Trek in 2nd half of May

bharatk · Mar 13th, 2005, 03:28

Hello,

I just joined the forum. An intense search for a good option brought me here and believe me, I found the forum fantastic after going through some of the messages.

I am currently in Delhi. I wish to go for about 10-12 days SOLO trek in 2nd half of May. I do not have any experience in mountaineering. But I am a keep backpacker and have done good number of treks in Sahyadris (Maharashtra). Also, I would prefer a trek which is not too crowded. I thought of doing a Gangotri-Tapovan trek but I guess it would be very very crowded during this time.

Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.

Regards,
Bharat

himalayaputra · Mar 13th, 2005, 09:56

Yes You are right Bharat The Trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan will be crowded in May month.

You may trek to Kauripass from Ghat or from Joshimath Side . This trek gives you a real trekking experience. Passes through terraced fields, dense forest rich in wildlife,meadows filled with alping flowers and great view of High himalayan peaks such as NANDA DEVI-7817mtrs are the highlight of the trek. The trek crosses a pass ( kauri pass ) which is nearly 4300mtrs asl.

I am myself in adventure tour business based in Rishikesh . I understand that you wanna trek on your own. I dont mind helping you out if you need any kind of information regarding the trek or about the region.

Bye...!!

Mahesh C. Tewari

himadventures · Mar 13th, 2005, 16:47

bharat !

himalayaputra is right but take care as you are planning to do this trek in Mid-May and that too SOLO-then negotiating KUARI PASS will be tough job in Mid May.
According to my judgment snow accumulation on high passes is more than expected and,solo trekking requires lot of skills of survival and handling situations.
Moreover-trekking in Sahyadri mountains and trekking alone in Himalayas is having wide difference. I hope I am not sounding like 'negative' but do take care about these things...

himalayaputra · Mar 13th, 2005, 17:19

Himadventures You are also right in a way. I have crossed the pass by myself many a times and I really dont see any problem to cross it in Mid- May month.

Bharat let me tell you that you will need all the supplies alongwith the Camping gear on this particular trek. You may hire local porters who also can help you out as a guide.

bharatk · Mar 13th, 2005, 23:46

Thanks guys for the reply.

Himadventure, can you please suggest any trek that is economical as well as can be done solo ?

himadventures · Mar 14th, 2005, 08:24

bharatk

First of all I would not suggest you to go solo. Because important questions is : Why you want to go solo ?

Remember-adventure looks good when everything goes fine in himalayas but when somehting goes'off' this is where when one realizes how thin line is between foolishness and being over-confident.

There are some treks which you can go solo try from PINDARI GLACIER.
himalayaputra suggested Kuari pass but I would say-this is too much for a beginner.PINDARI is safe and you will learn by experience what skills are required to go solo.For your guidence..

1. Sense of direction/Contour understanding/good at map reading.
2. Good fitness
3. Knowledge of first aid in wilderness,use of basic medicines.
4. Survival in jungle: where to,how to live in jungle,how to survive in adverse conditions/sickness/injury and to know what to eat and what not !

Good Luck !

bharatk · Mar 14th, 2005, 22:27

Yes. I do understand what you are saying.

My problem is that I am not finding anyone for the company and I do not have money to go with tour operators. They charge much more than what I can afford. I do understand that I am a rookie. And that is why I want to know whether I can do it solo and if yes, which one.

BTW, if I, after all the thinking that I have done, decide to go for Gangotri-Tapovan (and probably Nandanvan) trek, is it possible ? If I am not wrong, I can take a guide from Gangotri for this trek. In that case, I won't be alone. Approximately, how much does it cost ? Is it possible to stay at Tapovan (or Nandanvan) for a couple of days ?

Bharat

tok · Mar 14th, 2005, 22:47

We are trekking "solo" that is, the two of us. No guides if it can be avoided (like the adventure: ), although the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling will involve one as this is required by law (Thanx to everyone for the help with those questions

)

We have a simple strategy witch seems to work for us all over the globe.

Some of our strategies are:

1. Safety first!
2. Sefety second!
3. Safety third!
4. Never let temptation for bigger thrills or lack of money, jeaopordize your safety. Often people get into trouble because they are greedy, either with money (not hire guides or equipment when needed, or greedy for kicks. That is, they go beyond a safe level of performance and strain themselves and their crew) Solo sailing on the atlantic has shown me numerous examples of people straining to the limit and getting hurt, as there was no margin for error, in other words, no safety net.

