CHADAR FROZEN TREK

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FIXED DEPARTURE
Overview
Brief ITINERARY
DETAILED ITINERARY
Cost Terms
How To Reach
GUIDELINES
FIXED DEPARTURE
Gallery
Overview

Region: Leh,Ladakh,J&K
Duration: 9 Days/8Nights
Level: Difficult
Distance: 75kms Trekking
Altitude: 11,123ft
Pickup Point: Leh airport
Drop Point: Leh airport
Best Season: Mid January to Mid February
Base Camp: Chilling

Brief ITINERARY

Day-1

Report at Leh.
Acclimatize
Altitude 11,400 ft.
Overnight Stay in guest house.
Keep your woollen cap and gloves handy.

Day-2

Drive to Chilling-Trek to Tilat Sumdo camp
11,400 to 10,390 ft.
Drive 65 kms/3hrs+1 hr trekking
Stay in tent.

Day-3

Trek to Tsomo Paldar trek
10,390 to 10,550 ft.
Trek 10 kms/6 hrs.
Stay in tent

Day-4

Trek to Dibb Cave.
10,550 to 10,760 ft.
Trek 15 kms/8hrs
Stay in tent. .

Day-5

Trek to Naerak Pullu
10,760 to 11,150 ft.
Trek 12.5 kms/7hrs
Stay in tent.
Attraction Frozen waterfall.
RETURN TREK

Day-6

Naerak to Tibb Cave.
11,150 to 10,760 ft.
Trek 12.5 kms.
Stay in tent

Day-7

Tibb Cave to Shingra Koma.
10,760 to 10,550 ft.
Trek 15 kms.
Stay in tent

Day-8

Shingra Koma to Tilad Do and drive to Leh.
10,550 to 10,390 and drive to 11400 ft.
Trek 10 kms.
Drive 65 kms.
Stay in guest house.
Your trek ends on Day 8.

Day-9
Return from Leh

About The Destination

The Chadar Trek or the Zanskar Gorge is a winter trail in the Zanskar region of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Traditionally the only means of travel in the area during the harsh winter months, the trail has become popular with international adventure tourists.
"CHADAR" refers to the blanket or sheet as the Zanskar river transforms itself from a rapid river into a white blanket of ice during winter, a frozen spectacle awaits the trekker to be experienced of glass ice ranging from a bluish tinge to golden yellow that is seen during the few hours that sunlight reaches directly into the gorge to the milky whitish on a moonlit night - as said a trek journey like no other!
ZANSKAR: Zanskar valley lies to the south - west of Leh, surrounded by the Himalaya and Zanskar ranges, which is the most isolated of all the trans - Himalayan Valleys. Zanskar comprises of two main valleys the Stod(Doda Chu) and the Lanak (Tsarap Chu)which coverage below at Padum. The area remains inaccessible for nearly 7 months in the year. All passes close in the winter and the river freeze on the surface. Zanskaris walk along it to reach the Indus River in Nimoo (Chilling village), which is known as the Chadar (frozen blanket) Trek. The geographical isolation has resulted in the preservation of the Buddhist heritage and identity. Many ancient monastic establishments are still actively involve in religious activities some remote caves are believed to have been used by the successive Buddhist saints to sustain meditation in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.

DETAILED ITIERNARY
Day 1 - Arrival at Leh
On arrival in the morning at Leh airport. Transfer to lodging at the guest house; a day of leisure and acclimatization. Overnight at Leh guest house.

Day 2 - Leh to Chilling drive, and a short trek to Tilat Sumdo.

In the morning we leave by private vehicles with our support staff to begin this amazing and most exciting winter trek. Shortly after leaving Leh, we reach Nimoo, the confluence of Zanskar and Indus rivers. The sight is amazing as the iced up and frozen Zanskar meets the fast flowing Indus.
We stop here for around 5-10 mts for all to have a view and a click. We then turn down from Nimoo following the track parallel to the frozen River Zanskar, a drive towards the road head beside the frozen river is another amazing experience.
Travel distance between Leh and Chilling is around 64 KM. We reach now to the point, past the village of Chilling to where the roadhead ends. Touching the Chadar first time, we start the trek for 1-2 hrs along the magnificent frozen river Zanskar till Tilat Sumdo. Overnight in tent.
Day 3 -Trek to Tsomo Paldar.

