groups can stay together as long as they ensure that they are at least 2 meters (6 feet) away from any other individuals or family groups.
Nomads should ensure that they wear a protective face mask all the time to keep yourself and others safe.
Nomads should frequently wash hands or use hand sanitizers. While facility management shall provide for soaps/sanitizer at common places, Nomads should mandatorily carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes.
Nomads should sanitize their hands after any contact with public surfaces including ticketing counters or check-in counters.
Food will be served outside unless the weather conditions are bad. In the case of bad weather, Nomads will be served in the dining area in groups of 2-3.
Safety Protocols to be followed at Accommodation Units:
Nomads should reach out to the COVID Coordinator identified by the accommodation unit for any issues or concerns with regards to hygiene and safety.
Only asymptomatic Nomads shall be allowed.
Twin sharing accommodation will be provided with separate beds. Nomads can either share the room with their friends or families.
Single sharing accommodation can be requested and will be provided on availability and for an extra cost.
Single sharing for camping tents at an extra cost.
Dry toilets will be arranged for Nomads who are camping at campsites during the trek. Each nomad will have to carry their own toilet paper.
Nomads who have checked-in at the accommodation unit should not allow other nomads into their rooms.
The staff of accommodation units will not enter the nomads’ room unless absolutely necessary. The nomads should ensure they follow social distancing guidelines with any staff that may have to enter their rooms
For treks that involve camping, our staff will sanitize all sleeping bags, tents, blankets, and any other types of equipment on a daily basis.
Nomads shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors. As far as possible, a zero-contact policy should be followed at all tourism facilities.
In case of porter services where your bags will be carried to the base camp by porters and mules, Nomads will drop their bags in a common area and proceed on the trek with the day bags. Nomads shall not come in direct contact with our porters or other staff members.
As a precautionary measure Nomads will be expected to carry their own set of utensils such as glass, plate, bowl, spoon etc. that will be used by Nomads from the time they reach.
Allotted time slots should be followed by all Nomads for the convenience of service providers and other Nomads.
Safety Protocols to be followed while trekking:
The guides and locals who will accompany you on your trek will be trained thoroughly on allnecessary measures to be taken with respect to sanitation and social distancing. We shall make sure that our staff you interact with is medically checked and healthy.
We will be monitoring the oxygen levels and possible symptoms in our trek guides and trek staff before they join our Nomads on treks. (It is not feasible to get a COVID test for each of our staff members in the current scenario).
Oxygen saturation of Nomads will be checked twice every day by the trek guide (this is a mandate that is followed on all our high-altitude treks). The same will be checked for our trek guides and staff members.
Certain states may require a COVID negative test to be presented before entering the state. Check this blog for details.
Nomads will be required to dispose of their garbage individually during the course of the trek. No common garbage disposal will be provided.
We will ensure that our kitchen staff who accompany you on our treks are wearing all the required safety gears.
TrekNomads will carry a general first aid kit but we recommend that each Nomad carries a first aid kit along with their personal medication
Sanitizers and masks will not be provided by TrekNomads, we recommend you carry enough of both that can last you the entire duration of the trek.
If a Nomad starts showing COVID symptoms during the trek, the Nomad will be isolated and will be sent back to the base camp.
Safety protocols that will be followed in case Nomads start showing symptoms:
In the unlikely event that a Nomad starts showing COVID-19 symptoms, the following protocols will be followed:
The Nomad will be immediately isolated and moved back to base camp. The nearest medical facility will be updated on the development and a due course of action will be decided post this.
The TrekNomads staff will not accompany the Nomad beyond the base camp. The Nomads will be given a dedicated room to quarantine
If the Nomad tests positive, the TrekNomads staff will get tested for COVID-19 and follow necessary protocols.
Safety Protocols to be followed after a trek:
Upon completion of the trek, Nomads who have opted for transportation will be dropped to the base city post which they can travel back to their home town.
