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Trekking in Himalayas:
The Himalayas, over the centuries, have attracted trekkers, mountaineers, pilgrims and ascetics. Its rugged heights crowned with snow and draped in vast glaciers.

Below the snowline at 18,000 ft, nature appears to relent and from the austere magnificence of the heights brings down to a different world of cascading water falls, lush green forests, flower-bedecked meadows and a variety of flora and and fauna. Here the rivers flow clear blue and icy.

Here nestle small villages and hamlets with their diverse local customs, dances, folklore and architecture. The people are as vibrant as their surroundings and in many cases innocent of the sometimes dubious benefits of modern civilization. Hill people are traditionally very hospitable and this adds pleasure to trekking in the Himalayas more than anywhere else.  Even at a height of 12,000 to 14,000 feet in secluded valleys, there are small village settlements tending their flocks of sheep and goats or herds of Yaks of nomadic shepherds and Gujjars. Even in the remote areas one can easily mix with the people and 'live off the land".  Trekking is more enjoyable than climbing the peaks and offers spectacular scenic beauty.

It provides an opportunity to be in natural surroundings and to get away from the milling crowds of the cities. Trekking in the Himalayas is now quite enjoyable and has become comparatively easy. There are difficult treks as well as easy treks, long and short treks. Vehicles, helicopters, Balloons and aircrafts are also available to explore the Himalayas. 

Stan Armington has rightly said that "Trekking is neither a wilderness experience nor is it a climbing trip". These mountain trails and high passes normally do not require any mountaineering skills or artificial climbing aids. Of course, at places, they are covered with snow and may have crevasses. However, these obstacles can usually be crossed without the aid of mountaineering equipment like ropes and pitons. There are only a few difficult treks which need mountaineering techniques or equipment.

Food and Water:
While trekking, a common mistake that trekkers make is to drink water from open sources like streams and rivers. This should be avoided since the water may be contaminated and cause stomach disorders. Boiled water or tea should be consumed mostly to avoid dehydration. Water from regular supply schemes or taps may be used. In rare cases water from a spring source may be taken. Water sterilization tablets are useful during the treks to avoid stomach problems. Drinking water can also be treated with iodine tablets to further protect oneself.    

Similarly, food should be taken hot and fresh as far as possible. Cold and open food should be avoided as they can easily get contaminated due to flies and create stomach disorders.

We selected a number of wonderful treks in Himalayas - Mt. Everest,  Restricted areas in Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and India Himalayas. Enjoy trekking in the Himalayas!