Ladakh Trekking Tips

Walking in the Mountains:

Mountain walking is an art in itself. A good trekker is economical in his actions. If you watch a Hillman or a shepherd walking after his sheep, you will observe that he does not waste energy in unnecessary flailing of arms or legs. His strides are sure and steasy, and he soes not appear to be in a hurry. He htus reaches his destination without undue fatigue. Keep in mind the following points-

1. A common tendency among beginners and the experienced is to show enthusiasm by walking fast; this is soon exhausting warm up gradually and continue at a slow comfortable pace.

2. Develop a personal rhythm. Lift and keep your step in synchronization with breathing. This should minimize getting out of breath.

3. Walking on the level, place the foot flat, heel first, to obtain a better grip and gain a few centimeters with each step.

4. Walk in zigzags while ascending a very steep slope.

5. Avoid stepping on loose stones.

6. Avoid overtaking fellow travelers while walking on a narrow trail.

7. Ascending/ descending a scree slope or over loose stones, leave sufficient space between the next person so that any stone rolling down does not hit others below.

8. Do not run down a slope. Flex or bend knee a little while descending. Dig heels into soft snow or soft ground.

9. Wet grass, pine needles and wet roots can be very slippery. Be careful while walking on them.

10. Shortcuts on a foot trail should be avoided.

11. Put on warm clothing while taking rest.

12. Respect the sentiments and traditions of the local hill people. Respect their women and avoid mixing ort talking with them.

13. Don’t damage crops by walking through standing harvest.

14. Always carry some water in your water bottle.

Equipments:

The following list only mentions the essential elements. You have to prepare a list of clothes and small personal articles you will need during the trek.

A small backpack (about 40 l. It will contain what you will need during a trekking day and carried by you), a kit-bag with padlock (or a big backpack. It will contain the 12 kg personal belongings, which will be carried by horses or porters. We advise you to protect the inside of the kit-bag with a plastic bag), a good sleeping bag, a sweater, a fleece jacket and a waterproof jacket (preferably Gore-Tex), good trousers as well as a waterproof trousers (preferably Gore-Tex), gloves and cap, hiking shoes, sunglasses and sun cream, a walking stick (optional), a frontal lamp or an electric torch. A foam mattress is provided, but if you have a self-inflating mattress, bring it: you will feel more comfortable.

First aid kit :

Here are the main things which can be useful: iodine tablets, tincture or crystals for water purification, analgesics, antidiarrhoeal, intestinal disinfectants, antibiotics, antiseptic, eye drops, bandages, cutaneous antiseptics, waterproof tape, adhesive pads, cotton swabs, skin applications (burn, sunburn, bites or stings), acetazolamide (Diamox) for acute mountain sickness...