For a easy to moderate level of trek the planning really doesnot matter that much , but ofcourse the difference between a well planned ( with people having a low to no degree of adaptability ) and a loosly planned trek can be all of the tranquil time that you wish to spend relaxing in and arroud your camps . So still a suggestion to plan ( and infact have plan B properly thought about as well ) the trip well in terms of days breakdown and if you are a filthy 80kgs weight on this earth then definitely in terms of distance-hour break down. Over estimating oneself is the disease that can spoil the party of others and in the worst scenario can make u even cancel the trip or a part of it .
And yeah do not be a part of the army to hills .. rather be a quite party of 2 or at most 4 people , the more the men less the purpose .
So we always planned this trek with 2 of us Me and Nitin . We had most of the essentials for a moderate to difficult level of trek ( Gud trekking shoes, sleeping bags (suitable for -5 degrees ) , Rucksack , Jacket and warm caps ).
For the tents, I had done a bit of research that they were available at uttarkashi ( but were never sure where in Uttarkashi ) . So it was the gamble with which we started our trip. But as luck would have it we not only did manage to arrange for the tents and other kitchen equipments in Uttarkashi but incidently met probably the Best tour organiser (we could ever met--A Mountaineer an Everest..er) who arranged a fantastic guide for us in a very descent amount of money.
Cab Details--->
We hired a cab-- Tata Indica from haridwar to uttarkashi and further to Sangamchatti , the cab driver stayed in uttarkashi for two nights for which we were at Doditaal and he met us at Sangham chatti at 5:00PM the third day to pick us .
Driver Name: Mr K.P. Singh ( I missed to click his pic ) . Contact detail-- +91-9719813357
Vehical Number -- UK08TA0827 <-- A very gud conditioned Tata Indica.
The driver was really very flexible and adjusting and is very experienced to drive in this route and familar with the region and ofcourse very trust worthy.
How do we get a guide and equipments at uttarkashi------->
Mr Vishshevar P. Semwal (Vishnu) .... 2009 Mt Everest summiter. Contact Details: Resi Village Ladari, PO Joshiyara, Uttarkashi
Office: Snow Spider Trek & Tour , Uttarkashi , Uttarakhand ( 01374-226076)
Mobile: +91-9412027243
+91-9411147257
+91-9557711150
Needless to say that all the equipments ( tents, sleeping bags , matress, kitchen etc ) is available with him .And if he's planning or helping you out in any which way you are in safe hands .
Our Guide------->
Mr Govind ( A very experienced trekker himself with lot of exposure of Garhwal himalayas .)
Contact Details : Village Mandow , Uttarkashi. Ph: +91-9410703544.
& Me :
-------------> For any other help beyond this reach me out at my email ids
gaurav007tomar@gmail.com
gaurav007tomar@yahoo.co.in
Also check out other blogs -->
http://chandertaltrek.blogspot.com
http://churdhaar.blogspot.com
http://himachaldreams.blogspot.com
For all the upcoming blogs do check out the postings in my main blog http://gauravtomarshimla.blogspot.com
The Paraphernalia------- >
--55 Liters capacity Rucksack <---This depends upon individual to individual ,but general rule in a trek u have to carry yourself
--A four men dome tent ( though we never use it ...as we stayed at the Manjhi huts)
--Sleeping Bags ( -5 degrees )<---- More then enough even for the peak winters
--Jackets ( Again gud enough for -5 degrees )
--Sweat shirt
--Two T shirts
--A double linening lower <---Jeans are a big NO for trekking (heavy fiber and takes lotta time to dry)
--A warm cap ( can have gloves ... I had the simple wollen half gloves but do carry a warmer ones )
--Hi-tech Mountain shoes ( water proof ) <--a decent good soal shoe would do
--atlest 2 Pair of socks
--1 liter water bottle per person . <--- though water is available for most part of the trek.
--Basic medical kit (anticeptic, bandages,cotton, moov/volini, pain killer+paracetamol, avil, sanitizer etc)
--toilettery---roll,soap
--torch with extra battery
--Small tent light
--swiss knife set
--Matchboxes
--Kerosene Oil
--shades/sun screen creams .
--chocolates
--Biscuits
-- Kitchen equipments ( cooker+ a cooking pan + 1 steel cup per person+ spoon+disposable plates+knife)
Note: In the summer season u might not need to carry food at all as its available all together up to Doditaal.
--Raw stuff to cook ( rice/pulses/tea material/soup/salt/suggar/maggi etc)<--this is all need basis and can be purchased from uttarkashi .
--Camera <-- I had Cannon powershot (10x zoom and 10 mega pixel )
The above stuff is only the bare minimum and can vary from person to person and season to seaon . But pack only what you can carry with ease .
Few tips though ,
try to go for synthetic clothing as its lighter then cotton or wool, natour
try taking water/wind proof jackets/lowers ,
carry some extra glucose packs --glucose is excellent instant energiser so rather then taking plain water mix glucose in it,
dont over eat before u start ur trek ,
avoid smoking/drinking (absolutely no alcohol at heights particularly at nights --it hampers your natural breathing process and with already thin atmospheric oxygen it can be quite discomforting at low height and even fatel at greater heights ). Taking a sip or two of brandy/rum for exceptional cold is different :-)
Rest take your will to walk some extra miles at times...........................
Appeal and Warning:
Do not leave your waste behind you carry all that back.
........And dont F### with Mountains..................