The transport vehicle will be sanitized and the driver’s temperature will be checked before departing from the base camp.
In the case that you have travelled in your personal transport, you can leave directly from the base camp post a temperature check.
While we do understand that this list of safety protocols seems very long, it will contribute in making treks safe, and the safety of others around you. Having said that, we expect each of our Nomad to be responsible and strictly follow these protocols just as much as we would.
Trekking is a leisure sport where it can get difficult to follow social distancing at all times and you will be required to interact and help each other out during the trek. While we will do everything we can to keep you safe, we require you to understand this as well.
We also strongly recommend that to making treks safe, you keep your trek lead informed at all times. In case you start developing symptoms or feel uncomfortable at any given point during the trek, we expect you to be proactive in informing us.
We have also relaxed our cancellation policy so you can cancel your trek plans in case you feel uncertain without any hesitation.
What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your trek now!
You can also download an e-copy of our safety protocols here.
If you have any queries regarding the safety protocols, please feel free to reach us at info@treknomads.com.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about some unprecedented challenges in the tourism and trekking sector.
After due considerations and post understanding the guidelines and precautions set by the respective State Governments and the Government of India, we have decided to resume our operations and reopen our treks, ensuring full safetyand security of our Nomads and our on-ground staff.
While the COVID situation is still rampant in the country, we are doing our best to ensure safety while trekking. This is why we have decided to resume trekking for select treks across the country.
When did we resume trekking operations?
We started operations on 20th September 2020 and about 200 Nomads have trekked with us since then. Both are domestic and international departures are now open for booking.
As we prepare to reopen our treks, we’re also closely monitoring the travel advisories that the states are currently following. While these advisories keep changing, here is the most recent regulations by respective States & Union Territories and Countries.
Current COVID regulations for tourists & trekkers going to Uttarakhand:
Trekkers will need to mandatorily register for an E-pass on Uttarakhand’s smart city web portal.
Current COVID regulations for tourists & trekkers going to Jammu & Kashmir:
You will be RT-PCR tested on arrival at the airport.
You will need to quarantine yourself in a hotel until you receive a negative test result on your report. Reports usually take 24 hours.
The State has opened its borders to tourists arriving by air only at the moment.
Current COVID regulations for tourists & trekkers going to Ladakh:
Nomads will need to get COVID-19 RT-PCR done at any of the ICMR testing labs at Leh within 72 hours of arrival in Leh.
Nomads must have trek insurance.
COVID regulations for tourists & trekkers going to Nepal:
The government of Nepal has decided to allow mountaineering and trekking activities for foreigners from Oct 17 2020.
Foreign nationals heading to Nepal will be required to carry a COVID-19 negative test not older than 72 hours from their home country while traveling to Nepal post-October 17th.
As per the latest update – there is no requirement for mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival in Nepal
An antigen and PCR test will also be conducted at the Nepal airport for reconfirmation upon arrival
All foreign nationals who meet the required criteria will be provided a visa at the Tribhuvan International Airport after October 17
COVID regulations for tourists & trekkers going to Tanzania:
India has as of 2 November 2020 entered into an air bubble agreement on commencement of to & fro flights to Tanzania. Further details on flight schedules are awaited. More information can be found here.
You can start booking your treks with us for all the above-mentioned departures. Any changes in regulations or schedules will be communicated to you directly. If you have any queries or concerns before booking your trek, please call us on +91 9886444809 or write to us at info@treknomads.com.
Considering the circumstances, we recommend and suggest that Nomads book their treks with private teams. When you trek with private teams, you have a sense of comfort when it comes to traveling together, sharing accommodation, and even spending 9 or more days without worrying about the pandemic. With this familiarity comes a sense of care where you start looking out for each other. To begin with, a private team will require a minimum of 4-6 Nomads.
We Have Relaxed our Cancellation Policy:
With the changing travel advisories and newer regulations coming into the picture, we understand that deciding and booking a trek can get tricky. This is exactly why we have decided to extend our COVID cancellation policy for all treks booked up until 31 December 2021.
