6-Days Alpine Meadows Trek, Kashmir
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Best Time To Go: |
A Delightful Short Trek Close to Gulmarg
The Alpine Meadows trek starts in Tangmarg, a 90 minute drive from Srinagar airport. This 6-day trek takes you to Khilanmarg near the Gondola, used to transport skiers in the winter, and includes a day walk to the Frozen Lake. You also visit the Baba Reshi shrine, famous for beautiful Persian and Mogul architecture, and for granting wishes of its devotees.
On your return to Srinagar you will stay in a houseboat on Srinagar's famous Dal Lake. If you want to extend your stay in Srinagar to enjoy relaxing and sightseeing, just ask us!
This is a perfect week-long summer getaway for family and friends.
If you are short on time, try our 4 day Alpine Meadows trek!
On your return to Srinagar you will stay in a houseboat on Srinagar's famous Dal Lake. If you want to extend your stay in Srinagar to enjoy relaxing and sightseeing, just ask us!
This is a perfect week-long summer getaway for family and friends.
If you are short on time, try our 4 day Alpine Meadows trek!
SIMILAR TRIPS YOU MAY ENJOY
When you trek with MHE, you can be assured that we are backed by many years in the business of providing safe and sustainable adventure trips. The staff you deal with in the office, all the way through to the guides and porters on trek, have years of experience in safe and enjoyable trekking behind them. We can advise you on the right gear, the right training, and no question is too crazy for us to answer.
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. And since we firmly believe that an "army marches on its stomach", our chefs on the expedition will try their best to cook up a storm!
We use the best available camping and safety equipment and try to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Please remember though, that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all CPR-trained and First Aid certified, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30 kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
Our trips are designed for your maximum enjoyment and comfort, taking into consideration the environment and conditions, wherever you are. And since we firmly believe that an "army marches on its stomach", our chefs on the expedition will try their best to cook up a storm!
We use the best available camping and safety equipment and try to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Please remember though, that you are in a remote and difficult location, and your expectations should be reduced accordingly.
We believe in sustainable, ethical and responsible tourism. Our guides are all CPR-trained and First Aid certified, the porters receive above standard wages, and we do not allow them to carry more than 30 kg (the international standard set by IPPG). Our crew are all insured, and provided with suitable clothing and equipment.
We support the local economy wherever possible, and do NOT encourage giving any gifts of sweets, pens etc to the charming local children you meet along the trail. If you are really interested to donate something, please discuss with us first.
Our "all inclusive" trip means that you aren't constantly rummaging for money, and you know up front what is included.
Trip starts from: Srinagar
No. of days of the trip: 06
No. of trekking days: 04
Maximum altitude: 4,000m Apharwat Top
Trekking Grade: Easy
All-Inclusive Cost: contact us for details
We are adventure lovers here at MHE and want to make adventure travel accessible to any one who yearns it. That is why we've introduced the Pay Monthly scheme. That's right, you can now pay in manageable monthly instalments for the trek! Simply call us for more details.
No. of days of the trip: 06
No. of trekking days: 04
Maximum altitude: 4,000m Apharwat Top
Trekking Grade: Easy
All-Inclusive Cost: contact us for details
We are adventure lovers here at MHE and want to make adventure travel accessible to any one who yearns it. That is why we've introduced the Pay Monthly scheme. That's right, you can now pay in manageable monthly instalments for the trek! Simply call us for more details.
DAY 1: FLY TO SRINAGAR, DRIVE TO TANGMARG, TREK TO DRUNG
Arrive at Srinagar airport. You will be met at the airport on arrival and then take a short 90 minute drive to Tangmarg, the launching pad for Gulmarg. From Tangmarg another 20 minutes diversion brings you to the beautiful Drung Valley. It's a 2 - 3 hour trek, depending on your pace. The valley boasts of some of the oldest Hindu temples in the Kashmir valley. Though abandoned you can still see the intricate carvings and rich architecture still prevalent.
Camp overnight in a secluded meadow on the banks of the Drung River.
Camp overnight in a secluded meadow on the banks of the Drung River.
