Guides in the Himalayas

grizzlyofalaska

Hello there,

I am 29, Male of Indian origin who has lived in London for most of his life.

I am travelign to Indian Himalayas(secodn time)this summer. I will be in UttaraKhund and Himanchal for majority of my trip. I also intend to do some trekking but most of the time i will be in the bus/taxi traveling to various temples and historical sites.

The question i want to ask is. If i do some moderate treks in Uttarakhand and Himanchal then is it important to get a guide if you are alone? Also how do you chose the right guide?


Please help. I am also hoping to trek Amarnath Cave. Any advise on that will be helpful.

Thanks,

Amitava343

grizzlyofalaska
First part of your question. It depends on where you want to trek to. There are guides all over the place most of themm locals who actas guides and alos porters. there are acencies also If you can give the place of trek I may be able to suggest someone.
Can you speak Hindi?

The Amarnath cave is open from end June till end August. The best time to see the natural Shiva formation is end june. There is no restrictions on foreigners as far as I know.
There are two routes to go the cave:
Shrinagar Baltal by car,bus
Baltal to Amarnath in one day Steep climb. Not much beauty on this route.

The pilgrims route
1.Jammu to Phalgam by Car,
2.Phalgam to Chandanbari buses avaiable, also jeep etc, no booking at peak pilgrim times always full. Beautiful scenery
3.Chandanbari to Sheshnag on foot. Big Lake of Sheshnag at Sheshnag. Beautiful sceneic beauty all along
4.Sheshnag to Pancatarani via the Mahagunas Pass at an height of over 15000 feet.
5.Panchatarani to Cave 3 to 5 Kilometres.
The entire trip is controlled by the security persons. If they give permission the trip opens every day or else you are stuck at Phalgam or Baltal.
There are Langars (free kitchens providing very good vegeterian food) all along the Pilgrims ways, upto Amarnath. Tents are avaialble at a price at all the stops and at Phalgam and Baltal also Amarnath.(Rs 100-150)
If you are prone to height sickness better not to go by by the Baltal route.

Helicopter trips at Rs. 10000 or above per trip have to book in advance. Trip and back within the hour.


Remember:
Man proposes God Disposes.(Its his house you are going to respect it as it is, only if he wishes can you go)

Almoraboy

Depends on the trek. I don't think you need a guide for Chopta/Tungnath. However, for Milam glacier, you cannot do without one (Unless you are used to surviving in the wild on your own). for UK (uttarakhand), this link should be helpful regarding trek/travel info:

http://almoraboy.blogspot.com/2006/0...himalayas.html

And for guide details:

http://almoraboy.blogspot.com/2006/0...formation.html

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