Trekking is an outdoor activity of walking for more than a day. It is a form of walking, undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery.
For every mountaineer, mountain trekking is not just a physical feat; it is a spiritual and introspective journey that is unique to each one of them. No doubt, trekking through mountains offered a captivating experience that intertwines your spiritual connection with the divine.Without a doubt, there are a lot of benefits of trekking in health and stands to be one of the most resulting physical activity that enhances the endurance, fitness, and strength of the body but what's more beneficial about trekking is it causes a therapeutic effect to our minds.
One of the major benefits of trekking is that it improves your physical health immensely. Spending multiple hours on the trail, climbing around boulders, rock hopping and ascending hills gives your whole body a workout, improving your strength, agility and cardio fitness.
Trekking is a great source of pleasure to us beside being beneficial for health once we leave the crowded street of a city and go out for walking tour away from the mad world,we really feel free. The open air has bracing effect on the mind.
A basic knowledge of camp craft, map reading and first aid is essential before you go trekking. It’s a good idea to do an adventure course from one of the mountaineering/ adventure institutes in India. A basic course in mountaineering and a first-aid course are recommended if you decide to take it up more seriously and trek to remote/high-altitude areas. Get as much information about the trekking area as possible – the people, their culture, the geography, terrain, medical/rescue facilities and weather conditions – before you go.
Trekking destinations in J&K
The Great Lakes Trek or Kashmir Great Lakes Trek commercially known as Sonamarg-Vishansar-Naranag Trek is an alpine himalayan high-altitude trek in the Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. This is the most famous trek in Kashmir.
Does the name Kashmir ring in mystifying images in your mind? You are not the only one! Most of us in India have heard the adage that Kashmir is the paradise on earth. It undoubtedly is! The idyllic Dal lake, indomitable Char Chinar, Chashme Shahi and the never ending waters of Wular lake conjure classic images reminiscent of an old-world poetic charm. All this has inspired diehard romantics to pen down amorous notes to their sweethearts.
And to top it all, Kashmir is also swanked with some unbeatable trekking routes. Before we explore further, let us gain a quick insight into the location of this mesmerizing place. Kashmir lies in the north of the northernmost state of India, Jammu and Kashmir. The beauty of the place is just ethereal, No wonder, the place is a quintessential tourist hotspot for worldwide tourists and trekkers.
Trekking places in Jammu and Kashmir are a hypnotic sojourn- one one hand they infuse you with the tranquility of nature and on the other, you also accomplish your adventure goals.The kaleidoscope of luscious valleys, chromatic meadows, and shimmering mountain lakes cuddled amidst magnanimous Himalayan summits is just too overpowering!
Kashmir, known as "Heaven on Earth," is one of the most beautiful regions in India. Trekking in Kashmir is a truly unique experience that allows you to explore the region's natural beauty. From snow-capped mountains to lush green meadows, the landscape of Kashmir offers an awe-inspiring backdrop to any trekking adventure.
Apart from the scenic beauty, trekking in Kashmir also offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality. You will encounter several quaint villages along the way, where you can interact with the locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and relish the local cuisine.
Trekking in Kashmir is a truly mesmerising experience that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure. So pack your bags, and put on your hiking boots, we have some of the most astounding trekking adventures in Kashmir waiting for you!
Khilanmarg Trek
Sanasar Trek
Patnitop Trek
Tarsar Marsar Trek
Narang Mahlish Trek
Kolahoi Glacier Trek
Kashmir Great Lakes Trek
Sonmarg Vishansar Trek
The first three Jammu & Kashmir trekking places are the short treks in the low altitude valleys, also called Margs in the local dialect.
While setting out on these low-hanging treks, the month of May and June are the ideal bet for snow aficionados. These months promise an ebullient spectacle of rolling grasslands carpeted under a blanket of snow. The second perfect season is the fall season of September and October. The mountains and valleys blaze in the hues of brown, red, yellow, and orange! The whole panorama is like a painted canvas, a visual treat for photographers and your Instagram handle. So, let’s begin exploring!
Trekking in Jammu is not a strenuous task. The 13 kilometer trek to the shrine of Vaishno Devi from Katra is just a matter of couple of hours trail. Further, the low undulated terrain, which is covered with a thick forest, surrounding the Mansar Lake, may also fetch travellers for trekking in Jammu. Steering towards Gulabgarh, the trek to the shrine of Machail Mata is yet another divine opportunity for trekking in Jammu. It is approximately a 2 days trek that covers a distance of 32 kilometers from Gulabgarh.
Nonetheless, Jammu is the gateway to the heights of Kashmir, which is the land of beautiful green meadows, skimming streams, towering peaks and high altitude lakes. Thus, Jammu is also considered as the base of several treks. Some of the notable treks in Jammu are Kishtwar to Padum, which is in Zanskar. The trek from Kishtwar to Srinagar that passes through Banderkot, Dadhpeth, Mughal Maidan, Chhatru, Sinthan and Daksum is also an enchanting journey of 5-6 days.