For every trek booked until 31 December 2021, cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the departure date will eligible for a full trek voucher refund after deducting a 5% booking fee if you test positive.
The trekvoucher will be valid until March 2022 and can be redeemed across any treks that we offer.
You can now plan your treks without worrying about last-minute cancellations.
What are the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our Nomads?
We have extensively studied the guidelines brought out by the World Health Organization, FSSAI, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and state guidelines and developed our protocols along similar lines. These protocols will not only ensure the safety of our Nomads but also the safety of our on-ground staff who live in the mountains and our trek guides.
To take a look at the safety protocols we are following on our treks, click here.
FAQs on booking your upcoming treks:
If you’re interested in trekking solo:
If you’re a solo trekker or 2-3 people looking at joining a group, we’re happy to let you çan book your trek with us without a worry. We will accommodate your booking with an existing solo trekker or a small group such as yours.
So, how many Nomads are we taking on our treks:
We need at least 4 Nomads for a departure. The maximum number of registrations we’re accepting per departure are 8.
What happens if we do not have 4-6 participants?
If we don’t have 4-6 participants, that departure would be canceled and we may reach out to you and either give you a refund or request you to postpone your trek and give you a trek voucher. (Do note that these are uncertain times and Nomads may back out in case they show COVID-19 symptoms or due to any other emergencies.)
What is the accommodation like for solo trekkers?
On a regular basis, our standard accommodation is twin sharing with separate beds. If you’re a solo trekker, you could either – share a room/tent with another solo trekker of the same gender or opt for single accommodation at an added cost (extra cost will be shared with you post raising a request with the TrekNomads team)
We’re a group of 2-3 members, how do we register?
The booking process shall remain the same, unless you have any other requests. You can book directly the trek for the departure of your choice on our website. The link to specific treks can be found at the beginning of this blog.
Trekking is a challenging and strenuous activity. Whether it’s a one-day hike, two-day trek or a multi-day Himalayan trek, a good fitness level is a must to complete the trek with ease. Especially when it comes to multi-day treks like Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Ri & Chola Pass or Mt. Kilimanjaro Summit, all these treks have one thing in common – it requires high endurance and strength. The best way to work on and build endurance and strength is by introducing running to your fitness regime.
Why should running be a part of your Trek preparation regime?
Running works more on or less the same muscles as hiking and is used by hikers, backpackers and mountaineers all around the world to develop their cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory capacity (the 2 main forms of elements for getting fit for a hike).
For us, at TrekNomads, running is not just a crucial form of activity, it is also one of the ways we decide if someone is physically capable of completing a trek. There’s absolutely no use of heading out on a trek if you’re body is exhausted and won’t let you enjoy the beautiful views around you. This is why, when it comes to high-altitude trekking, you need to be at your fittest. This kind of fitness is only achieved when you start training well in advance (at least 3-4 months in advance).
Whether it’s running on the treadmill or hitting the roads, running is a great way for you to build your overall cardiovascular fitness.
Please note that we recommend you consult your doctor/physician before beginning a fitness regime. The content and recommendations of this blog is based purely on our experiences and feedback of our trekkers.
3 Reasons Why Running is the best form of Cardiovascular workout to prepare for a trek:
1. Running helps you build your cardiovascular capacity
Running is the only form of exercise that can help give you an overall physical exercise. The human body can quickly adapt when you regularly indulge in aerobic exercises (which requires more oxygen like running). It upgrades the functioning of its entire cardiorespiratory system to better handle that exercise. You’re lungs, heart, and vascular system will all become more effective and efficient at delivering oxygen throughout your body, especially to working muscles which becomes extremely important while trekking. With the higher altitude you reach, the oxygen level in the air reduces and it becomes important for your body to adjust to these levels with ease. That’s where running will help.
