Himalaya Trek
Trekking routes sometimes trace the footsteps of millions of pilgrims who for hundreds of years have journeyed these trails to pay homage at 'religious shrines located high in the Himalayas. Others follow more remote routes, cut off from civilisation, across some of the most exciting terrains in the world.
Geographical Zones of Himalaya
Aeolian Zone
This zone normally occurs above 15,000 feet and covers the area above the snow line. Because of the harsh climatic condition flowering plants are absent here and life is limited to bacteria, fungi, insects and crustaceans that subsist upon airborne food particles. Much of the ground is exposed in this zone as snow seldom accumulates here.Alpine Zone
This zone, depending on the region, is found between 9,000 to 15,000 feet and covers the belt between the timberline and snowline and is characterised by harsh winters, short summers, shallow soils, strong winds and lack of moisture.Sub-Alpine Zone
The sub-alpine zone, usually between 9,000 to 12,000 feet, is a transient buffer between temperate coniferous forests and the alpine belt. Short, stunted and windblown birch, juniper and rhododendron plants dominate this area. In the north-west Himalayas, rhododendrons are replaced by sagebrush, poplar and willow trees while the rest of the area has a distribution of fir, pine or spruce trees.Temperate Zone
The temperate zone, between 6,000 to 10,000 feet is an almost continuous forest belt. The flora and fauna of this zone is truly Himalayan in composition. The upper areas of this belt are characterised by conifers such as fir, hemlock, pine, cypress and cedar. Undergrowth is mainly sparse comprising of rhododendrons, bamboo and other scrub species.Tropical and Sub-Tropical Zones
Tropical and sub-tropical forest zones are usually found between 150 to 6,000 feet and occupy the hills boundering the lowlands of the eastern and central Himalayas. The canopies in these forests are made of many deciduous and evergreen hard woods like sal, teak and bauhinia. Sal is however, the major species and forms an almost continous belt at the base of the Himalayas.How to trek in Himalayas?
You can plan to trek in four ways: alone; with a porter; with a sardar and a crew; and through a travel agency. Trekking alone is not usually recommended as you will be travelling in unfamiliar areas and will find it difficult to communicate' with local villagers without knowing their language. Porters can usually be hired from small towns and villages at the base of the trekking trails. The porter will help you carry your baggage, communicate with the locals and often enlighten you with stories and lore about the region. Hiring a sardar and a crew is more expensive but worth the money if you want to leave yourself free from all logistical problems. Try and find a sardar who has trekking experience and testimonials to prove it. The sardar will in turn hire the cook and the porters and arrange for the provisions required enroute. Travel agencies are the most professional and expensive trek handlers. They will normally take care of all travel requirements including air ticketing and transportation leaving you totally free to enjoy your walking expedition. Your closest Government of India Tourist Office, and local tourist offices in the trekking areas, will be able to help you select a reliable travel agency and also advise you on the prevailing porter and sardar rates.Trekking in the Himalayas does not require a permit as long as you do not enter restricted areas or cross the protected area beyond the inner line. Survey Of India maps, available at their office at Janpath in New Delhi, define the restricted areas and are invaluable assets to the trekkers as they clearly indicate most mountain trails, altitudes and gradients. Mark your trail on the map in advance to ensure that you do not branch off on the many subsidiary trails that radiate from the main route.
