FAQ

Some FAQ on our treks

What is trekking?
What are the advantages of trekking?
How long the trek will be?
How difficult are the treks?
Is there a minimum age requirement for children on the treks?
What about the food and drinks during the trek?
What kind of accommodation is provided during the halts en route?
What about toilet facilities on the treks?
What kind of terrain can I expect on a family trek?
How flexible is the trekking day?
Do I need to trek to enjoy the Himalayas?
I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?
How fit do I need to be to trek?
How far do I trek each day?
How safe is trekking?
Can I set my own itinerary?
Who will lead my trip?
How will be my guides?
What will I need to carry?
Where Can I get more information and maps?
When I go for treks, can I store my luggage somewhere?
Who are porters?
If I am traveling alone, will Treks Trips and Trails find me a roommate?
What if I am disabled?
What about first aid/medicine?

Some FAQ on our treks

What is trekking?

Trekking is an adventurous activity andwalking in areas where unpredictability is the norm. Health and hygienestandards will not be the same as in the West and people often have a differentconcept of time. A flexible approach and sense of humor are essential formaximum enjoyment of adventure travel. Bad weather, flight cancellations,sickness, damage caused by monsoon rains etc, may necessitate a change in themost carefully made plans.

What are the advantages of trekking?

To feel the rhythms of Himalayan life, get close tothe high peaks, to be known about the ethnic culture and socioeconomic life ofthe people. In our view trekking involves extended hikes into road less areasaccompanied by a support staff of guides and assistants. Sometimes you may alsohave porters or pack animals. Often you will have your own cook. You willalways have a local guide who is fluent in English and local languages and whoknows not only the route, but the local merchants, farmers and villagers alongthe way.

How long the trek will be?

Generally, the duration of trek depends onyour time, interest and location. Your trek can last anywhere from 2-3 days toan entire month or longer if you wish. We can accommodate day hikes, culturalvisits to local villages, and relaxing rest days on your trek. The decision isup to you.

How difficult are the treks?

AllTreks Trips & Trails are graded in terms of difficulty. The difficultyof our treks depends on where you want to trek and how long you want to go. Theshorter Treks tend to be easier while the longer ones require some physicalfitness. Be prepared for some steep trails leading to amazing views. The pace atwhich you hike is up to you. We have friendly and dependable porters to assistyou with your personal gear.

Is there a minimum age requirement for children on the treks?

We recommend you to undertake the family treks ifyour children are above 8 years of age. For all other treks we recommend aminimum age of 18 yrs.

What about the food and drinks during the trek?

. Throughout the trek, we take care of all yourmeals. Starting with Bed tea in the morning , to Break fast, to packedlunch or hot lunch depending on the situation to evening tea with snacks andfinally fresh hot dinner on a daily basis. Our cook and support staff membersaccompany you on the treks and carry all provisions. Juices, milk and energydrinks are available for you at all times. We also provide snacks likecrackers, cookies and chocolate bars especially for the children to help makeyour trek more enjoyable. So you don't have to worry about anything while onthe trek. You can inform us in advance if you have any special requirements forthe meals and we'll ensure that we provide you with whatever you need.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the halts en route?

. During the trek, you will be staying in comfortabletwin sharing accommodation in Private or Government Motels in smallTowns, dormitory accommodations in Private or Government lodges/trekkinghuts with on trekking routes , Two/three/four person sharing comfortable 4Season Alpine tents in areas (wilderness) where Government or Private stayingfacilities are not available. We provide you with clean bedding, blankets,sleeping mats & sleeping bags.

What about toilet facilities on the treks?

All government lodges, private lodges, trekking huts haveseparate toilet rooms. Other areas outdoors we have separate toilet tents formen and women.

What kind of terrain can I expect on a family trek?

The trails for the family treks are specially selectedkeeping your needs as a family in mind. So the trek will lead you over gentle,gradual slopes and through some of the most beautiful terrains, without beingover strenuous. Please note the grades on all treks. A family is recommendedonly on the treks that have been classified as family treks or the ones thatare marked Easy.

How flexible is the trekking day?

You can hike at your own pace, stoppingwhen you wish. There is ample time to cover the necessary hiking distance eachday with lots of stops. If you are on a private trek, you may wish to take moreor fewer days to cover a given distance, or add in rest days. If you like tohike fast, your guide will be concerned that you acclimatize to high altitudeeffectively. You may wish to reach camp at a measured pace, but take a sidehike after camp arrival. Your guide is always interested to learn about yourpersonal interests and to accommodate those interests as the trip permits.

Do I need to trek to enjoy the Himalayas?

If you are interested to have a deeperunderstanding of traditional cultures and the rhythms of village life you needto trek. Trekking is as much about adjusting your own attitudes and behavioursto a simpler life as it is about observing the lives of others. If you are fitenough and have the time to do so, you should trek really to enjoy the wondersof the Himalayas.

I want to go on a trek. When and where can I do so?

