TREKKING: The main trekking areas in
Himachal are the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, routes over the
passes between the Shimla region and the Kullu valley, the numerous
treks out of Kullu and select tracks in the Trans-Himalyan regions of
Kinnaur, Lahaul and Spiti. Most trekking areas are between 1500 metres
and 6000 metres.
With well over two hundred and seventy defined
trails, the variation in terrain is also enormous. Low scrub-land and
paths through paddy fields, give way to trails strewn with pine
needles. Then come woods of oak and flowering rhododendron, which merge
into forest of Himalayan cedar - 'deodar' - and spruce. On most trails,
small pastoral hamlets dot the way. Cunningly hidden between the high
mountains are passes which were once known only to migrant shepherds
and dare all traders. These lead to the fabulous wastes and swift
rivers of the arid Trans-Himalaya. A host of combinations and
variations take the trails through changing countryside. The degree of
physical output can also be changed to suit your requirements. For
example, the same trek can be developed from a week to last longer. Or,
the two ends of a trek can be the same, but the trails can be designed
to be taxing, or gentle.
There are several agencies that conduct
treks. Guides, equipment, porters, pack animals and maps are available
at major starting points. The old Forest 'dak bunglows' that are
strategically placed along many trek routes, add a considerable measure
of nostalgic charm and convenience for trekkers. Practically all have
an aura of the past, and lie nestled in deep woods. In addition, the
State Electricity Board and the PWD also have rest houses. Most of
these are marked out on trekking maps and advance booking is possible.
The Forest Rest Houses are booked by the area's Divisional Forest
Officer (DFO) and the PWD and Electricity Board ones are booked by the
concerned Executive Engineer.
Training facilities, with basic
and intermediate courses are available at Manali's (Kullu)
Mountaineering Institute and at its Regional centre at Dharamsala
(Kangra) and Bharmour (Chamba). Excellent camping facilities exist at
these points.