Wake up time is around 7:00 am, freshen up. Breakfast with hot tea and you are ready for a day full of frozen ice river trek by 9:00 am.
Hearing the different sounds of Chadar forming and breaking, you will soon get familiar where the Chadar or the ice cover is thick and thin. With a early lunch break in between, we would soon reach the majestic. Lunch is in between the trek, where we all stop where sunlight is abundant though duration is much less as the river flows through a gorge and direct sunlight time is limited.
We trek again on frozen ice towards the designated camping site for the day. Overnight at camp
Day 4 - Tsomo Paldar – Dibb

Early in the morning after having our breakfast, it is an another day of ice t expedition among some of the most fantastic landscapes and ice vistas. Vast mountain sides rise up abruptly from the river as it flows through gorge. We might even catch sight of bharals or blue sheep as we trek along the frozen river. Not to say about the frozen waterfalls!
Though today is the longest day of the trek, we pass through some magnificent beautiful waterfalls and frozen ice cliffs on the left - it is like walking through a giant freezer! The walk also crosses through narrow gorges, where the trekker may have to climb briefly on to the rocky river bank.
We trek again on frozen ice towards the designated camping site for the day. Overnight at camp
The sharp bends and current of the river breaks the ice in some places. Lunch in between on a flat rocky hill side by the river. Overnight at camp
Day 5 - Trek from Dibb to Nyerak Pullu

Again one of the magnificent days on the Chadar trek. However, the caution being that this can become a difficult if the Chadar is not very firm. The vistas are stunning though as we pass through giant frozen waterfalls, ice cliffs and one may even catch sight of the mountain fox.
After lunch we pass the 'incense tree', so called because the locals use its branches to burn in their morning rituals, and the prayer flag draped tree marks the entrance to Zanskar proper. The porters will normally take a few twigs from the tree. We reach Naerak campsite by late afternoon. An old, dilapitated bridge on the river as folklore goes is thought to be more than an 1000 years old. A trail is normally beaten through in the snow towards the village up high in the mountains. Overnight at camps.
Day 6 - Naerak – Dibb:

Though technically it is the same way back, it is also quite different. The Chadar or the blanket of ice that is forming on the River Zanskar is always changing, breaking up and forming itself again. As the Chadar dynamics are ever changing, the same route and place would look and feel different as the texture and conditions change.
All along the way, trekkers will pass by and meet a lot of locals wearing their traditional woolen Gonchas, trekking their way towards the village of Padum, Lingshed and Naerak. Pleasantries are exchanged and even a few stories and legend about Zanskar and its people can be heard. Their warmth and smile is amazing among all the hardships. Overnight at camp.
Day 7 - Trek from Tibb to Shingra Koma:

Day 8 - Trek from Shingra Koma to Tilat Do, and drive to Leh.

Today is the last day of this amazing and unique trek. We finally return back to the road head where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to our guest house at Leh.
A huge goodbye to the support staff; their absolute dedication and support is nothing short of amazing. Finally on reaching at Leh, the guest house room of Leh after some 8 days is most welcome, yet the experiences of this ice trek linger and will be remembered forever. Overnight at guest house in Leh.
Your trek ends on Day 8 after reaching Leh
Day 8 - Return from Leh by early morning flight.

So finally a goodbye and good wishes for your return flight to Leh as you board the early flight back to your home town, and definitely some great memories and a lifetime of an experience to narrate to many a friend and family.

Cost Terms

COSTS INCLUDES

*Accommodation: Stay at Leh Hotel/Guest House on Day 1 and Day 8 of Trek and tents/camps on the trek.
*Transportation from Leh to the road head at Chilling from where the trek starts.
*Vegetarian meal during the trek
*Sleeping bags and mats.
*Trek leader, Porters, helpers and Cook.
*Services of an Qualified and experienced Trek Leader to guide over the entire tour.


COSTS EXCLUDES

*Food/Meal in Leh.
*The newly proposed Wildlife Fees and Envoirmental fees as being put forward by LAHDC and ALTOA. The rate for 2018 Chadar Trek is still to be announced, though provisionally it has been decided at Rs 2300 for Indian nationalities and Rs 2800 for foreign tourists. Again, it has not been confirmed yet. Clients are required to pay the permits/fee there itself.
*Personal expenses and tips.
*Personal winter and trek requirements like jackets, sun glasses, gloves, and trekking poles.
*Anything not specifically mentioned under the included list.
*Cost incidental to any change in the itinerary/ stay on account of flight cancellation due to bad weather, ill health, roadblocks and/or any factors beyond control.