There are numerous treks you can try whenyou are in India depending on the time of the year, amount of time and moneyyou have to spend, and the amount of experience you've had. For limited timeand money, the best trekking routes would be the Pindari Glacier trek,Sunderdunga Glacier Trek, Roop kund Trek, Har ki Dhun Trek, Namik Glacier Trek,Nandadevi Basecamp In Kumaon Himalayas, Dodital & Dairya Bugyal Trek, KuariPass Trek in Gharwal Himlayas, Hampta pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh. If you have more time, The Sandakafu Phalut Trek The Goechala Pass Trek in Eastern IndianHimalayas can be rewarding.

How fit do I need to be to trek?

The more fit you are, the more ambitiousyou can be in your planning. Trekking does not require extraordinary fitness.If you exercise regularly, maintain a healthful weight and do not suffer fromheart, respiratory, leg or back problems you will probably enjoy the physicalroutines of trekking. You will certainly enjoy the excellent meals your cookprepares, the cultural access your guide facilitates and the close views ofhigh peaks, remote communities and deep valleys.

How far do I trek each day?

You will typically walk 4-9 miles (5-8hours) each day. Some days may be rest days for impromptu exploration. In highand steep areas, you may have to move more slowly.

How safe is trekking?

Probablysafer than any kind of vehicle travel or travel in urban areas. You are getting away from the dangers of modern society andentering a world where people watch out for each other and maintain vigilancefor the well being of their neighbours. Your cook will oversee careful,healthful food preparation. Your guide will be asking continuously about thetrail ahead and the health of all the trek participants. Our treks do notfollow trails or pass through areas, which are dangerous. You will seldom, ifever, have to wade streams or navigate difficult footpaths.

Can I set my own itinerary?

Yes, absolutely! Treks Trips & Trails itineraries listed here are the tip of theiceberg. If a Treks Trips & Trailsitinerary does not suit your timetable or trip requirements, please contact us. Treks Trips & Trails specializesin tailoring adventures and sightseeing tours and has been doing so since 1992.If you have a question we will probably have the answer and holiday to suityour needs, so Contact Us.

We understand that you may prefer to travelwithin your own group. Treks Trips &Trails is able to organize a wide range of itineraries to suit your group'srequirements, including school excursions, corporate getaways and team buildingand voluntary programs. Every aspect of your trip is tailor made by our Treks Trips & Trails team. Pricingwill be arranged directly with special rates applicable to larger groups.

Who will lead my trip?

Professional, well-educated and experiencedmountain guides who personally know aboutthe trekking destinations will lead your trek. They all speak good English andare highly knowledgeable about the areas you visit. Our guides have worked inthe Himalayas for many years on treks and mountaineering expeditions and have awealth of experience in dealing with potential emergencies.

How will be my guides?

TreksTrips and Trails has a policy of training andemploying only local staff, including guides. These guides are first aidtrained, speak English and are constantly being further skilled witheco-tourism and other training programs provided by Treks Trips and Trails. Local guides are passionate about theircountry and they know the region and the culture better than anyone. Treks Trips & Trails also has astrong policy on contributing back to the communities we travel in, so insteadof paying relatively large sums to international guides, we only train andemploy local guides. Interacting with your guides is also a fun and informativeway to gain local insight, and you can pick up a bit of the language and otherskills that can make your adventure that much more enjoyable.

What will I need to carry?

Porters or yaks will carry your kitbagswith all personal and camping equipment. You only have to carry the items thatyou will need during the day such as camera, water bottle, sun-cream, fleeceand waterproof jacket that should fit into a day sack of approx 35 to 40 litrecapacity.

Where Can I get more information and maps?

A travel / trek guidebook is best for moreinformation. Maps are available in bookstores in Metros in India. Treks Trips & Trails can help toarrange for the same.

When I go for treks, can I store my luggage somewhere?

Generally your hotel or lodge will let youstore your luggage with them for some nominal or no fee. As long as you lock upyour bags, they are normally safe.

Who are porters?

Porter is the term used to describe thestaff that carries the equipment and belongings for your trek. Porters are infact often part time farmers who require supplementary income and the practiceof using porters is an integral part of the Himalayan culture. Treks Trips & Trails is committedto caring for our porters. In fact, TreksTrips & Trails goes the extra yard by actively encouraging our moreexperienced porters to train as guides, the expense for which is covered by Treks Trips & Trails.

If I am traveling alone, will Treks Trips and Trails find me a roommate?

Our prices are based on double occupancy.If you would like a roommate, we can often pair you with someone (of the samegender if required). If no roommate is available or if you prefer to be alone,there is no additional charge if you sign up earlier in advance of tripdeparture. If you sign up within short period, a single supplement will apply.Single tents are available on camping trips.

What if I am disabled?

Treks may be hard for you, depending on thenature and severity of your disability. Steps, stairs and steep slopes areeverywhere. A quiet holiday in quiet Himalayan foothills, countryside or one ofthe wildlife parks can be great though. However, note that except in the moreexpensive hotels, handicap facilities are non-existent.

What about first aid/medicine?

Our instructors are fully trained at first aid and medicinesand take care of any medical emergency in the mountains. However, if you haveany specific ailment for which you take medicine we recommend that you carry that with you.