DAY 2: TREK DRUNG TO HAKKAR PATHRI
After breakfast, cross the river and start slowly climbing up through the tree line towards Khilan Marg. Along the way you will cross under the Gondola cable car which takes skiers up to the higher slopes of Afarwat. It's a 4 - 5 hour hike to your camp tonight at Hakkar Pathri, an enchanting location offering some great views. Alt: 2900m
DAY 3: HIKE TO FROZEN LAKE: EITHER TREK FROM HAKKAR PATHRI OR HIKE UP & RIDE THE GONDOLA FROM KONGDORI TO AFFARWAT
This is a longish day and an early morning start is recommended.
Since this is a family trek, we have two options: You could choose to hike up to Frozen Lake from Hakkar Pathri. You will walk beyond the tree line into the meadows of Khilan Marg, climb on to Al Pathar and finish at the Frozen Lake. It's a 4 - 5 hour hike up and at 4000m above sea level, this point gives some grand views of the greater Himalayas and Karakorams in the distance! On a clear day you may even see the bowl of Srinagar dotted with its network of lakes. Return to Hakkar Pathri again, and overnight at the same campsite as yesterday. The entire circuit will take around 8 hours.
You could also choose to hike up to the Kongdori Phase 1 Gondola and ride up to Affarwat. From there, Frozen Lake is a 2-hour hike up the ridge. Downhill will take around 2 - 3 hours and the kids can hop onto a pony if they feel like it.
Since this is a family trek, we have two options: You could choose to hike up to Frozen Lake from Hakkar Pathri. You will walk beyond the tree line into the meadows of Khilan Marg, climb on to Al Pathar and finish at the Frozen Lake. It's a 4 - 5 hour hike up and at 4000m above sea level, this point gives some grand views of the greater Himalayas and Karakorams in the distance! On a clear day you may even see the bowl of Srinagar dotted with its network of lakes. Return to Hakkar Pathri again, and overnight at the same campsite as yesterday. The entire circuit will take around 8 hours.
You could also choose to hike up to the Kongdori Phase 1 Gondola and ride up to Affarwat. From there, Frozen Lake is a 2-hour hike up the ridge. Downhill will take around 2 - 3 hours and the kids can hop onto a pony if they feel like it.
DAY 4: TREK HAKKAR PATHRI TO NINGEL STREAM
Today you have a lovely 4-hour trek going downhill, back into the tree line and drop to visit Baba Reshi, a famous shrine known for its spiritual qualities. As the ground slowly levels out you will reach the trek finish point on the banks of the Ningel Stream. Tonight you will camp by the stream.
DAY 5: DRIVE TO SRINAGAR. overnight on the houseboat
After breakfast, the cars will take you back to Srinagar (a 2-hour drive), and then you reach your houseboat on a shikara (Srinagar's water taxi). Relax on the verandah, enjoy the mountain views and see what treasures the local merchants have for you as they paddle up to you. Overnight on houseboat.
DAY 6: DEPART SRINAGAR, OR STAY back FOR local SIGHTSEEING
An early morning visit to the floating market is a tradition you cannot miss. Sit in your shikara tucked in with warm blankets and cups of kahwa as you watch the locals go about their shopping over the lake. It's a photographer's delight - the perfect time to catch that morning light. Come back to a hearty breakfast and then drive to the airport for your departure. We recommend you leave at least 4 hours in advance of your flight. There are two check-in points on the way to Srinagar airport, where you will be asked to get off and pass all your luggage through X-Ray machine. So ensure you books your return flights accordingly.
If you wish to stay on and enjoy Srinagar, we can arrange to extend your houseboat experience. You may want to go to the early morning vegetable market, walk in the beautiful mogul gardens around the lake, or just sit back and relax while you enjoy the views.
If you wish to stay on and enjoy Srinagar, we can arrange to extend your houseboat experience. You may want to go to the early morning vegetable market, walk in the beautiful mogul gardens around the lake, or just sit back and relax while you enjoy the views.
PRICE PER PERSON: ₹34,000/- for a min group of 6 people.
If you are lesser than 6, we can customize this trip for you.
Costs Include:
- Four nights accommodation in expedition camping tents on twin sharing basis, and one night on a houseboat.