Note: Common gear is carried by the porters and helpers. All trekkers are required to carry their own backpacks along with their personal belongings. IF for some reason the trekker is unable, then he/she can give to a porter and pay a daily service fee to the porter as required, normally in the range of Rs 700/- per day per bag.

Trekkers who are confirmed would be required to carry the following documents.
An identification card (like driving license, voters ID card etc), along with a photocopy.
A passport size photo.
In addition all participants are advised to submit to us upon arrival, an appropriate medical fitness certificate obtained from a registered medical practitioner in the country of their origin indicating that the individual is fit to go on a high altitude trek, and that he/she has no physical and medical disabilities that would limit him/her from trekking. (The form will be mailed to clients)
These documents are mandatory. Without them you will not be allowed to trek.

Drop out during trek:


While on the trek, if for some reason a participant has to drop out on any day (Eg, tiredness, fatigue or symptoms of altitude, etc) then Himveer Tour & Trek wiil make arrangements for his/her return to the nearest road head. After a participant returns to the road head/village any further transportation or stay cost has to be borne by the participant. On the Chadar trek it is at Tilat Do/Chilling. From Chilling you get vehicles to Leh. Vehicles are intermittent and may take a while to get and could involve stay at Chilling. In case of dropping out of the Chadar trek, transportation and stay cost at any location including Leh has to be borne by the participant.

Emergency on a trek:

If there is a medical emergency on the trek, your trek leaders are trained to handle crisis and rescue. Himveer Tour & Trek team will carry a basic first aid kit. Most situations are resolved by the trek leader and the helpers and porters. If, however, evacuation is required, it is carried out by Himveer Tour & Trek team. The affected participant is moved down to the nearest emergency medical centre as soon as possible. Medical expenses, if required, at the medical centre are to be borne by the participant.

On camp/trek regulations
1. During the camps or treks, the participants shall abide by the instructions and decisions of the Zanksar Trek leader and guide.
2. During the camps or treks, in case of any dispute for whatsoever reasons, the decision of the Trek leader shall be final and binding on all the participants.
3. In the event that the participant(s) disobey the directions / instructions of the Trek Leader, the participant(s) shall be solely liable for the risks, responsibilities and consequences.
4. In case of any medical problems, ailments, disorders etc. or symptoms of the same, arising during the camp or trek, the participant(s) shall inform the organisers about the same, at the earliest.
5. If required, the participant(s) will have to take medical treatment from the doctor/attendant available on the campsite or from the nearest available medical centre or hospital. The expenses for all medical treatment and arrangements for the same will be solely borne by the participant.
6. The Trek Leader or the authorised representative shall have complete discretion to continue the camp without the participant(s) suffering from medical problem.
7. Consumption of liquor, tobacco products, cigarette etc. is strictly prohibited during the camp or trek. The trek will be considered over only when we are back to home town.
8. Each trekker shall protect the flora and fauna of the place being visited and not throw plastic, wrappers etc. on the trek.
9. Participants should not deface or damage any monument by writing or scribbling on them. Any flouting of the above two rules will be dealt with seriously, and may involve expulsion from the trek or camp, and no refund is admissible in such cases.
10. In case of any injury, sickness, accident, death or any other casualty or loss or damage of valuables or luggage or any equipment; Big Planet, it's instructors, organisers, volunteers or any other person involved wholly or partially, either individually or jointly, shall not be responsible in any manner for the same and no claims of the participants, parents, guardians, relatives or friends of participants will be entertained.

Chadar Frozen River Trek Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time to go to Chadar Trek?
One of the most unique and magnificent treks of the world, Chadar Trek is huge popular now. Chadar or cover, signifies the frozen sheet of ice that is formed on the raging River Zanskar due to extreme coldness as well as due to the less amount of direct sunlight as the river flows through a narrow gorge. Solid ice is best around the time the Chadar trek takes place, from 2nd week of January to 2nd week of February - the time when the coldness is at it maximum during the winte rmonths, hence this time frame is the best time for this Zanskar River trek.
Chadar Trek is the only route available to the villagers in the Padum and Lingshed region to go to Leh and back. Regular up-downs are done by the locals to earn their wages. The trek itself is the quintessential example of the resourcefulness and the indomitable spirit of the Ladakhi people. Though, the trek will soon cease to be the sole mode of access between Leh and Padum in winters. A road is being constructed by blasting off the rock-face above the river. It will be a much safer and convenient route for the locals, but surely mark the end of an ancient local custom.

