Oonasadventures have organised some great Himalayan walking and trekking tours for people to experience this summer. These tours have been chosen to suit different areas of interest and levels of fitness.
The Western Himalayas conjures up a vision of a vast landscape, with its snow-crested lofty peaks, verdant mountain slopes, cascading streams and sun-bathed glens and valleys. This region has been one of the most active and vibrant rendezvous for races and cultures since remotest times. Generation after generation, hordes of people, belonging to diverse ethno-cultural backgrounds, different religious beliefs and varying art traditions have been pouring into this region from all directions.
Culturally the Western Himalayas today is an amalgam of the Indo-Tibetan high religions of Buddhism and Hinduism, blended with unique forms of animism and local spirit beliefs. Here one may find the most ancient seat of Tibetan Buddhism existing in its original form (Tabo monastery), side by side with veneration of snakes and deities of water and the wind.
High above the Indus Valley
The District of Kullu lies some 300 miles North of Delhi. It is the source of the River Beas and its tributaries, Parvati and Sainj. In the upper Kullu Valley the mountains stand back on either side for a couple of miles and fine plateaux run down from their bases to the river below. These plateaux are the gardens of Kullu. They are closely and carefully cultivated and watered by canals bought out of the mountain gorges. This part of the country is remarkably beautiful and has gained the reputation as being perhaps the prettiest part in the whole of India.
The lower heights are dotted here and there with villages; each village with groups of houses standing as close together as the ground will permit. Some are tower shaped, four-storey high but with one room to each storey. The sloping roof of stone or wooden slabs with far projecting eaves and the wooden verandas thrown out around the upper storey, adorned with carving give a very picturesque look. Surrounding the villages are terraced fields, planted here and there with walnut and apricot trees or thickly grown apple orchards. Evergreen oaks fringe the rice paddies providing winter fodder for the animals.
From our base in Manali lying at the head of the valley we are able to explore the nearby side valleys and villages. We follow the paths and wandering shepherd trails through pine forests, high pastures and mountain passes. Hot water springs can be found and we visit these where possible for a very welcome hot bath to round off the days trekking. At the bazaar in Manali traders from Tibet bring and sell their jewellery, while local craftsmen make colourful blankets and sturdy jackets from homespun wool.
From our previous years we are aware that some people like the idea of strolling along the easier trails, taking time to get to know the areas in greater detail. They also prefer to return to a hotel or guest house each night rather than camp. With these criteria in mind we have designed these treks for the more mature traveller. They will be of special interest to nature lovers and photographers, additionally the culture and customs are unusual and full of variety. If there are any local festivals we shall see them. We will spend time in villages looking at the architecture, temples etc. Inside the homes we discover how the people live, how to spin wool, how to weave, how to cook and prepare Indian food. To travel on a local bus and train is most entertaining and we should do some of this, too.
Trekking into Barabangal
The best times of year are May, June, September, October, November.
This 15 day tour costs £725 inclusive
The flight to Delhi will cost £375 - £550 depending on the airline chosen.
The dates for 2009 are: 23 May - 6 June, 19 Sept - 3 Oct, 3 - 17 Oct
Walking around the Kullu Valley enables you to get up into the pine forests away from civilisation and experience the true flavour of this remarkable region at first hand. The features of this trek include three different valley systems and the 12,000’ Chandrakani Pass with marvellous views to Lahaul, Kinnaur and Spiti.
The village of Malana is especially interesting - the inhabitants speak their own language and are supposed to originate from the lost armies of Alexander the Great. At sulphur-filled Manikarin you can cook meals in the hottest springs or relax in one of the temple baths. The open air hot water pool at Khirganga provides an unforgettable experience.
The trails in this region can be steep and a little tiring on the legs in places. Altitude however should not be a problem provided you are basically fit. We run these treks during June, September and early October as the weather then should be just about perfect - bright and sunny with clear blue skies. As with all things in the mountains though this can change quickly, so we go prepared for unseasonally early snow.
The 22 day tour allows us an additional four days to explore further up Malana Valley to where the glacial melt-waters of Malana River emerge.
Village temple - Sarahan
The best times of year are May, June, September, October, November
This 18 day tour costs £885 inclusive
The flight to Delhi will cost £375 - £550 depending on the airline chosen.
The dates for 2099 are: 6 - 13 June, 19 Sept - 6 Oct, 17 Oct - 3 Nov
This trek was first researched many years ago by Jan Dost;-one of the leading guides and original latter-day explorers. Jan has worked with us now for many years and has introduced us to some of his nomad friends from this region.
The area we trek and drive through provides absolutely stunning scenery - snow tipped peaks stretching into the distance while rocks of many different hues contrast with thin ribbons or patches of green, marking water or cultivation. When we meet the nomads we always have a good time - their hospitality and friendliness genuine and warm. This is a rare opportunity to join a trek that takes you far off the beaten track, away from the well-trodden routes.
With some of the passes on this trek over 17,000’ it has been designed primarily for the fairly fit walker. Obviously we do have a few days acclimatising before we get to the start of trek. The daily walking stages are not too long - between 3 and 6 hours with a couple of rest days along the way. Leh. Although the passes are quite high, once at altitude in these regions you seldom have to make very steep ascents or descents.