- Pick up and drop off from airport/railway station.
- All camping equipment including sleeping bags, transportation for your personal equipment, kitchen and dining tents etc.
- An experienced guide who knows the trail well.
- 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, and 5 Dinners.
- All government taxes included.
Costs Do Not Include:
- International/Domestic air fare or train fare.
- Unforeseen expenses that demand a change in itinerary like natural forces, changes in weather, road blockages, flight/train cancellations and illness.
- Medical, Travel, or Evacuation insurance.
- Expenses of a personal nature - tips, laundry, phone calls, beverages.
Gear List and Trekking Tips
What we supply for your trek:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local trek guide and leader of the trekking crew (which depends on group size):
Guides and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help.
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2 minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get teal food in a home cooked style. And plenty of it!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that the local area benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm hearted local hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways.
What we supply for your trek:
• When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a basic first aid kit carried by your guide
• Your local trek guide and leader of the trekking crew (which depends on group size):
Guides and Porters with equipment and clothing (snow gear, warm gear, sleeping gear) and with all accommodation, meals and insurance provided for your crew.
The first things you need:
• Sleeping bag and liner – a 3 or 4 season bag is recommended, depending on your trek
• Down jacket – need for this depends on the season and where you are going
• Kit / duffel bag – required to pack your gear in (suitcases are not suitable)
Please note: Unless you advise us otherwise we will assume you are bringing these items with you. If you need help to buy or rent them, please just let us know, we’re more than happy to help.
Other items that we recommend you take on trek:
• Loose comfortable T-Shirts NOT COTTON or long sleeved shirts for sun protection
• Long trousers (for cultural reasons, we request you not to wear tight pants or
shorts. If you really want to wear shorts, please make them loose fitting and long)
• A warm jacket / fleece pullover
• A thermal layer (shirt and pants)
• A water and wind proof layer (jacket and pants)
• Woollen or thermal gloves
• Sun hat and sun glasses
• Woollen or fleece hat
• Scarf / stretchy ‘buff’
• Socks – depending on the season bring either warm, woollen socks or cool, breathable cotton socks
• Comfortable and worn in trekking boots
• Sandals or flip flops for camp
• A comfortable day pack with adjustable waist and shoulder straps
• Personal toiletries - shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel, etc
• Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage
• Sun block and lip balm
• Dust mask/ scarf / stretchy ‘buff’ for dusty trails
• Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take + water treatment tablets/drops
• Camera, batteries and charger, music, book
• Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags’ are great for 1) keeping your clothes dry and 2) storing your dirty
laundry separate from clean clothes!
• Sleeping bag liner – either silk, cotton or fleece
• WATER BOTTLES - please be able to carry 2 litres of water and have bottles that can handle boiling/hot water
• HEAD TORCH and spare batteries
• Your sense of humour and adventure!
What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:
• 2 litres of water (please make sure your water bottles will take boiling/hot water)
• sunscreen, sun glasses, sun hat, lip balm, dust mask / scarf / ‘buff’ to help on dusty trails
• warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves
• water proof layer
• head torch
• hand cleaner
• your camera
• any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail
• CRITICAL – take any personal medications you require during the day – you will not see your kit bag until evening.
The rest you can put into your kit bag which will be carried by the porters, whom you won’t see until camp in the evening. It’s a great idea to use dry bags (ie airtight/waterproof) in your kit bag to store your dry clothes in to keep them DRY in case it rains and one to put your dirty laundry in (to keep from making everything else in your bag smell bad!).
Food on trek:
You will probably be surprised by the menu items on an MHE trek. We know how important food is, and we don't stint by giving you 2 minute noodles and Cup a Soup. You'll get teal food in a home cooked style. And plenty of it!
If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best!
Some tips for staying healthy:
• Do NOT drink or brush your teeth with tap water or untreated water!
• Drink only properly boiled water or use water purification tablets, such as iodine. Bottled water is available, but as the plastic cannot be recycled we request you to consider the waste impact of your bottles – we recommend you drink boiled water or use iodine.
• Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it’s far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!
• During the trek DO NOT try to test your fitness and walk too high, too quickly! Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety. Altitude sickness is a killer and you MUST take it seriously.