Q. What is the level of difficulty of Chadar trek?
If you can walk on an average of 5 to 6km without a problem, then you can! As such any one with good average fitness can do this trek and any kind of exercise which gets you fitter before this trip is advisable, as it will enable you to enjoy the region more. Overall chadar trek is a moderate trek but temperature wise it is cold, though after the first couple of nights on the Chadar, trekkers are much more adjusted to the bitter cold!

Q.How cold does it really get on the Chadar trek?
During the day time temperature will be -5 to -10 degrees and during the night time -20 to -25 degrees. While on the trek, the activity itself gives the body some warmth.

Q. What kind of attire do I wear to endure the extreme Chadar Trek winter cold?
Wearing clothes in layers is much effective is combating the bitter cold, particularly at night.
Layer 1 - Starting with inner thermals
Layer 2 - full sleeves t-shirt and track pants; Woollen Socks (One double woven woollen socks with one warm nylon or normal woollen socks inside). Carry enough spare socks and other undergarments.
Layer 3- Fleece Jacket. Good thick Woollen Monkey Cap or Balaclava with woollen Muffler
Layer 4 - Wind Proof / Water Proof Jacket
Layer 5 - A jacket or another layer of inner thermals. Two Pair of gloves (Thin Woollen inside and outside Wind Proof / Waterproof Snow Gloves). Good Pair of Sun Glasses with Good UV Protection.
Wearing in layers also helps to remove one or two layers as you feel warm due to the activity of trekking; similarly while going off to sleep in the sleeping bag, a few layers can be removed if feeling uncomfortable. Avoid cotton T shirts.
Pack similar things such as clothes or toiletries or others in separate polythene bags so they are easier to find and pull out. Trekking pole is absolutely desirable as it greatly helps during the Chadar trek.

Q. How long do we walk each day?
A day on a trek begins with breakfast at 7 am by which time; you are expected to vacate your tent so packing can begin. We aim to usually be on the trail by 8:30 am and reach our camp for the day by 2-3pm, if not earlier. Long days on the trail may mean an earlier start and 8-10 hour walking day. Lunch is usually had on the walk, and you'd get into the kitchen tent for a welcome cup of tea.

Q. Who will lead and who all will go along with us?
Our entire crew will consist of very expereienced Zanskari guide and cooking staff (along with Zanskari porters), which would prepare the meals for the days and nights that we are camping out. The entire crew moves together in a totally self-contained manner like a tight knit unit. Some of the porters will go ahead forward and set up the camps and the kitchen tent, before the trekkers reach the designated camping area for that day.

*Benefits of employing Zanskaris and local Ladakhis?
Employ Guides with intimate knowledge of the areas you want to visit. This is especially important for trekking off-the-beaten-track and winter trekking on the Zanskar River.
The direct employment of Zanskaris and Ladakhis will benefit the local economy.
A greater chance of experiencing and understanding Zanskar's traditions, cultural heritage and contemporary issues. Your visit to Zanskar becomes more than just a walk or trek.
*Important Note: Your safety is of paramount concern while travelling with Himveer Tour & Trek. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Q. How big are the groups?
Groups range from 6 to 15 people in one batch and includes both males and female. Be assured, service and coordination remains effortless whatever be the size of the group.

Q. I am the only girl in trek, is it safe?
Absolutely. Normally all trek groups have both males and females. If you are the single girl in a batch, single tent accommodation will be provided at no extra cost.

Q. I can't carry my bag can anyone carry it for me?
Yes, But you should intimate in 15 days in advance, so that we will arrange porter accordingly on chargeable basis.

Q. Which type of shoes should I have?
Good standard trekking shoes are sufficient for the trek. On Chadar, which is solid ice or a slight cover of snow on slippery ice, trekkers have found to their amazement that a simple gumboot finally is the best for Chadar. Most of the outside agencies in order to impress tell about crampons. In my years of experience in Ladakh and on Chadar too, I can absolutely say that crampons are quite dicey - quite a few trekkers have injured themselves or worse broken their ankle while a crampon get stuck on the fine cracks in the ice. Gumboot is available in Leh hardware shop and can be purchased here itself. If your shoe size is 9-10, getting a pair might be tough..so start searching as soon as you land in Leh.
Trekkers will soon learn and modify their trek to the "penguin walk" style on seeing from the porters and guide! It is a kind of dragging your foot and not lifting much.

