Advice on himalayan trek / adventure visit in August 07

kavindra

I am trying to plan our next visit to India - possibly August 2007 - and am trying to choose amongst the following three competing ideas:

1. Trek in Nepal: Have read about several fantastic treks - Annapurna circuit and Everest base camp trek seem wonderful. They do perhaps require more time than we'd be able to spare, but really like the fact that one does not need tent etc. and can move from tea-house (accommodation) to tea-house. The other concern is the weather in August and how much rain we might encounter.

2. Trek in Uttaranchal: This is perhaps most practical. My parents live in Hardwar, and know some people in the NIM Uttaranchal and would love to help arrange something. Only thing is that I have already seen a bit of Uttaranchal and am hungry for new sights. Anyway, question is how much rains should we expect and is August a practical time for trekking there.

3. Travel to Laddakh and do a trek there: We have some interest in seeing Laddakh (although it seems like a major tourist trap too) but am worried that by the time we do the requisite site-seeing - the time for trek would be cut short. And we'd be spending more time sitting in car/jeep/bus than hiking. We are however most confident of the weather there.

We know a lot of this would depend upon personal preference, but are quite interested some feedback on any or all of the above. Any particular suggestions of treks in any of these areas would be welcome too.

We are on the wrong side of 40s and not skilled trekers, but we often do day hikes ranging from 10 to 18 miles in the mountains around here and ought to be able to handle moderately strenuous trails.

Balmandir

I've treked in all of these locations, and they are all unique. If you want something different from Uttaranchal then Ladakh and Nepal WILL exceed your expectations.

Ladakh is not a tourist trap, there are lots of ways to get away from it... its a big place. There are even great day walks in the Leh area, and treks from/around numerous villages that can be reached by car easily. The landscape is unique and you'll have the flight of your life if you fly in.... the view is awesome and plane departs Delhi in the early AM before the clouds usually gather (you want to be on the left side of the plane).

Nepal is wonderful, and the Annapurna area is AWESOME, especially if your time is limited and tea house treks appeal to you. It has spectacular scenery and cuture. There's nothing like sitting down for a cold one and a pizza after tackling a 5400 m pass! However there are serious safety issues to consider with the Maoist situation. You'd need to check into this carefully.

I presume you've done the Tapovan trek above Gaumuk? if not it is a very beautiful area, far more lush than the above options. There is basic stone hut accomodations available in the alpine meadows. This is more about the mountains as there are no permanent settlments beyond Gangotri.

All the best!

AvidTrekker

How much time Delhi to Delhi have you budgeted?

For the sheer variety of landscapes and people, the Annapurna Circuit trek is very good. Yeah, some rain is possible in the lower stretches, but will diminish as you go higher. Not a real problem.

If you want to avoid the rain, go to Ladakh. This year, even this "desert" has been inundated though.

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kavindra

Balmandir: Thanks a lot for your reply.

I have been hoping that the Maoist insurgency must be on the decline with the political progress taking place. I'd guess Nepal might be our first choice if the concern about rains in August were not too serious.

I have not done the tapovan trek either, so will definitely look into that. Again, how much of a factor is the August rains issue? Thanks again.

AT: So far, we are at a very early stage of deciding about the trip, so it is undecided. Is there a factor we should consider in this regard?
This is a point I would very much like more feedback on. I can think of two main concerns relative to rain: (a) If you are on the trail, it becomes too soggy and slippery to walk on - the biggest concern, and (b) it rains so heavily and/or long that a whole lot of time from trekking plans. If those two concerns are unfounded for trekking in Nepal in August - we'd be inclined to risk it. Afterall, one has a prospect of dry bed in the tea-house afterall.

Thanks a lot for the responses.

Rakesh Jain

hi There
u can try JOMSOM-Muktinath in Nepal - But with be aware with Maoist