Those planning their first trek in the Himalayas in the coming season will be full of plans and excitement for their upcoming expedition. Trekking and camping in Kheerganga is one such opportunity for winter trekking in India. The Himalayas present a large array of such splendid trekking opportunities throughout the year. Winter treks like Brahmatal, Kedarkantha, Kuari Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Chandrashila, etc and summer treks like Hampta Pass, Valley of Flowers, Kasol-Kheerganga and the like are some of the most memorable moments of people’s lives. Monsoons are generally not considered to be the best time for trekking as the paths can slippery and dangerous, often resulting in accidents and injuries.
However, going for your first trekking and camping adventure entails that there are several practical aspects of camping that you might be unaware of. Experience is the best teacher and naturally, beginners might face certain problems that experienced campers will not have to worry about. Even experienced campers forget things from time-to-time. Keeping that in mind, here are some quick tips for first-time campers that are compiled after experience:
- Make a list for everything
Make a comprehensive list of all things that you will need to carry with you to make sure that you don’t leave anything behind. Starting from essential toiletries and documents to trekking gear and camping equipment, put everything on the list. Make the list some time in advance so that you can be sure that you have everything ready at hand and the things that are not there can be acquired.
- Get the right gear
Acquiring the right camping gear can get slightly challenging for a first-timer. While purchasing/renting/borrowing camping gear like tents, sleeping bags, the right stove, and cylinder and the like for your first foray into the wild, certain things must be kept in mind. Getting a waterproof and right-sized tent and sleeping bag is of utmost importance. Furthermore, depending upon your destination and the season and weather that you are expecting there, the sleeping bag and the tent must be adequately insulated against snow or heat. The stove must be checked for any leaks to prevent any mishaps!
- Learn how to use your gear
Setting up your tent and all the other camping equipment is no easy feat, especially for a beginner. Don’t decide to try and set up your tent for the first time only when you reach the campsite. People often end up spending hours trying to figure it out, wasting precious time that would be better spent exploring! Try out your tent, sleeping bags, etc at least once before setting off!
- Dress adequately
Clothes are one of the most essential items for your trekking and camping checklist. Depending upon the terrain, height, and type of your destination, the season in which you will be going and the weather that you will be expecting your list of clothes will vary greatly. If the plan is to camp in the forest, full-sleeved but light clothing will be ideal for the summers while high altitude camping expeditions will almost always require thick clothes and at least some woolens regardless of the weather. Of course, a windcheater/raincoat is essential regardless of the place, season, weather, etc.
- Take adequate food
Of course, a camping experience is incomplete without a campfire and some food! Plan your meals ahead and take all the essentials with you, ingredient by ingredient. It would be infinitely easier for you if you decided on meals with common ingredients that are easy to carry and do not perish fast, like bread and spreads. Don’t forget to take your cooking essentials like the necessary salt and pepper, cooking oil, some utensils and the like! Water is also a must!
- Keep it clean
Caring for the environment is a collective responsibility shared by all. You must leave the campsite cleaner than it was when you got there. Ensure that you collect all your litter in a plastic bag and carry it back with you for proper disposal. Even sanitary napkins and wet wipes are non-biodegradable and must not be left behind. The damage to nature from any form of plastic left behind takes thousands of years to reverse, the price is too heavy to pay.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving
While planning a foray into the wild, keeping track of the weather is an absolute must. Keep constant vigilance on the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Camping when the weather forecast says rain is an essentially bad idea, especially for a first-timer or a beginner. Extreme cold and extreme heat should also be avoided as you would most probably not have the necessary equipment to yourself from the elements. Therefore, it is best to avoid all such possibilities and take to the road only when the skies are clear and the weather is pleasant!