Q. How many trekkers will be in one tent?
Two or three trekkers in one tent.

Q. What type of food is served during a trek?
We always serve Indian vegetarian food and eggs during our trek.

Q. How to get safe drinking water on the trek?
Himalayan water is consider as a clean and mineral water but for safe side we use boil water and chlorine tablet in our camps, during the trek ask once to trek leader or guide from where to fill water bottles. It is important to keep sipping on water through the trek as one can get dehydrated and still not feel it due to the cold.

Q. Do you think I should bring some medicines with me?
Yes, absolutely. It will help for you all to carry some easy to access medicine on the trip, for headaches, diarrhoea, constipation, and some rehydration powders like Electoral etc. It's also a good idea to have a roll of toilet paper accessible should you need to go.
Travel to any part of the Indian Himalayas and more so in Ladakh deserves a little more respect than many other high altitude destinations because the most of the regions lie over 3500 meters (11000+ ft). People in good health should not get alarmed by this but if you have a medical condition such as high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, you must take the advice of a doctor who has experience with the effects of altitude.
TheMedical Certificate and the Release of Liability forms, is mandatory for the trek participants. If you are not able to get the medical certificate, you would have to sign a self-declaration risk declaration i.e., basically a form that states that the participant is going on his/her own risk. The risk declaration form will be available in Leh. .

Q. Change of the itinerary during trek?
Depending on the prevailing situation, however the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your trek leader will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

Q. Cutomization of trip?
Yes, if you would like to travel independently, you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people. Cost for private trip is fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration and trek style.

Q. Why is the trek costly?
a) You have only one option to reach Leh during winter, i.e. fly to and fro all other route are blocked due to extreme winter.
b) Expensive labour, Porter rates are more than double in the bitter cold and harsh winter months.
c) All food has to be flown in so obviously is very expensive.
d) Fuel since limited is expensive, it takes almost twice the amount of fuel to cook the food than in normal conditions.
e) Everything is paid for and arranged more than a month before the trek season due to scarcity of material and men during those two extreme cold months. As such the trek fee is collected before the actual trek date.


How to Reach

Himveer Tour & Trek GUIDELINES

DO’S AND DON’TS ON A TREK

1.Alcohols or any other intoxicating products "STRICTLY PROHIBHITED" during the trek.
2.Always pay heed to the trek guides or instructors.
3.Try not to leave the group under any circumstances.
4.Avoid trekking during the nights as it is extremely dangerous.
5.Avoid using earphones as that might hinder your hearing.
6.Do not participate or encourage littering of the places in any form.
7.While visiting the local villages and tourist sites, obey the local guidelines and instructions.
8.Do not harm or interrupt the local sentiments of the places.

IMPORTANT:

Your safety is of paramount concern while travelling with Himveer Tour & Trek.
Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Since adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required

Fixed Departure 2018

Mid January To Mid February
JANUARY: 7,14,21,22,27
FEBRUARY: 4, 12
Himveer Tour & Trek Importants Links

Himveer Tour & Trek Basic trek Gear Checklist for client

A) A good quality rubber sole with mid sole and ankle support (Medium or high ankle) shoe. Click here

Himveer Tour & Trek Medical Form For Thr Client

Himveer Tour & Trek treks organised by SHRIDHANT EXPEDITIONS (OPC) PVT LTD. take place in some remote and less-developed regions, without means of rapid evacuation, Click here

Frequently asked questions(FAQs)

Here are answers to a list of generic questions which are asked to us on any treks. We have tried to answer most of them and this list of questions keeps growing with time. If you still have doubts, Contact Us us over phone or email to clear your doubts. We will be happy to help !!

