Tips for the trek?

montana

I put out feelers on this before, but I think it got lost at the bottom of a thread. So am relaunching: what's appropriate tipping policy after a trek, for porters, poneymen, etc. I've heard there's a hierarchy to respect but maybe mountaingirl, avidtrekker, alain D can weigh in? thx.

AvidTrekker

montana, in general it is "one days wage" if you have hired them for ten days. Then the chief porter gets the pick of the vessels, petromax lantern, pressure cooker (if you have bought one) etc. I carry Taiwan made wristwatches at Rs 150 each from Mumbai. In terms of value they are more than 500 rs in the mountains. The chief porter generally decides who takes what (the vessels et al).

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montana

many thanks, avid. will keep watches in mind. in our case, we're going through a locally-based trekking company who is providing all the cooking/camping equipment (except bags which I'm afraid we need to keep; ditto for our hiking boots). So in that case???? How bout lights, lamps, etc.?

AvidTrekker

Lights and Petzl headlamps will be sold (and not used by the person/porter/cook).... so stick to the cash. Or the watches. Not both. If you like someone really very much, buy him a pair of local trekking boots (Bata hunters or Action "trekking" boots or something else you might see). The porters do not have good footwear, generally. Here again, there is a small risk that he will sell it.... but then we can't foresee everything.

AvidTrekker

One thing that most rural people ALL over India, whether in the mountains or in the plains, really value; is a electric-plug-re-chargeable portable mini tube-light lamp. Regular electricity is almost non-existent in India... and almost all rural homes have/NEED this gizmo. Don't buy something from your home Country which cannot be repaired in India (it will be thrown away if it conks off). buy something from the Dehra Doon/Rishikesh/other big town market.

If a porter has made you very happy, this "tip" he will treasure for life! It costs rs 600 to rs 1200. The heavy dangerous ones with liquid acid filled inside cost rs 300 but they could be a health hazard.

HAPPY TREKKING!!

leem

Avid Trekker,

what is the cost of these trekking boots?
would they be available in somewhere like Almora?

thanks

AvidTrekker

Bata Hunters rs 250 and Action trekking rs 800. You can buy the Action trekking for yrself..... not the Bata ones.

leem

Thanks Avid,

are you sufggesting the Bata ones are not that good. I am only going to spend 10 days idling the Pindari Glacier trek, 3-4 hours walking a day, nothing too demanding unless we get enthusiastic!

Because I am meeting a friend I am bring tent etc from Aust. I had a trial pack of my rucksack and it is looking very tight! I am very attracted to the idea of not having to carry my own boots there and back.

A pair of cheapies is looking very attractive right now.

I notice you are from Mumbai, would you be aware of a shop in New Delhi I could check out or are they widley available?

cheers

AvidTrekker

If you wanna get blistered all over, buy Bata. Action trekking are named just that, "trekking".... there was an "ankle high" Action "trekking" boot abt four yrs ago which was discontinued. it has now been re-introduced. Not more than 1000 rs i think. Ask for this specific name and brand in Delhi.... it is avlble in many footwear shops which stock "any" brand. Dont go to a fancy looking well done up store, stick to the humbler looking ones. You will be able to find these.

babuchand

hi avid,

is the action "trekking" still in market ........although i have decided to go for adidas or woodlands, some of my companions are looking for cheaper options.... like putting a pad inside bata hunter to make it comfortable etc.
I personally know that is not going to hold healthy in the trek but still....
If action trekker is a good shoe @ Rs1000 then I can persuade them to take a pair of those.... pls inform

babu

AvidTrekker

Action Trekking [at least the ankle high version] has been the scarlet pimpernel of shoes. Many of my friends also look for it and its not available. Suddenly I see it in some shop and its available [when friends have already bought something else]

Last I saw them at 1200 in some shoe store around six months ago in Mumbai.

They are quite popular in Manali also!!

somnath

Hi Babu,
You can try the “Bharat Shoe” at the basement of Grand Hotel, Kolkata. I brought one from there.

Thanks,
Somnath

cliffhanger

hi babu,
if u r looking for action shoes u can find it in city centre.though i have see it few months before. if u r looking for cheap varity for ur friends i sujjest dont go for hunter, as they take time to get used to . u can also find shoes in benting street.the action shoes costs around RS 700.

babuchand

thanks pals....
but I am looking for this particular one...not any local made shoe sold as action trekking. (specially n bentinck st) is there any action shoe retailed store?? if yes then where??? I will check @ Bharat shoes..I know they keep action shoes.

what one of my friend is trying is not too bad either.....we used to play cricket at club school and 2nd division level some 7-8yrs back....he knowsa shop in bidhan market, Esplanade who provides padding for the shoes(specially bowling spike shoes). but whether that fits into the canvas body o Hunter is a major question.

anyway I will try to find "action trekking---the high ankle version"

thanx avid

babu

cliffhanger

[quote=babuchand]thanks pals....
but I am looking for this particular one...not any local made shoe sold as action trekking. (specially n bentinck st) is there any action shoe retailed store?? if yes then where???

yes babu, u can find the original shoes in city centre .