A Himalayan Trek, By Dan Downs

Himalayan Trek Guidance & Advice

After waiting 6 years to be able to travel to the Karakorum, the wait caused by political troubles in Afghanistan and the returning confidence in the region for the trekking companies to organise trips,  a personal dream had come true to be able to see the Trango Towers, Visit K2 base camp and the Gilkey memorial. My personal aims of the trip over 25 days. (17 trekking).

If your aspirations are to visit a mountainous area of impressive scenery and achieve an ambition I can recommend taking the time and leaving home life for a while.

To help others plan a trip a few notes which may help you. These are my own opinions gathered from my own experience from a trek I undertook in July 2005 called K2 and the Gondogoro La.

Selecting a Trip

Several companies organise trips to most of the trekking areas of the world. I gathered brochures from KE Adventure, Himalayan Kingdoms , Explore, Exodus and Worldwide Walks. Each company has there merits but I decided on Himalayan Kingdoms as they offered the Trek and area I wanted to visit, at the right time of year, and the route that I wanted to do. Cost was a lesser consideration for me but for the three companies doing a similar trek the costs little different. Shop around and take your time in selecting your trek and company as you will be spending a fair sum and will be 100% dependable on the trekking company. Book well in advance.

Preparation

I received a very good trek dossier about 9 months prior to the trip. A good idea is to read the dossier regularly to make sure paperwork is completed on time, especially Visa applications and information required to be sent to the trekking company on time.

Make a list of equipment that needs to be purchased and spread this cost over the months to lessen the ‘blow’. Most trekking companies hire equipment, but I would put caution in your mind as some people on my trek were unhappy with the standard of equipment supplied. I would certainly go for a good sleeping bag with suitable season rating for the location you are going. It is much more comfortable being warm at night. Also do not reduce the size of your roll mat to save weight, a full length mat is most important for evening and night comfort. Nights can be long as once dark and after a days trekking you will probably spend some long nights in your tent.

It is a good idea to visit your GP well before you trek to ensure you can plan a programme of vaccinations. You will be likely to need various injections prior to your trip.

The trek dossier will probably give you an equipment list but some items I found invaluable are listed below :-

• Antibacterial hand wash in a small container. (For using before meals and after going to then loo.)
• A supply of toilet roll. (One roll per 2 weeks trekking) Good quality helps.
• A notebook to record a daily diary. (You will forget that small detail if not written down.
• Down Jacket. (An essential item if going to high altitude)
• Antibiotics (That are recommended to work against upset stomach)
• A pee bottle for in your tent. I did not use one, but many on the trek did.
• A camera with plenty of battery power. Get plenty of rechargeable or spare batteries. Digital or standard film whichever you prefer. Smaller the better to save weight.
• A video camera, again small and with plenty of battery power. I found the video I took a valuable memento of the trek and gave the impression of scale and surrounding much better than photographs, also the atmosphere is captured of the group.
• A good book to read. If the weather is poor you may be pleased of something to read while in your tent.
• Sewing kit with some good strong needles and twine.
• Very comfortable boots. If needing new ones wear for several months and many miles before relying on them for a long trek. Foot comfort is very important.
• Crampons, Ice Axe, Harness (that fits) and any climbing gear required. Make sure you know how to wear and use well before use. Practice with this equipment in home country. Your life may depend on it. Make sure your crampons are compatible with your boots.
• A small daypack. Max 45 litres that has plenty of pockets and has a rain cover.
• Drinking bottles. Metal type, as they can be used as hot water bottles at night if very cold. Minimum 2 litres, so 2 are better than one.
• Lightweight clothing as much as possible. Most treks will have a weight limit to be carried by the porters.
• Base layers. I found it more comfortable to have one change of top base layer / week trekking.
• Trekking Trousers. Lightweight, and possible to convert to shorts. Plenty of pockets help.
• A good sun hat and sunglasses.
• Sun cream. High factor and plenty of it.
• A buff to cover the neck and also makes a lightweight hat.
• Medication recommended including painkillers for headaches, plenty of plasters, Antiseptic cream.
• Lip salve. Lips can get very dry at high altitude. Above 10,000 ft.
• High-energy sweets. Not chocolate. Nice to have a treat once in a while.
• An umbrella. Buy in country of trek and get rid of before you come home. Useful if trekking in valleys under full sun in hot climates.
• Lightweight sandals for crossing deep streams.
• Iodine pills. In case you need to fill up a water bottle from a stream. Do not take the chance of not sterilising the water. Also do not be put off by warnings of long prolonged use unless you are going for many months.
• Plenty of underwear. Makes the whole trekking experience a lot more enjoyable!!
• Pack all your equipment and personal gear in sealable plastic bags. Particularly your sleeping bag.

Altitude

If you have been up at altitude before you will know how you can cope, but if never been higher than Ben Nevis before there is no pre preparation or way of knowing how you will cope. I found it better to choice a route on trek that did not gain height too quickly and to take the walking days fairly steadily. I was lucky I did not suffer; some people I trekked with did suffer from lack of energy and feeling generally poorly. Diamox tablets do help but you have to drink more. It is worthwhile taking some with you.

Keeping my health was my biggest concern on and before the trek, the chances are you will get a dose of ‘bad guts’ at some time so be prepared. Be careful in what you do as you can be along way from assistance.

On Trek.

Keep your personal hygiene to a reasonable standard; it will help to allow you to enjoy the trek as much as possible.

Look after your personal possessions and any valuables keeping your day sack. Day sack is better to be kept as light as possible. Include Water, camera, Waterproofs, a warm jacket, as you may be at camp before the porters are, medical stuff, Walking poles, slip on sandals for crossing streams, sun bloc, lip salve, sunglasses and any other valuables.

Label your equipment with an identity mark, as other people on trek will have the same equip as you.

Each morning pack you kit bag carefully and place all items in plastic bags. Mark the outside of your kit bag clearly.

Do not rush n the trail, take in the views and tops as much as you like. You have paid the money so you may as well enjoy it.

And finally:-

REMEMBER – Mountain weather is not predictable so your itinerary may well have to change, it is better to accept this from the start when booking your trek and do not be disappointed when it needed to change due to weather, snow conditions, high wind etc. That’s Mountaineering for you.

I hope you find these notes of help and go and fulfil your dream.

Dan Downs .