What is camping trek ?
Camping treks are treks in which you spend your night in tents. Tents are pitched in a location which meets the basic requirements of a camping ground like source of water, safety from rock fall, flash floods, etc, good views to mention a few.
What is a tea house/hut trek ?
Tea houses are a style of trek in which you rest for the night in commercial lodges made on the trek route to accommodate the trekkers. In this kind of arrangements, rather than sleeping in tents, you will sleep on a cushioned bed, in a room or dormitory provided to you. The tea house will also provide clean quilts or blankets, pillow and a clean bed sheet. The facilities of a tea house vary from place to place.
What kind of facilities should I expect in a camping trek ?
In this trek, you will be staying in the tents. You will be provided good quality sleeping bag and mattresses. Tents will be shared by 2 or 3 depending on the team size. Lights will not be there. Solar lamps or other lighting arrangements will be made while dining. There will be separate dining tents, kitchen tents and toilet tents. For smaller groups however, we carry dining-cum-kitchen tents. Toilet will be dry toilet, done in a pith dug in mud, which will be covered by a toilet tent. Water source will be river water, purified with iodine or chlorine drops. Cooking utensils will be carried by us including your plate and spoons. You may choose to bring your cup, plate and spoons though. Food will be cooked and served by the cooking team who will accompany us throughout the trek. There will be a trekking team which will consist of a one or two guides and helpers to walk with you during the trek and guide you safely to the next campsite. A trek leader lead the team of entire trekkers and staffs, and will see through the entire running of the trek right from your comfort, to guidance, to safety, to staff management, trek planning to organizational goals.
What about Hotels at the Base ?
Clean bedded room on sharing basis, with attached toilets, running water, hot water on request and in house or separate dining space. Television and internet might not always be available. The rooms mentioned will be on availability and sometimes due to huge demand, the price might randomly vary. In situations out of our control, we might give you just the basic hotels at times on triple sharing bass too. This usually depends upon how much in advance have you booked the trek with us. More the time we have, better the arrangements we can assure.
What about the transport:?
Transport from the base camp to the trek road head will not be luxurious and will be according to the availability of vehicles locally. We will hire the best suitable for the group, our local staffs and the camping equipments together. Depending on the group size and load, we hire the as many vehicles as required. For a small group of 2 - 4 trekkers, we might move local staff and logistics in the same vehicle. That reduces our cost and also the carbon footprint of the group. Transport to and from the Base Camp will be arranged as decided upon between us. Sometimes it,s included in the price, sometimes it is not.
Toilets On Trek: There will be a separate toilet tents. For a bigger group ( more than 8 trekkers ), separate toilet tents for men and women will be provided to keep up with the timings. The toilets will be a dry toilet where a pit will be dug and will contain a hump of mud outside. You can use wet tissue papers. After you finish your business, you need to cover the dump with the mud outside. A small shovel will be kept for the purpose. You should not use water in the toilet pit. When we shift camps, we will ensure that the pit is well covered and the area is clean. For tea house treks, toilets are well maintained by the owners.
What do I need to carry for the trek ?
If you are trekking with us, you need to carry just your clothing, camera and other electronic devices such as mobile, iPad, music player, etc. You may bring a trekking pole and binoculars to help you on trail.
We would be carrying all of the camping and technical equipment and the cost of it will be included in the package price. If you had requested a customized trek package, this will depend on what you have asked for.
For a detailed generic list of what to carry on a trek, follow the link click here
What if I want to offload my personal load ?
We promote carrying your rucksack by yourself. However, if you are not in a position to carry it by yourself, we may hire you a porter to do so. Any such requests should come before the start of the trek. Else, in the middle of the trek, we cannot assure you a porter to carry your bag, as its not guaranteed to get the porters on the way. The charges will depend upon the number of bags to be offloaded and needs to be consulted prior to the beginning of the trek.
Do I need to tip the staffs ?
It is not mandatory, but they expect a little token of good will gesture from you. Usually, the entire group collects an amount and distributes it to the local staffs by themselves. We promote the same theory.
What if I get injured in middle of the trek ?
Such situations will be treated as emergency and we will act according to the seriousness of it. While sometimes we may require to give you full attention, affecting the entire team. While on other occasions, it might be a minor injury and treated accordingly, with importance. If we require sending you back, we will accompany a helper with you, who will take care of you and take you down to safety. The entire team is expected to cooperate fully on such occasions. We will be abided by our Terms of Travel for such situation, and you are expected to read it before you join one of our fixed departures.
What is the evacuation strategy from a trek in case of emergency?