We would expect to see wildlife along the way. Near some villages huge stone lined pits have been constructed to trap lynx, snow leopard and wolves that may attack their livestock. Once in the pit the animal is unable to escape. On the rocky crags it is possible to see Ibix and Blue Sheep, while on the valley floors colonies of marmots and small mice burrow near the campsites.
Religion plays an important role in this remote region. Most villages have simple temples and a resident Buddhist monk. Rocky passes are marked by prayer flags and piles of animal bones and skulls.
The colourful nomads are friendly and hospitable. To be invited into one of their woollen tents for a cup of salt and butter tea is an unforgettable experience – not to mention an unforgettable taste!. Inside strips of dried meat festoon the walls along with sun-dried soft cheese. The women wear head dresses full of turquoise, coral and silver. The men-folk can sport pigtails, silver knives and cowboy hats!
Picture Caption: Crossing small stream in Rupshu
The best time of year is July, August and September.
This 24 day tour from £1300 - £1700 (price may vary depending on options chosen)
The flight to Delhi will cost £375 - £550 depending on the airline chosen.
The dates for 2009 are: 18 July - 10/13 Aug, 8 - 31 Aug/3 Sept
For people who love adventure and the mountains our unique Oonasadventures summer tour offers an experience of a lifetime for both trekkers and non-trekkers. The finale is a white water rafting trip through some of the most unbelievable scenery in the High Himalayas.
The trek features a 10 day walk over a 16,000 ft pass into the remote region of Zanskar. The spectacular cave monastery at Phuktal is well worth a slight detour. This is followed by a 5 day white water rafting trip down the Zanskar River to get out again.! Along the way the river has driven a magnificent gorge - deeper than the Grand Canyon. At night you camp on river-side beaches.
Non-trekkers can also join this tour for the rafting. They would enjoy a 3 day Jeep Safari along the famous Manali to Leh trans-Himalayan highway. We go off-road in places to visit some fascinating nomad camps. Once in Leh there would be time for sightseeing around the Indus Valley. A further 3 day safari takes this party to the start point of the rafting section, where they will re-join the trekking group and the next stage of the adventure begins.
The best time of year is July and August.
This 24 – 28 day tour costs from £1830 - £2290 (price may vary depending on options chosen)
The flight to Delhi will cost £375 - £550 depending on the airline chosen.
The dates for this special 2009 tour are: 18 July - 20/24 Aug
VISITING THE INDIAN STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
These day walks are suitable for nearly everyone. The altitude of these walks ranges between 4,500 feet and 8,000 feet with an excursion to the 13,000 feet Rohtang Pass. You will feel the effect of altitude but the easier nature of the walks means that you shouldn’t be troubled by it. May and June can be quite warm, and as monsoon builds up it can become quite humid. September, October and November are generally very nice months for trekking and walking. Everything is green and lush after the monsoon. There is a large amount of agricultural work being carried on in the fields. In October and November there are also some interesting local festivals. In July and August the monsoon rains bring a whole range of flowers into bloom. During this time we arrange day walks to see some of the finer and more rare alpine flowers of the Western Himalayas.
VISITING THE INDIAN STATE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Trekking anywhere out of the Kullu Valley requires some effort. The trails through the forests to the high passes can be steep in places. Even though ponies carry all our equipment we still need frequent rests. People who take regular weekend walks and who enjoy a reasonable level of fitness will find these walks well within their capabilities. The maximum altitude we reach is around 13,000 feet. May and June can be quite warm – even at altitude. September, October and November normally enjoy clear blue skies, plenty of sunshine and a nice temperature.
VISITING THE INDIAN STATES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH & EASTERN KASHMIR
We cross several high passes during the 12/13 days of this trek. The highest pass is around 17,000 feet while the others are around 16,000 feet. You need to be quite fit and be mentally determined to enjoy the wonderful views and sights this trek provides. The cultural sights are well beyond what most people ever experience. The nomad settlements, monasteries and isolated villages are excellent for photography, and there is always the chance of spotting some rare wildlife. We start this trek at an altitude of over 14,000 feet and maintain this height throughout. This means that although the passes are high they don’t actually represent a huge climb. The trails are actually fairly gradual with very few steep ascents. Never the less you need to have acquired a reasonable level of fitness prior to the tour. Several long walks at the weekends and regular exercise during the weeks before departure should prepare you physically. You will then need to acclimatise during the earlier part of the tour. Age is not a barrier to joining this tour. Reasonable fitness and a good mental attitude are the most important attributes.
VISITING THE INDIAN STATES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH & EASTERN KASHMIR
The trek from Darcha to Padum crosses only one high pass – the 16,000 feet Shingo La . There is a 4-day approach to the pass and afterwards a further 6 days of mostly level or downhill trekking. The day spent actually crossing the pass is long and quite tiring. You need to be in reasonable shape to enjoy this trek. If you exercise or take regular walks before joining this trek then all should be well. You will experience the effect of altitude as you ascend, but this should start to go once the pass has been crossed. Again, a positive mental attitude is essential.
Those people opting for the jeep safari will also feel the effects of altitude whenever walking or taking a stroll. The secret is to not over-exert. There is a medicine called Diamox – available from your GP – that can alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness. This is normally taken prior to gaining altitude.
Check out the Travel Doctor Website for more information regarding altitude sickness.