2. Running is cost-effective and does not require a gym
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on gym memberships, running may just help you prepare for your trek better. All you need is a good path and a great pair of running shoes and you’re set. With apps like Nike Running Club, you can take each run at your pace and slowly introduce this as a part of your fitness regime without putting a hole in your wallet. Another added benefit here is that running lets you workout regardless of the weather which is good to help you condition yourself for a trek.
3. It helps strengthen your legs and core
This is a great respite from the monotony of the gym workouts—it’s also a chance for your body to use some of those little stabilizing muscles in your ankles, legs and glutes which are the crucial muscles you will be working on while trekking. This is a great way to change things up for your body and build strength that will translate well in your treks. And since with each step you are effectively balancing all your weight on one foot for a moment, your core is kicking in to keep you upright. Moving at a slower pace will allow your body to engage muscles that it often doesn’t, at higher speeds. Which will in turn help you build a strong core – one of the most aspects that helps you balance yourself both during ascent and descent.
If you are using running to train for Trekking, you just need to ensure two things:
1. You slowly start running
If you’re new to running, you need to make sure that you graduate to running slowly and steadily. We recommend you start with a mix of walking and slow jogging with a 60:40 ratio depending on your body capacity. You can start with a 3 min walk followed by a 2 min run. Once you’re habituated to this, you can slowly increase the jogging ratio, and once you are comfortable jogging 1 Km continuously without taking breaks you can add interval training to your regime. Don’t forget to keep a watch on your form and breathing as these aspects are most ignored while running.
2. You stick to aerobic training.
If you are running too quickly (and getting tired too early) you will not be training the right ‘zone’. A good judge of this is if you can breathe through your nose, you are training at the right intensity. If you can’t, you might want to slow down a bit.
3. You stay injury-free
If you are not a lifelong runner, running can be tough on the body. Make sure you stretch before and after your run to ensure you don’t cause any kind of injuries to your body. And many people trying to start running again pull up with aches, pains, and injuries. If this is you, running probably isn’t going to be the best way to train. You should instead stick to things like walking with a loaded backpack or cycling.
How to judge if you are ready for a high-altitude trek?
At TrekNomads, we have a physical fitness test before our high-altitude treks to ensure that our Nomads are fit enough to complete the trek. There’s no fun if you can’t go to the summit because your body doesn’t let you, is there?
This is why we want you to enjoy every aspect of the trek and that can only happen when you are physically fit. After putting in a lot of thought, we decided on a simple physical test to judge if you’re ready for a high-altitude trek. All you need to do is complete a 5 Km run within 35 minutes. That’s all there is. No half-marathons, or full-marathons or even 10k runs required. If you can complete a 5 Km run in under 35 minutes for moderate Himalayan treks like Valley of Flowers, Kedarkantha Summit, Dronagiri base camp trek. And 10K within 65 minutes for tougher Himalayan treks such as Everest Base Camp, Pangarchulla Summit trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek with ease, it means you’re ready to book your next high-altitude trek!
How can you help the trekking community during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The trekking community has taken one of the biggest hits in history due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are 5 ways to help the trekking community sustain during this crucial time. To get through this crucial time and to help our on-ground staff, we have introduced #NomadsAgainstCorona campaign which will help revive the trekking community in these trying times.
It has been a little more than one year since I took the leap to pursue my dream of trekking and adventure. I decided to quit my well paying corporate job as a business head and took the path less traveled, well, trekked in my case. I officially founded TrekNomads with my friend and former colleague Mahendra Rathod. A community that curates premium and all-inclusive trekcation experiences with a core focus on safety, quality and sustainability.
I’m penning down a few thoughts of what these 365+ days have been for me.
How I traded the desk for the wild?