We will come as absolute rookies (newbies) to the great expanse of the himalyas. We know this, and will be respectful to the harsh environment and avoid shaming the many fantastic people who traverse this area by acting foolish.

As this is our first trip, we hope to marvel at the splendor and enjoy the Ganotri trek and so forth, but never taking a chance.

We have compleate maps, have been training for a long time, and gear witch will let us survive should it be necessary.

Even though our status would qualify us for a small expedition, we will keep it to nice easy trekking, thereby leaving margin for error should we make a mistake or be overcome by ill fortune.

I think that a humble view and greatest respect for nature are the prime elements to having an enjoyable trip. We are sure you will have a fantastic trekk!

May benevolent mountaingods smile upon your journey

ToK

himadventures · Mar 17th, 2005, 07:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by tok

We are trekking "solo" that is, the two of us. No guides if it can be avoided (like the adventure: ), although the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling will involve one as this is required by law (Thanx to everyone for the help with those questions

)

We have a simple strategy witch seems to work for us all over the globe.

Some of our strategies are:

1. Safety first!
2. Sefety second!
3. Safety third!
4. Never let temptation for bigger thrills or lack of money, jeaopordize your safety. Often people get into trouble because they are greedy, either with money (not hire guides or equipment when needed, or greedy for kicks. That is, they go beyond a safe level of performance and strain themselves and their crew) Solo sailing on the atlantic has shown me numerous examples of people straining to the limit and getting hurt, as there was no margin for error, in other words, no safety net.

We will come as absolute rookies (newbies) to the great expanse of the himalyas. We know this, and will be respectful to the harsh environment and avoid shaming the many fantastic people who traverse this area by acting foolish.

As this is our first trip, we hope to marvel at the splendor and enjoy the Ganotri trek and so forth, but never taking a chance.

We have compleate maps, have been training for a long time, and gear witch will let us survive should it be necessary.

Even though our status would qualify us for a small expedition, we will keep it to nice easy trekking, thereby leaving margin for error should we make a mistake or be overcome by ill fortune.

I think that a humble view and greatest respect for nature are the prime elements to having an enjoyable trip. We are sure you will have a fantastic trekk!

May benevolent mountaingods smile upon your journey

ToK

tok

Yes- absolutely right and I am sure you should not /can not have any problem. Adventure is all about mind-no doubt that muscle and money also matters but most important is mind.
In a post ( I forget who posted : May be Avid or stpehen ) it was mentioned that a sadhu ( hermit) crossed Kalindikhal barefoot when me and you require snoshoes ( with crampons ) and ice axe and ropes !!

It was so goos to read your lines-good luck !!

bharatk

Take a guide and well experienced. There is a GMVN GH in Gangotri-ask someone for refference. Crossing GANGOTRI glacier is no joke for a beginner as there will be hidden creavasses.

bharatk · Mar 17th, 2005, 09:25

Thanks everyone for ur advice...

yes, i'll do that...well then, i am all set for my first adventure in himalayas...hopefully this will the first of many to come...

tok, wish u the best time on ur trek...

take care,
Bharat

himadventures · Mar 18th, 2005, 07:07

Dear bharatk and tok

So nice to read what tok posted and bharatk's point of view.
bharatk ! I remember that I also started solo trekking in same phase and reasons in which you mentioned and presently feel.

But forum like this is a good source of sharing and expressing our views without any 'shadow'

I am sure you guys are going to post your experiences here on IM. I rememeber I read one account of MILAM GLACIER trip report of one poster name MOUNTAINGIRL.

It was well written and very well drafted report.Wish someday-I could do also but most of the time when I am typing lines here-sitting in dark as some staff members sleep !

Good Luck ! to you both-require any information ? These days INTERNET is present in remote places-I am sure you are never away from us !!

kinky_lizzard · Mar 18th, 2005, 16:02

Himalayas are enchanting at the best of times and downright cruel should they choose to be, i can vouch for that because i had to walk 8 k's on a broken nose, 2 cracked ribs and a twisted kneecap. I managed not cause of superhuman strength but because i had a friend along who cajoled and at times pushed me into the next step.
Not to dissuade potential trekkers but errors both human and nature do happen and its better to have a person who you can trust with ur life and share ur joys when u get to the top.
think over it!!!!!!!!!!

dumb_bacchus · Apr 28th, 2005, 19:42

Hey

I dont think that you should do Gangotri-Tapovan trek as your first trek. Tapovan is 4000+ and would require a bit of experience. Why dont you do Pindar or Kurfi? It would be a great solo trek.

