Travel To The Himalayas - An Unparalleled Adventure

Introduction

For many people, travelling becomes a bug; a virus that can only be cured by having more. Luckily, those who have this bug also love it. Out of all of the amazing places in the world to see, serious adventure seekers flock to the Himalaya Mountains for a range of activities. The region offers a wide range of diversity in culture and climate. As a result, proper precautionary steps are absolutely necessary to ensure safety. Due to the regions massive size, there are many ways to move about. Take note of where you really want to go, and how to accomplish it. Finally, remember where you are and how you can be responsible to the environment.

Before You Go

Experiencing the Himalayas is not an average tourist holiday. While many will head to the beach for a relaxing time in the sun, the Himalayas offer a completely different type of experience and as a result require planning. Understand that the people and the cultures of the different regions will be diverse and English will not be spoken in many of the areas, nor is there a single language that will be spoken everywhere. However, being able to speak at least the very basics of Hindi is a good place to start. It is a major language in the area and is similar to many others that you will encounter. No one is expecting a tourist to be fluent, however being able to ask basic questions as well as say phrases such as “hello”(namastay), “goodbye” (alvida) and “thanks” (shukriyaa) are sure to be appreciated by the locals.

License: Creative Commons image source

Clothing is also an essential part of planning. The seasonal change can be significant in addition to the region you will be travelling in. Consult internet resources prior to leaving to see the expected temperatures and weather in order to plan accordingly.

Finally, ensure that you have taken the appropriate steps to prepare for sickness. Taking malaria pills is a must if you are at lower elevation. Furthermore, if moving from low to high, do so gradually to prevent altitude sickness. It is best to not limit your timing or plans, as altitude sickness can be unexpected and can punish anyone. The last thing to keep in mind is any tension in the area. Be prepared to change plans at a moment’s notice depending on potentially dangerous situations arising in any of the areas.

Moving About

Getting to and from the Himalayas is the easy part, as many of the starting points will be connected to the rest of the world through airports and bus terminals. However it is your choice on how you wish to travel once you get there. As with before, it is important to think about this before you go to allow for the appropriate planning. For instance, if you plan on hiking through Nepal you will need trekking gear; however it is possible to stay in guest houses nearly every night. This allows for a lighter pack. This is in direct contrast to trekking through the Indian sections of the mountains which are far more remote. Here, it is essential to carry a stove, food and a tent as well as all the amenities you will need to survive on the trail.

License: Creative Commons image source

For those slightly less ambitious, trekking is not the only option. It is important to know what you are getting into. If you have not done extensive hiking before, do not go to the Himalayas and begin trekking on your own. Other options do exist and they should be explored fully before making any decisions. For instance, Bhutan is for the most part only available to tourists in large groups, making it a more popular destination for people not looking to trek alone. Similarly the better known areas of Tibet and Nepal are more set up for tourists, making them easier to access for people not wishing to cook their own food and camp out every night.

Luckily, no matter where you go it is nearly impossible not to experience the beauty of the Himalayas. Travel in a way that you are comfortable with and not too far out of your comfort zone to allow for both an enjoyable and safe holiday.

Being Responsible and Respectful

As with anywhere, being respectable of the environment and the people is essential. This is especially true when visiting the Himalayas. The area is well known for its beautiful mountains and scenic views; however it is also famous for the many religious sites and structures. The religions of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam are all commonly found in the Himalayas.

License: Creative Commons image source

Keep in mind where you are and maintain a level of respect for the sites that you are visiting. Make sure to follow the local customs and remember that you are visiting their world. You are representing your own country and part of the world, and your actions can have an immediate impact on those around you. Enjoy the experience, but make sure you are doing so in a respectful manner. Consider a tour agent known for responsible tourism, such as http://www.shaktihimalaya.com. When trekking alone, it is absolutely essential to be clean and pick up after yourself. Anywhere you leave should be cleaner than it was before you arrived. Keep the beauty there for the generations to come.

Conclusion

The Himalayas are something that simply needs to be experienced as words and pictures are not enough. A traveler does not just go there, but rather they absorb the experiences. There is something about the area that becomes a part of the person, even after they leave. It can have the effect of changing people’s views through the experiences that they will encounter. Be it through extensive reflection while trekking alone or through seeing life through the eyes of a local person, the Himalayas are a place unlike any other. Experience it and become a part of the select group who have seen this extraordinary part of the world.

Shakti Himalaya