Permits for trekking routes

travel joy

Hii all,
Recently we had to obtain permission from SDM Joshimath while trekking to Satopanth tal.Due to the recent deaths at Kalindi Khal, it seems that the government officers have got somewhat paranoid with trekkers, so it was a tough task for us.The few points as said by the SDM to us, are worth mentioning here.
1) As per latest Government of India rules no group containing less than 4 members is eligible for trekking.(Never heard of that one before.Somehow we manged to convince her and obtain permission for our group of three.We had to give a written undertaking to that effect).
2) Due to weather changes, late September and early October are not at all feasible for trekking in Garhwal Himalayas at heights above 3500 metres.

All said and done,perhaps it is true that Kalindi khal trek is being attempted by people who do not take into consideration the perils they might run into in case of a severe weather condition or emergency.People even without much Himalayan trekking experience are attempting it due to the hype.So they go into the trek without proper gears, sufficient backup of basic amenities and even a correct mindset.Travel agencies do not ensure proper gears for the porters as a result of which five porters lost their lives this season.I think ,the Government, instead of blocking the route up in layers of red tape, should take up practical checking measures of the trekkers/porters attempting that route so that only the ones aware and fit in all ways can attempt.