First aid kit:
When we have groups of 4+ people we supply a comprehensive first aid kit carried by your guide. For individual trekkers and small groups (less than 4 people) we supply a smaller first aid kit carried by your guide
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!
The trails:
Trekking trails vary from wide, road-like avenues to narrow, slippery paths built out over enormous drops. In many places, a fall from the trail would be fatal. One must pay attention at all times to where you are placing your feet. Be especially careful not to move while looking through the view finder of your camera!
Be prepared for the weather:
Each altitude has its own weather, from tropical heat to arctic cold. In the main trekking seasons in the spring and autumn, the weather is generally stable and even the high passes may be free of snow and relatively easy to traverse at times.
Some trekkers who have encountered an easy day at altitude may spread the word that boots and warm clothing are not required. This is a mistake. Sudden storms occur at any time, dumping snow on the passes without warning. At that point, any one poorly equipped will not be able to proceed and may even be stranded for a number of days risking their life and the lives of others.
You are heading into the worlds highest mountain range. Be prepared for changes in temperature and weather!!
Altitude and preventing Altitude Sickness
• Being in a hurry in the mountains can be deadly. Acclimatization is the word used to describe the adjustments your body makes as it ascends to higher altitudes.
• Ascending slowly, with appropriate rest days and drinking plenty of water is one of the best ways not to get Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Data indicates that drinking 3-4 litres of fluids (water, soup etc) per day to avoid dehydration helps in the acclimatization process.
• You should not plan to go to high altitude if you have heart disease, difficulty breathing at sea level or are pregnant. You should consult your doctor about any known medical conditions if you are considering trekking in high altitude (over 2500m).
• Avoid sleeping pills, alcohol and smoking while at altitude as they tend to decrease breathing and lead to AMS.
• The first aid kit carried by your guide includes Diamox and other altitude medications and he/she is trained in the identification of AMS symptoms and their treatment. You MUST take their advice. If anything happens to your guide the first aid kit has a Wilderness Medicine handbook with comprehensive information about altitude sickness and other ailments.
When relevant, your pre-trek briefing will include information about what to expect and what to do to avoid AMS before embarking on your trek.
Tipping and cash requirements:
While all main meals are provided on trek, do not forget to bring some rupees for drinks or snacks that you might purchase on the way. You will be surprised by what is available on the popular trekking routes
now! The amount to carry on the trekking routes depends on the area you are going to trek in, so please ask your guide for advice. Tipping is now common but there is no strict rule about how much the tip should be. You should only tip if you are satisfied with the service.
Photographing people:
During your trek you will have many opportunities to photograph local people and the amazing scenery and you will use tons of film/memory space! When you want to take a photo of a person, please ask them first and respect their right to refuse – you will be surprised how easy it is to convey the request to take someone’s photo even when you don’t share a common language! If you have a digital camera it is considerate (and fun!) to show them their photo and if it’s possible to arrange to have copies printed and sent to them this is an amazing gift! However do not promise to do so if you are not sure you can deliver on the promise, so please talk to your guide about this! Photos can be a brilliant way to establish a connection with local people, but please respect their right to privacy.
Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the very environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, people and wildlife rely on this environment for their drinking water and food supply and many places are of enormous religious significance to local people.
There are many ways you can help to conserve the environment of the area in which you trek. Here are some
simple tips:
• pick up any litter along the trail;
• burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces when not in camp, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source;
• do not make campfire, nor consume food cooked on wood fires;
• drink boiled/treated water instead of mineral water as the plastic bottles are a problem;
• stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora
• ensure all rubbish is packed out (or burnt/buried if appropriate).
Insurance:
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc.
Final tips!
To ensure that you have the best time possible and that the local area benefits from your visit, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment. You will have a great time if you are open to the warm hearted local hospitality and if you respect their efforts to protect their local culture and maintain local pride.
• Respect privacy when taking photographs
• Respect holy places and dress appropriately
• Refrain from giving money or food to children. There are many good organisations working to help street children, we recommend you support them instead of encouraging the kids to stay on the street.
• Protect the natural environment, see above
• Finally, respect local ways.
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