AvidTrekker · Apr 28th, 2005, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by dumb_bacchus

Hey

I dont think that you should do Gangotri-Tapovan trek as your first trek. Tapovan is 4000+ and would require a bit of experience. Why dont you do Pindar or Kurfi? It would be a great solo trek.

Bharat, I live in Mumbai & have done practically everything in the Sahyadris.... but they cannot give you an experience of altitude and cold rain and ice. I have seen some excellent rock climbers in the Sahyadri not being able to tolerate the Himalayan altitude. Of course, if you are good in the Sahyadris, Himalayan trekking would be easy... because heat does not sap your strength.

Its just a suggestion.... but don't do Tapovan as your first outing. Do Pindari or go with YHAI to Sar Pass or Har ki Doon. Get to know and enjoy the Himalaya on its own terms. Can you try and do Mandangad as your first Sahyadri trek?

cliffhanger · Apr 29th, 2005, 16:59

bharatk,
i think ,pindari would be the best option for you as you are going for the first time and solo... food is available at every halting point . you wont even need to hire a porter . the route is highly interesting. sunderdonga and kafni will fall onroute of pindari... but i would suggest you not to venture there alone. if you need more information, please let me know...

Mar 13th, 2005, 03:28	#1
bharatk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India Posts: 4	Trek in 2nd half of May Hello, I just joined the forum. An intense search for a good option brought me here and believe me, I found the forum fantastic after going through some of the messages. I am currently in Delhi. I wish to go for about 10-12 days SOLO trek in 2nd half of May. I do not have any experience in mountaineering. But I am a keep backpacker and have done good number of treks in Sahyadris (Maharashtra). Also, I would prefer a trek which is not too crowded. I thought of doing a Gangotri-Tapovan trek but I guess it would be very very crowded during this time. Any suggestions would be highly appreciated. Regards, Bharat

Mar 13th, 2005, 09:56	#2
himalayaputra Account Closed - Travel Agent Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Uttaranchal Himalayas Posts: 13	Greetings from Uttaranchal Himalayas Yes You are right Bharat The Trek to Gaumukh and Tapovan will be crowded in May month. You may trek to Kauripass from Ghat or from Joshimath Side . This trek gives you a real trekking experience. Passes through terraced fields, dense forest rich in wildlife,meadows filled with alping flowers and great view of High himalayan peaks such as NANDA DEVI-7817mtrs are the highlight of the trek. The trek crosses a pass ( kauri pass ) which is nearly 4300mtrs asl. I am myself in adventure tour business based in Rishikesh . I understand that you wanna trek on your own. I dont mind helping you out if you need any kind of information regarding the trek or about the region. Bye...!! Mahesh C. Tewari

Mar 13th, 2005, 16:47	#3
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Trekking in mid May bharat ! himalayaputra is right but take care as you are planning to do this trek in Mid-May and that too SOLO-then negotiating KUARI PASS will be tough job in Mid May. According to my judgment snow accumulation on high passes is more than expected and,solo trekking requires lot of skills of survival and handling situations. Moreover-trekking in Sahyadri mountains and trekking alone in Himalayas is having wide difference. I hope I am not sounding like 'negative' but do take care about these things...

Mar 14th, 2005, 08:24	#6
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Solo trekking in Himalayas bharatk First of all I would not suggest you to go solo. Because important questions is : Why you want to go solo ? Remember-adventure looks good when everything goes fine in himalayas but when somehting goes'off' this is where when one realizes how thin line is between foolishness and being over-confident. There are some treks which you can go solo try from PINDARI GLACIER. himalayaputra suggested Kuari pass but I would say-this is too much for a beginner.PINDARI is safe and you will learn by experience what skills are required to go solo.For your guidence.. 1. Sense of direction/Contour understanding/good at map reading. 2. Good fitness 3. Knowledge of first aid in wilderness,use of basic medicines. 4. Survival in jungle: where to,how to live in jungle,how to survive in adverse conditions/sickness/injury and to know what to eat and what not ! Good Luck !

Mar 18th, 2005, 07:07	#11
himadventures Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: India Posts: 1,069	Good Luck To Both -USE IM FOR INFORMATION Dear bharatk and tok So nice to read what tok posted and bharatk's point of view. bharatk ! I remember that I also started solo trekking in same phase and reasons in which you mentioned and presently feel. But forum like this is a good source of sharing and expressing our views without any 'shadow' I am sure you guys are going to post your experiences here on IM. I rememeber I read one account of MILAM GLACIER trip report of one poster name MOUNTAINGIRL. It was well written and very well drafted report.Wish someday-I could do also but most of the time when I am typing lines here-sitting in dark as some staff members sleep ! Good Luck ! to you both-require any information ? These days INTERNET is present in remote places-I am sure you are never away from us !!

