Trekking 101!

millreef · Aug 31st, 2006, 07:34

Hi Everyone...back on the forum after quite a hiatus. I'm heading to India on my honeymoon (October) and one of the things we've booked is a 4 day trek to Sandakphu. Now...I've been to India numerous times but this will be the first time on a trek - hence, my licence to ask apparently silly questions!

The trekking company is providing a guide and "porterage". I assume this means that some poor fellow will be carting up our belongings while we admire the scenery. For all those of you more experienced trekkers, here's my question:

As the majority of our trip has nothing to do with trekking, we will, likely, be travelling with suitcases. So...when these porters are jogging up impossibly steep slopes with our belongings - are they carrying their own backpacks - or do they carry ones we bring along? If the latter, presumably, we'll have to bring backpacks along....

Any thoughts?
Thanks

anindya911 · Aug 31st, 2006, 12:51

Hi,

Usually the trekking company provides with Rucksacks, Tents and Sleeping Bags. Confirm with the company, though you can bring your own ones, if you wish.

Quote:

I assume this means that some poor fellow will be carting up our belongings while we admire the scenery.

This will provide him (the Porter) with livlihood, so nobody is complaining as long as they are paid fairly. And you can show your gratitude by tipping him at the end of the trek.

Hope you'll enjoy your Honeymoon in the superb setting of nature at Sandakphu.

Anindya

somnath · Aug 31st, 2006, 14:32

Hi millreef,
Sandakphu as honeymoon destination – that’s a great idea. it is a simple but really beautiful trek and I am sure you will enjoy a lot. During my visit to Sandakphu I’ve seen that tour operators use Jonga / Land Rovers -(http://www.chrishodgephotos.co.uk/fu...01/hills70.JPG) to carry heavy loads like ration, luggage upto Sandakphu (from Maneybhanjang). I think porters / guides will carry your light luggage. But I agree with Anindya, plz Confirm with the company.

BTW, you can check if this hut is available to spend night at Sandakphu.

Happy traveling.

- Somnath

travel joy · Sep 1st, 2006, 17:53

Honeymoon at Sandakhphu is a wonderful idea.Have a great trip.

As the others said, your trekking agent should arrange for details needed for the trek.Your luggage will be carried by the porters but better if u carry a small backpack to keep some emergency items and water with u while trekking.

spicetrekker · Jul 5th, 2007, 13:11

Have a great holiday. Dont worry too much about the porters carrying your suitcases - they have their own contraption in which they are able to carry suitcases and other stuff. Yes one certainly needs to be careful in terms of how heavy are your suitcases and you dont need to carry all of them for the trek I am sure.... Yes as mentioned by others it may be nice to confirm the details from your trekking agent.

machadinha · Jul 5th, 2007, 13:38

Umm, the original post was made on Aug. 31st 2006, planning to go in Oct... You'd hope he's had his holiday by now

Aug 31st, 2006, 07:34	#1
millreef Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 47	Trekking 101! Hi Everyone...back on the forum after quite a hiatus. I'm heading to India on my honeymoon (October) and one of the things we've booked is a 4 day trek to Sandakphu. Now...I've been to India numerous times but this will be the first time on a trek - hence, my licence to ask apparently silly questions! The trekking company is providing a guide and "porterage". I assume this means that some poor fellow will be carting up our belongings while we admire the scenery. For all those of you more experienced trekkers, here's my question: As the majority of our trip has nothing to do with trekking, we will, likely, be travelling with suitcases. So...when these porters are jogging up impossibly steep slopes with our belongings - are they carrying their own backpacks - or do they carry ones we bring along? If the latter, presumably, we'll have to bring backpacks along.... Any thoughts? Thanks

Aug 31st, 2006, 14:32	#3
somnath Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Calcutta Posts: 2,358	Hi millreef, Sandakphu as honeymoon destination – that’s a great idea. it is a simple but really beautiful trek and I am sure you will enjoy a lot. During my visit to Sandakphu I’ve seen that tour operators use Jonga / Land Rovers -(http://www.chrishodgephotos.co.uk/fu...01/hills70.JPG) to carry heavy loads like ration, luggage upto Sandakphu (from Maneybhanjang). I think porters / guides will carry your light luggage. But I agree with Anindya, plz Confirm with the company. BTW, you can check if this hut is available to spend night at Sandakphu. Happy traveling. - Somnath __________________ Learn as if you were going to live forever. Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. * My Travel Pix...

Jul 5th, 2007, 13:38	#6
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,154	Umm, the original post was made on Aug. 31st 2006, planning to go in Oct... You'd hope he's had his holiday by now __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

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Sep 1st, 2006, 17:53	#4
travel joy Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: India Posts: 87	Honeymoon at Sandakhphu is a wonderful idea.Have a great trip. As the others said, your trekking agent should arrange for details needed for the trek.Your luggage will be carried by the porters but better if u carry a small backpack to keep some emergency items and water with u while trekking.

Jul 5th, 2007, 13:11	#5
spicetrekker Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 284	Have a great holiday. Dont worry too much about the porters carrying your suitcases - they have their own contraption in which they are able to carry suitcases and other stuff. Yes one certainly needs to be careful in terms of how heavy are your suitcases and you dont need to carry all of them for the trek I am sure.... Yes as mentioned by others it may be nice to confirm the details from your trekking agent.

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