If you asked me 10 years ago where I thought my career would take me, I would have answered: “I’d be an entrepreneur.” I’ve always been a person trying to look for solutions to problems we face on a daily basis, for as long as I can remember and that is how I started my first startup — BookMyInterest about 5 years ago. Post the acquisition of BookMyInterest by Xoxoday in 2016, I went on to work with the latter where I understood a lot more about the startup ecosystem. I would like to thank Xoxoday Co-Founders Sumit Khandelwal, Manoj Agarwal, Kushal Agarwal, and Abhishek Kumar.
What I also did during my time at Xoxoday was nurture the one passion that was extremely close to my heart — Trekking. Something that I have been doing for most of my life. After multiple discussions with Mahendra Rathod, who is my partner and also a trekking enthusiast, I decided to give this a try and build a trekking community. This was the beginning of TrekNomads.
Over the next 2 years, I took more than 500 people on multiple treks. From colleagues to friends to friends of friends etc. we started nurturing the idea of comfortable trekking (something that this industry lacked as the idea of comfort + wilderness did not go hand-in-hand). People loved the concept and we realized it was time to make it go all out.
The Conviction of Turning Passion into Profession!
Taking the plunge with my first startup BookMyInterest was a total leap of faith. I knew where the business was heading but there was something missing. Although everything went well, there was one piece of the puzzle that didn’t quite fit. I realized what that was when I was evaluating the way forward for TrekNomads. The missing puzzle was conviction.
Trekking was my passion, it was my happy place, it reflected who I was as a person and there was nothing that could convince me otherwise. I knew that this was it. Having said that, leaving a well-paid job and stepping out of my comfort zone (once again) was definitely the first challenge. I took a couple of months to assess the uncertainties, risks, and challenges that would accompany this decision. Mapped out the worst-case scenarios, spoke to a few of my mentors, and decided to jump right in with Mahendra and Malavika as my strong pillars of support.
Mahendra, Me and Malavika — The team that drives this community.
The Beginning of my Second Innings.
In April 2019, I quit my job and kick-started TrekNomads. I was extremely particular about everything. Although we had worked out the proof of concept, viability, and partners & customer base, I knew I had to stay on top of the game. The first thing I did right after quitting my job was to complete my mountaineering course. I gave it my best and completed the 28-day course from JIM&WS with an ‘A’ grade. This course wasn’t easy. Since the program was run by the Indian Army, the training was strict, disciplined, and hard (which is an understatement, to be honest). It did take me back to the good old days when I was an NCC Cadet. Upon returning from the program, I had to get my company registered. After pitching out several names for the company, we decided to go with ‘ALEMAARI’, which loosely translates to Nomad in Kannada. There couldn’t be a better word to describe us and what we stand for.
One month of insane training and reaching newer heights at the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering at Pahalgam in Kashmir.
Building and Raising TrekNomads!
I am a firm believer in getting basics right. I knew that if I had to make this more sustainable and long-lasting, I would have to build a firm foundation. As the founder, my first priority was to get our business recognized. I knew that this would help me go that extra mile to instill trust in my customers. We got recognized by both Startup Karnataka & Startup India and got DIPP certification. We even got incubated by Mobile 10X — IAMAI.
My second priority was to ensure that every step we took was authorized and legal. For an industry such as trekking, especially in India, getting permits, guides, etc. is not something that people/amateur groups are accustomed to. I wanted to ensure that every trek we organized was authorized with necessary permits.
Priority three, also something that we are extremely proud of was to ensure that our ‘Nomads’ would always be safe when they trekked with us. To do this, we introduced no-cost insurance as an inclusive of the trek package. From 1-day treks to 2-day treks and multiple-day treks, all departures had insurance as a complementary inclusion. We also started to notice that our competitors followed suit but gave it at an extra cost, but, we were still ahead in terms of the benefits as insurance was made no cost and inclusive of the cost.
One thing that I was exceptionally particular about was — delivering excellent customer experience. More often than not, we, as business owners are glued to making profits that we forget the one thing that holds it all together — Customer Experience. We built a simple review and rework model that helped us gauge feedback, understand what each of our customers had to say, and implement the good points as and when we came across them. Every decision we made revolved around our customers, and we began to realize that while acquiring new customers is essential, the key is to build a more loyal customer base. In the past year, we saw 43% recurring customers and over 30% from referrals. Coming back to my point — when you treat your customer right, they will keep coming back to you and they will bring their friends along.
