Himalayas are the dream of many adventurers. The imposing peaks, the winding roads and the overwhelming sensation of greatness… but the truth is that it takes much more than “doing the backpack”.
The planning of vacation, often forgotten in the “madness” that surrounds them, which goes beyond the picturesque views.
That, that, Utkarsh Soodto say “grown with Himalayas practically in the backyard”, reveals 5 things that no one tells us about traveling to the “ceiling of the world”.
The author himself had to learn some things the most difficult way alone.
“I remember my first trip to the Himalayas. I was a teenager. From backpack on the back, camera in hand and my head full of hopes and dreams of conquering the mountains… On the third day, I gave myself on my home-back bus. Was sick, burned by the sun and defeated“, account.
Authorizations (and so many)
One of the first difficulties is the Unexpected Web of Authorizations necessary to access different parts of the Himalayas.
Although some places are open to national and international travelers and do not require special authorizations, several emblematic routes require authorizations within the line (ILP) or permission for protected areas (PAP).
“It would be to expect that I had already learned, but even me still catch me in false,” warns Sood. “I’ve burned a whole day running under a torrid rain trying to get the right paperwork,” he says.
Don’t let this prevent you from visiting the most beautiful places of Himalayas. THE licensing process is not particularly difficultbut it can be slow, especially if you don’t know where and how to order.
It should always be seen the existence of authorizations at least a week before your trip. Some may be requested online, while others require a visit to local offices.
“Take with you several photocopies of your bi and the authorizations “You’ll need them in almost every military control posts,” advises the author.
The reality of public transport
If you are imagining a romantic train trip through mountain passages, the reality You can disappoint.
Public transport in Himalayas are irregular And they are often Once.
The buses, the shared taxis and local jeeps They are the main means of transport in the regions of high altitude. They are Cheap, but slow and subject to the whims of the mountain climate. “Not forgetting that they are rugged!”alert.
A 100 km trip may take a full day in these remote mountains, especially if you come across lands or block landslides of roads – which, by the way, are more common than you think.
The terrain difficult and in constant change
One of the basic tips is Check the state of the time beforehandbut this is not the only environmental condition you need to know – the constantly changing Himalayan terrain can thwart the best plans overnight.
Roads that were there yesterday may disappear at night Due to landslides, or a stream powered by glaciers can flood your way in the afternoon when the sun is at the height.
“This is a living landscape that can change over time,” says Sood.
Then there is altitude. “I remember being walking just over 3000 meters in Chitkul, India, a beautiful village overlooking the imposing peaks of Tibet. Suddenly, suddenly, It looked like it was breathing for a straw“.
“Had no appetite, had a strong headache and no motivation to continue. The situation only got worse as I climbed … I’m not playing – altitude gives us no hypothesis, ”he says.
Due to these climacteric unpredictability, it is appropriate to reserve enough days in the itinerary in case of bad weather or road blockages. It is important not to try to go too much on a day.
“Himalayas reward patience, not speed.”
Care of Rota Mapping
GPSS are great… until they cease to be. In many regions of Himalayas, the GPS can be extremely inaccurate. Can show a road that does not exist or indicate it paths that are closed for half the year.
Worse yet, it can ignore essential factors such as road conditionsfuel supply stops or increased altitude.
Os Local inhabitants remain the best GPS in these regions. They know that roads are closed, where there are probably landslides and how long it really takes a section.
The recommendation is that Always carry paper maps.
TRAINS FOR TOURISTS
Walking the vast depths of social networks, it is easy to assume that travel to Himalayas are too rugged or remote for commercialism, but the Tour traps have emerged even in the most remote valleys.
There are also teasing. “Don’t be surprised, for example, if a taxi driver suddenly asks him twice as much as what he had agreed to pay at the end of the trip,” says Sood.
Although it is “safe to say that most local inhabitants are warm, welcoming and honest”, the author states that “A little awareness and healthy skepticism help a lot to avoid disappointment”.
It is best to do the research in advance. Looking for family homes run by the community, approved guides and locally recommended stores or restaurants.