Equipment
It is possible to rent/buy trekking equipment all over India from clubs and adventure- gear manufacturers. Do thoroughly check all gear before venturing out into the mountains. Small rucksack, knapsack,Sleeping bag,Lockable duffel bag,Karrimat Therm-a-Rest,Tent, Personal toiletries,Water bottle (at least 2 litres),First-aid kit, Camera with spare batteries and film (carry more film than you think you will need!),Headlamp/torch with spare cells, Maps,Diary/pen/reading material,Sewing kit,Swiss Army knife, Whistle,Sunscreen – with high SPF (at least ,to better protect you from harmful UV rays),Lip salve/ChapStick, Sunglasses with retainers/spare prescription glasses, Lighter, Emergency rations/goodies21. Parachute cord, Ski-stick/ice-axe,Rope (for high-altitude treks),Plastic bags and Ziplocs for packing gear
Tips
Hydration, Clothing / staying warm (‘Cover your head if your feet are cold gentlemen’ is an old English saying),Packing a rucksack, Pacing yourself on a trek,Timing – ‘Start early and arrive early’ is the cardinal rule of trekking,Porters and guides – A guide, or guide-cum-cook, is important on routes that are remote, tougher and relatively less trodden. Porters, with the option of ponies, will come in extremely handy on longer trips, especially if you’re carrying lots of provisions,Mules and horses on the trail
Medical concerns
If you have a previous medical condition, do remember to carry the necessary prescribed medication.
What to wear
Gore tex jacket or similar.
Down jacket/vest is good for cool evenings.
Wind/Rain jacket: (ie gore-tex, northface or similar) waterproof and breathable. Its necessity to have jacket while crossing passes.
Trekking pants, light, comfortable, water proof /breathable.
Long sleeve shirt Light weight dry-fast (for sun/insect protection).
T-shirts for day time
One midweight/heavyweight fleece (long sleeve) jacket or warm pullover.
Short pants, underwear,
Sun Hat: cowboy style or base ball style to protect skin from direct sunlight.
Woollen cap for high altitude or while crossing pass or during evenings in camp.
One fleece or sweetpants for cold evenings during dining.
A pair of Hand gloves or woollen gloves
Scarf to protect from dust or sunlight around neck. This is available in local markets with variety of colors.
Making Career in Trekking & Mountaineering
How many of you dream about being full-time in the mountains? I am sure it’s the majority of us. The allure of the mountains and being in a job that allows you to be in the lap of nature always may gleam very attractive. Who does not like to be in the peaceful mountains where one gets to experience the thrill and learn about life?
Now imagine the pleasure of earning while being in the mountains all the time. We get many queries and applications from our trekkers all the time, who want to know about the career prospects of a Trek Leader. So, it is really possible to work in the trekking field full time and if so, what does it entail?
The career prospect as a trek leader might seem very appealing but it requires a lot of skills, knowledge, and certifications, and it requires about 2 – 3 years of hard work to become a trek leader, and the job is equally as demanding. It’s not always bright and sunny in the mountains, you will also have to work in harsh weather conditions, snow, and rain and you have to be on top of your physical and mental capacity at all times. If you really want to venture into the career of Trek leading, here’s what you need to do.
Know Yourself
Yes, before venturing into the wild, be sure you want to do it. Do not just hop on it only for pictures or a way to escape from society. Before investing in a month-long course, see if you can stand a trek first. Do a few more moderate and difficult treks and see how your body reacts, are you really enjoying it? Only if you are sure and are doing it for the right reasons, then only proceed. It’s not something that you hop into for a break from your job or as a means of escape from the mundane. Being a trek leader requires determination, qualification, and long-term commitment. If you think you can manage that then this is an option for you.
Get Certified
In India, Mountaineering Courses are compulsory to commence anything related to trekking or mountaineering. The primary one is the Basic Mountaineering Course (BMC). It is a 28 days course conducted in the Himalayas. In this course, you will learn the basics of surviving at a high altitude and at the same time learn a lot about yourself.
Where to get Mountaineering Certification?
1. Jawaharlal Institute of Mountaineering and Water Sports (JIMWS or JIM) in Jammu and Kashmir
2. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (ABVIMAS) in Himachal Pradesh
3. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarakhand
4. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, West Bengal
5. National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports (NIMAS) in Arunachal Pradesh. Youngest of all, founded in 2013.
Every Himalayan State offers Mountaineering courses. Select your favorite state and apply for the course. Every Institute reveals its yearly schedule well in advance. Each Institute runs 3-4 batches only every year. Amongst these, NIM and HMI are extremely popular and you may have a long waitlist before you get enrolled in one of these institutes. But, BMC from any Institute is good as long as you are not ready to wait that long.
“Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other… again and again and again. “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”
(The writer can be reached at waniarfat144@rediffmail.com)