Navigating the Ups and Downs.
The past year has been incredible, as a business we have achieved several milestones. We introduced International Treks, Treks for specially-abled children, customized corporate outings, conducted women-only treks, and completed over 10+ departures to the Himalayas during peak season. We were on a roll. But, we did see our fair share of downs as well — for eg. We were not able to focus on our departures to the Western Ghats as I was focusing more on Himalayan and International treks and was away most of the time. Lesson learned — Delegation.
After we began to realize that we could not leave western ghats treks behind, we began focusing on building a team of trek leads. As the crux of this business lies in customer safety and experience, we came up with a thorough onboarding process. This included observation (as co-lead in treks that we used to lead) and testing trek leads on their knowledge, humility and leadership skills before getting them onboard, etc.
We took our community a notch higher last year by introducing specially-abled children to the mountains in collaboration with Mitra NGO
Changing myself for the better.
I’ve learned a whole lot in the past year. From professionally to intellectually and personally. I have built some strong positive characteristics that a desk job would never have taught me. Being in the mountains was satisfying and fulfilling, and it has taught me to focus and build smaller aspects of myself that would help me in the bigger picture. From focusing on completing one task at a time and making sure it is of quality, to ensure that customer’s feedback is taken and applied as and when needed. Most importantly, letting go of things that constantly bother me, this has helped me clear my mind out.
I also decided to pursue the challenge of climbing the seven summits of the world and started a project that is dear to my heart — Project Seven Summits by the Alemaari. I planned and completed my first summit to Mount Kilimanjaro in October 2019.
Standing at the Uhuru peak after a successful summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in October 2019. The first step towards my journey to the summit of the seven summits of the world.
Learnings from the mountains.
As I always say, Mountains decide whether you can climb/summit her or not. So no matter who you are, where you come from, and what kind of expertise you have, you are just a mere human when in nature or when you’re in the mountains. All we can do is focus on putting our best foot forward, giving everything we do 100%, and achieving our goals. If something fails or doesn’t get through, it is fine. Remember failure is not final. In giving something your 100% you would have had a memorable journey to cherish. Plan to Workout and Workout to Plan.
COVID-19 Impact
All businesses across the world have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism sector has taken the biggest hit and lost 3 good months of business and may lose out on the next 3–6 months as the world recovers post-lockdown. It will take long for people to feel safe to hit the roads and the mountains largely because of the second wave predicted in July/August.
I am foreseeing a more local/regional travel/trek trend post-lockdown as people will refrain from traveling across the country particularly to avoid air/rail travel. There will also be a paradigm shift from budgeted cost-effective packages to premium healthy, safe, and comfortable experiential packages.
TrekNomads has always been a community that curates premium and all-inclusive Trekcation experiences with a core focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.
We have also started a campaign for the trekking community to help the locals sustain this pandemic. Anyone can be a part of this campaign #NomadsAgainstCorona.
#NomadsAgainstCorona campaign we started to help the trekking community get through COVID-19
Expressing my gratitude
As humanity fights this pandemic, it is important that we acknowledge and remain thankful for the entire medical fraternity, police force, security, and the Corona Warriors. Being a part of Corona Warriors Taskforce myself, all I can say is that it has been a humbling experience to be of service to our city, state and country in this pandemic. A special thanks to Mrs.Malavika Avinash, Major Pradeep Shoury Arya and Major Prashaant for giving me an opportunity to be a part of the team.
A glimpse of my time on the ground volunteering as a Corona Warrior
As a way to show our gratitude, all we can do at this point is be responsible citizens and respect the efforts put in by all those people outside by following the lockdown rules to Stay Home and help people who are in need in every way possible.