Mar 13th, 2005, 17:19	#4
himalayaputra Account Closed - Travel Agent Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Uttaranchal Himalayas Posts: 13	Himadventures You are also right in a way. I have crossed the pass by myself many a times and I really dont see any problem to cross it in Mid- May month. Bharat let me tell you that you will need all the supplies alongwith the Camping gear on this particular trek. You may hire local porters who also can help you out as a guide.

Mar 13th, 2005, 23:46	#5
bharatk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India Posts: 4	Thanks guys for the reply. Himadventure, can you please suggest any trek that is economical as well as can be done solo ?

Mar 14th, 2005, 22:27	#7
bharatk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India Posts: 4	Yes. I do understand what you are saying. My problem is that I am not finding anyone for the company and I do not have money to go with tour operators. They charge much more than what I can afford. I do understand that I am a rookie. And that is why I want to know whether I can do it solo and if yes, which one. BTW, if I, after all the thinking that I have done, decide to go for Gangotri-Tapovan (and probably Nandanvan) trek, is it possible ? If I am not wrong, I can take a guide from Gangotri for this trek. In that case, I won't be alone. Approximately, how much does it cost ? Is it possible to stay at Tapovan (or Nandanvan) for a couple of days ? Bharat

Mar 14th, 2005, 22:47	#8
tok Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Posts: 47	We are trekking "solo" that is, the two of us. No guides if it can be avoided (like the adventure: ), although the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling will involve one as this is required by law (Thanx to everyone for the help with those questions ) We have a simple strategy witch seems to work for us all over the globe. Some of our strategies are: 1. Safety first! 2. Sefety second! 3. Safety third! 4. Never let temptation for bigger thrills or lack of money, jeaopordize your safety. Often people get into trouble because they are greedy, either with money (not hire guides or equipment when needed, or greedy for kicks. That is, they go beyond a safe level of performance and strain themselves and their crew) Solo sailing on the atlantic has shown me numerous examples of people straining to the limit and getting hurt, as there was no margin for error, in other words, no safety net. We will come as absolute rookies (newbies) to the great expanse of the himalyas. We know this, and will be respectful to the harsh environment and avoid shaming the many fantastic people who traverse this area by acting foolish. As this is our first trip, we hope to marvel at the splendor and enjoy the Ganotri trek and so forth, but never taking a chance. We have compleate maps, have been training for a long time, and gear witch will let us survive should it be necessary. Even though our status would qualify us for a small expedition, we will keep it to nice easy trekking, thereby leaving margin for error should we make a mistake or be overcome by ill fortune. I think that a humble view and greatest respect for nature are the prime elements to having an enjoyable trip. We are sure you will have a fantastic trekk! May benevolent mountaingods smile upon your journey ToK

Mar 17th, 2005, 09:25	#10
bharatk Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: India Posts: 4	Thanks everyone for ur advice... yes, i'll do that...well then, i am all set for my first adventure in himalayas...hopefully this will the first of many to come... tok, wish u the best time on ur trek... take care, Bharat

Mar 18th, 2005, 16:02	#12
kinky_lizzard Not all those who wander, are lost! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: chandigarh Posts: 86	trekking : musings Himalayas are enchanting at the best of times and downright cruel should they choose to be, i can vouch for that because i had to walk 8 k's on a broken nose, 2 cracked ribs and a twisted kneecap. I managed not cause of superhuman strength but because i had a friend along who cajoled and at times pushed me into the next step. Not to dissuade potential trekkers but errors both human and nature do happen and its better to have a person who you can trust with ur life and share ur joys when u get to the top. think over it!!!!!!!!!!

Apr 28th, 2005, 19:42	#13
dumb_bacchus Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Delhi Posts: 164	Hey I dont think that you should do Gangotri-Tapovan trek as your first trek. Tapovan is 4000+ and would require a bit of experience. Why dont you do Pindar or Kurfi? It would be a great solo trek.

Apr 29th, 2005, 16:59	#15
cliffhanger Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: kolkata Posts: 230	bharatk, i think ,pindari would be the best option for you as you are going for the first time and solo... food is available at every halting point . you wont even need to hire a porter . the route is highly interesting. sunderdonga and kafni will fall onroute of pindari... but i would suggest you not to venture there alone. if you need more information, please let me know...

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