In a seriously high altitude trek special care needs to be taken to keep away AMS and other altitude hazards. Since compression bags are ultra expensive, we do not carry it with us. The guides and leader accompanying you on the trek are well acquainted and versed with altitude care. However, things do turn ugly at times, due to altitude sickness or physical injury.On such occasions, you need to be brought down to safety to the nearest road head. Deciding the road head will depend on factors like your walking ability, the cause of the problem, your location, etc and will be best decided by our leaders and the trek guides present with you. You will be accompanied by a helper for assistance, or the leader himself will come down depending upon the seriousness of the case. If you cannot walk by your own, you need to be carried by porters or horses. From any of the point, our objective is set to get to the nearest safety town to get medical attention, warmth of a household or a hotel Himalayan treks are in remote areas and you are expected to be aware of all such scenarios beforehand, and adapt accordingly. Our Team will try its very best to cope up all the hassles and tackle any emergency. Your trek leader will be knowledgeable on high altitude effects, its care and medicines.
What about the cost in an emergency situation ?
All the expenses made during an emergency situation have to be borne by the individual. We will assist with all our knowledge, information and connections to respond to that emergency.
What time do you expect me to be in the base camp. Will you come to receive me ?
You are expected to reach the base camp by 5 PM. You will be given a location to report to, however, you may Contact Us any number of times for assistance. If required, any of our team members will get you to our base camp.
What about the transportation cost before and after trek ?
Check the inclusion and exclusion tab to see if transportation is included or not. Usually its included. In case not, we may arrange a vehicle for you, the cost of which is to be shared by you or the group using the vehicle on actual basis.
Can I drink alcohol on trek ?
Drinking alcohol is not advisable on a High Altitude Trek. Alcohol dehydrates our body and in high altitude dehydration becomes a big cause for Altitude Sickness. We suggest and DO NOT allow having alcohol, especially while still gaining altitude.
Do alcohol keep our body warm ?
No. Drinking alcohol has a reverse effect on our body temperature. It further lowers our body temperature, and feeling warm is the response to stimuli. Discovery Channel Busts this myth. read on Will drinking alcohol help you feel warmer? Alcohol may make your skin feel warm, but this apparent heat wave is deceptive. A nip or two actually causes your blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the surface of your skin, making you feel warmer temporarily. At the same time, however, those same veins pumping blood closer to the skin's surface cause you to lose core body heat - the heat you need to survive, especially if you're stuck in a snowdrift . This effect could lead to fatal hypothermia."
Is smoking allowed on treks ?
Smoking hampers your climbing and cardio-vascular abilities. Smoking is not advisable and a fit trekker does not smoke. However, if you still want to smoke, its your choice, but the comfort of other members of the group should be taken care of.
How many days do I need to acclimate before the trek?
It is recommended two days of acclimatisation, which includes not doing much physical effort, having an amount of food (the digestion goes slowly at higher elevations). You must have light food, and hot drinks (coca tea) with the meals, specially the two first days, plus a good rest, these help a lot to cop with the altitude sickness symptoms.
What is the best thing to do in the event of altitude sickness?
Our guides are trained to assists you in case of acute mountain sickness, they carry an oxigen bottle, and first aid kit, however you can take your personal medication, especially for a headache, stomache, and plasters.
What is the the maximum group size?
The maximum group size on any of Treks By Region is 10-15 people. We considerate 10-15 persons are have better communication and attention with the guide.
Is there a minimum group size?
We require just 6 persons to depart. During the last 1 n 1/2 years Himveer Tour & Trek has always managed to meet the minimum group size for all of our departure dates and have never had to cancel any group departures or have to combine with any other trekking company
As a single trekker, May I Join one of Himveer Tour & Trek trekking's fixed departure programs?
Yes, of course! We usually have single trekkers on each and every one of our group departures. It is a great way to get to know fellow travellers and most people find that the group dynamics are very friendly and comforting. Logistically, single trekkers will share rooms and tents with other single trekkers of the same sex on our group journeys.
What happens if I suffer from altitude illness or have a health problem?
Before each trek, we have a group meeting that outlines the detailed information on altitude illness and awareness, and our staff is highly trained to be on the lookout out for all its signs and symptoms. Each trekking itinerary has also been arranged to allow for proper adjustment to the trails and heights given the timetable and elevations gained along the way.We have designed each trek with your health in mind first and foremost, and we take a sensible and safe rate of climb. We have much experience in planning ahead of time to cover safety and health measures along the way and are prepared for any situations that might arise.We carry our own standard First Aid kit and supplies with us on each trek. We also recommend that you bring your own supplies and medicines as needed and please inform us of pre-existing medical conditions and advisories from your physician before your arrival ,and please let us know your blood group in the event of an emergency..
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